A dog harness is recommended for walking your dog safely and disciplining dogs with weak necks and trachea and dogs with a habit of pulling. It’s a convenient item for everyday walks, but have you ever wondered where to look and choose?
Whether you just got a new dog or need a better way to walk your pet so she doesn’t yank you down the block, the best dog harnesses can make a difference. Our favorite harnesses come in various sizes, colors, and styles to suit every need and price range.
The Good Housekeeping Institute has a century-plus long history of testing products, including pet essentials like dog beds. In our last test of dog leashes and harnesses, we evaluated in-Lab and consumer testers for ease of use, control of the dog, the comfort of using features like leash clips, and overall satisfaction taking over 670 measurements to find the best harness for your pup.
Verification points
We collected all 18 best-selling dog harness products and thoroughly compared and verified them.
- Less burden on dogs
- First, we will examine the “less burden on dogs” most worrisome when choosing a dog harness. We asked the dogs to try on the saddle and evaluated each product on a 5-point scale from the viewpoints of difficulty in tightening the neck, ease of movement of joints, and difficulty in removing.
- Functionality
- Next, we will examine the “functionality” that significantly affects the ease of use for the owner. Each product was evaluated on a 5-point scale by comprehensively considering the comfort of control, ease of putting on and taking off, and the presence or absence of convenient optional functions.
- Durability
- Finally, check the “durability” of the harness. We touched and studied the fabric’s material, sewing, metal fittings, etc., and evaluated each product on a 5-point scale.
PayPal No Pull Dog Harness
It is also suitable for disciplined puppies as it is easy to convey instructions from the owner and control the dog.
Fleece Lined Harness
THAIN Harness & Lead Set
Easy to Put on and Off with HASSLE-FREE and Comfortable
2 Sturdy Metal Leash Attachment Points on the Back and the Chest
Ultra Reflective Strips to keep your dog visible even at night
Top Easy Lift Handle for extra safety and control
PENTAX
Safe solution for pulling: Allows you to control light to moderate stretching and rests across your dog’s chest, instead of their throat, so there’s no choking or coughing
Quick and easy: Fit the harness on your dog in just a few minutes with the short snap shoulder and belly straps; the front clip chest d ring gives you extra control over your dog
PUPPIA
RUFFWEAR ｜ Front range harness
Ranger’s ｜ Easy Walk Harness
Tona ｜ Dog Harness Cat Harness Lead Set
Glasses type harness
TEACHES BETTER LEASH MANNERS: Patented Martingale loop and front chest leash attachment minimizes your dog’s pulling by gently steering him in the direction you are headed
Dog harness lead set
The dog harness is super durable, has high-quality materials, is soft and elastic, and can give your pet a super comfortable feeling. This strap is ultra-light and accurately fits the curvature of the pet’s body, making the dog’s movements easy.
Nagomi
Easy to Put on and Off with HASSLE-FREE and Comfortable
ID Tag Pocket Keeps your pet safe and ensures your pet gets home safely
2 Sturdy Metal Leash Attachment Points on the Back and the Chest
Ultra Reflective Strips to keep your dog visible even at night, Top Easy Lift Handle for extra safety and control
Earth Pet
Unlike the traditional pet halters, all of the buckles of our pet halters are padded with sponge air mesh to reduce the chafing between fasteners and your dogs, which offers a more comfortable fit for your lovely pets.
E-Shop
Snow T-shaped cushion harness
There are two sturdy metal hook loops for leash attachment. Using the front hook on the chest will reduce the pulling a lot and make going for a walk more enjoyable. As usual, most people like to use the back hook.
Pompous
With a simple design and quick snap buckles, this pet harness makes it easy to put on and take off. The locking feature on both snaps makes it much more secure, perfect for daily walking, running, hiking, training, hunting, outdoor adventure, and more!
Julius-K9
Interchangeable hook & loop patches – your dog may wear the patches of your choice.
Reflective edges and chest strap for increased visibility and safety
Adjustable front and belly straps, heavy-duty buckles, and breathable skin-friendly inner liner
RADY Harness
EASY WALK DESIGN | This sporting dog harness features d-rings on the top and front of the saddle to allow for top, front, or dual lead attachment options
HIGH VISIBILITY | Reflective stitching provides added visibility in low light settings
Tezukayama Hound Cam
Dog Harness & Backpack in 1 – Backpack for dogs includes an integrated dog harness with a rear-mounted leash ring to attach a pet leash. The rear D-ring can also be used as a bottle opener. The hiking dog backpack features two side pockets for extra storage.
Best type
It is a design often seen in personal handmade harnesses. There are many patterns with metal fittings for passing leads on the back of clothes, and the appearance is outstanding.
On the other hand, because it is made of the same fabric as ordinary clothes, it lacks durability and tears quickly, so there are safety concerns.
