Why Is It Important to Measure Your Dog Correctly?

Dogs come in an enormous range of shapes and proportions.

Two dogs can weigh the same but have completely different:

• Neck sizes
• Chest measurements
• Rib cage shapes
• Body lengths
• Shoulder widths
• Body condition

This is why dog weight alone should not be used to choose a harness or collar size.

Manufacturers may use different sizing systems, so always compare your dog's measurements with the individual manufacturer's size chart.

For harnesses, the chest girth is particularly important because it measures the widest part of your dog's rib cage. The neck measurement can also be important depending on the harness design.

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You don't need specialist equipment.

Ideally, have:

• A soft fabric measuring tape
• A piece of string if you don't have a measuring tape
• A ruler or standard tape measure
• Your dog's collar and harness if you're checking an existing fit
• A few small dog training treats
• Someone to help if your dog struggles to stand still

A flexible sewing tape measure is ideal because it can follow the shape of your dog's body.

If you don't have one, use a piece of string around the required area and then measure the string against a ruler or standard tape measure.

Make measuring a positive experience

Some dogs won't immediately understand why you're wrapping a tape measure around their body.

Don't force them.

Let your dog investigate the measuring tape first. Reward calm behaviour and take your measurements gradually.

Small, easy-to-deliver natural training treats can be particularly useful here because you can reward your dog without interrupting the measuring process.

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There are usually two important measurements when choosing a harness:

1. 1. Neck measurement
2. 2. Chest girth

Some harnesses may also require additional measurements, so always check the manufacturer's individual sizing chart.

Step 1: Measure Your Dog's Neck

Have your dog stand naturally.

Measure around the base of the neck, where the neck meets the shoulders.

Don't measure high up around the throat unless the harness manufacturer's instructions specifically tell you to.

Keep the measuring tape comfortably against the coat without pulling it tightly.

Record the measurement in centimetres.

Important

If your dog has a particularly thick coat, take care not to compress the coat excessively while measuring.

Your aim is to measure the area where the harness will actually sit.

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This is one of the most important measurements for choosing a dog harness.

With your dog standing naturally, place the measuring tape around the widest part of the rib cage, normally just behind the front legs.

Bring the tape all the way around the chest.

The tape should sit close to your dog's body but should not be pulled extremely tight.

Record the measurement in centimetres.

The chest girth is generally the widest part of the dog's body and is a key measurement when selecting a harness.

Don't measure too far forward

One common mistake is measuring immediately behind the dog's front legs but at the wrong height.

You want the tape to follow the widest part of the rib cage.

If you measure too far forward or too far back, you may get an inaccurate result.

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Once you have your measurements, compare them with the specific harness size chart.

Don't assume that:

Sizing can vary considerably between manufacturers and different harness designs.

If your dog falls between two sizes, look at the manufacturer's recommendations and consider how adjustable the harness is.

An adjustable harness can provide additional flexibility, but you should never rely on adjustment alone if your dog's measurements fall significantly outside the recommended range.

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Getting the measurement right is only half of the job.

You also need to check the harness once it is fitted.

A correctly fitted harness should be:

• Secure
• Comfortable
• Snug without being restrictive
• Positioned correctly on the body
• Allowing natural movement
• Secure enough that your dog cannot easily back out of it

You should be able to place approximately two fingers between the harness and your dog's body where appropriate.

The harness should not be digging into the skin or creating obvious pressure points. The two-finger approach is commonly used when checking that equipment is snug without being excessively tight.

Check the armpits carefully

One of the most important areas to inspect is behind the front legs.

If a harness repeatedly rubs against the armpit, it may cause irritation.

Ask yourself:

Does the harness stay securely in position without rubbing when my dog walks?

If the answer is no, the harness may need adjustment or may not be the correct design for your dog's body shape.

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Measuring a collar is generally simpler than measuring for a harness.

The main measurement you need is your dog's neck circumference.

Have your dog stand naturally and place the measuring tape around the part of the neck where the collar will sit.

Keep the tape comfortably against the neck without pulling it tight.

Record the measurement in centimetres.

When choosing the collar, compare this measurement with the manufacturer's size range.

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A collar should be secure without being excessively tight.

As a general fit check, you should normally be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck.

The collar should not:

• Dig into the skin
• Cause obvious pressure
• Restrict your dog's comfort
• Be so loose that your dog can easily slip out of it

At the same time, don't leave a collar excessively loose simply because you are worried about making it too tight.

The correct fit is secure and comfortable.

