When I first brought my dog home, I had no idea how important it was to get the right-sized gear. I just picked a cute harness, a stylish collar, and a leash that looked good—only to realize later that none of them fit properly! The harness was too tight, the collar kept slipping off, and the leash length wasn’t quite right for our walks.
After some trial and error, I finally figured out how to measure my dog the right way—and let me tell you, it made all the difference! If you’re like me and want to make sure your pup is comfortable, safe, and looking their best, here’s an easy guide to measuring for the perfect fit.
Why Getting the Right Size Matters
At first, I didn’t think a slightly loose collar or a snug harness was a big deal. But then I started noticing little things:
- My dog was constantly scratching at the collar.
- The harness was too tight around the chest, making it hard for my pup to move freely.
- One day, my dog backed out of a loose harness—which was terrifying!
That’s when I realized that fit isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, too. So, I grabbed a soft measuring tape and got to work!
Step 1: Measuring for a Harness
A harness is my go-to for walks because it keeps pressure off my dog’s neck. But to get the right fit, I needed two key measurements:
📏 Chest Girth – The most important measurement! I wrapped the tape around the widest part of my dog’s chest, just behind the front legs.
📏 Neck Circumference – Some harnesses also need a neck measurement, so I measured around the base of my dog’s neck where the harness would sit.
🐾 Fit Tip: The two-finger rule saved me! I made sure I could slide two fingers between my dog’s body and the harness—snug but not too tight.
Harness Size Chart
Step 2: Measuring for a Collar
A good collar is a must-have, whether for attaching ID tags or just for everyday wear. Here’s how I got the perfect fit:
📏 Neck Circumference – I wrapped the tape around my dog’s neck where the collar naturally sits.
🐾 Fit Tip: Again, I used the two-finger rule—if I could fit more than two fingers under the collar, it was too loose. If I couldn’t fit two fingers, it was too tight.
Collar Size Chart
Step 3: Picking the Right Leash Length
I never really thought about leash length before, but I quickly learned that different situations call for different leashes. Here’s a quick guide to the most common leash types and their ideal uses:
🐾 Standard Leash (4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 meters) – The go-to leash for daily walks. It offers a balance of freedom and control, allowing your dog to explore while keeping them safely within reach.
🐾 Traffic Leash (12-18 inches / 30-45 cm) – This ultra-short leash is designed for maximum control in high-traffic areas, like busy streets or crowded events. It keeps your dog close to you, reducing the risk of sudden lunges or accidents.
🐾 Hands-Free Leash (Adjustable, usually 4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 meters) – Perfect for active owners who enjoy jogging, hiking, or walking while keeping their hands free. These leashes wrap around your waist or shoulder, giving your dog freedom while keeping them secure.
Choosing the right leash depends on your lifestyle and where you plan to walk your pup. I found that having a couple of different options makes every outing more enjoyable and safe!
Final Fit Check: Making Sure Everything Works
Once I got my new gear, I did a final check to make sure everything fit just right:
✔︎ Harness: No pinching, no slipping, and my dog could move freely.
✔︎ Collar: Snug but comfortable—perfect for everyday wear.
✔︎ Leash: Just the right length for our favorite walking spots!
The Best Fit = A Happy Pup!
Since finding the right sizes, our walks have been so much better. My dog looks comfortable, moves freely, and I don’t have to worry about anything slipping off. If you’re shopping for new dog gear, take a few minutes to measure first—it’s totally worth it!
Want to find high-quality, well-fitting gear? Check out KRBOBO’s collection and get the perfect fit for your pup today!