Whether you're taking your dog on a long car journey or visiting your local dog park at night, a quality dog harness is an important piece of equipment for you to have. Dog harnesses can offer extra security that a standard collar leash just can't hold up to. They offer more control over your dog during walks, and some of them are made to make your dog's day out safer.

A Quick Overview of Our Favorites

Editor's PickProduct NamePriceRating
Best For CarKurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon4.4
Most ComfortableRuffwear Front Range HarnessBuy on Amazon4.7
Best TacticalOneTigris Tactical Dog VestBuy on Amazon4.6
Best For Large DogsExpawlorer Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon4.5
Best No-PullRabbitgoo Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon4.5
Best Step-In HarnessBest Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Air Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon4.2
Best LEDNoxgear LightHound Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon4.6
Best For PuppiesPetSafe Easy Walk Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon3.9
Best For Active DogsThinkPet No Pull HarnessBuy on Amazon4.4
Most StylishPUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog HarnessBuy on Amazon4.3
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

The Top 15 Dog Harnesses

 

1 Best For Car/Traveling: Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness

Best For Car/Traveling: Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Crash tested up to 75 pounds
  • Five adjustment points
  • Includes a 10-inch seat belt loop and a carabiner
  • Compatible with any car’s seat belt system

This is a dog harness that has been crash-tested. During rare impact crashes, there’s little a dog owner can do for their pup, but this harness gives your dog a better chance at coming out the other side of that crash. Suitable for dogs up to 75 pounds, you can buckle your dog in using a customizable fit that allows you to adjust five different areas of the harness. The chest pad reduces stress on the dog’s upper chest and throat, while also dispersing the kinetic energy caused during a crash across their entire body.

It’s also an excellent harness for everyday walkies with your pup, but the safety element of the harness really is the selling point for dog owners who regularly drive around with their loyal friends.

What others say about it:
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Well made and sturdy. Once you get it adjusted to your dog, they’re good and safe, no flying into dashboards with a sudden stop. Easy slip in harness hookups. I don’t hook it to a seat belt due to covers on seat, but I ran a sturdy leash from car seat hook to car seat hook in the back seat of my Buick, and then hooked the harness to that with a carabiner .

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Pros
  • Can also be used for long walks
  • Protect’s your dog’s neck and chest from severe injury
  • Can accommodate dogs of all sizes
Cons
  • Not tested for dogs over 75 pounds
  • Not chew-proof
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2 Most Comfortable: RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness

Most Comfortable: RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Available in a wide range of colors
  • Reflective trim for better visibility
  • Foam-padded chest straps
  • Two attachment points

RUFFWEAR’s no-pull harness fastens around the chest area of your dog and has two different attachment points for a more comfortable harness experience. There’s an aluminum V-ring and a reinforced webbing loop, both of which are attached to the harness’ durable shell. Though this is a great harness to put on your dog at night, thanks to its reflective trim, we’ve listed it as being the most comfortable dog harness out of the products in this guide because of its features.

With its customizable fit, you can easily clip this harness into place over your dog’s chest, and adjust the straps in four different locations to fit your dog’s body type. The straps across the chest of the harness are padded with foam, which helps ensure that your pup stays comfortable when they’re walking or running. That means they can continue wearing the harness when you take them off-lead in a dog park, and then all you need to do is clip your dog’s lead back into place.

What others say about it:
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Our 45 pound Australian Shepherd was exactly 27 inches at her widest girth. We ordered the medium and it seems to fit great. Based on how much the straps have left to tighten I think a small size would not have fit. She doesn’t like things going over her head but is fine once the harness is on. We have tried several other harnesses and this one seems to bother her the least. I’m assuming because her fur doesn’t have anywhere to get caught and pulled. Hopefully no more sore armpits either. We have only used the back clip but she doesn’t pull had hard as with other back clip harnesses.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Great for everyday walks
  • Perfect for night walks
  • Adjust the straps for a proper fit
Cons
  • Reflective strip lines are quite small
  • Not heavy duty
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3 Best Tactical: OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness Vest with Handle

Best Tactical: OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness Vest with Handle
Key features:
  • Reinforced stitchwork
  • Durable back handle
  • K9 ID patch panel for your dog’s identification patch
  • Designed with bigger dogs in mind

Tactical dog harnesses provide better comfort and durability for your pup, without the danger of the dog’s skin getting injured if they wear it for long periods of time or pull on the harness. For the best dog harness for military dogs, OneTigris’ Tactical Dog Harness should certainly be one of your top choices. This harness is designed in a way that makes it a better fit for medium and large dogs, thanks to its upgraded structure and reinforced stitchwork.

