Choosing The Best Harness for Rhodesian Ridgeback

Last Updated on November 4, 2023

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is simply one of the most amazing dogs that you can find on the planet. They are often attributed with their great strength as well as their awesome tenacity. Having said that, usually most states will require large dogs like the Rhodesian Ridgeback to be leashed when they are being brought out in the public. This is completely understandable, as their outlook might appear menacing to the public. So, keeping them on a leash is important. The question is, what sort of dog equipment do you wish to connect the leash to? Should you be using a martingale collar, or should you be using a no-pull dog harness?

Understanding Your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s Needs

Before we delve into the world of harnesses, let’s understand your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s unique needs. These majestic dogs are known for their strength, agility, and a love for the outdoors. To cater to their specific requirements, it’s essential to choose a harness that meets the following criteria:

1. Durability and Strength

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong and energetic. You’ll want a harness that can withstand their power and vitality during outdoor adventures. Look for materials like nylon or leather, which are both robust and long-lasting.

2. Comfort and Fit

Your Ridgeback’s comfort is a top priority. Opt for a harness with adjustable straps to ensure a snug and secure fit. Padding on the chest and back areas can prevent chafing and discomfort during long walks or hikes.

3. Safety Features

Safety should never be compromised. Harnesses with reflective strips or LED lights are excellent choices for evening strolls, ensuring your dog is visible to others. Additionally, a front attachment point can discourage pulling and enhance control.

4. Ease of Use

Choose a harness that is easy to put on and take off. Quick-release buckles and a hassle-free design will make your life simpler and ensure that your Ridgeback doesn’t get agitated during the process.

Selecting the Right Type of Harness

Now that you understand your Ridgeback’s needs, let’s explore the various types of harnesses available:

1. Standard Harness

A standard harness is a basic choice suitable for most Ridgebacks. It distributes the pressure evenly across their chest, reducing strain on their neck and throat. This type is perfect for daily walks and casual outings.

2. No-Pull Harness

If your Ridgeback tends to pull on the leash, a no-pull harness is an excellent choice. These harnesses are designed to discourage pulling by redirecting your dog’s attention. Look for one with a front attachment point to maximize control.

3. Adventure Harness

For the outdoor enthusiast Ridgeback and their owner, an adventure harness is a must-have. These harnesses come with features like extra padding, multiple attachment points, and reinforced handles, making them perfect for hiking, running, or camping trips.

4. Service Dog Harness

If your Ridgeback is a service dog, you’ll need a specialized harness with pockets, patches, and D-rings for attachments. These harnesses are not only functional but also serve as a clear identifier for your dog’s role.

Before we go into details, let us look a little closer at the Rhodesian Ridgeback and why choosing the best harness for Rhodesian Ridgeback requires more consideration than ever.

Physical Characteristics Of The Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the few dogs that are bred as hunting dogs. They are able to hunt down lions when in a pack, and they are well known for the strong hind legs. Usually, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a height ranging from 24 – 29 inches at the withers, and have an average weight of 35.7 kg.

They have a short coat and hence requires little grooming.

Rhodesian ridgeback Temperament

The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be easily misunderstood to be an aggressive dog. This is natural, given its foreboding look as well as its menacing deposition. However, they are actually well known to be family oriented. This is also mainly due to the dog’s loyalty towards their owners. Hence, they can actually be very protective of their family too!

Other common characteristics traits of the Rhodesian Ridgeback includes them being strong-willed, mischievous, sensitive as well as being very intelligent.

Is It Easy To Control Or Train The Rhodesian Ridgeback

In all honesty, it can be pretty easy trying to train the Rhodesian Ridgeback. While they might have the foreboding outlook, they are actually receptive towards training and hence commands. It is very perplexing as to why owners refuse to train their Rhodesian Ridgeback!

Harness Or Martingale Collar For The Rhodesian Ridgeback

It all depends, actually. If you intend to let the Rhodesian Ridgeback pull you along with a sled, then a harness will serve you well. If you are going for the regular walk, then the Martingale collar works best.

The difference between both of the equipment is that the dog will be more encouraged to pull when you wear the harness on them. This is because the harness actually provides to the dog all the neccessary anchor points in pulling. Also, all of the points, unknowingly to most people, actually provides more control to the dog than to the owner. Trust me, trying controlling a strong dog, while they don a harness, and you will know how tough it is!

Hence, we encourage you to use the Martingale collar instead as it is a useful tool in controlling your dog with a leash while you walk. As for the harness, always use it along with a sled.

Having said all these, we will be making our recommendations for the best harness for Rhodesian Ridgeback as well as the best Martingale collar for Rhodesian Ridgeback too.

Best Harness For Rhodesian Ridgeback

In all honesty, there are just only a few harnesses that the strong Rhodesian Ridgeback could use, and one of the more prominent ones is the Ruffwear Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness.

