If you've ever bought a harness off the shelf, taken it home, and realised it doesn't quite fit your dog, you're not alone. The truth is most dog harnesses on the high street aren't designed with proper fit in mind, and a badly fitting one can cause real long-term issues with how a dog moves. That's where Eat Play Love comes in.

The harness fitting that most Bristol owners have never had

Eat Play Love is one of the only pet shops in Bristol offering proper, expert custom harness fittings, available both in-person at the shop and virtually. They're the exclusive Bristol-area stockists of Haqihana and TTouch, two of the most respected harness brands in positive dog training.

Here's why this matters. Just like in humans, a dog's neck is a very sensitive area. Pressure on the neck can damage the neck, trachea, larynx, and thyroid, which is why Eat Play Love strongly recommend walking your dog by clipping the lead to a harness rather than a collar.

But not all harnesses are equal. A proper fitting takes time, checking range of motion, fastenings, sizing, and the dog's response. It's a million miles from grabbing a Medium off the shelf and hoping for the best, and it's the kind of service that can genuinely transform how a dog moves and behaves on walks.

The pet shop that says no

What makes Eat Play Love stand out beyond the fittings is what they refuse to stock. In a market full of pet shops happy to sell whatever sells, Eat Play Love takes a clear, evidence-based stance on what should and shouldn't be on the shelves.

They won't stock "no-pull" style harnesses, which they explain work by causing the dog discomfort, pain, or restricting movement. They won't stock harnesses with a horizontal chest strap, which restrict shoulder movement and disrupt a dog's natural gait. They won't stock flexi-leads, which they describe as posing a real injury risk to both dogs and owners, and as actively undermining any attempt at loose lead walking. They won't stock training equipment that uses fear, pain, or discomfort to "work."

They are vocal advocates for positive reinforcement training and only stock food, treats, chews, and supplements from suppliers who are transparent about ingredients. Every product they carry has been deliberately chosen.

It's the kind of editorial line you'd expect from a behaviourist, not a shop. Which makes more sense once you know who's behind the counter.

What you'll actually find in store

Once you're past the principles, the range is genuinely brilliant. Organised around the three words in the name.

Eat covers food, treats, natural chews, enrichment toys, bowls and feeders, food prep and storage.

Play covers harnesses, collars, leads, longlines, muzzles, training equipment, toys, coats, visibility gear, travel kit, and canicross and canibike equipment for the sportier owners.

Love covers beds, jumpers, brushes and grooming tools, calming products, dental care, ear/eye/nose/paw care, recovery supplies, shampoos, flea and tick management, and health supplements.

There's also a small but growing range for cats.

Why we love them: backing Bristol makers

If you care about supporting local independent businesses, this is the bit that'll really get you. Eat Play Love runs a dedicated Support Local Businesses section featuring products made by makers from Bristol and the wider South West.

A few of the Bristol-based brands they stock:

Dougie's Dog Treats: a family-run Bristol business making yak chews following an ancient Himalayan cheese chew recipe, produced in their family kitchen.

Mind The Fluff: a Bristol company working with artists and graphic designers to create handmade dog accessories in stunning prints, with 100% recyclable packaging.

Pet Impact: founded by Bristol-based veterinary surgeons Alice and Gavin, who created the first certified Plastic Negative poo bags after researching the environmental impact of conventional ones.

Reiki & Herb: Bristol-based Helen developed bespoke calming remedies using Applied Zoopharmacognosy theory, with a portion of proceeds going to Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary.

Woof by Hollie: a Bristol designer hand-drawing adorable dog-themed accessories, all made with sustainability in mind.

For a small independent shop, that's a serious commitment to keeping money flowing into the local maker community.

Puppy classes and room hire

The shop also hosts puppy classes run by clinical behaviourist Roz and her team under The Mutty Professor banner, held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the back room. If you're a Bristol dog trainer or behaviourist looking for a space for your own sessions, the shop also offers room hire. Get in touch via their website for more information.

The team behind the shop

Eat Play Love is owned by Jenn, who took over from founder Roz in 2023. Originally from New York, Jenn moved to the UK to study at the University of Bristol and completed a PhD in Nutrition and Behaviour. She's a research psychologist by background, and that evidence-based mindset runs through everything the shop does.

The wider team is just as interesting: a clinical behaviourist, a manager with diplomas in canine and feline psychology, a trainee veterinary nurse, and shop assistants who run their own dog walking and hydrotherapy businesses on the side. It's not your typical pet shop staffing.

How to find them

Harness fittings can be booked in person or virtually via their fittings page.

Know a Bristol dog business we should feature? Email us at woof@thebristolhound.com

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