Best Dog Harnesses

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 29, 2024
Bring joy to your dog with a new harness! Let us help you find the best one for your pet in our review of the 5 best models, that ...Read more
PROS

The front clip provides additional control of the pet's running direction. Also, if your dog loves pulling you, you will be able to discourage it from that habit. 

CONS

If the leash is loosened, the dog might get tangle with it. Try using with shorter leashes.

OUR VERDICT

This product from PetSafe is a reliable harness with lots of slip rings for precise adjusting on your dog. It comes with precise instructions in the set and is available in 8 different sizes and colors.

detailed parameters
Common Use

Walking

Connection with the leash

Front clip 

Size
L (Chest 27"-40") Available also in seven more sizes
Materials
Nylon
Features
Adjustable straps, Detailed instruction manual
Warranty
2 years
PROS

The soft sponge padding plate won't flatten out even with extensive use. The breathable mesh lining helps to make walks in hot weather more enjoyable.

CONS

The fabric loosens pretty easily.

OUR VERDICT

This model was made with your pet's comfort in mind. Even if you take a long walk, the harness won't squeeze or put too much pressure on the dog's chest. The leash can be attached in the front and in the back.

detailed parameters
Common Use

Walking, training

Connection with the leash

Front and back clips

Size

XL (Chest 32" - 42")

Available also in S, M and L sizes

Materials

Nylon with breathable mesh lining and soft sponge padding plate

Features

Adjustable straps, Light-reflective threading, Handle for easy control

Warranty

Amazon's 30-days return policy

PROS

The reflective bands help you see your pet even in the dark. The hook and loop fastener allow you to adjust the strap according to your dog's chest size.

CONS

Too bulky at clip location.

OUR VERDICT

The Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness comes at a relatively affordable price, yet it boasts long service life and a durable construction. The massive buckle and double D-rings won't let you down even in extreme situations.

detailed parameters
Common Use

Walking

Connection with the leash

Double back clip

Size

M (Chest 16" - 18")

Available also in XXXS, XXS, XS, S, L, XL sizes

Materials

Breathable polyester mesh

Features

Hook & loop fastener, Reflective bands

Warranty

Amazon's 30-days return policy

PROS

The plastic handle with a non-slip finish provides a firm grip even if the dog suddenly rushes ahead.

CONS

Not available for dogs with less than a 20" chest girth.

OUR VERDICT

With this harness by Expawlorer, you will get full control over your pet. The topmost choice for short or long training sessions and walks in high traffic. 3 sizes with 6 different colors are at your disposal.

detailed parameters
Common Use

Walking, training

Connection with the leash

Back clip 

Size
L (Chest - 26"-36") Also available in M and XL sizes
Materials
Breathable fabric, Lining - neoprene, Handle - nylon strap with plastic tube
Features
Adjustable straps, Reflective strand, Welded D-ring
Warranty
Amazon's 30-days return policy
PROS

The model features a special mesh pocket where you can put your contact information just in case your pet runs away or gets lost. 

CONS

Tends to twist around the dog (especially when using the front clip).

OUR VERDICT

If you have a small puppy and seek a functional harness that will serve you during the duration of the dog's youth, go with this adjustable option. It is very easy to put on and remove thanks to the snap buckles.

detailed parameters
Common Use

Walking, training

Connection with the leash

Front back clips

Size

M (Chest 16" - 28")

Available also in XS, S, L, XL sizes

Materials

Nylon with breathable mesh lining

Features

Adjustable straps, Light-reflective threading, Handle for easy control, Mesh pocket

Warranty

Amazon's 30-days return policy

Forget About Dog Pulling

You can often hear from dog owners how hard it is to control their little devils while they are still growing up. With this dog harness from PetSafe, though, you will quickly teach your four-legged friend to stop pulling the leash all the time, while also not restricting its movement and reducing the risk of harm to your dog.

The highlight of this model is that it has a frontal clip that makes it virtually impossible for a dog to run when it is pulled away from below its neck. Thanks to this, you can not only ensure comfortable walks with your pet but also correct its habits and running direction with minimal effort. Another strong point is that this harness provides a comfortable fit. It features four slip rings that make it easy to adjust the harness to your dog. On top of that, the harness is very easy to take off, due to the plastic straps which can be quickly unbuckled.

What we especially like about this harness is that its bottom strap comes in different colors. It is a smart solution since it makes putting the harness on a pet much easier. In regards to the over-the-shoulder straps, you can adjust them to be a little longer than the bottom so as to make it sit more comfortably on your dog.

