Chai's Choice Dog Harness Vest Large (Purple) | Comfortable & Secure with Adjustable Strap Soft Padded Dog Vest | No-Choke & Easy Control Pet Oxford | 3M Reflective Stripes for Dog Visibility
H**S
Chai's Choice Harness Works for Us
I had been researching for almost a year prior to purchasing this product for an alternative to using a Gentle Leader. I have a large dog who has leash aggression, and a medium dog who is full-blown neurotic. Both dogs go haywire enough during walks to take you wakeboarding on concrete.I purchased a Large for my bigger dog (Lab mix, approximately 75 lbs) and a Medium for my medium dog (Lab-Chow mix, approximately 45 lbs and completely insane).Although the Gentle Leader did work effectively, I needed to find an alternative for the following reasons:1. Both my dogs pull so hard that the Gentle Leader leaves marks on their faces and causes dryness on their skin where the face harness is placed.2. My medium dog - despite how tight and secure I fastened the Gentle Leader - could still escape. It got to the point where I've nearly died trying to stop cars in the middle of the street from running her over as she darts towards other dogs. I needed to find an alternative for safety and to avoid further embarrassment from everyone who stares in horror each time this happens.When I received the harness, I was actually surprised at how much better it looks in-person than it does in the pictures. Here's a short breakdown of what I think about this harness:1. Adjustment/Fit - This was a bit of a challenge. It took me around 10 mins of trial and error to get the fit just right for each dog (trial and error). You have to spend time getting this just right. You only have to do it once. I suspect some people who say the harness does not fit probably don't know how to adjust it. It's a bit tricky but not by any means overly-difficult. My first impression was also that the harness looked too small (for both dogs). After getting the adjustment right, I found that they were sized correctly and this was by design.It's important to note that you have to adjust these in order that they fit firm and snug, especially with the strap that goes around the torso area. I made the mistake of putting too much slack the first time I used this and my medium-sized escape artist was able to make a clean getaway and go after the people walking their dogs across the street (so embarrassing). My dog was able to back-out of the harness on the first walk. After making the necessary adjustments, I have not had the same problem. My dog has had several neurotic encounters top the point that she's tried to backflip out of the harness and it didn't work. That harness stuck to her like a Facehugger from Xenomorph Prime.2. Build - My first impression was that it might not hold since my dogs both tug like they're pulling a Roman chariot into battle. I've been using the harness on both dogs for over 2 weeks now and they're very sturdy. The harness seems to handle the force without a problem.3. Safety - This harness is reflective all around (orange and white). I usually try to walk my dogs at night when there are less people walking their dogs. It's impossible to avoid every encounter but minimizing it helps me retain my sanity.4. No pull - Nope. My dogs still pull. The harness does make it easier to control them. It is suggested that you use the bottom hook for pullers but I've never tried it. I have to use the top hook because I walk my dogs in tandem with a leash coupler (I didn't use a coupler before buying this harness).5. Ease of Use - You only have to adjust the harness once. I'm not sure why others are complaining that theirs comes loose and needs constant readjustment. My dogs constantly tug in different directions during our daily walks (usually around 2 miles) and I haven't had any problems with my harness straps getting looser.I've also found that this harness is much easier to put on than a Gentle Leader. You just put it over your dog's head and fasten the belt that goes around the torso. Removal is also relatively quick.I've also noticed that my dogs are way more comfortable walking with these harnesses on than they were with the Gentle Leader. When we walked with the Gentle Leader, there was constant face-scratching and rubbing-face-into-grass. I don't get any of that with this harness. It also helps that my medium-sized dog no longer has to walk around looking like Hannibal Lecter. (I had the leash double-fastened into a Gentle Leader and a self-tightening nylon collar as a safety precaution. She would be able to remove one or the other at times, but was never able to wiggle out of both before I could swoop in and grab her.)I would recommend this harness but cannot guarantee that it will work for you. Each person and each dog will have different needs. The Chai harness just happened to fit mine. I'm glad I bought it. If you decide to get one for your dog, I hope it works just as well.
J**.
Not a safe harness for walks, or car restraint.
I am a certified dog trainer, and I cannot recommend this product for any dog of decent size or strength. The adjustability/fit of this is quite good, and I think my dog found it quite comfortable. But, it has 2 huge problems.First problem, the belly straps are held on one side with elastic strapping. Not only is this not strong enough for a strong pulling dog, but in addition you would never want to rely on that elastic if you are using the harness as a car restraint. Furthermore, while the flexibility of the elastic probably provides great comfort for the dog, the give that it provides causes the harness to twist/shift on the dog's body (if you dog goes to make a sudden movement, like a lunge towards a squirrel). This twisting of the harness potentially results in the dog's discomfort (which caused my dog to panic, and attempt to back out of the harness).Second problem, the plastic quick release buckles are incredibly lightweight and not nearly strong enough for a strong dog. If you read the negative reviews for this harness, the number one complaint you see if the inferior strength of these plastic buckles (which are essential to your dog staying safely restrained in his/her harness).So, in summary,....if they did away with the elastic and changed the lightweight, fragile buckles to high quality, strong buckles - then I would change this rating from a 1 star to a 5 star. But, as it is, it is not a safe harness - and it is definitely unacceptable as a car restraint. If you have a small, docile dog, then maybe you could take a chance with this (I wouldn't, personally). But, if you have a midsize-to-large, strong dog - there is no way I'd use this.
