Are harnesses safe? For small dogs, harnesses can actually be better for their necks than a collar because the pressure when walking them by fastening a leash to the d-ring is applied to the entire chest area vs. just their delicate little necks. At Frannie's, we have come up with a design that is sized to stay on your small dog securely once fastened. The larger the harness, the tougher the velcro (1.5" wide on XS-Med; 2" wide on Large and XL). The metal d-ring we've selected has a breaking strength of 600+ lbs and the stitching is reinforced around it. The nylon d-ring used originally has a breaking strength of 200+ lbs.
Even small dogs tug. Owners must use their common sense and judgment to determine whether a harness is right for their dog. Frannie's harnesses are stylish but can also be a useful accessory for walking your dog. Please monitor your dog with care and use the harness d-ring if your dog has been fit properly for the harness and tugging isn't a concern. It is possible to use the d-ring part of the time or never. Your dog can still look stylish in a Frannie's harness and wear a collar. Frances wears her collar so her mom doesn't have to remember to move her tags to the harness of the day.
For the safest and most comfortable fit, the flaps around the neck should have the maximum amount of velcro sealed (2.5-3") and your finger should still be able to fit inside the area (between neck and harness) once it's on your dog so it is not too tight. The neck and the chest flaps are adjustable but think of the neck flaps as a collar - you want this area to be securely fastened. The chest flaps are not as critical but you don't want these coming off either, so make sure there is ideally two inches of velcro sealed at minimum.
Most Frannie's harnesses and coats can be washed in cold, gentle cycle and then line dry. Seal the velcro before throwing your item in the washing machine so that it doesn't snag anything. As most of you know, most dogs love dirt and mud. Therefore, if you love your harness and want it to last, consider removing it from your dog if you think your dog is planning to spend some time in the dirt. Frances has play harnesses and special occasion harnesses so she can get dirty and still look nice for her parties and work. Many of her harnesses have been washed many (20+ times) after all the times she got spattered.
PREWASHING
Some eyelet harnesses come with a "pre-wash" advisory (in the form of a sticker advising you to pre-wash the item). This is a precaution
against exposure to moisture (grass, rain, ocean water) prior to the first wash. If your dog will be dry while wearing this item, it is not as critical, but the first thorough wash will fasten the dye. We do not plan to need to give this advisory in the future. If you have any problems with your eyelet harnesses, we guarantee customer satisfaction, so just let us know and we'll take care of it.
WOOLS
Although the wool coats have a care label suggesting dry cleaning, I am finding that a gentle, cold wash cycle is working fine and saving dry cleaning fees.
Can a dog have too many harnesses? No, buy one for every day and enjoy your Frannie's! Thank you for stopping by.