All the colors come at the same price. However, the price may vary a bit for different sizes. Not a lot, but you should still know about it. Regardless, this dog harness is worthy of a buy. It is durable, safe to use and comfortable to wear, and it will definitely last you a long while.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $20.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B0009ZBKG4

VIDEO

Good Choice For Large Pets

If your dog belongs to a big and strong breed and you seek a robust harness that will be able to withstand training and long walks and is comfortable enough for your pet, we suggest taking a closer look at the BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness.

This harness was made with comfort in mind, so the manufacturer used high-quality fabric for it. The product is made of nylon and has a breathable mesh lining. Thanks to that, it is suitable even for walks under the hot summer sun.

On top of that, this model offers you two options for the leash fixation. Thus, you can attach the leash not only on the back but also in the front to teach your dog to follow you. Plus, the product also has a special nylon handle that gives you more control during training. The locks on the harness boast amazing durability, and even if your dog is very strong, you can be sure it won’t be able to get out of the harness due to the additional lock on the snap buckle.

As we mentioned before, this extra-large harness is suitable for large dogs. However, those who have pets of small breeds can also purchase it in smaller sizes (from S to L).

In a word, the BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness is a good choice for those who seek a reliable harness for big dogs. It will become handy both for walking and for training.

Last updated price $19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07R4SW7RN

Available in Multiple Sizes

Does your pup have trouble with walking on a leash? If so, try getting it the Best Pet Supplies Dog Harness. It is an affordable yet reliable product that can be used both for really tiny and large dogs. The model comes in the shape of a vest and is not adjustable. Yet, it is available in multiple sizes starting from XXXS and up to XL to fit your pet perfectly and cause no inconvenience while walking and running. The manufacturer has provided precise measurements of each model in the chest and neck area. Plus, this makes it suitable not only for dogs but also makes it possible to walk with your cat.

Moving on, with this harness you will be able to walk your pet even in the darker times of the day. It features light reflective stripes that make your dog visible even under bad lighting.

As for the materials, this harness is made of mesh material. It is very light, so your dog won’t feel too hot in it. The fabric is also pretty robust and doesn’t lose its shape even after years of use. Apart from the size, you can also select this model in different colors.

To wrap the whole thing up, the Best Pet Supplies Dog Harness is a great option for dogs of any breed. It is made of robust yet light material and is available in different sizes to fit your dog perfectly.

Last updated price $12.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00M0V7UVO

Absolute Control

This dog harness from EXPAWLORER has proven to be an awesome buy, but all in good time. First of all, it’s designed for dog training and walking. The harness is made of breathable wear-proof cloth with neoprene padding. Any dog will surely be comfortable wearing it, even if the active sessions take a few hours.

There’s also a nylon strap on the back of the harness with a flexible tube around it that serves as a handle to control your dog or even pick its upper body up, in case you have to hold it. What we really like is that the non-slip handle can be grabbed firmly even under the rain. With such a harness, you can gain full control even over a big dog in places with high traffic.

The leash is fastened to a stainless steel D-ring on the back. The ring’s ends are welded together, making it absolutely reliable for training with large breeds. What is more, reflective strands allow other people to easily detect your dog during evening walks. As if this wasn’t enough, you can gently adjust two belts around the dog’s neck and rib cage in order to make it comfortable and to not hamper your pet’s movements.

In conclusion, we want to add that after getting this harness, you will soon notice that your pet will become more docile, while walks with it will be a lot more joyful for both of you.

Last updated price $22.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00ZBW1Z4M

Great For Small Pups

The PoyPet Dog Harness will be a great option not only for adult dogs but also for small puppies. This harness has adjustable straps, so you will be able to fix its size as your pup grows bigger. Thanks to that, you will be able to use only one harness during the whole period of growth.

What also makes this model good for young dogs is that it is very easy to put on and to take off. The product features snap buckles that you will be able to close with no effort. Thus, even if your pup is not a fan of the harness at first and tries to run away, with this product, you still will be able to get your dog ready for a walk in a matter of seconds. As for the leash connecting system, this model features both front and back clips.

The manufacturer has also thought about your dog’s safety. First, the harness has light-reflecting stripes to increase visibility in the dark. Second, the harness boasts a secure mesh pocket where you can put your personal information. Even if your pet gets lost somehow, those who find it will be able to return it back to you.

Overall, if you seek an adjustable harness for a puppy that comes at an affordable price, we highly recommend getting this product from PoyPet. It is one of the best dog leashes for the money that is also convenient to put on and has been made with safety in mind.

