Best Dog Harness: Which Is Ideal For Your Dog’s Needs?
By / Last updated March 5, 2023 / Leave a Comment / 8 minutes of reading
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Dog harnesses have certain advantages over using a collar when you take your dog on walks. Is a harness a better alternative for your pup? And which type and brand of harness will be the best fit for your needs? We’ll help you decide in our dog harness reviews.
At A Glance: Best Dog Harness For…
| Walking & Training | No-Pull | Large Dogs | Small Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
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| PetSafe Easy Walk | Rabbitgoo | RUFFWEAR Front Range | Voyager |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Table Of ContentsBenefits Of A Dog Harness vs A CollarBest Dog HarnessIs Your Dog Reactive When On Leash?Need A Leash Or Collar Too?
Benefits Of A Dog Harness vs A Collar
Many dog parents opt to use a harness over a dog collar for several reasons:
Eliminates choking and gaggingDiscourages pulling on the leashBetter control, especially with strong or large dogs or in busy traffic or crowdsGood for dogs who like to slip out of their collarEffective training tool for puppies because they won’t get as tangled up in the leashEasier to assist older dogs who need help getting up
Best Dog Harness
We chose our top picks based on several factors, including the quality of materials and construction, special features, customer reviews, pricing, and more. We’ve broken our recommendations down into categories to help you choose the best harness for your specific needs.
Best For Walking & Training: PetSafe Deluxe Easy Walk Review
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The Easy Walk harness was created over 15 years ago by a veterinary behaviorist and is a favorite of many dog parents and trainers. You can use it on puppies as young as six weeks old to start training good leash behavior.
It’s easy to put on because it clips around the body instead of having to go over your dog’s head. It has a front chest leash attachment to deter pulling and give you better control than a collar. This deluxe version also has padded, neoprene-lined straps for better comfort over the standard Easy Walk Harness.
Personal Experience
We use the Easy Walk Harness on our Lab. It definitely reduces her uncontrolled pulling on walks. However, it gets stuck behind her front legs sometimes, rather than staying in front as it should. I guess this annoyance is worth the trade-off for a more manageable dog on walks!
– Michelle S., Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low price point | Can take some time to get the fit just right |
| Deters pulling on the leash | Only has a front leash attachment point (can cause the leash to slide under legs and trip) |
| For training and everyday walks | May not be sturdy enough for heavy pullers |
| Very lightweight for comfort | Some owners say the chest strap sags |
| Quick-snap buckles on shoulder and belly straps | Some complaints that it rubs and causes irritated skin |
| 4 points of adjustability for a solid fit | |
| Reflective trim for night safety | |
| Easy to clean |
Price
The Easy Walk Harness is available in 4 sizes and 4 colors.
Starts at:
$25.95
Read Our Easy Walk Harness vs Gentle Leader Collar Comparison
Best No Pull: Rabbitgoo Harness Review
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The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is the best harness for dogs that pull and is a well-crafted and effective no-pull harness. It’s made from durable materials, is well padded for comfort, and has a breathable mesh that helps keeps dogs cool. You can use the front leash attachment to keep your dog from pulling and the back for everyday walking without choking. Many owners with dogs who like to slip out of harnesses say this one is virtually escape-proof.
Personal Experience
This is an effective harness that has held up well for years. It keeps our dog from pulling, and there’s a handle on the top that adds even more control when another dog walks by.
– Alex S., Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value | