Julius k9, brilliant k9, comfortflex, or..? Help me pick a harness!

PerformanceDog · Feb 22, 2015

Ok, so the reason I am wanting a harness mostly is for hiking/walking. I would like to work with Chloe more doing hikes and such once it warms up some and we can enjoy the weather more..

I like the idea of the harness as I do not trust Chloe off-leash and would like to have a long line drag behind her. The harness should have an O ring I can clip on the back or sides so it is less likely to be dragging under her feet.

I want something that is non-restrictive, and comfortable to wear. Although hikes will probably be a maximum of 2 hours, but we will see.

If there is a spot to add a velcro thing that says "In Training" or something like that when we are training and not have kids/dogs/people run up and try to pet her that would be a bonus, but not necessary.

Needs:
non-restrictive
place to hook long leash to (preferably on back, but sides would work as well)
at least fairly easy to put on

Also, what is the difference between Julius K9 and Brilliant K9 harnesses? I remember reading somewhere that one of them fit people's dogs better but don't remember which one that was.

What harnesses have you had and liked that fit the above criteria?

MandyPug · Feb 23, 2015

Iz has both the juliusk9 and the comfort flex and by far i prefer the comfort flex for hiking. The juliusk9 is cool and all but it's for lack of a better term "bulky" on smaller dogs i find. The comfort flex is lighter and isn't so bulky. It's also approved by our rehab vet as it doesn't cut across the biceps like gentle leader type across the front harnesses (before anyone chimes in about that).

ETA: anything with velcro places for patches that say in training won't be big enough on your size of dog for people to read them unless they're up pretty close, it might also attract people to come read what it says. Just a note.

Samsonyte! · Feb 23, 2015

Honestly I wouldn't pick any of those for hiking. They're awesome for sports stuff and day to day use but personally I like something a bit more...supportive I guess? When I'm hiking. Like if I needed to lift the dogs up over something for one reason or another. I have a julius k9 style harness and I've used it to lift Wilson and it tends to kind of slide forward to where he almost falls out of it. It's fitted correctly too.

That style of harness also tends to restrict shoulder movement I've heard, so it might not be ideal.

I'd go with something simple like an h-style harness. Hard for the dog to get out of and provides enough support throughout the body that I'd feel okay about lifting them up really quick. If you end up getting really into hiking and get into some more intense climbs, I've heard good things about the ruffwear webmaster, although I have yet to try it.

ETA: If I were to pick one of the three you mentioned though I second the comfortflex, just because it's less bulky.

RD · Feb 23, 2015

I'd use ruffwears webmaster before I'd do the Julius k9. Eve has both and the webmaster was much more comfortable for her to hike in.

amberdyan · Feb 23, 2015

I love comfortflex and Hugo hikes in his. He hates harnesses he has to step into, and the comfortflex rides high so I'm less worries about it making him run weird.

SaraB · Feb 23, 2015

My guys wear their BrilliantK9 harnesses hiking. If fitted properly, they are supposed to be loose like a t-shirt and completely non-restrictive. I love the high visibility they give the dogs and the quick to grab handle. Perfect for what I need!

JacksonsMom · Feb 23, 2015

If you ever think you're going to be lifting them up for any reason (assisting to get over/on rocks, or water, or whatever), I wouldn't really suggest any of them. I am liking the Ruffwear Front Range for Jackson, I've used it to lift him into my dads really high truck (he tries to jump, but I help him anyway, I think he doesn't realize how high up it actually is) but I haven't had a chance to take him 'real' hiking in it since the weather's been so crummy. You can see pictures with him in it: http://chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=275439

Also, Puppia is a super comfortable harness for him, and I can easily lift him up while in it, and he still gets the support needed. I've had to 'helicopter' him up into my arms a few times after we had loose dogs coming at us, and I can easily do it. He's in a Puppia in a few pics in that thread too ^ but they are always my 'go to' harness. I find them super easy to put on/off. The medium fits Jackson perfect. But they do have the type with an adjsutable neck as well for those dogs who need it.

We had the Comfortflex and my only complaint about it was it was somewhat wide for smaller dogs (though still super lightweight and comfortable) and the d-ring on the back was huge, and when he was off leash with it on, it kind of just flung around on his back lol. I don't think it bothered him much but it kind of annoyed me.

(ignore the burr stuck in his beard lol)

Other harnesses I hear good things about:
http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=3930&ParentCat=783

I also really liked the Hurtta harness I tried but it didn't fit Jackson right. I tried both sizes and he must have been some weird in between that they didn't have because I couldn't get a good fit.
http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=3374&ParentCat=202

Sometimes a plain Step-in harness or H-style works just as well honestly. The Premier Surefit is a popular simple one, and I also like the Freedom harness by Wiggles Wags and Whiskers.

Ezydog has one with velcro too: http://store.ezydog.com/convert-harness/

DJEtzel · Feb 23, 2015

Recon plays in his brilliant k9 all the time. I had the comfortflex, but like the pattern and patches of the brilliant k9 better. He hikes in it, swims in it, plays disc and agility in it, and I love it!

PerformanceDog · Feb 24, 2015

You all gave me a lot to think about!

After thinking about it, I think I would get too irritated by the handle flopping around on the comfortflex. With a simple modification I probably would have chosen this harness.

As for the brilliant k9/julius k9 I think there is some truth to picking a dog up if needed on it, and also the lettering probably being too small. This one I went back and forth on so much as what I am planning on is more just walking on trails not any intense hikes. However, I have helicoptered Chloe once or twice so far this last year to an aggressive dog.
BUT, I am planning on letting her more walk and explore nearby having a long line drag behind her, so I wouldn't be able to helicopter her right away anyway, but it would still be nice to have that option, and I am sure I will put her on a shorter leash at times if she isn't listening or there are a lot of kids/dogs/other things. But this is my second choice if the one I get doesn't fit/look right.

The ruffwear webmaster is too big/bulky for what I am looking for.

So I think I am going to order the Ruffwear front range harness! It looks durable enough to helicopter her or lift her if need be, without her falling out of it. It also has the clip fastened down. I also like the added tag holder as I do not have my dogs wear rabies tags, but will probably keep that in there! Now should I get blue or black.. hmm... I am thinking blue. I hope it fits properly!

Thank you everyone!

krissy · Feb 24, 2015

I don't really like any of those restrictive style harnesses. Granted, some of them are less restrictive on certain breeds, but regardless they are never going to provide the same amount of openness as a true non-restrictive harness.

A lot of people I know have the Hurtta padded y-harness. It's great. I have one for Kili even though the fit isn't perfect (fitting a greyhound is a nightmare).

I also LOOOOVE Canadog Supply. I ordered their Shorty Harness. It is well made, light, and padded. They helped me decide on the size, and when it arrived and I felt it didn't fit quite right, I sent them photos and videos of her wearing it. Not only did they agree to send a smaller harness, they are also customizing it for a better greyhound fit. I haven't received the new harness yet, but I can't say enough good things about their customer service and product.

PerformanceDog · Feb 24, 2015

krissy said:

Can you explain further by how all the harnesses listed are restrictive? I've never had a harness before. I do not like the regular nylon ones as I want something with a little more flare. But I am also looking for something that won't bother my dog for a good walk 1-2 hours or so.

DJEtzel · Feb 25, 2015

I don't think the brilliant k9 (my choice) is restrictive at all unless he's on lead and pulling, but he very rarely is. Off leash, or dragging a line, he's completely comfortable, and I can pick him up with it easy enough - not completely stable, just to grab him and get him up to grab him entirely, it does the job. And he does not have any issues doing vaults or flips it in during disc, or running an agility course, either.

And I LOVE that it's easy on/easy off. The front range harnesses I've seen are very sturdy, thick and just look too bulky for my taste and come up too high on the neck. I like streamlined, light and easy with cute colors, but that's just me!

Oblig. pictures from all angles.

DSC_1053 by DJetzel, on Flickr

DSC_1120 by DJetzel, on Flickr

DSC_1147 by DJetzel, on Flickr

Untitled by DJetzel, on Flickr

Apparently I have more pictures of other dogs in Recon's harness than I do him. lol. He wears a lucy medium, and I bought custom patches for it, fwiw.

amberdyan · Feb 25, 2015

DJEtzel said:

Agreed. When Hugo is in a brilliant k9 OR a comfortflex, the front strap frequently has space between it and his chest. I actually got it BECAUSE it's not restrictive. He had a brilliant k9 when he was younger but he grew out of it. I'm sure he'll have one again. And his comfortflex works perfectly for him.

krissy · Feb 25, 2015

Like I said, on some breeds these restrictive style harnesses may not interfere too much with motion, but by definition they are a restrictive style. If you have material cutting across the shoulder it is a restrictive style. If you fit it looser, or your dog has a lot of angulation to his shoulder, then it might not actually restrict extension of the shoulder... but the potential is there. If you cinch the harness down a little snugger, or if your dog has a straighter shoulder that same harness will probably impede full extension of the shoulder. And just having something cutting across the top of the shoulder isn't ideal for biomechanics. If there's a way to be completely open and free... why not take it? The rehab and sports medicine specialists that I know and have spoken to all recommend staying away from this style of harness for activities where the dog is trotting or running.

With a non-restrictive style it really doesn't matter how tight or loose the harness is (it obviously affects other aspects... you know, like ability to breathe, lol) or the dog's conformation, it's not going to cut across the bicep.

I think those harnesses are super cute. And I do also have a restrictive style harness for Kili that we sometimes use for walking around locally. I might even be okay with one of these harnesses for on leash hiking where there really isn't full extension of the shoulder (dog is only walking), but if we're talking trotting or running... I respectfully disagree and I would always go with a non-restrictive style.

So this is a restrictive style on Kili. On a non-greyhound this may sit higher and therefore not come to the point of the shoulder, however, it would still cross the scapula.

This is Kili's Canadog harness. It's a little big so we're getting a smaller one and they're also customizing to give her a little more length so it doesn't sit right in behind her elbow. However, this is a true non-restrictive harness. Her entire front limb is open and unimpeded with nothing in front of it, but also nothing cutting across on top of it.

JacksonsMom · Feb 25, 2015

The ezydog harness and comfortflex both sit too high up on Jackson's chest for my liking, personally. It kind of defeats the purpose of a harness IMO but I think they fit small dogs differently than larger breeds.

See how high up it is?

He's not a huge puller and is polite in public, etc, but even if he pulls a bit to get to a tree or something, he would occasionally start choking so I was concerned that such a small tug would cause that. It serves it's purpose -- I like this harness for when we're on the beach or he's on a long line etc. So I still like it, just not as my go-to every day harness. The comfortflex fit him the same way.

I love my Ruffwear front range harness but I also wouldn't have it as my "every day harness" personally. It however does not cause him to choke at all so I don't think it sits too high up on his neck at all.

I would say out of all the dang harnesses I've tried, Puppia always ends up being my go to. If I could only choose one harness, I'd choose this one. It's lightweight, breathable, easy to wash, comfortable (I don't mind letting him stay in it all day long, sleep in it, etc), and ours have all lasted us years. I probably like them better for smaller dogs rather than larger.

www.puppiaus.com

Amazon has them for a good price.

I kind of like having a few different types for different situations though.

SpringerLover · Feb 26, 2015

krissy said:

Like I said, on some breeds these restrictive style harnesses may not interfere too much with motion, but by definition they are a restrictive style. If you have material cutting across the shoulder it is a restrictive style. If you fit it looser, or your dog has a lot of angulation to his shoulder, then it might not actually restrict extension of the shoulder... but the potential is there. If you cinch the harness down a little snugger, or if your dog has a straighter shoulder that same harness will probably impede full extension of the shoulder. And just having something cutting across the top of the shoulder isn't ideal for biomechanics. If there's a way to be completely open and free... why not take it? The rehab and sports medicine specialists that I know and have spoken to all recommend staying away from this style of harness for activities where the dog is trotting or running.

