The Best Dog Harness in 2022
Choosing the best dog harness is an important step for you and your furry-friend and can be the difference between stressful walks with a pulling-pup, and leisurely strolls with a dog that isn't constantly yanking at their lead and pulling your arm out its socket. A harness is a device that loops neatly around your pup's body and enables an even distribution of weight when the lead is attached. Harnesses are a great aid if you have a big dog that pulls, but also prohibits choking during walks since they aren't looped around the dog's neck. Harnesses are gaining a lot of popularity amongst dog owners and are often regarded as safer options that are great for mastering control.
Users not a myriad of benefits to using a harness. They take direct stress of your pup's neck and thus hinder the possibility of neck or trachea injuries. They are also great for training and allow the dog walker greater control. In some cases, clever pup's can slip out of their collars. However, harnesses offer greater security and fit snugly around the pup's torso, this boosting safety.
Like most pet products, there are a number of harness options available, depending on the size and strength of your pup. While some harnesses have lead attachments at the front (which maximizes control), others have clips at the back. Whatever your doggy breed or budget, our list has the perfect harness for you and your pup! Finding the perfect harness for your pup can make walk-time one of the most exciting and pleasurable activities that you do together. This will enhance your bond and make walks safer and all the more enjoyable.
The Best Dog Harness
1. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
Key Features
Easy to put on and take off
Pulling pressure is evenly distributed to the body
2 sturdy metal leash attachment points on the back and on the chest
Adjustable slide straps to create a custom fit for your dog
Reflective straps ensure your dog’s safety while out for a walk
Soft breathable material and heavy padding
The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is a brilliant adjustable outdoor pet vest, boating reflective material to ensure maximum safety while your pup is out for a walk. This pick amalgamates brilliant quality with a fabulous price and is a great choice for small, medium, and large breeds alike. The Rabbitgoo harness is made of soft breathable material and heavy padding and this ensures greater comfort for your pooch. The adjustable slide straps allow for a custom fit and since the pulling pressure is evenly distributed so your dog won’t choke. Users have noted that this is a great choice for dogs that are prone to pulling and have expressed that walks have become more enjoyable and less strenuous since purchasing a Rabitgoo harness. This light-weight, fully adjustable model is a great pick for all breeds and won’t leave you or your pup disappointed.
2. Babyltrl Big Dog Harness
Key Features
No pull technology
Sturdy handle for control
Front and back rings for attaching your leash
Adjustable neck and chest girth to fit all sizes
Reflective in the dark
Breathable and comfortable padding
The Babyltrl harness is an excellent pick and happens to be selling for an absolute bargain. The no pull harness is set to make dog walks a breeze and is made of premium durable nylon oxford and soft padded material to give your dog extra comfort and ease. This model evenly distributes pressure and thus won’t hurt your dog or cause any discomfort. There is an added handle on the top of the harness for extra control when needed. This is a brilliant feature if your dog will be exploring off-lead and you need to quickly get hold of them. The reflective feature shines brightly in the dark for added safety and the lock feature means that your dog will remain securely in their harness at all times. This is a wonderful pick and combines great quality with good value.
3. Labra Dog Harness
Key Features
Comes in a range of sizes to support all breed types
Extra large measure can support pups up to 100 pounds
Soft fleece lining to ensure greater comfort
Extra ease for the owner, no need to bend down to help your pup
Adjustable length straps
Strong and durable
The Labra Canine Support Sling is the perfect pick for older pups, or dogs dealing with mobility issues, injury, or arthritis. It makes walking a breeze for you and your canine companion and provides your dog with the stability and support needed to heal. Elderly dogs might not be as fast as they once were, but they still need to keep moving. The same goes for dogs who have suffered injury and part of the healing process is to slowly begin moving again. The Labra supportive harness has been approved by veterinarians and the soft fleece lining will add extra comfort to your dog’s walk. Users have commended this product for its exceptional quality and user-ease, noting that it has made it easier to support dogs up and down stairs. It also offers them greater stability as they move and the website comes with a great sizing chart to help you choose the correct size harness. If your furry-friend has recently had an operation, getting older, or recovering from injury, then this is the perfect pick. One user even commented that they are company who “could change the world” and praise the brand for truly putting the needs of dogs first.
4. PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
Key Features
Adjustable fit with four adjustment points
Deters opposition reflex and gently steers your dog towards you when pulling
No choke model as the harness rests on your dog’s belly and chest
Easy replacements for a nominal fee if you experience any rips or tears
The Petsafe Easy Walk Harness is an easy-to-use and comfortable pick that makes dog walks a total breeze. This model gently discourages your dog from pulling and the leash attachment at the front of the harness helps you to steer your dog in your chosen direction. Since the harness fits snugly around your dogs body there is no pulling on their neck and thus possible injury or choking is prevented. Users have noted that this is a brilliant pick for dog’s who pull excessively, as when they begin to pull it will simply snug up against their chest and gently turn them to face you. This stops the pulling action and encourages them to stop pulling. This is a great choice if you want slower and more consistent walks.
5. Expawlorer Big Dog Harness
Key Features
Three sizes and seven color choices
Reflective strip for added safety in the dark
Adjustable straps to ensure a better fit
Extra handle for added control
The Expawlorer Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness is a fabulous pick for larger dogs and is great for pups that pull on their walks. This saddle-like harness comes in three different sizes, and boasts seven different color choices so you really can choose a harness that suits your unique style. The added clip handle is great if you need to control your pooch in emergency situations and the wide reflector strip ensures that your pup will always be visible on their walks. Adjustable straps mean that you can perfectly fit the harness to your dogs build and avoid situations where they showcase their inner Houdini. This is a great pick and combines great quality and durability with a fantastic price.
6. Juxzh Soft Front Dog Harness
Key Features
Durable, scratch-resistant oxford material outer layer
Comfortable and ergonomic design ensures easy to fit and put on/take off
Safety features include
Comfortable lightweight mesh lining with soft sponge padding for chest and belly
Two leash attachment points
The Juxzh soft front dog harness is a fabulous pick and will have your dog looking super stylish in all its purple splendor. The harness is super durable and its exterior is made with scratch-resistant oxford material to keep it looking fab. Its ergonomic design leads to greater comfort and ensures that it’s easy to put on and take off. In terms of safety this a brilliant choice and boats nylon webbing with reflective material for greater visibility at night and two leash attachment points. There is also a sturdy handle for easy seatbelt attachment to ensure that your pup is even safe when you are riding in your car. This model combines style, durability and safety and is the perfect pick for those special pups in your life
7. OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Harness
Key Features
Durable material and soft pads
Adjustable
MOLLE System
Hook and loop panels
Available in 4 colors & 3 sizes
While you talk the talk, the OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Vest will enable your furry-friend to walk the walk. This harness prides itself on durability, style, and practicality and features a belly band and adjustable straps to ensure that your dog experiences maximum comfort. The top handle ensures that you can effectively control your pup when needed and the MOLLE and loop system mean that your dog can carry extra gear if needed. The x-bungee cords can carry a water bottle and thus this is a perfect choice if you are going on long walks and don’t want to be tied down by carrying stuff. This is a perfect pick for training, hiking, and walking and combines epic style with great quaility.
8. Icefang Tactical Dog Harness
Key Features
Metal buckle for extra durability
Strips of molle for carrying
Adjustable straps for a better fit
Water resistant coating
Front clip attachment
The Icefang Tactical Dog Harness is a fantastic no-pulling harness that has a fron clip attachment. This is a great pick for dogs that pull and will encourage them to walk at their owners pace. The softly padded and ventilated mesh makes this a super comfortable option and its water resistant coating means it’s an ideal pick for pooches that enjoy splashing in water. The metal buckle adds to extra durability and the brand prides itself on their brilliant quality and product strength. This is a superb choice for those with bigger dogs or who want to utilize their harness for training purposes. The Icefang tactical harness certainly won’t dissapoint.
Best Dog Harness Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Harness
Choosing the correct harness is an important step for you and your furry-friend and can be the difference between stressful walks with a pulling-pup, and leisurely strolls with a well-behaved dog that is walking peacefully. A harness enables you to have maximum control on dog walks and is a comfortable option for your pup, since it distributes pressure evenly and doesn't cause injury to their necks.
When thinking about whether to buy your dog a harness you need to think about a few things. If you are investing in a harness because your dog pulls, or is a larger and stronger breed then it's a good idea to buy a product with leash attachment clips at the front and the back. The front clip will gently encourage your dog to walk at your pace and with discourage pulling. You also need to consider what size harness you need by measuring your dog accurately and buying a harness that fits them comfortably. A harness that is too tight can hurt your dog, but a loose fitting harness can enable them to slip out. If you live in a cold area you might also want to invest in a harness with extra padding to keep your pooch snugly on those wintery walks. For more options, check out our detailed reviews of puppy harnesses and dog lift harnesses.