If your working dogs pull a lot, a harness like this will save you from having to replace your harnesses constantly. Harnesses can get expensive if they break easily, but a tactical harness like this is made to withstand a lot more punishment than a regular harness. More than that, the handle on the back offers you a quick way to grab your dog without hurting the dog’s throat, just in case you find yourself in a hazardous situation.

What others say about it:
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Great product from One Tigris! Fit (after some minor adjustment) is excellent, shipping was fast and vest was exactly as advertised. The only tweak I would suggest is a device of some sort to control and tuck away loose straps. I never like to cut the excess in case I have to adjust again. Overall, it’s definitely a great product that I would highly recommend.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Easy to adjust
  • Available in several subtle color designs
  • Quick-grab handle to pull your dog out of danger
Cons
  • Not great for small dogs
  • Not load-bearing
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4 Best For Large Dogs: EXPAWLORER Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness

Best For Large Dogs: EXPAWLORER Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness
Key features:
  • Fast-drying fabric
  • Made to be breathable
  • Strong, rubber back handle
  • Reflective safety band across the back

This harness from EXPAWLORER is better for offering larger dogs a secure fit. There isn’t a strap that connects the chest and stomach belt like other harnesses, but as long as you don’t pull weirdly, the chest belt shouldn’t come anywhere near your dog’s neck. To further prevent this from happening, we’d recommend ensuring that you buy the right harness size for your pup and try to limit pull on your dog’s leash.

A big dog would benefit from this kind of harness because it has wider straps and a more durable attachment point for a leash. You’ll be able to control pulling, keep your dog safe, and still use this harness with a traditional collar if you wanted to.

What others say about it:
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After my mom got this for her Rottweiler, I knew I wanted it for my Great Danes! It is such a good quality harness! I love the way it is completely one piece on the chest area! The buckle is very strong and big also. The rubber handle is perfect for quick grabbing and not having to search for it while you have a puppy on training. I got the pink one for my great dane puppy and she LOVES it! Doesn’t bother her at all. I got her a large (she’s currently 60 pounds at 5 months old) and there is plenty of growing room to loosen it when I need to as she gets bigger. Here are a few pictures of her wearing it 🙂

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Heavy-duty buckle closure and D-rings
  • Reflective straps for walking at night
  • Wide straps
Cons
  • Not suitable for small dogs
  • Chest strap could be a choking hazard
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5 Best No-Pull: Rabbitgoo Dog Harness

Best No-Pull: Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Four adjustment points
  • Wide chest plate
  • Front clip point
  • Breathable cushioned design

Finally, a no-pull dog harness that’s actually designed to help reduce pulling and keep your pup safe if they do decide to test the limits of their new harness set-up. This is an excellent step-in harness, that allows you to create a secure fit with the adjustable straps on either side of the product.

As a harness for your dog, we have to commend this comfortable and stylish design, which is complete with an excellent no-pull system. The front attachment point is low down on the harness, around the center of your dog’s chest, and connects to a cushioned chest plate.

What others say about it:
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I own my own dog training business and recommend this harness to every one of my clients when training loose leash walking. This harness is SO durable (even for teething puppies!) The front clip is excellent for the early stages of training, helps the dog learn that pulling is unacceptable. I also love how it has the top clip on the back as well, it’s great for dogs transitioning out of the puppy age. It’s relfective as well which is great for those early morning walks/late night walks. The straps are customizable so it also ensures a great fit for each dog. I really cannot recommend this harness enough!

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Suitable for dogs with a broad chest
  • Great for dogs of all sizes
  • Wide chest plate to prevent pulling hazards
Cons
  • Clip buckles can be stiff
  • Might be too bulky to fit dogs of a small or toy size
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6 Best Step-In Harness: Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness

Best Step-In Harness: Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Lightweight mesh design
  • Step-in harness
  • All-weather fabric
  • Reflective bands on each side of the harness

For a stylish step-in harness that comes in eight different colors, this mesh design piece from Best Pet Supplies could be exactly what you’re looking for. The Voyager harness, as it’s called, has absolutely no adjustment points, so any potential purchaser must measure their dog as exactly as possible. Without having the correct measurements, you’ll end up with a harness that’s either too big or too small for your pup – and then begins that hassle of returning the item.