It is best to use it only for photo sessions and not for walks or travel.
Choose by functionality from the owner’s perspective
The next thing I would like to pay attention to is the functionality from the owner’s perspective.
When choosing a harness, remember whether it’s easy for your dog to get instructions and control and whether it’s easy to put on and take off. Also, if you often take a walk after dark, one option is to buy an item with a reflector or reflective tape for nighttime safety.
A harness with a handle on the back is helpful in situations where you want to control your dog quickly, such as when your dog tries to fly toward another dog or human.
For medium and large dogs with a habit of pulling, it is practical to use “a product that can be attached to a muzzle” and “a product that has a lead buckle attached to the sternum.”
Choose by material and durability.
It is also essential that the harness used for daily walks is durable. Choose it because it can withstand the load and does not quickly settle even after washing.
The characteristics of each material are that synthetic leather deteriorates quickly over time, the mesh is easy to make holes, the magic tape quickly weakens the adhesive function, and dogs are surprised by the sound.
Pay attention not only to the fabric but also to the durability and quality of the metal fittings. Please note that cheap plastic metal fittings like those sold at $20 shops have low durability.
Also, well-designed harnesses integrated with clothing tend to neglect functionality and durability. Please be aware that the owner will supplement the functionality if you choose by design.
Recommended Breeds: Medium to Large Dogs, such as Golden Retriever, Huskie, Labrador, Alaska, German Shepherd, Akita, etc. Make your puppy stand out with this stylish Buffalo Plaid Harness!
No Pull, No Choke: Our non-pulling dog harness is specially designed with 2 Metal Leash Rings for safer dog walks. Use the Chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling on walks; perfect for dog training or for dogs who tend to pull. The back one is great for casual walks, jogging, hiking, etc.
Easy to Use: This hassle-free overhead harness is easy to put on and take off with its 2 Fast-release Buckles. Slide the saddle over your dog’s head, Buckle it up, Adjust the straps, and here you go! Grab the Top Handle for additional control. Lightweight and easy to clean
Fully Adjustable: This harness features four easy Adjusting Straps around the body. You can use its two neck and two chest straps to create a Better Fit for your dog with some room for growth. No worries about slipping out or choking
Safe and Comfortable: Your dog will enjoy the daily walk in this comfortable dog harness! Made of durable Nylon Oxford and padded with Soft Cushion to protect your dog’s skin. Breathable air mesh keeps your dog calm during outdoor activities. Bright Reflective Strips ensure a safe walk both day and night.
How to use a dog harness well
The harness is easy to use once you get used to it, but the shape is more complicated than the collar, so many people find it challenging to understand the tightness and size. [1]How to Put on a Dog Harness
When attaching the harness, ensure the fit is such that there is enough space between the saddle and the torso for one finger after attachment.
Is a dog harness better than a collar?
Collars can strain your dog’s windpipe and, in some cases, their spine. Using a harness instead of a choke chain can prevent that choking, the hacking effect you may have seen when your dog tries to pull toward a squirrel or another dog while out on the town. And if you like to hike, run, or bring your dog in the car, some harnesses have special features to make those activities more accessible, enjoyable, and safer for all involved. [2]Dog Harness Vs. Collar: Which is Better?
Large or strong breeds like pit bulls, German Shepherds, and labradors do well walking on a harness because it puts pressure on their chest instead of their neck. Not only does that remind the dog not to pull and help deter them from doing so, but it’s also safer for their body.
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, toy poodles, or other toy dogs find harnesses more comfortable on their tinier frames. A harness can make it easier to pick up your pocket-sized puppy if you get tired or need to lift them out of danger.
Should you put a seat belt on a dog?
Yes. According to law enforcement officials and animal advocates, seat belt harnesses, car seats, and other pet restraints make travel safer for everyone. [3]Does Your Dog Need a Seat Belt?
Can you use any dog harness in the car?
Yes. Dog car harnesses have been designed specifically with safety in mind. With that said, you should purchase one that has been crashing tested for maximum protection. [4]Dog Car Harness: Keeping Dogs in Cars Safe
Do dogs need car harnesses?
A practical harness is critical when traveling with a dog. It keeps the animal safe and restrained. The driver is less likely to be distracted by their pet moving around. An unrestrained dog could injure other passengers in a collision. [5]Do You Need a Dog Car Seat
Can a puppy use a car harness?
Safety note: Only use a car harness when you, or another person, are in the car with your puppy. If you ever plan to leave your dog alone in a vehicle, unbuckle her first. Left alone, she could become tangled in a car harness or seatbelt strap and injure herself. [6]How to Keep Your Dog Safer in the Car
More:
- What is better for your dog, harness or collar?
- What type of leash, collar, or harness is right for my dog?