Harnesses vs. Collars
There are pros and cons to both harnesses and collars; however harnesses can often be more comfortable when walking and are great choices for dogs that pull, since they won't cause them any harm or injure their necks or tracheas. However, collars might be a more comfortable option if you intend on leaving them on all the time, since a harness shouldn't be warn 24/7.
If your dog is an escape artist and gets out their harness often then a collar might be a better bet, but a well-fitting harness shouldn't result in your pooch escaping. If you are looking for more options, check out our guides on dog collars and leather dog collars.
If your dog is a puller, use a harness while on walks to avoid them getting hurt.
Types of Dog Harnesses
There are a variety of dog harness types and while they all enable you to walk your pup comfortably and deter them from pulling, they attach slightly differently and have a different look about them. The following types are some of the most popular harness styles on the market.
- Vest Harness
The vest harness is a great pick as it fits around your dog's body snugly like a vest. This is great for smaller breeds and will keep your pup warm. The neck isn't usually adjustable so make sure you measure your pups before you buy one. Take a look at our review of tactical dog vests for more info.
- Step-in Harness
Your dog simply steps into the leg holes and the harness clips around their bodies. This is a simple and easy to use model.
- Padded Chest Harness
This has a similar design to the step-in model but it has a padded chest plate.
- Dual Strap Harness
This model can seem a little daunting at first, but once you locate the buckle you'll be able to place it around your dogs body.
- Training Harness
These usually attach to a collar and helps dogs who pull by encouraging them to turn around. The clip is at the front.
Our Top Pick
After much deliberation, we have opted for the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness as our best pick. This is a brilliant, adjustable outdoor pet vest, boating reflective material to ensure maximum safety while your pup is out for a walk. This model amalgamates brilliant quality with a fabulous price and is a great choice for small, medium, and large breeds alike. The Rabbitgoo harness is made of soft breathable material and heavy padding and this ensures greater comfort for your pooch. The adjustable slide straps allow for a custom fit and since the pulling pressure is evenly distributed so your dog won't choke. Users have noted that this is a great choice for dogs that are prone to pulling and have expressed that walks have become more enjoyable and less strenuous since purchasing a Rabitgoo harness. This light-weight, fully adjustable model is a great pick for all breeds and won't leave you or your pup disappointed.
FAQ
Q: Can a dog wear a harness all the time?
It's best to keep the harness for dog walks, since there is always a risk that the dog's harness can get caught on something. It's also not a good idea to leave a wet harness on a dog as this can lead to skin infections. If you're pup takes a dip on a walk and the harness gets wet, hang it up to dry when you get home.
Q: How tight should a harness be on a dog?
A harness that is too tight can hurt your dog, but a harness that is too loose can be a safety hazard as they might easily slip out of it. You want their harness to be comfortable, yet secure. As a general rule of thumb you should be able to comfortably slip two fingers under the harness and there should be no bulges in their skin. If their skin is bulging around the harness then it's definitely too tight and could cause them pain.
Q: How do I measure a dog for a harness?
Measuring your dog is the best way to accurately determine what size harness they will need. While many brands do offer breed and size guides, every pup is unique and measuring them personally will enable you to choose the perfect size every time.
You need to measure the width of your dog's chest, and their girth, to gage their size. Measuring accurately will ensure that you choose a well-fitting harness that is super comfortable and safe.
For the chest: Simply wrap the tape measure across your dog's breast bone to about 1-inch behind their front legs.
For the girth: Wrap your tape measure around the largest part of your dog's rib cage, under their front legs.
If your dog seems to be between to sizes on the size guide, always opt for the larger model, as you don't want the harness to be too tight and hurt your pup.
Q: Is there a certain type of a padding that would be most comfortable for a dog?
A padded harness is a great choice if your pup doesn't have much fur and is prone to getting cold. A padded harness also stops friction and can create greater comfort and ease on walks. Harness padding can be in the form of foam, fleece, or wool and as long as your harness fits your dog properly it will be comfortable.
Q: Will a control handle on a harness hurt my dog?
A control handle is a handle on the top of the harness and allows you to quickly take control of your dog when needed. The handle itself won't cause any harm to your dog and just gives you more control if the need arises. This is a good option for stronger breeds and will enable you to quickly get hold of your dog when needed.
It's also important to regularly wash your dog's harness to avoid a build-up of bacteria.