For dogs with particularly unusual neck shapes or breeds that can easily slip conventional collars, consider the individual design of the collar and seek professional fitting advice where necessary.

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There isn't one piece of equipment that is perfect for every dog.

A collar can be useful for everyday identification and walking depending on the individual dog and circumstances.

A harness distributes contact across a larger area of the body and can provide useful control during walks.

Harnesses can be particularly useful for dogs where you want to avoid relying on pressure around the neck.

However, choosing a harness isn't simply about finding the biggest or strongest option.

Fit matters.

A powerful dog still needs equipment that fits correctly.

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Puppies are a little different.

They grow quickly, meaning a harness or collar that fits perfectly today may become too small surprisingly quickly.

Check your puppy's equipment regularly, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

Look for:

• Tightening around the neck
• Harness straps becoming restrictive
• Rubbing
• Reduced freedom of movement
• Straps sitting differently as your puppy grows

Don't simply keep loosening equipment indefinitely.

If your puppy has outgrown the manufacturer's recommended size range, it may be time to move to the next size.

And remember that puppies are also learning how to walk, focus and respond to their handlers.

That is where small, motivating training rewards can make walks much easier.

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Measuring a dog isn't just about equipment.

It's also an opportunity to teach your dog that being handled calmly is a positive experience.

For example:

1. Introduce the measuring tape

Allow your dog to sniff it.

Reward calm investigation.

2. Touch the shoulder

Gently touch your dog's shoulder and reward calm behaviour.

3. Move the tape around the chest

Keep the session short.

Reward your dog once they remain relaxed.

4. Measure the neck

Place the tape around the neck without pulling it tight.

Reward.

5. Repeat if necessary

If your dog moves away, don't chase them around with the tape.

Pause, reset and try again.

This can turn measuring into a small positive reinforcement training exercise.

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The best training treat is one that your dog finds motivating while also being practical for repeated rewards.

For training, look for treats that are:

• Small
• Easy to deliver
• Highly palatable
• Easy to portion
• Appropriate for your dog's dietary needs
• Suitable for frequent reward-based training

At House of PDB, our natural dog training treats include single-protein options designed for reward-based training.

Our 100% Pure Beef Training Treats, for example, are made from 100% beef and are bite-sized for training, recall, obedience, agility, scent work and everyday positive reinforcement.

Shop 100% Pure Beef Training Treats at House of PDB

We also have a wider Good for Training collection containing natural reward options for different training situations.

Browse House of PDB Training Treats

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A harness shouldn't simply appear on your dog and suddenly be expected to work.

Some dogs need time to become comfortable wearing one.

You can introduce a new harness gradually.

Step 1 — Let your dog see it

Place the harness somewhere nearby and allow your dog to investigate.

Step 2 — Reward curiosity

If your dog approaches or sniffs the harness, reward them.

Step 3 — Touch the harness against your dog

Keep the experience brief and positive.

Step 4 — Put it on

Once your dog is comfortable, gently put the harness on.

Reward.

Step 5 — Walk indoors

Allow your dog to move around wearing the harness for a short period.

Reward calm behaviour.

Step 6 — Go outside

Once your dog is comfortable, introduce short walks.

This approach can be particularly useful for puppies, rescue dogs and dogs that have previously had negative experiences with walking equipment.

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If you're considering an anti-pull harness, correct measurement becomes even more important.

Don't assume an anti-pull harness should be made extremely tight because your dog pulls.

It still needs to fit comfortably while remaining secure.

House of PDB currently stocks BullyBillows walking and training equipment, including harnesses and training bundles. Our Dog Training Bundle combines an anti-pull harness with leads and a treat pouch, making it particularly useful for structured training and everyday walks.

View the House of PDB BullyBillows Walking & Training Range

The training bundle includes an Anti Pull Hurricane Harness Lighter, double-ended training lead, 10m recall lead and attachable dog treat pouch.

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1. Measuring while your dog is sitting

Your dog's body shape changes when sitting.

Whenever possible, measure your dog while they are standing naturally.

2. Pulling the tape too tightly

This can make your dog's measurements appear smaller than they actually are.

Keep the tape snug but not tight.

3. Measuring the wrong part of the chest

The chest measurement should normally be taken around the widest part of the rib cage.

4. Choosing based only on weight

Weight can be useful as a general reference, but it doesn't tell you your dog's neck or chest circumference.

5. Assuming every brand uses the same sizes

Always check the individual product's sizing information.

6. Forgetting to recheck the fit

Dogs change.