Thankfully, there are a huge number of size options, which all have specific measurements for your dog’s chest. Each size spans between an inch and two inches, which means there should be enough wiggle room for your dog without compromising the secure fit of the harness.

What others say about it:
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This is the second one of these harnesses we have bought for our Mini Schnauzer. She steps right into it and we know she is secure in it. It has velcro on the back as well as 2 metal rings for the leash. Her first one lasted two years before the velcro began to wear out. We take it off when she is in the house so it gets a little more use than if we left it on all the time. Highly recommend this harness.

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Pros
  • Suitable for a large or small dog
  • Dual attachment points on the back
  • Easy to pull over your dog’s head
Cons
  • No adjustment straps
  • Can’t customize the fit
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7 Best LED: Noxgear LightHound LED Dog Harness

Best LED: Noxgear LightHound LED Dog Harness
Key features:
  • 8 different colors in one harness
  • Bright LED lights
  • USB rechargeable battery
  • Rainproof

Nothing will keep your dog more visible at night than an LED dog harness. Dog walkers often favor harnesses like this because they’re something easy to put on a small group of dogs, and each of them will be clearly visible when being walked at night. It’s also a great advertising gimmick for dog walkers to have their own unique harnesses so that those who own dogs don’t have to worry about supplying them when they’re in a hurry to leave.

If a dog pulls a lot, these maybe aren’t the best choice of harness for that particular dog, though. They have a back-clip attachment, which won’t prevent pulling. They’re cool little harnesses, though, with 8 different colors and 6 different lighting modes! For an easy on-off dog harness, this is the one for you.

What others say about it:
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I absolutely love this harness! Every time we walkout dogs, we get asked by other dog owners about them, and where we bought them. They charge rather quickly, and the charge seems to hold for a long time (several weeks). I also really like the variety of light options the harness has. My only gripe, is the length of extra fabric on the harness adjuster, and how you have to secure it with the small piece of velcro. While this isn’t anything to drop the writing for, it’s just a tiny nuisance, because it easily comes undone.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • 12 hours of battery life
  • Perfect for night walks
  • Can be machine washed
Cons
  • Not suitable for dogs that pull
  • Front-clip area likely be break
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8 Best for Puppies: PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Best for Puppies: PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Quick-snap buckles
  • Color-coded straps
  • Martingale loop to prevent strap twisting
  • four adjustment points

Although we have this one down as our favorite harness for puppies, PetSafe’s Easy Walk Dog Harness is actually suitable for a range of dog sizes. The harness can be purchased as small as their Petit size (12 to 16-inch girth) up to their X-Large size (32 to 50-inch girth). This is an inexpensive and simple dog harness that is available in a stunning range of color choices, so you can choose the best version of the product for your dog.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a Toy Poodle or a couple of German Shepherds at home, if you need a quick harness to pop on your pup, here’s a solution for you. It’s also a good no-pull harness because of the location of the leash attachment ring!

What others say about it:
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My dog may be big but this harness fits him comfortably and has lasted for 9 months with little tearing (which is from my dog chewing on it and not a default in the harness). I’m thinking of purchasing another just to have as backup because I love this one so much

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Pros
  • Lots of color options are available
  • Inexpensive first harness
  • Multiple size options
Cons
  • Doesn’t seem very secure
  • Thin straps could dig into your dog’s skin
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9 Best for Active Dogs: ThinkPet No Pull Harness

Best for Active Dogs: ThinkPet No Pull Harness
Key features:
  • Breathable mesh design
  • Created for active dogs
  • Back handle
  • Two attachment points for a leash

Another no-pull harness, but one with an important difference – this harness is made for active or sporty dogs who want to run around all day without their harness getting in the way. Perfect for the dog who spends hours in the dog park every week, ThinkPet has developed a breathable sport harness that is suitable for all dog sizes.

The location of the leash attachment creates a perfect pull-resistant system, meaning that your dog shouldn’t be able to jerk you forward if they get excited about something or are startled. Alternatively, you can use the front-clip D-ring to reduce pulling. For other options check out our full review of dog harnesses for running.