H**E
Best harness I've ever owned
This harness is bright, has reflective thread for early morning/night, has a handle on the back (awesome!!), is fairly lightweight, and looks great - I've been given at least a dozen compliments on these harnesses in a few weeks. It's a great harness. I've tried a few different types of harnesses and brands as I think most dog owners do, but have finally found a harness to satisfy my requirements. I have two large dogs with different chest types/shapes, fur types, and harness needs. Both of them are wearing size LARGE.Our first dog (currently 10 months old, adopted at 9 weeks old) is a 52 lb, sheltie, boxer, mutt mix, with a deep and narrow boxer chest. He is very athletic and needed something comfy that he can run in. He has black, fine, fluffy long fur- the harness hasn't pulled fur or caused any balding. He doesn't normally pull too bad, but the chest ring is still nice for intown when he's excited to get into the dog park, it reduces the pulling.We usually walk in the country/on trails and he is OFF LEASH 90% of the time, but still wears his harness for safety and convenience. The bright color of this harness (Orange for him) lets me feel secure knowing he'll be spotted and recognized as a family pet if he strays a bit too far from us (as he usually does to scout out the trails ahead). He always wears a collar (embroidered, no tags) but it's hard to see because he has a huge mane of fur, the harness however is easy to spot.Our second dog (currently 9 months old, rescued at 6 months old) is a 65 lb Husky/Spinone mix with a round barrel chest, that at times can pull very hard. This harness (neon yellow) fits her very well, is comfortable, and helps reduce the pulling by at least 75% (no harness stops all behaviors/pulling 100%- that requires training, and patience).While in town or on neighborhood walks we hook it on the chest ring, this is when she normally pulls the most. When we're out in the country or on nature trails we use a longer lead and hook it to her back/top ring since she doesn't pull as much during these types of outings. I feel she is very secure in this harness. She is powerful and has escaped out of collars several times before (talk about heart attack!). This harness hugs her body perfectly and gives me a lot of control all while knowing she feels no discomfort.WATER/SWIMMING & WASHING IT: Both dogs have swam and gone mudding in these harnesses and I haven't noticed it weighing them down in any way or preventing them from swimming in deep water properly. The harness does absorb some water especially where it's padded. Hang to dry or pop in the dryer on a low heat setting. I have left it out to dry each time so far and it seems almost completely dry the next evening. Mine have been stained with mud, I just wash it on delicate cycle warm/cold and they come out fine.SEATBELT/CAR RIDES: Right off the bat with our first dog we knew we needed to strap him in after a few car rides, so this is another thing I spent time and money on, trying out different options.Our concerns were: dog loose in the car and flying into things when we hit the brakes or accelerate, dog distracting you while driving by getting up front or blocking your view, dog jumping out of the car the instant you open the door, dog jumping out the window, or the dogs overcrowding each other's space.The best thing we've found so far is (Etekcity 2-Pack Pet Car Seat Belt on Amazon- 2 for $10) adjustable doggie seat belts that snap in like regular seat belts on one end, and then have a dog leash clip on the other end to clip it to your dog's harness.The harness works great to keep them comfortably strapped in and braking fast or accelerating doesn't do any harm to the dog. They are accustomed to waiting until we unclip them and then say "Okay, Zane" or "Okay, Zoey" which releases them to jump down from the vehicle. We usually clip the doggie seat belt to the handle or the back ring of the harness.Another tip- we have an SUV and put the back seats flat often so the dogs can lay down and stretch out in the back, and there are no seat belts to clip into when you lay the seats flat, so we've clipped a carabiner to the doggie seat belt and then attach the carabiner to the (built in) metal bracket on wall of the inside of the car behind the back door where the seat would snap into place. Make sure you use a good carabiner, and not a flimsy keychain one.NOTE: We used to attach the seat belt leash clip directly to the dog's collar, this is dangerous. Before they got used to being strapped in a few times they jumped out of the car as soon as the door opened and got their necks yanked. Another time I braked hard, my dog flew forward, the seat belt tightened yanking his neck which caused him to let out a choking sound, never again. After that point I only attach a seat belt to a harness. I know sometimes it's not as convenient to put a harness on if you're just taking a quick car trip, but it's much safer.I give this harness 5/5 stars, as it is everything I wanted in a harness. You won't regret choosing this one. The only thing I can think of that would improve it is having more color options, I'd like to put pink on my girl. That being said, the available colors are nice.
M**K
Decided to change her slip lead to the harness to take any pressure off her neck and whilst she is walking better as opposed to
My12 month old labrador puppy has problem with her front legs. Decided to change her slip lead to the harness to take any pressure off her neck and whilst she is walking better as opposed to pulling it is very much her mind set that needs changing which I am working on. Never had a lead walking problem with any of my other labs so this is a new experience.
A**D
Good quality
Now I've worked out how to use it! , double clipped lead, clip one on the top ring , and the other clips on the front ring( lots of accidentally pulling her round trying to attach both clips to the front ring, doesn't work!) it seems to be helping her pull less, but she is a puppy so this will take training as well as just putting a new ( but good quality, no rubbing) harness on her.
M**.
Fantastic quality!
Ok, my dog still pulls, but this harness is fantastic. Colour is actually neon yellow, very sturdy and adjustable belts on both sides make it comfortable (I'm guessing) for my dog. Had this for more than a couple of years, it washes so very well and I'm happy!
E**O
Buy it people for yor pet doggy n u won't regret it.
Now this wat i call absulate perfect sturdy n strong good looking harness, only thing not keen on the colour for my little Jack Russell mix, otherwise couldn't fault it if I tried. Thanks, regards, Elaine.
M**Y
Good value
Brilliant Harness for my Jack Russell
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