Video Guide
A video demonstrating how to measure your dog and adjust the harness is available. You can view it by searching for 'Julius-K9 IDC®Powerharness video guide' online.
Taking the Measurements Correctly
Choosing the correct size ensures maximum freedom of movement and protects the dog's neck and shoulders. It is essential to take accurate measurements.
?? [Diagram: Dog being measured for chest circumference]
⚖️? [Diagram: Dog with a weight scale]
✋? [Diagram: Hand measuring girth behind front legs]
The girth of the dog should be measured behind the front legs. For sizes M/Size 0, L/Size 1, XL/Size 2, 2XL/Size 3, and 3XL/Size 4, measure approximately four fingers away from the front legs. For sizes 3XS/Baby1, 2XS/Baby2, XS/Mini-Mini, and S/Mini, measure two fingers away.
If any measurement fits the next size, choose the bigger one. Always measure your dog's weight too and take it into account when choosing the size.
| SIZE | CHEST CIRCUMFERENCE | WEIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 3XS / Baby1 | 29-36 cm / 11.5 - 14 in | 0.8 – 3 kg / 2 - 7 lbs |
| 2XS / Baby2 | 33-45 cm / 13 - 17.5 in | 2 - 5 kg / 5 - 11 lbs |
| XS / Mini-Mini | 40-53 cm / 15.5 - 20.5 in | 4 - 7 kg / 9 - 16 lbs |
| S / Mini | 49-67 cm / 20 - 26.5 in | 7 - 15 kg / 15 - 35 lbs |
| M / Size 0 | 58-76 cm / 23 - 30 in | 14 - 25 kg / 30 - 55 lbs |
| L / Size 1 | 63-85 cm / 26 - 33.5 in | 23 - 30 kg / 50 - 70 lbs |
| XL / Size 2 | 71-96 cm / 28 - 37.5 in | 28 - 40 kg / 65 - 95 lbs |
| 2XL / Size 3 | 82-115 cm / 32.5 – 45.5 in | 40 - 70 kg / 88 - 155 lbs |
| 3XL / Size 4 | 96-138 cm / 38 - 54.5 in | 70 - 90 kg / 155 - 198.5 lbs |
Putting on the Dog Harness
The hook and loop fastened, openable, and adjustable chest strap is a Julius-K9® invention. By threading it through the ring, the chest strap fastens to itself (not to the hook and loop fastener of the interchangeable patch). When used properly, the hook and loop chest strap closes on the side facing the dog's chest so it won't open while being worn.
[Diagram: Harness chest strap threading through a ring and fastening to itself]
If the harness is too tight on the dog's chest, even if the size choice is correct, or if the girth strap touches the dog's front legs, the chest strap should be loosened.
[Diagram: Harness strap adjusted tightly] ⬆️ Max.
[Diagram: Harness strap adjusted loosely] ⬇️ Min.
Harness Adjustment Details
In the case of the tightest setting, the two surfaces of the hook and loop fastener overlap completely to maximize adhesion. If you wish to loosen the strap, ensure the loop surface covers at least 50% of the hook surface for proper support (minimal adhesion).
When putting on the harness, pay special attention to the correct adjustment of the chest strap and the girth strap. The girth strap is adjusted correctly if you can slide your fingers under the harness on the back of the dog.
[Diagram: Hand checking space under the harness on the dog's back]
There should be room for four fingers behind the front legs for sizes M/Size 0, L/Size 1, XL/Size 2, 2XL/Size 3, and 3XL/Size 4. For sizes 3XS/Baby1, 2XS/Baby2, XS/Mini-Mini, and S/Mini, there should be room for two fingers.
[Diagram: Dog wearing correctly fitted harness] ✔️
Make sure you regularly check if the harness is correctly adjusted to your dog's size!
Green Zone Design Principle: Free Movement, Free Breathing
Unlike collars, the special angle of the chest strap allows the IDC®Powerharness to rest on the ideal zone of the chest. This completely frees your dog's neck for healthy, unrestricted breathing while ensuring free movement for the front legs.
[Diagram: Dog wearing harness, highlighting the 'Green Zone' on the chest for free breathing and movement. Includes indicators for fit and breathing zone, and a 'Green Zone Checked' badge with a checkmark.] ✔️
Choosing the Correct Harness Size is Essential for Safe and Comfortable Use
❌ [Diagram: Dog with harness too small, chest strap on neck]
❌ [Diagram: Dog with harness too big, front leg stepping over chest strap]
Please note: Choosing a wrong harness size, incorrect adjustment, or improper leash use may result in injury or the dog sliding out of the harness. If the harness is too small, the chest strap may squeeze the dog's neck and put pressure on it instead of distributing the force around the chest area. If the harness is too big or the straps are too loose, the dog may step over the chest strap with its front legs.
The right harness size should leave enough room in the shoulder area, and the dog should be able to move its legs freely.
Harness Usage and Safety
The IDC®Powerharnesses are designed for ease of use and simple application, commonly used during city walks or when working with service dogs. However, improper leash use, sizing, or harness adjustment can still allow some dogs to wriggle out.
The harness might be pulled off the dog if:
- The harness is adjusted too loosely.
- The dog starts moving backwards while trying to run away.
- The dog lags behind and is being pulled by the leash.
Dog harnesses are designed to guide the dog gently and neck-sparingly on the leash, to hold the dog, and to allow the owner to hold it back in an emergency. A dog harness is not a coercive tool.
How to Correctly Walk Your Dog on a Leash
When facing the dog, do not pull the leash towards you, and never pull the dog after you on a leash, as it will hurt them. Improper leash treatment can cause the dog to try to escape. The owner would be responsible if the dog pulls loose from the harness.
It is recommended to use the collar and dog harness together with a double carabiner leash while walking. This allows the dog to be led safely with one hand, and the collar does not overload the dog's neck if it needs to be held back suddenly. The Y-belt or pressure distribution pad, which can be retrofitted to the harness, also allows the harness to rest securely and comfortably.
When walking, the leash should always be loose, and only held tightly when there is a good reason, for example, if you need to stop the dog suddenly due to a traffic situation. If the dog is scared, panics, or is unwilling to move, under no circumstances should you try to go further and pull. If possible, keep the leash short and try to get hold of the harness handle by getting behind the dog.
Getting Dogs Used to Harnesses & Cleaning and Maintenance
Getting certain dogs used to a harness can be difficult in some rare cases. In such instances, seeking help from a professional dog handler who works with positive reinforcement is recommended.
Disclaimer: JULIUS-K9® takes no responsibility for damage arising from choosing a wrong harness size or adjusting the harness incorrectly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Due to the excellent quality of raw materials, our harnesses are rugged and durable. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to maintain their condition. The harness should only stay on the dog for the duration of the walk. Following each walk, store the harness in a well-ventilated area, out of your dog's reach.
?❌ [Do not machine wash]
♨️❌ [Do not iron]
?❌ [Do not tumble dry]
⬜❌ [Do not bleach]
?❌ [Do not dry clean]
Material Care and Damage Prevention
External physical influences may occur which might damage the raw material of the product. Choose the right product for the right conditions and avoid physical contact with dangerous, sharp tools and objects if possible.
Ensure your dog cannot chew on the harness. If the product or any of its parts are damaged, suspend its use immediately!
Should the harness need cleaning, please follow the information on the product label. Machine and chemical washing is prohibited. Hand wash at a maximum of 40°C. Wash separately. Do not tumble dry! Do not iron!
Rinse with fresh water after coming into contact with salt water.
Contact Information
Should you have any questions regarding the purchased product, you can contact Julius-K9 at the following e-mail address:
