In our latest product review we put The Weekend Warrior Harness and Lead by Hurtta to the test.
As a self confessed dog-crazy lady, I obviously love all aspects of sharing my life with Poppy dog, but for me one of the highlights has to be our daily dog walks. It doesn’t matter what else is going on in the world, come rain or shine our daily walkies are the best excuse to get out and about, take in the fresh air and enjoy a bit of ‘us’ time.
Pops and I love our daily adventures – exploring woodlands, downland and fields, with the odd paddle in the river thrown in for good measure! Whilst Pops is no mud monster, I like her walking accessories to be practical, durable and weatherproof. So when we were asked to put the Hurtta Harness and Lead to the test, how could we refuse!
If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll know that I love taking photos of Pops posing in bandanas and bow ties [well in fairness, I just love taking photos of her – I’m that woman with a million dog pics on my phone!], but when it comes to tearing through meadows and racing through rivers, you need accessories that are hard-wearing and designed to last.
As luck would have it, Summer seemed to (finally) put in an appearance just in time to road test our new Hurtta Harness and Lead. So off we headed – armed with my camera, Poppy’s favourite ball and some tasty treats to put this product through its paces.
I have to be honest I’ve never tried walking Pops with a harness before, so this was a first for us both. Living in the country, we are very fortunate to have miles upon miles of open space to explore and Poppy spends her walks ambling and sniffing about to her hearts content off the lead.
The Weekend Warrior Harness
The Weekend Warrior Harness by Hurtta comes in a range of colours, but on this occasion I opted for the Currant – I always think purple tones compliment Poppy’s fur so well!
This product is designed for the intrepid explorer and constructed with both comfort and functionality in mind. With two side release buckles, it makes it incredibly easy to get on and off, without the need to lift your dogs front legs, and with adjustable straps you can tailor it to fit your dog perfectly.
The outer material is made from a soft polyester and finished with Hurtta’s protective Houndtex lamination. This helps to keep the product looking new for longer.
It is lined with a breathable mesh, which prevents chaffing and allows air to circulate.
I have to say I really liked the fit of the harness. It didn’t slip around at all as Poppy raced through the water after her ball! It also looks really attractive and with reflectors and reflective piping, makes this product incredibly safe when visibility is poor.
Due to the lightweight fabric, I also noticed that it didn’t become heavy after it had got wet in the river. Poppy’s no swimmer, but if your dog does like to swim, this feature is worth considering – you don’t want something that absorbs water and will weigh them down as they get tired.
On the back of the harness is a lead attachment and also a handle for extra control should you need it. [Perfect in fact for pulling your dog up a steep bank should they need assistance]. Hurtta really have considered everything in their design – I’m very impressed.
It is not machine washable, but the instructions say it can be hand washed.
Weekend Warrior Soft Grip leash by Hurtta
Being the fashion conscious diva she is, I of course opted for the matching lead to coordinate with Poppy’s harness. Like the harness, this weatherproof lead is designed to stand up to all weather conditions.
I have to admit Poppy has oodles of leads and collars, but this one is my favourite to date! It’s just so comfortable to hold in your hand as it has a soft neoprene grip handle. Poppy isn’t one for pulling [other than when she sees someone we know coming towards us!] but if you have a dog that pulls, this would be perfect as it doesn’t cut into your hand.
I also love the length of it. There’s nothing worse than a lead that it too long or too short. Even more handy, it is available in two sizes so you can choose according to your preference. Complete with rust free metal components it’s incredibly versatile and ideal for daily walks.
3M reflectors are sewn into the webbing along the length of the lead for added safety when walking at night.
So am I a harness convert?
Well I have to admit I think I might be! Pops doesn’t pull on the lead very often. However, on the odd occasion she does, I always worry about hurting her throat. With the Hurtta harness the weight is evenly distributed, so it doesn’t put strain on her neck.
The Advantage of a Harness
Collars can cause or exacerbate certain physical conditions including the following:
- Pressure on the eyes causing Intraocular eye problems
- Collapsed Trachea
- Aggravate sensitive throats (eg after kennel cough)
- A harness is better if your dog is recovering from surgery
- Thyroid Disorders
- Negative effects on lymph system, blood flows and neural pathways.
So wearing a harness seems to have benefits all round. I’m not sure if I’d make her wear it everyday, but it’s certainly handy when we visit busier places.
Thank you for taking the time to read our review. Please check out our other blogs if you have time.
Woofs and Wags
Kate and Pops
xox
Do you walk your dog on a lead or a harness? I would love to know – why not leave a comment below…..
Another reason for a harness: if your dog pulls out of a collar, they no longer have an I.D. or license to help unite dog & person.