Last updated price $21.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0792WW3TM

What Is a Dog Harness?

Walks with your dog should be comfortable and safe for both of you. Leashes with collars will allow you to control your pet’s behavior when it’s necessary - for example, in places with lots of people, moving cars or during vet visits. However, the same vets lately advise using a dog harness instead of a collar. When a dog suddenly pulls the leash, the collar has a traumatizing effect on the dog’s neck muscles, trachea and the spine. Without a doubt, it may lead to pain with aggression on the part of a dog. Therefore, we recommend buying a harness for your four-legged friend. It evenly spreads the stress load on the body minimizing the risk of harm to your dog and gives it enough freedom to move around, while giving you full control of your dog during walks. In this article, we've gathered five of the best dog harnesses available so you can choose the right one for your four-legged friend.

Another product that might pique your interest is a pet fountain. This little thing may come in pretty useful when you need to leave your pet alone for some period of time. Also, you can take a look at our selection of pet beds. With one of these, not only will your friend sleep better, but it will also know very well where it can go snuggle, rest, and nap.

What Features to Compare

Types of Activities

First of all, consider what you are going to do together with your pet. There are harnesses that target different types of activities with your dog. Let’s take a closer look at them.

  • Walking and training harnesses became very popular lately. They are designed for safe, tireless daily strolls with your pet, as well as for training sessions. We've picked up the harnesses exactly from this category for this review.
  • Sled harnesses are the original models that were designed for dogs to pull sleds in the snow for long distances with humans or cargo on them. Remember Jack London’s stories about Klondike and you’ll get the idea.
  • Weight pulling harnesses. The name is self-explanatory. They are used mostly for training a dog to be fit and have bigger muscles.
  • Assistance harnesses are for dogs that help visually impaired people. Usually, such harnesses come with a long handle so that people could more readily reach it and hold the dog.
  • Medical harnesses were created for dogs with troubled mobility. You can help the pet walk around by lifting the front or back side of such harness via the handle on its back.
  • Warming harnesses are worn on cold days. They usually cover the upper part and sometimes the back of a dog like a jacket.

D-ring Position for fastening a leash can be either on the front part of a harness or on the back. The back-clip is easy to fasten and provides a dog with a maximum freedom of movement. However, you get the ability to readily turn your dog around by fastening a leash on the front side. Such control might be required to suppress the aggressive manners of constantly pulling a leash or to break a bad habit of a dog to pick up some stuff from the ground.

Size

Of course, it’s important to choose the right size. As a rule, you have to measure the breast and neck girth, then compare them to the sizes of the harness. We want to note that buying the wrong garment will not only decrease the efficiency of the weight distribution but will also be uncomfortable for a dog and might lead up to deformation of the legs! But worry not. It's fairly easy to find the right one. And most of the straps can usually be adjusted with a slip ring.

Materials

Materials directly influence the outlook and longevity of a harness. The leather one, despite the cool look, can stretch out when it's wet under the rain. After leather dries out, it stays sturdy like this. Bit by bit, it wears out which leads to tears or breaks. That’s why we recommend synthetic fabrics or cotton as the main material.

Features

Look for features that add to usability. Fasteners with locks will drastically decrease chances of your dog breaking free during training sessions. Rings should be sturdy and preferably welded. This is critically relevant to large dogs. Light reflectors are required if you like walking with your dog early mornings or late evenings. They allow drivers and passers-by to see your pet from afar.

Does your dog have sensitive skin? No sweat! Many models feature soft paddings or elastic materials that decrease the pressure on the skin even further.

Overall, buying a harness is not a rocket science. But you might be interested in the number of features, that you can find here. So let's get started.

Sources:

1. Kate Barrington Pros And Cons: The Collar Vs. Harness Debate, PetGuide. November 11, 2014.

2. Chrissie Klinger Features to Look For in the Best Dog Harness, Hill's.

3. Laurie Darroch Five Reasons to Use a Dog Harness, Canidae. March 25, 2014.

4. Hope Harnesses - Makes and Models Explained, HubPages. October 13, 2014.

5. Choosing Dog Collars, Harnesses and Halters, That Pet Place. 2015.

6. Dog Harness Materials, DoItYourself. May 25, 2012.

7. Dog Harness, Wikipedia. February 26, 2016.

8. Dog Collars and Harnesses, DogTime.

9. Dog Harness Types, Vetinfo. 2012.

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