When walking Pete and Ernest, we prefer to use harnesses. But there are so many different types, how do we know the best for our dogs?
We once adopted an older dog who walked perfectly on a collar and leash, never pulled
and was just as easy as pie…But he was the only easy one! The rest
have been a challenge. Even sweet, gentle Ernest is a strong puller. We started using a harness with a front attachment, and found that we were much better able to handle the pulling. We also discovered that there are many different harnesses out there.
So that’s why we were excited when Julius-K9, one of the largest manufacturer of dog equipment in Europe, sent us some of their harnesses and other goodies to review. It didn’t take me more than a moment to discover the excellent quality and care that was put into the designing and testing of these products.
After consulting with the Julius-K9 representative and reading some of their posts, I’ve become more aware of the proper measuring and fitting of the dog harness and the dangers of improperly designed harnesses. It is very important to do your research and make sure the harness you use is right for your dog.
We are reviewing these Julius-K9 products:
- one IDC® Powerharness, size 2, green
- one IDC® Powerharness, size 2, blue
- one phosphorescent custom patch, ERNEST
- one phosphorescent custom patch, PETE
- two custom patches: THERAPY DOG
- two Super-Grip leashes
- two StopDog car tether leashes
We tested them all, and here’s what we discovered.
The harnesses–
The first thing I noticed is that the harnesses are sturdy and well-made.
Next I noticed the really comfortable lining. Some brands of harnesses are lined with a net-type fabric, such as those used on the straps
of backpacks, but they can catch on dog hairs and pull. The lining of the Julius-K9 harnesses is smooth Oeko-Tex, which is a human-clothing quality fabric with no holes or bumps to snag. I’ve often found spots where other harnesses have rubbed and irritated the skin on my dogs. Not so with Julius–the soft padding and smooth material feels great! The buckles on the harnesses are plastic but heavy-duty, and the Velcro used on some of the straps is really strong. The metal rings are attached firmly to help prevent any concern of breaking and my dogs slipping away.
One thing I like about the harness is the handle. I can see it being useful for guiding Petey and Ernest places. And it also can be secured out of the way so when not in use, your dog won’t get it caught or tangled up in anything.
When I put the Powerharness on Petey, he actually seemed to calm down. The harness does have a certain heft to it. In a way the harness actually worked like a compression shirt used for thunderstorms and anxiety.
On the walk, I felt secure that my dogs would not slip out of the harness. They didn’t object to the weight or placement of any of the straps. They enjoyed their walk. The sides of the harness are bright and make the dogs easily visible.
I also love the ability to put the patches on the side. Julius-K9 was so considerate to make patches that said Ernest and Pete, and they can custom make any patches you like. They also have patches that say Therapy Dog, Service Dog, Do Not Pet, I’m Deaf, Adopt Me, In Training and many more. And they glow in the dark.
The leashes:
The leash felt different than my usual canvas leash. That’s because they have rubber threads woven into the material for extra strength and a good grip. I liked the way they felt on our walk, and the non-slip feature. Even though they are narrow, they felt strong.
Here we are testing out the harnesses and leashes:
As you can see the dogs walked comfortably and in control in the harnesses. They were able to pull some, but the harness was sturdy and helped keep them in line. I appreciated the feel of the slip-free leash. And Pete and Ernest looked super cool too! I love the bright colors and of course the patches.
StopDog car tether:
Seat belt tethers are used to keep dogs safe in the car. These worked great, we just clipped one end to the harness and attached the other in the seat belt slot. It gave Ernest and Petey just enough freedom to move around, yet kept them secure from climbing up front or getting in the back. Another advantage of a seatbelt tether is that in the unfortunate event of an accident, the dogs wouldn’t be able to run off if they were frightened and the door was opened. The little neon tennis ball looking thing at the end is a great added feature to prevent accidental unfastening by their paws.
If you are looking for a superior quality harness for your dog, I highly recommend Julius-K9. You will feel secure that your dog’s harness is safe and sturdy and designed with your dog’s structure and mobility in mind.
Full Disclosure: Julius-K9 provided us with 4 harnesses, 2 leashes, 4 patches and 2 tethers in exchange for our honest review. This in no way influenced our opinion. Opinions expressed here are 100% our own.
