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American Staffordshire Terriers, nicknamed the Amstaff or Pitbull, is a loving, loyal companion.
Not only are they known to be quite smart and easily trained, but they are also great with kids, which makes them a fantastic choice for any dog lover looking for a new best friend.
If you have an American Staffordshire Terrier, you know that these guys can be gentle giants.
Still, they are high energy dogs, and because of their body composition, they are really strong. As a generally cocky breed, the Amstaff tends to strut instead of walk, “throwing their weight around” by pulling their owners instead of walking beside them.
This is one of the many reasons why not only obedience training is necessary for Amstaffs and their paw-rents but also getting the best harness for Amstaff’s!
When choosing the proper training equipment, your first decision is whether you’ll use a collar or a harness for your Amstaff. You’re probably wondering which harness you should use or if you should even use a harness at all.
Table of Contents
Collar or Harness for American Staffordshire Terrier?
The debate on dog collars versus harnesses as the best training equipment comes with how they fit and work on a dog. Amstaffs are a naturally muscular dog, often looking like canine bodybuilders. Because they can be such heavy pullers, it’s recommended that you use a harness to protect your Amstaff from the throat damage of continually tugging on a collar.
When you try to stop a dog from tugging on the leash, all the force is directly applied to only the top half of your dog, more specifically around the neck. On the other hand, doing this with a dog wearing a harness provides you full-body control since the straps are across the chest and around the girth.
Harnesses are the most important and useful during obedience training, when your dog will need to learn boundaries, commands, etc. Harnesses allow you to have full control over your dog during this time when they’re liable to take off because they just don’t know better yet.
What Size Harness for American Staffordshire Terrier?
Just like fitting clothes, you need to make sure that you’re getting the right size harness. Imagine trying to run and jump in pants that were two sizes too tight? It would look awkward, wouldn’t it?
A harness that is too small can be uncomfortable. It can also interfere with running or jumping, and it can even rub against your Amstaff’s thin coat and irritate their sensitive skin. Alternatively, a harness that is too big will be easy for a crafty dog to escape from, which is every pet parent’s worst nightmare.
Properly fitting your dog will ensure that you have control and that your dog is comfortable. Every dog is different, but the average size of an American Staffordshire Terrier’s chest is approximately 26-30 inches. Make sure to measure your dog’s chest and around the belly to ensure that you get the right size.
Best American Staffordshire Terrier Harness:
When looking for the best American Staffordshire Terrier harness, you need to consider the other essential factors. We’ve just discussed fit, which is incredibly important. But just because a harness fits, that doesn’t exactly mean it’s comfortable.
Obviously, comfort matters, especially for dogs that pull. And being comfortable means having a harness that fits well enough to keep your dog close but doesn’t rub the thin coat and cause irritation to the sensitive skin the American Staffordshire Terrier is known for.
The other factor is why you’re using a harness in the first place. Especially during obedience training, you will need something strong enough to provide control over a strong, hyper dog. The best harness for Amstaff terriers should be strong and comfortable for your dog. It should suit all your purposes, whether it’s for a working dog, walking and training, or for traveling in the car.
Best No Pull Harness for Amstaff’s
There’s nothing like taking your dog for a walk in the park, but it can be a pain when your dog is walking you instead of you walking your dog. No-pull harnesses are designed to prevent your dog from pulling through the straps and leash attachment.
If you have a heavy-pulling Pitbull, you’ll need to consider something that won’t put so much force on your dog. It’ll also still provide the control you need to stop them from dragging you all over the place.
Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness
The Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is a heavy-duty dog harness is made for tough and active dogs like American Staffordshire Terriers. Because this is a harness for pullers, it’s fashioned with a padded chest strap for maximum comfort.
You have a range of color options to pick from, including American Flag pattern. This dog harness also features a reflective chest strap and removable patches on the sides. Blending style and strength, the Julius K9 Powerharness is genuinely made for the working dog; service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and your Amstaff!
Best Back Clip Harness for Amstaff’s
As the name suggests, back clip harnesses buckle up to the leash from the back so that you can make sure your Amstaff is beside you instead of dragging you behind her. These harnesses can be used for training, walking, and road trips because they provide security and support through buckling up on your dog’s back.
EZYDOG Quick Fit Dog Harness
The EZYDOG Quick Fit Harness is a back-clip harness that brings together comfort, control, and style. Made from high-quality nylon with padded neoprene, the Quick Fit can stand up to the strongest Amstaff while avoiding discomfort of any kind.
