13 Best Dog Harnesses for Every Kind of Dog

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The best dog harnesses

Some dogs don’t understand who’s in charge on a walk, and they drag and pull the whole way. The result is an unpleasant, uncomfortable situation, for both you and your pup. Plus, any time you pull on a dog that’s wearing a collar, it creates a choking effect that can become a real safety hazard. “Dogs instinctively lean in against pressure at their shoulders or chest—think of how sled dogs are harnessed,” says Tyler Johnson, product manager for behavior at PetSafe. “All of this pulling can put pressure on the throat, resulting in gagging and choking.”

A dog harness, by contrast, allows pulling or tugging pressure to be distributed over a much larger surface area of the body, reducing the potential for a neck or back injury, says Albert Ahn, DVM, a veterinary advisor for MYOS Pet. “Another safety feature is that unlike leashes and collars, which can slip off, it is nearly impossible for a dog to slip out of a harness.”

There are a few different kinds of harnesses on the market, and each addresses a specific need. For dogs that tend to pull excessively, Dr. Ahn suggests a “no-pull” harness. The popular “step-in” variety, as the name implies, is placed on the ground then secured on your dog when he steps into it. “Finally, there are specific safety harnesses that are intended to help keep your dog safe inside a vehicle during an automobile accident,” Dr. Ahn says. “This type of harness attaches to your car’s seat belt system and helps to protect your dog during sudden stops or, worse, collisions.”

If you’re not sure which harness is best for your dog, ask your veterinarian. Your pup’s size (whether you have a big dog breed or a small dog breed) and personality should play a role in the decision. So, where should you begin your search? Right here, of course! These are some of the most popular, well-rated, and generally best dog harnesses on the market. And while this is useful for any dog parent, it’s among the essential items you need before getting a new puppy. Speaking of essential items, these are the best dog carriers that’ll keep your dog safe and comfortable during all your travels- even if it’s just a trip to the vet!

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PetSafe Easy Walk Harness

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Created by a veterinary behaviorist, this simple yet effective harness has a patented front-clip D-ring that reduces leash-pulling by helping you steer your dog, providing you with a lot more control on your walks together. The quick-snap shoulder and belly straps, which allow you to custom-fit the harness, take only a couple of minutes to secure. Plus, this PetSafe harness is available in eight sizes, so you’re sure to find a perfect fit for your pooch. By the way, this is how much exercise your dog really needs.

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Rabbitgoo Dog Harness

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Minimize hassles with this easy-to-use, breathable mesh harness that you pull over your pup’s head, buckle, adjust, and go. Two fast-release buckles make taking off the harness just as easy. In between, your walks will be easier and safer, even at night, thanks to reflective strips that will let everyone know your best friend is strolling by your side. The no-pull design has a front clip that automatically turns your dog around when he tries to pull, making this a great choice for anxious animals.

After a few walks, your pup will get the message that pulling on the leash only steers him in a new direction. Here’s what one happy pet parent had to say about the Rabbitgoo in a review: “By clipping the leash to the front (on the dog’s chest), if he pulled, he spun around towards me…which frustrated him very quickly and stopped the pulling!” The bottom line: This is one of the best dog harnesses out there. For more proof, just take a look at the more than 26,000 rave reviews it’s gotten on Amazon. Before you check out, you might also want to pick up a few of these other pet products with nearly perfect reviews on Amazon.

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Sassy Woof Reversible Harness

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The reversible harness from Sassy Woof is perfect for any growing pup. It has a sturdy D-ring for leash attachment, the chest strap is fully adjustable, and there is a secure buckle system for added safety and easy on and off. The best part about this harness is that it’s part of Sassy Woof’s Puppy Growth Pawtection Plan. If you add this protection plan at the time of purchase, you can replace your harness within 9 months for a larger one if your pooch gets bigger. As an added bonus, every harness sold through their website helps feed a shelter dog. Read about this calming dog bed that has over 30,000 reviews on Amazon.

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Copatchy No Pull Reflective Adjustable Dog Harness with Handle

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With sizes ranging from extra extra small to extra large, the Copatchy adjustable harness is made with a breathable mesh material and has a sponge filling that’s way easier on your pup while still allowing you plenty of control. It also minimizes choking and strain on your dog’s neck, with an extra handle on the top of the harness, which is perfect if you have a pup who tends to pull particularly hard when something catches his eye during a walk or if you have an elderly dog who needs a more gentle touch. Keep your tough dog occupied with some of the most indestructible dog toys on the market.

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Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Air Pet Harness

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Another Amazon fan favorite with close to 15,000 positive reviews, the all-weather Voyager mesh harness is super easy to use. Your pet just steps into it, and then you clip and go—and there’s zero chance of accidentally buckling your pup’s skin (which can happen with some other buckles). The hook-and-loop fastener, buckle, and double D-rings provide three layers of security, so you never have to worry that your pup will slip out of it and run away. Reflective bands increase visibility on night walks, and it’s particularly great for even the tiniest dogs, as it comes in five different sizes (and five colors, too). The mesh material manages to keep your pet cool on hot days and warm on chilly ones, so you never have to worry that your pup is uncomfortable. On the flip side, these are pet products vets never buy—and neither should you.

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Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Car Harness

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Comfy enough to use as an everyday harness, the Kurgo Tru-Fit has the added bonus of helping secure your pup when traveling by car. For dog owners who take their pets everywhere, this harness comes with a 10-inch seat belt tether that’s compatible with any vehicle seat belt system and keeps your pup from sliding around inside the car. A broad padded chest plate provides an extra layer of protection whether you’re on a walk or taking a ride. As far as what it’s like on daily strolls, consider this: Its design was inspired by rock-climbing harnesses, so you’ll get both security and power steering.

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Puppia Soft Adjustable Dog Harness

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With an adjustable chest plate and a quick-release buckle, this no-nonsense harness has double-coated D-rings that are resistant to humidity—perfect if you live in a wet climate. The lightweight buckles are the same kind used on tons of mountaineering equipment, so you know this harness is both durable and can stand up to extreme conditions. The air mesh fabric means it’s breathable, too, so your dog stays comfy and dry, no matter what. Available in 13 colors, this harness is great if you’re the owner of multiple pups and need a variety of colors for differentiation. Make sure all those pups are getting plenty of rest and check out the best dog beds you can get right now.

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Hip Doggie Ultra-Comfort Dog Harness Vest

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Unlike other dog harnesses, this one comes in seven sizes, accommodating even extremely large dogs with a 3X-Large size. Soft, breathable, and adjustable, it has a “no-choke design” that ensures any pulls are felt on the chest, not the neck, as well as a chest strap with a four-point lock, double that of most harnesses. Here are more products that pet owners say they can’t live without.

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4X4 North America AllSafe Dog Harness

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Nothing screams sturdy and reliable like the term “4×4,” and this dog harness delivers on that promise with high-quality nylon and stainless steel construction. It transitions easily from walking harness to car safety harness, so if you drive your pup to doggy daycare or take road trips regularly, this is a great choice. Plus, it has superior crash-test ratings, which justify the higher price tag and truly makes it one of the best dog harnesses you can buy. One Petco fan says, “This is incredibly well built and worth every penny. This is the highest quality harness I have ever bought. It’s built as if it will last forever.” Maybe you could try some of these best puzzle toys for dogs to keep them occupied on those long rides.

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Bolux No-Pull Dog Harness

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When a dog pulls while wearing this harness, the pressure is distributed evenly, which helps prevent more pulling as well as choking. The adjustable chest strap ensures a comfy, snug fit even if your dog gains a few pounds, and a simple snap-on buckle is also easy to use. The sturdy top handle helps control your pup’s movements even more—which is super helpful if you have a pup that gets easily excited by squirrels or other animals. The top handle is also ideal if you have a service dog, and reflective straps are a nice safety feature for nighttime walks and emergency situations. Worried that your pet is getting pudgy? Check out these tips to help your dog shed a few pounds.

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OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Dog Harness

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Ideal for extra long walks and hikes in the woods, this durable harness from OneTigris is made with heavy-duty nylon and has a soft interior padding that’s water-resistant. But its coolest feature is the comfy, fastener-style panels on either side of the dog’s body that accept a variety of MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) pouches—perfect for carrying supplies like water and treats. The neck and chest straps are also fully adjustable, accommodating your dog as he grows and gains (or loses) strength. Finally, a control loop helps you pull your pup in close when necessary, while a crisscross bungee strap can be added on for extra storage on camping trips. See if you can spot the signs and behaviors of dogs that need obedience training.

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2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness & Leash

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This patented design works by discouraging your dog from performing what’s called the “opposition reflex,” the reflex that makes dogs pull against pressure caused by traditional harnesses. The loop at the back of the head between the shoulder blades helps your dog walk without much twisting or straining. A ring on the front of the chest acts as a second control point, so you can steer your dog and redirect him when you need to—like when another dog gives him the side-eye. Four points of adjustability instead of two mean this harness can work on any type of dog. A leash that connects to the harness at two different spots is included. If you don’t clean your dog’s leash, this will convince you to start.

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BarkLover Adjustable Dog Tuxedo Harness

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Who says that you have to sacrifice style for function? While this no-pull dog harness isn’t quite as serious or high-tech as some of the others on this list and likely won’t be your everyday choice, Etsy reviewers say it gets the job done. Its soft, breathable fabric is also sweat- and moisture-resistant, and it comes with a leash. And have we mentioned just how adorable this little tuxedo is? Get it for a special occasion or as a second option just to make you smile. For the price, you certainly can’t go wrong. It also makes a great gift for dog lovers.

Sources

• Tyler Johnson, PetSafe
• Albert Ahn, MYOS Pet