Our furry pals are an important part of our life, and we go above and beyond to make sure they have the things they need for a happy and healthy life. We work hard to research the best diets for our dogs, making sure they get all the nutrients and vitamins necessary. We may even create a homemade diet for our pooches! We provide dog beds, clothing for very cold days, and we often outfit them with collars that track their moves—for everything from safety to their activity for health purposes.
We also know that providing for exercise is an important factor in the health of our dogs. We research the best dog collars, dog harness, and basic or retractable dog leashes in order to have just the right fit for our dogs. However, there are many reasons that we may decide to create a DIY harness for our pups.
There are dozens of harnesses on the market, even the best no-pull harness, and most of them are well-made products that are safe for our pups. However, many pet parents are deciding to bypass the ready-made harness for one they make themselves.
Making your own dog harness is not that difficult, particularly if you’re “handy” or “crafty.” For the most part, simply having the right materials for making a DIY harness can not only save pet parents money, but it may be somewhat safer for your canine companion.
First, we’ll discuss why you should consider making a DIY harness for Fido. We’ll also discuss important considerations when making a harness for Fido.
Article Summary
Why You Should Consider Making Your Own Dog Harness
Various dog owners will have multiple reasons for making their own dog harnesses. These reasons usually include the following:
- A desire for a specific type of harness
- A desire for a particular color
- Making a DIY harness can save money
- Fido’s unusual build makes a conventional harness undesirable
- Fido has special needs that a homemade harness can provide
- Your dog needs a harness that works a specific way
- Some pet parents are crafty and enjoy DIY projects
The need for a specific harness.
Sometimes pet parents want a harness in a certain color. While ready-made harnesses do come in a wide variety of colors, that doesn’t mean you can find exactly the harness you need in the color you desire. So, making a DIY harness allows you to make the harness you need in the color you want.
You want to save money.
Typically, pet parents can save a little money by making a homemade harness. With inflation making the price of everything go up, you may be able to stretch your pet budget just a little further by making a homemade harness.
Fido has an unusual build.
You’ve looked everywhere for a harness that fits Fido’s odd build. You’ve even looked online and tried on a few harnesses at the pet store. However, nothing quite fits Fido’s extra-wide chest or his short body. Making a DIY harness can help provide your pup with a piece of equipment that fits and works properly.
Fido has special needs.
Remember, harnesses made commercially fit “standard” needs for dogs, not unique needs. Here’s where making a DIY harness can really help. Dogs with spine or hip issues may need a harness that has a handle. You won’t typically find that kind of harness made commercially in pet stores.
Some dogs need a harness that works a certain way.
Do you ever let your dog pull a wagon to carry the kids? Perhaps you have a dog that has issues with his back legs, and he uses a wheeled cart to get around. You’ll likely need to make a harness for these activities. Some pet parents will outfit a harness with LED lights for nighttime walks.
You love DIY and want to try your hand at it.
If you simply enjoy making your own stuff, what better opportunity to do something nice for Fido!
Considerations when making DIY dog harnesses
It’s important to keep a few things in mind when making a homemade harness for your dog. Most importantly, don’t skip steps and be sure you have just the right materials for the DIY harness, or it could snap and Fido will be able to run free if he chooses.
Things for consideration when making a homemade harness for Fido:
- Materials
- Comfort
- Getting the Right Measurements
- Consider your own Skill Level
- Testing the Harness
1. Be sure to use suitable materials.
You’ll need to choose materials for the DIY harness that will withstand Fido lunging or pulling. A good rule of thumb is to choose materials that will withstand a minimum of four times your dog’s weight. You’ll figure this out by taking your dog’s weight and multiplying it by four. So, if your dog weighs fifty pounds, then you’ll need materials that are rated strong enough to hold two hundred pounds.
Some pet parents look for materials with webbing as an additional safety measure.
2. Make sure the materials will be comfortable for your dog.
This is especially important in areas that are susceptible to chafing – dog’s chest, neck, and armpit areas. You may be able to find soft materials for those areas, or you may add padding instead. Fleece and faux fur are great materials for these areas if you wish to forgo padding, however.