What others say about it:
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My dog may only be 40 lbs, but she’s strong and not at all bothered by being choked by a normal collar. She was completely content to let me tug at her neck, even hold her off the ground by the collar. Which is not a great idea for her health. I consider myself pretty good at dog training, but I have been a complete failure at leash training. I read recently that the reason my other harnesses make pulling worse is that is just gives the dog more efficiency at pulling, and I needed to invest in a front clip harness. I picked one with high reviews, not really knowing the difference. Here’s my review on this one:

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Choose your attachment point
  • Keep your dog comfortable while they’re exercising
  • Available with a matching leash
Cons
  • Elastic allows the harness to ride forward a little
  • Security locks seem to be an unnecessary addition
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10 Most Stylish: PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness

Most Stylish: PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Cute plaid and floral designs
  • Quick-release buckle
  • Wide chest plate
  • Made of soft material

Certainly the most fashion-forward dog harness that we’ve showcased in this guide, this soft mesh harness from PUPTECK is sure to turn some heads while you’re out walking your dog! This harness isn’t made for huge dogs, but it’s a cute little thing to have for breeds like Boston Terriers and Yorkies.

To keep your pup safe while they’re wearing this harness, there’s a metal D-ring at the back where you can attach a leash. The design of the chest area is wide, and the straps link around to the back with a strong buckle on the side.

What others say about it:
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The extra small fit perfect on my 4lb yorkie. I’m actually about to buy another one soon for my other yorkie because the prize is a lot more affordable than going to Petco and getting one and it fits really good plus the style is adorable. Also, I highly suggest measuring your dog so the fit is good. I used to just get what i thought would fit and it was always too big for my dogs. So if you’re not sure just measure them. I included some pictures of the packaging, the harness, and my puppy with the harness on.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Cost-effective harness and leash set
  • Made from a breathable material
  • Easy to take off and put on your dog
Cons
  • Only available up to size large
  • Just one adjustable strap
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11 2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness & Leash

2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness & Leash
Key features:
  • Includes double-connection training leash
  • Patented design
  • Reduces twisting, straining, and pulling
  • Made with heavy-duty nylon

This harness and leash set from 2 Hounds Design is an inexpensive solution to buying separate pieces of dog walking gear. Perfect for dogs as small as a Shi Tzu or for dogs weighing as much as a Newfoundland, this harness set is sure to help you when leash training your pup or getting them used to walking with a harness on.

The design of the harness discourages pulling. It’s surely the best harness to choose if you want something quick and easy to put on your dog, that you can also tug away in your doggy bag for a day out.

What others say about it:
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I use this harness for all my Training clients. I love it. You still have to Train a dog not to pull. NO tool teaches them not to pull, even if they avoid the correction when it’s on, as soon as you remove it they will go back to pulling. This is a pain free, intimidation free way to have a better handle on the dog while you do the training necessary to TEACH them not to pull

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Pros
  • Designed to improve communication between you and your dog
  • Helps direct your dog while leash training
  • Design prevents rubbing and chafing to front legs
Cons
  • Thin straps could be uncomfortable
  • No padding
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12 Sporn Mesh No Pull Dog Harness

Sporn Mesh No Pull Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Designed to stop even the hardest pulls
  • Provides the ultimate comfort
  • Elasticated mesh chest piece
  • Padded restraint sleeves

This harness from Sporn is the best dog harness for no-pull leash training your easily stressed dogs. It’s designed for all dogs, including small dogs, to make walking on a leash more comfortable. This harness gives you more control over the actions your dog takes while walking with you, but it doesn’t prevent your pup from moving as they usually do. There are even padded restraint sleeves that go under your dog’s front legs, which offer further comfort.

You may also like out review of the top rated harnesses for chihuahuas.

What others say about it:
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It’s ironic as I bought this “cheap” harness because my puppy managed to chew his way through four very expensive harnesses in two weeks. In frustration I purchased this harness and viola – no more Houdini. There is a grommet on the back of the harness that you can tighten to hold the harness securely in place. No matter what size your dog is, the harness will most likely will fit snugly at all parts of the body (neck, legs, chest) which is exactly what you want. I also like the furry underarm straps so it doesn’t rub the fur off his armpits when we’re walking. And it’s nice that there aren’t any “snapping” parts to accidentally get his fur or skin caught in…

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Veterinarian approved harness
  • Follows your dog’s natural movements
  • The best harness for a more natural walking experience
Cons
  • Not chew-proof
  • Difficult to put on
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13 Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness

Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness
Key features:
  • Different color options
  • Includes a seat belt clip
  • Strong back-clip for better control
  • Adjustable straps

Probably one of the best dog harnesses for a day out with your pup that requires travel in a car or on public transport, this Safety Vest Harness from Pawaboo has great features. With its soft air mesh padding and breathable Oxford fabric, there’s never been a better time to suit up your dog in a harness like this and get on the road for a weekend away.