You can find a harness to match your pup’s style with 10 trendy colors and patterns to choose from. Even better, this harness is light and easy to put on for sneaky or wiggly dogs. Just put it on and buckle it up on the sides; that’s it!
Best Front Clip Harness for Amstaff’s
A front-clip harness is a safe and effective training harness for stubborn dogs recommended by many trainers. This type of harness attaches to the leash from the middle of your dog’s chest, with the leash off to the side. They are meant for keeping your dog at your side, which is the suggested way of waking your Amstaff, especially if she pulls.
Here’s a fun fact for you. You can usually find a harness on a sled team of huskies. This is why they are rendered highly effective and top-rated training equipment for any dog with strength.
Chai’s Choice 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness
The Chai Choice 3M Front Clip Harness is the top choice of front-clip harnesses. Its comfortable padded straps adjust for a proper fit and an anti-pull clip for the leash centered on your dog’s chest.
Made from durable materials and with 9 options of bright, stylish colors, you and your Amstaff are sure to be seen wherever you go! While it’s easy to put on, it will not be easy for your dog to wiggle out of, keeping them snug and safe.
Best Dual Clip Harness for Amstaff’s
If you’re looking for a harness that gives you all of the above features, a dual clip harness is an excellent choice for your Amstaff. As the name suggests, these harnesses provide you with security and versatility by giving you the benefits of having both the front and back clips to ensure that your Amstaff is always by your side.
Kurgo Journey Nylon Reflective Dual Clip Dog Harness
Kurgo is a brand that prioritizes your pet’s safety, which is why they test their products to the extreme. The Kurgo Journey Nylon Reflective Dual Clip Dog Harness is the top choice for dual clip harnesses, regardless of the breed.
This harness is composed of the same materials as rock climbers, ensuring maximum durability and security for your Amstaff. There’s even a quick-grip handle, in case you need to hold your dog back for any reason.
Best Car Safety Harness for Amstaff’s
Car harnesses usually feature everything that other harnesses do. The only difference is that they are specifically engineered to secure your dog to the seat belt to keep them safe from the impact of a car accident. If you have a dog that doesn’t like car rides or just can’t sit still while you’re driving, you need to consider a car harness.
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness is the best for pups on the go. With seatbelt attachment and multiple adjustment points, it keeps your dog safe wherever you are!
As mentioned, Kurgo tests their products for safety, which is why the Tru-Fit was engineered for optimal strength and crash tested to make sure your best friend always stays safe For Pups on the go!
Conclusion
The trusty American Staffordshire Terrier is smart and trainable, but this doesn’t stop them from pulling. A harness is recommended for Amstaff walking and training because it offers total-body control, as opposed to dog collars that only provide control around the neck.
When you measure your Amstaff, you will be able to find a harness that properly fits, prevents escaping or breaking out of the harness, and, most importantly, stops your pup from dragging you around the neighborhood.
Let’s take a look at the harnesses you could get for your Amstaff:
- No-Pull Harnesses are specifically designed to resist a stubborn, strong puller, like the American Staffordshire Terrier. These harnesses are rated as the best harness for Amstaff training
- Back Clip Harnesses also provide support and control, but with the leash attached to the back. This stops your dog from pulling, bolting, and jumping up. The EZYDOG Quick Fit Dog Harness is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a back-clip harness
- Front Clip Harnesses come recommended for training because the leash attaches to the front, stopping them from pulling and keeping your dog by your side at all times. For the best front clip harness, look at the Chai Choice 3M Front Clip Harness
- Dual Clip Harnesses are versatile, offering the features and benefits that both the front and back clip harnesses have. You can find the best of all of these features in the Kurgo Journey Nylon Reflective Dual Clip Dog Harness
- Car Harnesses take regular harnesses to another level by giving you everything that a standard harness has, plus attaching to the seatbelt to keep your dog safe and sound in the car and, most importantly, during an accident
Finding a harness suited for working, walking, and training your Amstaff comes down to fit and purpose. At the end of the day, the best American Staffordshire Terrier harness is one that keeps your dog safe, secure, and comfortable, whether it’s for training, walking through the park, or going for a car ride. Which harness will you get for your sidekick?
About the Author
Hey there! I'm Jeremy and I’m the brains behind Pet Care Project, a website chock-full of pet-care know-how. I've got the experience and knowledge to help you keep your furry friends happy and healthy. And let's not forget about my own little fluffball, Lunar, my Ragdoll cat who keeps me on my toes.
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