Ruffwear Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness with Front Clip

The Ruffwear Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness is one of the industry’s best selling no pull dog harness that suits dogs of all sizes. It is widely used in many K9 units too, and this is really because of the ability of the harness to prevent most dogs from pulling away.

Indeed, there are two leash attachment points on the harness, which gives you the option to choose which points to use and for which purpose. For example, the one that is located at the chest is really for controlling your dog during the training phase. The other point is mainly used when the Rhodesian Ridgeback is properly trained and deserves a stress-free walk.

To prevent your dog from pulling away and destroying the harness, the entire harness itself has a good structural integrity that helps to reinforce the main stress points. One of the few stress points are the attachment rings, which have been reinforced by aluminum and webbing.

Of course, when it comes to comfort, we can never negate that. For the Ruffwear front range no-pull dog harness, it is padded at the chest and belly panel. This allows your dog to have maximum comfort when they don the harness itself!

All in all, this is the best harness for Rhodesian Ridgeback!

IDC Powerharness

The IDC Powerharness is literally the ultimate solution for urban dog walks, and it is designed for larger breeds like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Designed with both style and functionality in mind, this harness offers professional control and a secure fit for your furry companion. The chest circumference ranges between 20-26.5 inches and is suitable for dogs weighing between 15-35lbs.

The harness features an interchangeable hook and loop patch system, allowing you to personalize it to match your dog’s personality or even display useful information. With countless options to choose from, you can make a statement or simply add a touch of flair to your daily walks.

Built to withstand everyday use, the IDC Powerharness is constructed from durable materials, ensuring both reliability and durability. The handle atop the harness provides you with added control and confidence, while the shatterproof buckle ensures the safety and this is important for dogs such as the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Reflective elements have been incorporated to increase visibility during evening walks, and the first-class lining provides added comfort for your dog.

Best Martingale Collar For Rhodesian Ridgeback

As mentioned earlier, the Martingale Collar it the best option when it comes to bringing your Rhodesian Ridgeback for its daily walks. A good Martingale Collar will ensure that you will be able to control the strongest of Rhodesian Ridgeback without inflicting pain on the dog itself. With this in mind, we highly recommend you to purchase the Ruffwear – Chain Reaction Limited Cinch, Audible Correction Collar.

Ruffwear – Chain Reaction Limited Cinch, Audible Correction Collar

The Ruffwear – Chain Reaction Limited Cinch, Audible Correction Collar is again one of the industry’s leading Martingale Collar that will surely be of use when it comes to bringing your dog out for a walk while still ensuring that you have maximum control at all times.

Indeed, the Martingale Collar is often touted as the best items to train your dog, especially when it comes to puppies. The material itself guarantees that your dog will never be harmed, and the ring attachment ensures that the connection between the collar to the leash will never be lost!

Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar

Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Nylon Dog Collar

This collar is made of heavy-duty nylon, which means it is strong and resistant to wear and tear. The collar also features a chain for added control, which is particularly useful for dogs that are strong pullers. The chain is designed to tighten when the dog pulls, providing a gentle and humane way to discourage pulling behavior.

The collar is adjustable for a comfortable fit and has a sturdy buckle. This is important for ensuring that the collar fits properly and does not cause any discomfort or injury to the dog. Additionally, the collar has a good reputation for its quality and durability, which means that it will last for a long time and will be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

How Do You Choose A Good Martingale Collar For The Rhodesian Ridgeback

When choosing a martingale collar for a Rhodesian Ridgeback, there are a few key factors to consider as it will impact your choice of the Martingale Collar.

1. Durability: The martingale collar should be made of a durable material that can withstand daily use and any pulling or tugging that the Rhodesian Ridgeback may do. For example, the material heavy-duty nylon is a popular choice because it is strong and resistant to wear and tear. Some collars also feature a chain or metal hardware that can add extra durability. Just be wary of the weight!
2. Control: The martingale collar should have a mechanism in place, such as a chain or nylon strap, that tightens when the dog pulls. This will help to provide additional control. This mechanism should be gentle and humane, and should not cause discomfort or injury to the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Some collars have a limited-cinch design that tightens just enough to provide control without choking the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
3. Fit: Your choice of the martingale collar should be adjustable and fit comfortably on the dog’s neck. It should not be too tight or too loose. A properly fitting collar will not cause any discomfort or injury to the dog. A collar that is too loose can be dangerous, as it can easily slip off and the dog can escape. a collar that is too tight will cause extreme discomfort to your dog, and potentially it can also be a choking hazard.
4. Training purpose: Consider the purpose of the collar, if it is for training or just for regular use. This will help you choose the right martingale collar with the right level of control. For example, if the collar is for training, a collar with a stronger tightening mechanism may be more appropriate.