The harness comes complete with two buckles on either side of the back, which makes it extremely easy to put on your dog. As for leash attachment points, you can find one on the back, which you can change out with a seat belt attachment for better car safety.

What others say about it:
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Bought these for my two Golden’s when we go on longer road trips. My 80lb Golden wears an XL as loose as it goes, my 60lb Golden wears a L as loose as it goes. One of the dogs has been able to get his unbuckled twice but has happened again since. Dogs have been able to lay down and sleep with them on, and don’t give me a hard time when putting them on.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Prevents dogs from jumping out of the car while it’s moving
  • Protects your dog if the car stops suddenly
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Supplied seat belt attachment might not be compatible with your car
  • Not great for heavy dogs
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14 Puppia RiteFit Over-the-Head Dog Harness

Puppia RiteFit Over-the-Head Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Authentic Puppia rubber patch
  • 100% Polyester
  • Quick-release buckle
  • Two leash attachment points

A breathable mesh harness for your dog, Puppia presents their over-the-head dog harness called RiteFit. RiteFit has a wide chest strap that comes around the neck and belly of your pup before joining at the back where there’s a strong buckle and multiple leash attachment points.

This harness showcases a very wide chest strap, which will prevent any accidents from occurring should your dog decide to pull too hard. The strap is very secure, and you can adjust the tightness there are across the stomach belt.

What others say about it:
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I like the harness, as it is very soft and light. However, as mentioned by several users, it does run small. I have a Pug who is around 25-30 pounds, so I purchased the LARGE for her, and her head barely fits through the neck hole. There is still a little breathing room, so I will keep it, I just wanted to reiterate what others were cautioning about. I think it would be useful if people put their dog types/sizes in the reviews so people could cross-reference with their dogs.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Four adjustable straps total
  • Best dog harness for daily walks
  • Adjustable neck area
Cons
  • Wide neck may be uncomfortable on smaller dogs
  • Half-padded belly strap
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15 ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness

ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
Key features:
  • Load-tested
  • Hands-free carrying hooks and loops
  • No-pull clip at the front
  • Second leash clip on the back

Another tactical harness for our guide, this one is from the ICEFANG brand and is the best harness for working dogs who need a few extra safety features. This front-clip harness may not have the same kind of customizable fit that other harnesses have, but it’s load-bearing on at the shoulder and on the belly, and can carry gear using its built-in hooks and loops. Keep your pup safe by quickly controlling them using the back handle and steering them to safety.

What others say about it:
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Absolutely love this vest. The quality is definitely top notch. Even rivals the combat gear we’d use in the Marine Corps. Great product and I’d recommend this to anyone!
My Weimaraner has had anxiety/trust issues and I prefer people not to pet her as I train her to remain calm around strangers. This was a perfect way to throw some “Do Not Pet” patches in a way to get that point across.

Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com

Pros
  • Comes in several colors
  • Load-tested to 1000 pounds at the shoulder
  • Safety control handle
Cons
  • Must be hand washed
  • Not very adjustable
Show More

The Best Dog Harnesses: Buying Guide & FAQs

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Harness

Young pit bull terrier dog in no pull harness sitting during outdoor walk

When you’re considering a new dog harness for your pup, the main things you need to focus on are the features that each harness offers your and your furry friend. If you need a harness for low-light conditions, you’ll want one that has reflective strips or LEDs, rather than a plain, black harness that offers no extra visibility for your dog at night.

Think about the various situations where you’ve taken your dog out on walks, and what might have been handy for you to have. Larger dogs need sturdier harnesses because they can pull and break parts of them if they aren’t made of durable materials.

You should consider the material, the size, the customization of the harness, and the features it offers. A harness with a handle on the back is perfect for taking your dog swimming, but it might be too bulky for their daily walk.

Benefits of Dog Harnesses

Young cavalier king charles spaniel standing in a meadow and looking back

There are a huge number of benefits that come with every dog harness out there, it all depends on what harness you’re considering.

Breathable mesh fabric is perfect for an active dog harness, while a front clip on a harness is better to prevent pulling while you’re leash training your dog. Some harnesses have soft padding built into them, which are great for making your pup more comfortable and can even help during car rides.

