July 13, 2025
Dog Hiking Essentials: Benefits of a Customised Harness
Dog Hiking Essentials: Why a customised harness is safer than a collar
Imagine yourself halfway through a trek, with your dog sprinting after a wallaby. You call the name of your dog without getting a reply, and to make the situation worse, their collar is long gone. This is a situation that no pet owner wants to experience. But there are preventative measures we can put in place to help with this. Even if your dog is microchipped, a customised harness with an integrated name tag is a smart move for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. This type of harness provides protection, comfort, and reliable identification when out and about in parks, forests, and urban areas.
Why Choose a Harness Over a Collar?
The pressure that is exerted by harnesses is equally spread out over the two shoulders and chest, as opposed to collars, which tend to strangle the neck and airway. This keeps dogs safer, especially puppies that tug or have weak breathing. The Australian Veterinary Association has stated that harnesses allow for the avoidance of trachea, which cannot be guaranteed in the case of collars [1].
Identifying your dog becomes easier with a dog harness featuring a nametag. Many versions have front-clip alternatives or martingale loops to limit tugging.
Personal Experience: Control and Confidence
My friend Amanda switched to a personalised dog harness for her Kelpie, Pickle, after he slipped out of his collar on a hike. The new harness made it less complicated to guide him on trails, and the stitched-in name gave her peace of mind because Pickle’s name was constantly visible, even when other hikers stopped to greet him.
Built-in ID for Peace of Mind
Permanent visibility is a major feature of custom dog harnesses. Stitched names are permanent and can’t fall off, unlike tags. Identification stays clean and accessible while your dog is off-leash or on a dense trail. In an article for The New York Times, writer Lindsey Hunter Lopez said, ‘Harnesses are a must-have piece of equipment for dogs. They provide safety and comfort during walks and can be helpful for handling and travel [2].’
Designed for the Outdoors
These types of harnesses have become popular recently, and I see them more often when I am out walking. This is because, as well as offering protection for the wandering dog, these types of dog harnesses are made with long-lasting nylon or polyester webbing, regularly paired with breathable mesh or neoprene padding. These materials reduce chafing and keep your dog comfortable on longer treks.
It is vital to find the right fit for the harness; if it is too loose, your dog can slip out, and if it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable.
Visibility and Safety in All Conditions
Many outdoor harnesses feature reflective stitching or vibrant colours for expanded visibility in low lighting. This is critical for early morning or dusk walks, when other hikers, cyclists, or automobiles might not see your dog.
Conclusion
A dog harness with name tag is an easy but convenient tool for those who hike, travel, or walk a lot with their puppy. It provides enhanced control, sustained comfort, and reliable recognition at the same time. As K9 gear specialist Zach Neumann explains, ‘It’s suggested to size up if your dog is right on the cusp… You want to be able to fit those two fingers under the harness and have it be snug [3].’
Do you have a story to tell about how your harness helped you on the road?
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Author Bio
Carla Francis is a pet travel expert, author, and founder of Pet-Friendly Accommodation. With over a decade of experience exploring the country alongside her own pets, Carla combines firsthand travel knowledge with a passion for animal welfare. She is the author of Travelling with Pets (Woodslane Press, 7th edition) and regularly contributes to pet care publications.
Read next: https://www.pet-friendlyaccommodation.com.au/7-best-dog-walks-in-the-blue-mountains/