With a non-restrictive style it really doesn't matter how tight or loose the harness is (it obviously affects other aspects... you know, like ability to breathe, lol) or the dog's conformation, it's not going to cut across the bicep.

I think those harnesses are super cute. And I do also have a restrictive style harness for Kili that we sometimes use for walking around locally. I might even be okay with one of these harnesses for on leash hiking where there really isn't full extension of the shoulder (dog is only walking), but if we're talking trotting or running... I respectfully disagree and I would always go with a non-restrictive style.

So this is a restrictive style on Kili. On a non-greyhound this may sit higher and therefore not come to the point of the shoulder, however, it would still cross the scapula.

This is Kili's Canadog harness. It's a little big so we're getting a smaller one and they're also customizing to give her a little more length so it doesn't sit right in behind her elbow. However, this is a true non-restrictive harness. Her entire front limb is open and unimpeded with nothing in front of it, but also nothing cutting across on top of it.

Yup. This. And the Freedom is restrictive on all of my dogs too but less so than an Easy Walk or similar.

I use my sure fit harnesses all the time.

PerformanceDog · Feb 28, 2015

I am not too worried about these harnesses hindering movement. But I won't know until I try them out!

I do not think a puppia will look as good on my dogs because of the hair around the legs/chest/sides.

I couldn't decide which harness I liked the best and would work the best for what I am looking for, so I ordered both the Brilliant K9 and the Ruffwear Front Range harness. If they both fit well and I see myself using both, I will keep both.

But if I clearly favor one over the other or if one doesn't fit right, I can return them!

Thank you all for your input!

I also may have gone on a spending spree... to celebrate my acceptance into the Master's program and School I wanted! But still.. spent too much money!

I am really hoping this hiking/walks thing through trails is going to be a success! I just ordered:
-Brilliant K9 Harness
-Ruffwear Front Range Harness
**Will probably only keep 1 of those harnesses, unless I REALLY like both of them.
-Fraggle Rocks biothane long line
-A small backpack (16L) for these hikes/walks the part facing my back has a compartment to hold my nice expensive camera I have but haven't used much.. hope to use it more!) and then the front size I can put water, munchies and such.
-Fitbit Charge HR.. I really should get more active. I should lose about 15 or so, maybe 20? pounds. I am hoping this will help keep me accountable and motivated. And if I am hiking with the dogs that will be something I would enjoy more so that would also help me want to do it. I should pay for gym classes over the winter.. I get sooo lazy!

PerformanceDog · Mar 4, 2015

Well I got the Ruffwear Front Range Harness today. I like it a lot, but I am unsure of the fit being correct- I have never used a harness on a dog in my life. So I was hoping you guys could help!

The main thing seems to be that the neck area is loose and does not tighten up enough. Also, the harness seems to scoot forward where the strap behind her legs moves closer to her armpits. But she has been wearing it since I have been home and this really doesn't seem to be an issue of actually going all the way up to her armpits. I really like how sturdy it is and everything.

My Brilliantk9 harness should be here by Saturday so I can compare which one I like the best, or if I do have a favorite or if one clearly fits better.

amberdyan · Mar 4, 2015

PerformanceDog said:

I've never used a Ruffwear harness... but I had to pop in and say her tagline made me giggle a lot. Love it!

PerformanceDog · Mar 4, 2015

amberdyan said:

It is very fitting!

Haha I find them funny too. I am addicted to taglines now! I have made one order from Fetching Tags and one order from Aggie's Anvil awhile ago when they were heavily discounted. So I have 8 taglines for my two dogs (4 each). Unfortunately, I am not very creative of coming up with taglines myself.. and look at the examples on their facebook pages. I only thought of 2 of the 8 myself "I roll in dead things" and "Spider Slayer"

Fetching Tags: Angel's are the two on the left, Chloe's two on the right.

Aggie's Anvil: Chloe's two on the left, Angel's two on the right.

Julius k9, brilliant k9, comfortflex, or..? Help me pick a harness!

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