Overall, a harness is typically better for a dog than a collar leash. This is because a chest harness spreads the pull of a leash over a larger area of the dog’s body, thus making it extremely difficult to accidentally hurt them if the leash gets caught, they try to pull away, or you pull too hard trying to correct their path. With a collar leash, any force on the leash immediately goes to your dog’s neck.

Different Types of Dog Harnesses

Dog walker strides with his pet on leash while walking at street pavement

There are plenty of different types of dog harnesses available in the pet industry – from tactical harnesses used in military settings to cute LED harnesses. Here are a few that might interest you:

  • Front-clip harness with a front attachment point for a lead
  • Back-clip harness with an attachment point where the center of your dog’s upper back would be
  • Dual-clip harness, which is a harness with dual attachment points for two leash attachment points
  • Heavy-duty harness, a harness that is made for larger and heavier dogs or working dogs
  • No-pull dog harness for dogs who tend to pull when being walked
  • Tactical or military harnesses, which are suitable for working dogs and are usually heavy-duty harnesses worn around a dog’s chest (some have extra clips, pockets, or pouches for storage)
  • LED harnesses, which are flashy, colorful harnesses suitable for walking your dog at night or even taking them to a party

Dog Harness Vs. Collar: Which One is Better?

Cute Dog in Purple Harness on Green Grass

If the topic in question here is walking your dog, then a dog harness is always the better choice. They won’t hurt your dog’s neck, there are plenty of different harnesses to choose from, and many of them offer various leash attachment options and adjustable chest and belly straps. By using a harness, you have better control over your dog’s movement, and you can make sure they feel comfortable while being walked.

A dog collar does not give you any of these options. In fact, it’s rare to find anything other than a collar with the clip on the back of the neck – which can actually be harmful to your dog and even result in strangulation. If you must walk your dog on a collar, choose one that has a front clip. But really, there’s definitely an affordable harness out there that would work for your dog, so there shouldn’t be any reason to use a collar and leash set up.

How to Put On a Dog Harness

a beautiful golden retriever dog wearing a dog harness and a leash standing on sand in a beach

Most harnesses will either go over your dog’s head or they’ll have a clip that you can use to buckle the straps over your dog. Harnesses aren’t particularly complex devices, they usually have just one big clip, maybe two, and then a chest strap that goes over your dog’s shoulders.

You’ll want your dog to feel comfortable wearing their harness, which means it’s a good idea to let them wear it around the house before you take them out for a walk wearing it.

  1. Undo the clips that are fixing the harness together.
  2. Get your dog to step into the “armholes”. If they’re struggling because they’re anxious, you can hold your dog and have another person pull the harness onto them.
  3. Once the harness is flush with their chest, clip the fastenings back together.
  4. Start adjusting the straps. You don’t want the harness to be too tight – it shouldn’t dig into your dog’s body – but it shouldn’t be slipping down, either.
  5. Attach a lead, and you’re ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

The chest strap should be snug against your dog, but you should be able to easily fit two fingers between the harness straps and your pup’s skin. If it’s too tight, you could cause the straps to chafe against your pup.

A dog can wear a collar and a harness at the same time, provided that the harness isn’t a high-collared harness. When using both items at the same time, be sure to only attach your leash to the attachment points on the harness, never the collar.

It’s not recommended because it could become uncomfortable for your dog, but you can leave a harness on your dog all day as long as it’s properly fitted. If you’re planning on doing this often, we would recommend investing in a more comfortable and lightweight harness that has foam padding.

In some places, it’s a legal requirement for dogs to have identification tags on either their collar or their harness. There’s nowhere that wouldn’t allow you to put your dog’s tags on their harness because it’s a way of someone contacting you if your dog gets lost. We would recommend making sure your dog has a tag or at least something that states they’re microchipped.

Most dog harnesses are machine washable, which is great news for dog owners with pups that enjoy getting as messy as possible. On average, you should try to wash your dog’s harness once a month or so. This will keep the fabric nice and clean, which will make your dog comfortable. You can wash a harness more often if needed.

No-pull harnesses rely on having an attachment point in the front, close to the dog’s neck, and there’s sometimes extra fabric from wide chest straps because of this placement. This means that your pup can’t move their shoulders as well as they should be able to, and they could accidentally choke themselves if they got wrapped up in their lead.

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