A muzzle harness and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a muzzle harness for walking a dog and to a method of use thereof. In one form, the muzzle harness includes: a collar attachment member attachable to a dog collar; and a muzzle piece member fittable about a muzzle of a dog, said muzzle piece member adjustably mountable to the collar attachment member and connectable to a leash so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

Description

A MUZZLE HARNESS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a muzzle harness for walking a dog and to a method of use thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] Dog owners and handlers have used a variety of devices to control dogs, particularly from excessively pulling when being walked. T raditional neck collars do little to inhibit most dogs from excessive pulling. Choke collars provide better control but are considered inhumane and / or potentially harmful to dogs. Recently, muzzle-style head halters have become increasingly popular as they provide a more humane alternative by gently tugging a dog’s head to one side, when excessively pulling.

[0003] However, a problem in general with muzzle-style head halters is that they can be complicated in their construction and confusing to fit to a dog. Typically, such muzzle-style halters include a series of interconnected loops or straps configured to fit over and about a dog’s head and muzzle and be connectable to a leash. In practice, the untangling of the respective loops or straps and correct fitting about the respective parts of the dog can be tedious, particularly when a boisterous dog will not stay still.

[0004] Another problem in general with such muzzle-style head halters is that they usually require the dog to wear its ordinary collar in addition to the muzzle-style head halter. Indeed, typically the muzzle-style head halter is connected to the dog’s ordinary collar by a safety clasp or the like in the event the dog slips the halter of its muzzle. Nevertheless, the wearing of the muzzle-style head halter together with the ordinary collar results in a dual-collar situation, which can cause discomfort to a dog and detract from a training exercise. In some instances, such a dual collar situation may lead to the dog attempting to scratch or remove the head halter making it challenging for the owner or handler to control the dog.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a muzzle harness and method of use, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentionedabove or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a muzzle harness for walking dogs, said harness including: a collar attachment member attachable to a dog collar; a muzzle piece member fittable about a muzzle of a dog, said muzzle piece member adjustably mountable to the collar attachment member and connectable to a leash so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

[0008] Advantageously, the present invention provides a muzzle harness and method of use thereof for controlling dogs, especially those prone to excessively pulling when being walked. The muzzle harness does not include a collar and therefore obviates a dual-collar situation as found with existing muzzle-style head-halters. In contrast, the muzzle harness of the present invention enables smooth and effortless attachment to an existing collar worn by the dog thereby providing both a comfortable fit and effective control of pulling behaviour. Additionally, the muzzle harness can be customised to fit dogs of different sizes and breeds, accommodating various muzzle shapes and widths. The muzzle harness can be easily connected to a leash enabling the dog owner or handler to maintain control during walks or outdoor activities. When tension is applied to the leash, the harness applies pressure to the dog's muzzle, gently discouraging any excessive pulling behaviour. Overall, the harness will not cause harm or distress to the dog, ensuring a positive experience for both the dog and its owner.

[0009] The muzzle harness may be formed from any suitable material or materials. Generally, the harness may be formed from leather or a fabric material or materials, typically a densely woven fabric material or materials.

[0010] The muzzle harness may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more muzzle harness pieces connected together, preferably the latter.

[0011] As indicated, the muzzle harness may include a collar attachment member attachable to a dog collar, preferably under a muzzle of the dog.

[0012] The collar attachment member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to be attachable to the dog collar and have the muzzle piece member mountable thereto.

[0013] In some embodiments, the collar attachment member may include a body. The body may be of any suitable construction.

[0014] In some such embodiments, the body may be a rectangular prism. In other such embodiments, the body may be formed from two or more overlapping straps fastened together.

[0015] The body may preferably be elongate having a pair of opposed ends and extending longitudinally therebetween.

[0016] The body may have an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, the pair of opposed ends and a pair of opposed sides extending longitudinally between the opposed ends.

[0017] The opposed ends may include a collar attachment end and a muzzle piece member mounting end. In use, the body may extend longitudinally underneath the muzzle of the dog towards the chin of the dog.

[0018] In some embodiments, collar attachment member may include at least one fastener for fastening the member to a part or portion of the dog collar.

[0019] The at least one fastener may be of any suitable size, shape and form and may fasten the member to the part or portion of the dog collar in any suitable way.

