Getting the right fit on your dog's harness is essential for both their comfort and safety. A harness that's too loose can allow your dog to slip free; one that's too tight can cause chafing or restrict movement. This guide walks you through exactly how to fit and adjust your Rugged Rover™ harness — whether it's your first time putting it on, or you're fine-tuning the fit as your dog grows.
Video Guide: Fitting the Rugged Rover™ Harness
Prefer to watch rather than read? Our video below walks you through the full fitting process in just a few minutes.
Watch our step-by-step video guide to fitting your Rugged Rover™ harness
Step-by-Step Fitting Instructions
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Identify the Parts of the Harness Before fitting, familiarise yourself with the main components:
- Back Panel — the larger padded section that sits along your dog's back, with a D-ring for leash attachment
- Chest Strap — the adjustable strap that connects across your dog's chest
- Side Buckles — the clips that secure the harness around your dog's body
- Front D-Ring — the secondary leash attachment point at the chest, useful for reducing pulling
- Loosen All Straps Before You Start Loosen all adjustable straps fully before attempting to put the harness on your dog. This makes the process much easier and less stressful for them. Hold the harness upright with the back panel facing upward and the chest panel facing forward.
- Put the Harness On Your Dog Guide your dog's front legs through the harness openings, ensuring the chest panel sits flat against their chest — not twisted or bunched. Pull the straps up around your dog's body and clip the side buckles together until you hear them click securely.
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Adjust for a Snug, Comfortable Fit Tighten or loosen the straps until the harness fits snugly without being restrictive. The golden rule: you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably underneath any strap, but no more. Check that the back panel sits securely on your dog's shoulders without sliding to one side.
Fitting tip: The two-finger rule applies to all straps — chest, belly, and neck. Check each one individually after making adjustments, as tightening one strap can affect the others.
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Attach the Leash
- Use the back D-ring for everyday walks — this gives your dog more freedom of movement
- Use the front D-ring for training or to gently discourage pulling behaviour — attaching here redirects your dog back towards you when they pull
- Do a Final Fit and Comfort Check Before heading out, double-check all buckles are fully clipped and all straps are secure. Run your fingers along the edges of the harness to check there's no rubbing or chafing against your dog's skin, especially under the 'armpits' and along the chest.
Rugged Rover™ Harness Features
Designed for dogs who love the outdoors, the Rugged Rover™ harness combines durability with everyday comfort:
Safety Tips
- Regularly inspect the harness for wear and tear — replace it if any stitching, buckles, or webbing show signs of damage
- Never leave the harness on your dog unsupervised, especially overnight
- The reflective trim makes your dog more visible in low-light conditions — ideal for early morning or evening walks
- Re-check the fit every few weeks, especially with younger dogs who are still growing
Care & Cleaning Instructions
- Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, or machine wash on a cool, quick cycle — place inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect the buckles
- Air dry completely before putting back on your dog
- Store in a cool, dry place when not in use
- Do not tumble dry or iron
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should a dog harness be?
A dog harness should be snug but not restrictive. The standard guide is the two-finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers underneath any strap, but no more. If the harness can be twisted or shifted easily, it's too loose. If it leaves marks on your dog's skin or restricts their movement, it's too tight.
How do I know if my dog's harness fits correctly?
A correctly fitted harness should sit flat against your dog's body with no twisting or bunching. The back panel should rest squarely on your dog's shoulders and not slide to one side. Your dog should be able to walk, run, sit, and lie down comfortably without any restriction or chafing — particularly under the legs and around the chest.
Can my dog wear a harness all day?
We recommend removing your dog's harness when they're at home and not on a walk. Wearing a harness for extended periods can cause matting in longer-coated breeds, and can lead to pressure sores if the fit isn't checked regularly. It's also a good habit to give your dog's skin a chance to breathe between walks.
What's the difference between the front and back clip on a dog harness?
The back clip (on the back panel) is ideal for relaxed everyday walks — it gives your dog freedom of movement and is comfortable for dogs that walk well on the lead. The front clip (on the chest) is better for training or dogs that pull, as attaching the lead here means your dog is gently steered back towards you when they lunge forward, making it easier to correct pulling behaviour.
My dog keeps slipping out of their harness — what should I do?
If your dog is escaping from their harness it's almost always a fitting issue. Go back through the step-by-step instructions above and check each strap individually. Pay particular attention to the neck and chest straps — these are the most common culprits. If you've adjusted fully and the harness is still too large, your dog may need a smaller size. Contact us at woof@pupclubcouture.co.uk and we'll help you find the right fit.
Still have questions about fitting your Rugged Rover™ harness? We're happy to help.
Contact the PupClub Couture team at woof@pupclubcouture.co.uk