[Newport]

I would like to get a new nosework harness for Violet that has a handle on the back. When her hair is short it doesn't much matter which one I choose, but my current long hair/matting problem after a few days of a surgical suit has me considering coat matting when looking at nosework harnesses.

These are the two that I'm mainly interested in: BrilliantK9 and Comfortflex. I'll try placing links here:

BrilliantK9 Ergonomic Dog Harness Lucy Petite

The Lucy Petite is an extra-small dog harness that's designed specifically to keep your 8-15lb dog stylish, comfortable, and safe. The soft reflective chest strap sits in the middle of the dog's chest, providing support while allowing the dog freedom to move comfortably. The girth is made from...

brilliantk9.com

ComfortFlex Sport Harness — ComfortFlex

The ComfortFlex® Sport Harness offers you and your dog only the highest standards of safety, simplicity and security. Unlike many harnesses, the ComfortFlex® Sport Harness is designed to protect sensitive areas, like your dogs throat and underarm, during any level of exerc

www.comfortflexharness.com

She has been wearing a basic y harness, but it doesn't have a handle. I need something easy to grab on to.

Thanks for any advice you can share.

 

[scooterscout99]

Those are the two brands that were recommended by my NW instructor. I tried her ComfortFlex on my dog, and it seemed fine. I think that I also searched this forum and found another poodle owner who used the CF. The CF harness has a handle with a ring on the top; I often hold my dog by the harness ring when approaching the start line. It's running a little tight now because my dog's hair is too long, however it is adjustable (we have M/L). The harness hasn't caused any knots in the coat, but my dog is 5 years old (well past coat change), and doesn't wear the harness for very long (only while searching).

I tried a Freedom harness many years ago for 'nice walks.' It rubbed the hair on my dogs side enough to result in a bare spot. That may have been a function of his age/coat at the time. I have another harness for tracking, a nylon tracking harness from J&J (XL).

 

[Skylar]

My dog hates wearing a harness for nose work, she just hates harnesses in general. Although she’s happy in her sleepypod travel harness which I leave on her when we go shopping or to the park.

I have the Brilliant K9. She wore it for agility class for awhile including when I had her in a modified continental and I didn’t notice any mats developing. She only wore it once a week for class.

If you do buy the Brilliant K9, do not buy the quick release buckle. Babykins learned how to release it herself, took her seconds to release. She did it the first time I put the harness on her. She left it on in class, but she sure was quick to help me remove it after class.

I will look at the other suggestions because Babykins is the kind of dog that races from the starting gate to the first hidden scent and I don’t like pulling on her collar.

 

[Newport]

@scooterscout99 Wow, thanks for the bonus photos of your beautiful poodle working in harness! It sounds like I’m looking at a couple of good products, and it comes down to personal preference.

@Skylar Thank you for your feedback on the Brilliant K9. Sounds like the quick release is too easy for a smart poodle. I appreciate the information on how it worked when Babykins was in a mod conti.

I noticed that the ComfortFlex has an extra sizing adjustment on their small dog harness chest strap, so this is tipping me toward the ComfortFlex.

I appreciate the advice, thanks again!