[0020] For example, in some embodiments, the at least one fastener may include at least one tether loop, strap or belt configured to wrap about or hook over the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0021] In other embodiments, the at least one fastener may include a clamp extending from the body of the member and configured to clamp the member to the part or portion of the dog collar. The clamp may be of any suitable type known in the art. For example, the clamp may include a pair of opposed clamping members biased together and configured to be fitted about the part or portion of the dog collar to clamp the member to the part or portion.

[0022] In other embodiments, the member may include a collar attachment mechanism for attaching the member to the part or portion of the dog collar. The collar attachment mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with the body of the member.

[0023] The collar attachment mechanism may include a first part associated with the collar attachment end of the member and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0024] The mechanism may include mateable male and female formations that fasten or connect together, such as, e.g., by a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) type connection, a friction fit-type connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0025] In some such embodiments, a first part of the collar attachment mechanism associated with the collar attachment end of the member may include a male formationconfigured to be inserted into, or coupled with, a female formation of the second part of the collar attachment mechanism associated with the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0026] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the collar attachment mechanism may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive, or be coupled with, a male formation of the second part of the collar attachment mechanism.

[0027] In some embodiments, the collar attachment member may include a strap extending from the collar attachment end of the body of the member, or one side of the body of the member at or near the collar attachment end, and configured to be hooked or wrapped about the part or portion of the dog collar. The end of the strap may be secured to the part or portion of the dog collar or the member.

[0028] In other embodiments, the collar attachment member may include a pair of straps respectively extending from the collar attachment end of the body of the member, or opposing sides of the body of the member at or near the collar attachment end, and configured to be hooked or wrapped about the part of portion of the dog collar. The ends of the straps may be secured to the part or portion of the dog collar, the member or the opposing strap.

[0029] In some such embodiments, the ends of the strap or straps may be secured to a mechanical fastener associated with the body or the other strap, such as, e.g., one or more threaded or rivet fasteners.

[0030] In other such embodiments, one of the ends of straps may have a fastener, such as, e.g., a clip or hook, operatively associated therewith and the fastener may clip or hook to one or more openings defined in the other strap to form a loop for attachment to the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0031] The strap or straps may be of any suitable length, preferably adjustable length.

[0032] The strap or straps may include a clasp or buckle for disconnecting and reconnecting the strap or straps to unform and reform a loop for extending about the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0033] The strap or straps may include a strap adjuster for adjusting a length of the strap or straps.

[0034] In some embodiments, the collar attachment member may include a strap and a strap adjuster for adjusting a length of the strap. The strap may have a first end operatively associated with the strap adjuster and secured to the body of the member and an opposedsecond end extending longitudinally away from the first end for hooking or looping about the part or portion of the dog collar. The strap adjuster may threadingly receive the second end of the strap and adjust the length of the strap to shorten or lengthen the strap extending from the body of the member about the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0035] Any suitable type of strap adjuster may be used.

[0036] For example, the strap adjuster may be a buckle, a pair of rings, a tri-glide slide, a webbing slide, a ladderlock buckle, a ratchet buckle or a cam-buckle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the collar attachment member may include a clip extending from the collar attachment end of the member for clipping to a metal or plastic ring commonly found on dog collars. The clip may be a bolt snap clip, a trigger snap clip or a carabiner clip.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the collar attachment member may include a looped-strap protruding from the collar attachment end of the member and configured to have the dog collar threaded therethrough and be positioned under a muzzle of the dog (extending towards the chin of the dog).

[0039] Preferably, the looped strap may correspond to the two or more overlapping straps fastened together and forming the body of the member.

[0040] In some such embodiments, the looped strap may be elastic and therefore stretchable about a dog collar threaded therethrough before being released to contract or constrict about the part or portion of the dog collar.

[0041] The looped strap of the collar attachment member may be of any suitable size and shape to accommodate dog collars of various widths therethrough. For example, the looped strap may be sized to received therethrough dog collars of about 10mm, about 15mm, about 20mm, about 25mm, about 30mm, about 35mm, about 40mm, about 45mm, about 50mm, about 55mm, about 60mmm, about 65mm, about 70mm, about 75mm, about 80mm, about 85mm, about 90mm, about 95mm, or even about 100mm in width.

[0042] Generally, the muzzle harness may be provided in differing sizes designed to accommodate dog collars of different widths. For example, it is envisaged that the muzzle harness may be provided in three different sizes designed to respectively accommodate dog collars having widths of about 25mm, about 38mm and about 50mm.

[0043] As indicated, the muzzle harness further includes a muzzle piece member fittable about a muzzle of a dog and adjustably mountable to the collar attachment member andconnectable to a leash so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

[0044] The muzzle piece member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0045] For example, in some embodiments the muzzle piece member may include a strap or cord configured to be fitted over a muzzle of a dog and be threadingly received through at least one anchor operatively associated with the muzzle piece member mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for connection to a leash.

[0046] In such embodiments, the at least one anchor may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. The at least one anchor may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more anchor pieces, preferably the former.

[0047] The at least one anchor may be formed from metal, plastic or fabric material or materials, or any combination thereof, preferably metal material.

[0048] The at least one anchor may be substantially flat or planar and may have a rounded or polygonal shape. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one anchor may have a circular, semi-circular or oval shape. In other embodiments, the at least one anchor may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon.

[0049] The anchor may include a pair of opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and at least one sidewall extending therebetween and defining a shape of the anchor.

[0050] The anchor may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls. Likewise, the anchor may include rounded edges extending between each surface and an adjacent sidewall.

[0051] The anchor may include one or more openings extending through the opposed surfaces through which the straps or cords extend.

[0052] For example, in some embodiments, the at least one anchor may include two or more openings each for having one or more straps or cords extending therethrough. In such embodiments, the openings may preferably be arranged in a spaced arrangement at or near an outer perimeter of the anchor.

[0053] In other embodiments, the anchor may include a single opening extending through a central portion of both surfaces of the anchor.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the anchor may be in the form of a ring, preferably a metal ring, such as, e.g., an O-ring or a D-ring.

[0055] In some embodiments, the at least one anchor may include a pair of metal rings fastened to either side of the body of the collar attachment member at or near the muzzle piece member mounting end. Each ring may be configured to receive a portion, or an end, of the strap or cord of the muzzle pieces member therethrough.

[0056] In preferred embodiments, the at least one anchor may include a single metal D-ring fastened to the muzzle piece member mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member. The D-ring may be configured to receive the strap or cord of the muzzle piece member therethrough, or a segment thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments, the muzzle pieces member may include a combination of straps and cords.

[0058] For example, in some such embodiments, the muzzle piece member may include a muzzle strap configured to sit atop the muzzle of the dog; and at least one line configured to extend from the body of the collar attachment member, couple to the ends of the muzzle strap and extend through the at least one anchor operatively associated with the muzzle piece member mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for connection to a leash so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

[0059] The muzzle piece member may include a pair of opposed ends and an elongate body extending therebetween.

[0060] In some embodiments, the opposed ends may include looped opposed ends for coupling to the at least one cord.

[0061] In other embodiments, each of the opposed ends may include an anchor as previously described.

[0062] The muzzle strap may be formed from leather or a densely woven fabric.

[0063] In some embodiments, the muzzle strap may be formed from a nylon densely woven fabric. The strap may include a velvet liner for providing a comfortable fit across the muzzle of the dog.

[0064] In other embodiments, the muzzle strap may be formed from a strap of velvet so as to provide a comfortable fit across the muzzle of the dog.

[0065] The at least one line may preferably extend from each side of the body of the collar attachment member through the respective looped opposed ends, or anchors operatively associated with each end of the muzzle piece member before extending through the at least one anchor associated with the muzzle piece member mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for connection to a leash.

[0066] In some embodiments, the at least one line may include a chain.

[0067] In preferred embodiments, the at least one line may include a cord, preferably a mildew-resistant cord rated to 250kg.

[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one line may include two lines extending from each side of the body of the collar attachment member, typically tethered to an anchor as previously described operatively associated with each side of the body of the collar attachment member.

[0069] In other embodiments, the two opposed ends of the line may be fastened between the overlapping straps fastened together and forming the body of the collar attachment member.

[0070] As indicated, the muzzle piece member may be adjustably mounted to the collar attachment member so as to apply pressure to the muzzle of the dog when tension is applied to the leash connected to the muzzle piece member.

[0071] For example, in use, when tension is applied to the leash, the leash may pull upon the muzzle piece member, either directly or indirectly via the at least one line, so as to cause the muzzle piece member to apply pressure to the muzzle of the dog. With a modest amount of tension exerted through the leash, the dog's head may be directed away from an enticing stimulus, facilitating straightforward redirection by the handler. This configuration proves especially effective in managing powerful dogs that might challenge the handler's control, particularly in moments of heightened excitement and pulling.

[0072] Conversely, when tension is no longer applied to the leash, the dog is able to freely move its head. In such scenarios, the cessation of pressure may be a rewarding incentive for a dog.

[0073] As indicated, the muzzle piece member may be connectable to a leash. The muzzle piece member may be connectable in any suitable way, preferably releasably.

[0074] For example, in some embodiments, the clip associated with the end of the leash may simply be clipped onto the looped line, straps or cords of the muzzle piece member.

[0075] In other embodiments, the leash and the looped line, straps or cords of the muzzle piece member may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or parts thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with each of the leash and the looped line, straps or cords of the muzzle piece member.

[0076] In some such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the looped line, straps or cords of the muzzle piece member and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the leash.

[0077] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female formations that couple together, such as, e.g., by a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) connection, a bayonet-type connection, a friction-fit connection or a hook-and-loop type connection.

[0078] In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the looped line, straps or cords of the muzzle piece member may include a male formation configured to be at least partially inserted into, or coupled with, a female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the leash.

[0079] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism may include a female formation configured to at last partially receive, or be coupled with, a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism.

[0080] In other embodiments, the looped line, straps or cords of the muzzle piece member may include an anchor as previously described and configured to connect to the clip of a leash. Preferably, in such embodiments, the anchor may include a metal O-ring configured to be clipped to the bolt snap clip, trigger snap clip or carabiner clip of a leash.

[0081] In some embodiments, the muzzle harness may further include a line fastener (also known as a cord lock, cord fastener, plastic stopper, spring clasp or cord toggle) for fastening to the line immediately outside the at least one anchor associated with the muzzle piece member mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for tightening a fit of the muzzle harness about the muzzle of the dog.

[0082] The line fastener may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to receive the line therethrough and maintain a segment of the line or lines extending from the muzzle strap to the at least one anchor under tension and therefore maintaining the muzzle harness about the muzzle of the dog.

[0083] The line fastener may include a body having at least one through hole extending therethrough for receiving segments of line therethrough and at least one spring-loaded plunger extending perpendicularly relative to the through hole and biased to clamp the segments of line extending therethrough against an inner sidewall of the through hole.

[0084] In use, and when fitting the muzzle harness about the muzzle of the dog, the muzzle strap may be fitted atop the muzzle of the dog, the segments of line extending from the muzzle strap may be pulled taut relative to the at least one anchor of the collar attachment member and the line fastener may be slid along the line segments until immediately adjacent the at least one anchor so as to tighten the muzzle piece member about the muzzle of the dog.

[0085] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fitting a muzzle harness according to the first aspect to a dog, said method including: attaching the collar attachment member to a collar of the dog; fitting the muzzle piece member about a muzzle of the dog; and connecting the muzzle piece member to a leash.

[0086] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the muzzle harness as hereinbefore described.

[0087] In some embodiments, the attaching may include clipping, mounting or fastening the collar attachment member to a part or portion of the dog collar.

[0088] In other embodiments, the attaching may include threading the collar of the dog through a looped-strap protruding from a collar attachment end of the collar attachment member.

[0089] The attaching may preferably include attaching the collar attachment member so that it may extend longitudinally under a muzzle of the dog towards the chin of the dog.

[0090] The fitting may include sliding the muzzle strap of the muzzle piece member over the muzzle of the dog and tightening the muzzle piece member relative to the collar attachment member about the muzzle of the dog.

[0091] Specifically, the fitting may include positioning a muzzle strap of the muzzle piece member atop a muzzle of the dog, pulling the line segments extending from the muzzle strap taut relative to the at least one anchor of the collar attachment member and sliding the line fastener along the line segments until immediately adjacent the at least one anchor so as to tighten the muzzle piece member about the muzzle of the dog.

[0092] The connecting may include clipping the clip associated with the leash to the anchorof the muzzle piece member, preferably releasably.

[0093] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0094] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0095] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0096] Figure 1 is a view of a muzzle harness according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0097] Figure 2 is a view of the muzzle harness as shown in Figure 1 fitted to a dog collar.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] Figures 1 and 2 show a muzzle harness (100) for walking dogs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The muzzle harness (100) includes a collar attachment member (120) attachable to a dog collar (200, shown in Figure 2 only).

[0100] Referring to Figure 1 , the collar attachment member (120) further includes a body(130) having a pair of opposed ends and a pair of opposed sides (133, 134) extending longitudinally between the opposed ends. The opposed ends include a collar attachment end(131 ) and a muzzle piece member mounting end (132).

[0101] As shown in Figure 1 , the body (130) is formed from two or more overlapping straps fastened together.

[0102] The collar attachment member (120) includes a looped-strap (140) protruding from the collar attachment end (131 ) of the member (120) and configured to have the dog collar (200, shown in Figure 2 only) threaded therethrough and be positioned longitudinally under a muzzleof a dog.

[0103] As shown, the looped strap (140) corresponds to the two or more overlapping straps fastened together and forming the body (130) of the member (120). The looped strap (140) is provided in differing sizes designed to accommodate dog collars having widths of about 25mm, about 38mm and about 50mm.

[0104] Referring to both Figures 1 and 2, the muzzle harness (100) further includes a muzzle piece member (150) fittable about a muzzle of a dog. The muzzle piece member (150) is adjustably mountable to the collar attachment member (120) and connectable to a leash (not shown) so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

[0105] As shown, the muzzle piece member (150) includes a muzzle strap (155) configured to sit atop the muzzle of a dog and a pair of cords (151 ; i.e., at least one line) extending from each side (133, 134) the body (130) of the collar attachment member (120), coupled to respective ends of the muzzle strap (155) and extending through an anchor (139) operatively associated with the muzzle piece member mounting end (132) of the body (130) of the collar attachment member (120) for connection to a leash so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

[0106] The anchor (139) is in the form of a D-ring protruding from the muzzle piece mounting end (132) of the body (130) of the collar attachment member (120).

[0107] As shown, the muzzle strap (155) includes a pair of opposed ends (162) and an elongate body (157) extending therebetween. Each of the opposed ends (162) is looped for coupling to a respective segment of the pair of cords (151 ).

[0108] In general, the muzzle strap (155) is formed from leather or a densely woven fabric with a velvet liner for providing a comfortable fit.

[0109] As indicated, the muzzle piece member (150) is adjustably mounted to the collar attachment member (120) so as to apply pressure to the muzzle of a dog when tension is applied to the leash connected to the muzzle piece member (150).

[0110] For example, in use, when tension is applied to the leash, the leash pulls upon the muzzle piece member (150) indirectly via the pair of cords (151 ), so as to cause the muzzle piece member (150) to apply pressure to the muzzle of a dog. With a modest amount of tension exerted through the leash, the dog's head may be directed away from an enticing stimulus, facilitating straightforward redirection by the handler. This configuration proves especially effective in managing powerful dogs that might challenge the handler's control, particularly inmoments of heightened excitement and pulling.[0011 1] When tension is no longer applied to the leash, the dog is able to freely move its head. In such scenarios, the cessation of pressure may be a rewarding incentive for a dog.

[0112] The muzzle piece member (150) is releasably connected to a leash via the pair of cords (151 ).

[0113] As shown, the leash and the cords (151 ) of the muzzle piece member (150) are connected together by a metal O-ring (171 ) configured to be clipped to the leash by the bolt snap clip, trigger snap clip or carabiner clip associated with the leash.

[0114] The muzzle harness (100) further includes a line toggle (180; i.e., line fastener) for fastening to the pair of cords (151 ) immediately outside the anchor (139) associated with the muzzle piece member mounting end (132) of the body (130) of the collar attachment member (120) for tightening a fit of the muzzle harness (100) about the muzzle of a dog.

[0115] The line toggle (180) is configured to receive the pair of cords (151 ) therethrough and maintain a segment of the cords (151 ) extending from the muzzle strap (155) to the anchor (139) under tension and therefore maintain the muzzle harness (100) about the muzzle of a dog.

[0116] Referring to Figure 1 , the line toggle (180) includes a body (185) having a through hole (181 ) for receiving the segments of cord (151 ) therethrough and a spring-loaded plunger (not shown) extending perpendicularly relative to the through hole (181 ) and biased to clamp the segments of cord (151 ) extending therethrough against an inner sidewall of the through hole (181 ).

[0117] In use, and when fitting the muzzle harness (100) about the muzzle of the dog, the muzzle strap (155) is fitted atop the muzzle of the dog, the segments of cord (151 ) extending from the muzzle strap (155) are pulled taut relative to the anchor (139) of the collar attachment member (120) and the line toggle (180) is slid along the segments of cord (151 ) until immediately adjacent the anchor (139) so as to tighten the muzzle piece member (150) about the muzzle of the dog.

[0118] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0119] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0120] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A muzzle harness for walking dogs, said harness including: a collar attachment member attachable to a dog collar; a muzzle piece member fittable about a muzzle of a dog, said muzzle piece member adjustably mountable to the collar attachment member and connectable to a leash so as to apply pressure to the muzzle when tension is applied to the leash.

2. The harness of claim 1 , wherein the collar attachment member includes a body having a pair of opposed ends and a pair of opposed sides extending longitudinally between the opposed ends, said opposed ends including a collar attachment end and a muzzle piece member mounting end.

3. The harness of claim 2, wherein the body extends longitudinally underneath the muzzle of the dog towards a chin of the dog.

4. The harness of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the collar attachment member further includes a clamp extending from the body at the collar attachment end for clamping about a part or portion of the dog collar.

5. The harness of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the collar attachment member further includes at least one strap extending from the body at or near the collar attachment end for hooking or wrapping about a part or portion of the dog collar.

6. The harness of claim 5, wherein an end of the at least one strap is secured to mechanical fastener associated with the body or the strap.

7. The harness of claim 5, wherein one end of the at least one strap is secured to an adjacent end of a like strap with a fastener operatively associated therewith.

8. The harness of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the collar attachment member further includes a clip extending from the collar attachment end of the body of the member for clipping to a part or portion of the dog collar.

9. The harness of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the collar attachment further includes a looped strap protruding from the collar attachment end of the body configured to have the dog collar threaded therethrough and be positioned under the muzzle of the dog.

10. The harness of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the muzzle piece member includes a strap or cord configured to be fitted over the muzzle of the dog and be threadingly receivedthrough at least one anchor operatively associated with the muzzle piece mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for connection to the leash.11 . The harness of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the muzzle piece member includes a muzzle strap configured to sit atop the muzzle of the dog; and at least one line extending from the body the of the collar attachment portion, coupled to the ends of the muzzle strap and extending through the at least one anchor operatively associated with the muzzle piece mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for connection to the leash.

12. The harness of claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein the at least one anchor includes two metal D-rings protruding from each side of the body of the collar attachment member at or near the muzzle piece mounting end.

13. The harness of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the at least one anchor includes a single D-ring protruding from the muzzle piece mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member.

14. The harness of any one of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the at least one line extends from each side of the body of the collar attachment portion, through looped opposed ends of the muzzle strap and through the at least one anchor operatively associated with the muzzle piece mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for connection to the leash.

15. The harness of any one of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the at least one line includes a cord.

16. The harness of any one of claim 1 to 15, wherein the muzzle piece member includes a clip for connecting the muzzle piece member to the leash.

17. The harness of any one of claim 1 1 to 15, wherein the at least one line of the muzzle piece member includes an O-ring configured to be clipped to the leash.

18. The harness of any one of claims 1 to 17, further including a line fastener for fastening the muzzle piece member taut about the muzzle of the dog.]19. The harness of claim 18 when dependent on any one of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the line fastener is configured to be fastened to the at least one line immediately outside the at least one anchor operatively associated with the with the muzzle piece mounting end of the body of the collar attachment member for maintaining a segment of the at least one line extending from the muzzle strap under tension about the muzzle of the dog.

20. A method of fitting a muzzle harness of any one of claims 1 to 19 to a dog, said methodincluding: attaching the collar attachment member to a collar of the dog; fitting the muzzle piece member about a muzzle of the dog; and connecting the muzzle piece member to a leash.

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