3. Getting the correct measurements for Fido is of the utmost importance.
Before you purchase materials, be sure to know how to measure a dog for a harness. The guidelines included in this article will offer harness dimensions. As you measure, be sure to be meticulous about measuring Fido’s chest circumference as well as his neck. When measuring for length, measure from the front of his chest to the armpit region.
4. Choosing a design you are able to make.
If the design you choose requires you to sew, but you’re not too skilled in that area, then it’s best to skip that design. Beginning DIYers should stick to a more simple design. This doesn’t mean you can’t eventually learn how to make something more complicated, but you will be able to ensure Fido’s safety with the more elementary designs until you CAN learn how to make the more complicated harnesses.
5. Be sure to test it out, and do so in an enclosed space.
What could be worse than taking the homemade DIY harness out for a test run only to have Fido break away while you’re at the park, or worse—on the street where he could possibly run into traffic and get hurt? For this reason, you’ll need to test the harness indoors for the first run. It’s much better to find a weakness in the harness inside where Fido is safe if the harness does break. You can always repair it and try again!
Designs for a DIY Custom Dog Harness
1. DIY Harness Made from Webbing
If you want to make a harness made in a custom color, this simple design is a great way to try out your skills. It’s also typically cheaper than purchasing a commercially made harness.
Things You’ll Need:
- scissors
- measuring tape
- needle and thread or a sewing machine
- cigarette lighter
Materials:
- about eight feet of webbing material (should be between one-half and one inch thick in width)
- 2 metal D rings
- 2 metal O rings
- 2 metal tri-glide sliders
Instructions for creating this harness can be found here.
2. DIY Rope Harness
Things You’ll Need:
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Needle and thread
Materials:
- Soft cotton rope
Instructions for making this DIY dog harness can be found here.
3. DIY Paracord Dog Harness
Things You’ll Need:
- Scissors
- 2 paracord fids
Materials:
- Paracord
- Plastic clip
- Metal D ring
Instructions for making a DIY dog harness from paracord can be found here.
4. DIY LED Dog Harness for Visibility
This harness requires a bit of skill, so be sure to check out the instructions linked below.
Things You’ll Need:
- Soldering iron
- Wire strippers
- Cigarette lighter
- Box cutter or knife
- Multimeter
- Six alligator clips
Materials:
- flux-cored solder
- 3/16-inch heat-shrink tubing
- eight AA batteries
- waterproof LED strip light
- two six-volt AA battery holders
- gorilla glue
Find the instructions for making a visibility harness here.
5. DIY Dog Cart Pulling Harness or DIY Nylon Dog Harness
Things You’ll Need:
- scissors
- measuring tape
- sewing needle
Materials
- two yards of 1-inch nylon webbing
- four feet of one to one-half inch nylon webbing
- one yard of polyester fleece
- polyester thread, dental floss, or woven fishing line
- two one & one-half inch D-rings or two one & one-half inch flat-eye snaps
- two one inch slide release buckles
- two one inch nylon or steel tri-glide sliders
Instructions for making this type of harness can be found here.
6. Homemade Adventure Go-Pro Dog Harness
Some DIYers will purchase a commercial harness then add the mount.
Things You’ll Need:
- tin snips
- power drill
- pop rivet gun
- torch
- box cutter or Exacto knife
- ruler
- pencil
Materials:
- foam padding (should be firm and soft)
- fabric for upholstering the pad
- plastic sheeting
- nylon webbing and buckles
- rivets
- contact cement
- industrial strength velcro
- mounting piece for the Go Pro camera (should be already provided with the camera)
- dog harness
Instructions for making the harness can be found here.
FAQs
1. How do you make a homemade dog harness?
There are many ways to make a homemade dog harness! Be sure to purchase the correct materials and get proper measurements on your dog in order to ensure proper fit and that the harness doesn’t break.
2. How do you make a dog harness strap?
Making a harness strap is easy! In most cases, you can use your dog’s leash to make a strap.
3. What materials do I need to make a dog harness?
This depends on a number of things. You’ll want material that is soft and comfortable but that is strong enough not to break if your dog tends to pull or lunge while wearing a harness. You’ll also need to have metal “O” rings and “D” rings. In some cases, you’ll need a needle and thread to put everything together.