Puppies grow, dogs gain or lose weight, coats change and equipment can stretch or move.

Regularly check the fit.

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If your dog's measurements fall between two sizes, don't automatically choose the smaller size.

First, check the manufacturer's instructions.

Consider:

• Which measurement is most important for that harness?
• How adjustable is it?
• Does the manufacturer recommend sizing up?
• Is the chest measurement within the recommended range?
• Can the harness be adjusted without compromising its position?

If you're unsure, contact the retailer or manufacturer before purchasing.

A few minutes spent checking measurements can save you the inconvenience of ordering the wrong size.

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Before ordering your dog's next collar or harness, write down:

Dog's name: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Neck circumference: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ cm

Chest girth: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ cm

Weight: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ kg

Age: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Breed/type: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Harness size recommended: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Collar size recommended: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Date measured: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Keeping these measurements somewhere handy can make future purchases much easier.

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For most dogs, careful home measurements are enough to help you select the appropriate size.

However, professional fitting can be particularly useful if:

• Your dog has an unusual body shape
• Your dog frequently escapes from harnesses
• You have tried several harnesses without success
• Your dog has mobility issues
• Your dog becomes distressed when handled
• You are unsure how a particular harness should sit
• You need specialist equipment

If you're visiting a pet shop or specialist retailer, taking your dog with you where appropriate can allow the harness to be physically fitted and adjusted.

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Choosing the right equipment is only one part of successful dog walking.

A good walking routine can combine:

This gives you the foundations for teaching loose-lead walking, recall, engagement, focus and calm behaviour.

House of PDB's training range includes natural training treats as well as walking and training equipment, so you can build a setup around your individual dog's needs.

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How do I measure my dog for a harness?

Measure your dog's neck circumference and chest girth. The chest measurement is normally taken around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. Always compare your measurements with the manufacturer's individual sizing chart.

How do I measure my dog's chest for a harness?

With your dog standing naturally, wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of the rib cage, usually just behind the front legs. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

How do I measure my dog's neck for a collar?

Measure around the part of your dog's neck where the collar will sit. Keep the tape comfortably against the neck without pulling it tightly.

How tight should a dog's collar be?

A properly fitted collar should be secure but comfortable. You should generally be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

How tight should a dog harness be?

A harness should be snug enough to remain secure without restricting movement or rubbing. As a general fit check, you should normally be able to place approximately two fingers between the harness and your dog's body.

Should I measure my dog standing or sitting?

Standing is preferable because it gives you a more consistent measurement of your dog's natural body shape.

Can I use string instead of a measuring tape?

Yes. Wrap the string around the required area, mark or hold the measurement and then measure the string against a ruler or standard tape measure.

Should I choose a dog harness based on weight?

Weight can be useful as an additional reference, but it should not replace actual measurements. Dogs of the same weight can have very different neck and chest dimensions.

What if my dog is between harness sizes?

Check the manufacturer's sizing instructions before choosing. If the harness is adjustable, you may have more flexibility, but your dog's measurements should still fall within the recommended range.

How often should I check my dog's harness?

Check the fit regularly. Puppies should be checked particularly frequently because they can grow quickly. Also recheck after significant weight changes.

Can I use training treats to help my dog accept a harness?

Yes. Reward-based introduction can help your dog associate the harness with positive experiences. Use small, motivating rewards and introduce the harness gradually.

What are good treats for dog training?

Small, tasty treats that are easy to deliver and portion can work well for training. House of PDB offers natural, single-protein training treats including Beef Training Treats, alongside other reward options.

Does House of PDB sell dog harnesses and collars?

Yes. House of PDB stocks BullyBillows walking and training equipment, including harnesses, collars, leads and training bundles.

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Before you buy, remember:

✓ Measure your dog's neck

✓ Measure the widest part of the chest

✓ Measure while your dog is standing

✓ Keep the tape snug, not tight

✓ Check the manufacturer's size chart

✓ Check the harness after fitting

✓ Make sure your dog can move naturally

✓ Check for rubbing around the armpits

✓ Recheck growing puppies regularly

✓ Use positive reinforcement when introducing new equipment

✓ Keep some natural training treats handy

A correctly fitted harness or collar can make everyday walks more comfortable and manageable, while positive reinforcement can help make training an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

At House of PDB, we're passionate about helping owners make informed choices about dog nutrition, training, enrichment and everyday care. From natural dog training treats to walking equipment, our aim is to help you find practical products for real dogs and real life.

Explore House of PDB's Natural Dog Treats & Training Range