Hurtta Venture No-Pull Harness

When hiking or snowshoeing with my dog, she tends to really pull on the long lead we use, causing grief to both of us as I have to correct her lunges and strong pulls. The use of a harness with a front leash attachment has improved her trail behavior, reduced her pulling, keeps her re-directed, and makes for a more enjoyable outing. We love our Hurtta products,and recently purchased the Venture No-Pull harness, a well-designed, easy to use, and effective harness offering both the front ring attachment and a top attachment option suitable for play time activities. We can recommend this harness, as yet another quality product from the Hurtta company.

The Hurtta Venture No-Pull harness is a great addition to our dog gear collection, and has really proven helpful in hiking and snowshoeing with our 50-lb. mutt Kanootti.

INTRODUCTION Kanootti is 50 pounds of muscle and speed, and loves to cover lots of ground when hiking or snowshoeing. Her romping and running on the trail can get challenging, as she is always on a long bungee lead attached to my pack belt. We tried many different approaches to reduce her trail pulling, but also want to avoid completely restricting her wanting to pull as she is also a kicksled and skijor dog (activities in which she is required to pull).

A harness with a front leash attachment has proven to be the answer. She can still wander and explore on her line, but the front attachment results in her naturally steering herself back on trail if she pulls too hard. It does not slow her up too much, and she still has freedom to move, jump, dig, and sniff.

We have the Coral color, in a size 60-80 cm/24-32 inch chest size, which fits her beautifully.

DESIGN AND SIZE ADJUSTMENTS: This really is an easy on/easy off harness! There are two strong plastic snap buckles to adjust the chest sizing, and adjustable sliders to adjust the neck size. These adjustments allow for and snug fit for different size and shape dogs. This adjustment system also allows for easy fitting over different thickness jackets. Just slip the harness over the dog's head, bring up the side straps, click the buckles, and you are all set.

The front leash attachment ring is strongly stitched and reinforced, as is the top attachment ring. There is a woven top loop as well, but if you have large hands or are wearing gloves, this can only be grabbed with a few fingers.

MATERIALS: Kanootti seems very comfortable in the harness, due to its good fit, design, and quality materials. The harness has durable and dirt-repellent 100% PES ( Polyvinyl coated polyester)surface fabric, available in four colors. The color choices are Bilberry (blue), Buckthorn (orange), Coral (pink) and Shadow (grey). The harness is padded with waterproof 2mm neoprene, and has a breathable mesh lining. There is a space for you to write identifying information inside the harness, though this white space is rather small.

The straps are a durable and heavy nylon with a tensile strength reported to be at least 6 times the weight of a dog fitting that particular harness, the metal rings are made of stainless steel, and the buckles are 100% POM easy snap buckles (Polyoxymethylene, a high strength engineering thermoplastic). There are multiple reflective points, which Hurrta categorizes as  "luminous intensity 400-450 cd/m²",  a high level of reflective light for a dog harness.

CARE AND CLEANING: Kanootti is an all-weather dog, and has no aversion to getting soaking wet and filthy. Thankfully, this harness is easy to care for!

CONCLUSION We have always been impressed with the quality and workmanship of Hurtta dog products, and this Venture No-Pull Harness is yet another fine example. Hurtta is a company based in Finland, but has developed an international reputation "based on innovative product development, high-quality products, and love for dogs". We purchased this harness from Chewy.com, but Hurtta products are available from the Hurtta website for your particular country, and from selective retailers. Hurtta also emphasizes sustainability and encourages the recycling or re-purposing of gear you may no longer use. The harness is designed in Finland and manufactured in China, to Hurtta's exacting specifications.

This harness is a great option for trail use, play time, or walks about town, especially if your pulling dog can benefit from a front leash attachment. It has been used daily for snowshoeing, hiking, and active play, and will also be worn by Kanootti when she is on a tie-out at a camping site. The versatility of the two different attachment point options makes it a great all-around harness for us to use. I can recommend this harness with no reservations.

Background

I have used harnesses on my dogs for over 40 years, on all sizes and shapes of dogs, and in quite a variety of different activities. I am out every day with my dog, taking part in whatever activity the season offers. Our varied dog sports and activities makes me familiar with all types of dog gear and equipment. Having used this harness daily for a number of months, in all conditions, makes me confident I can offer a fair review.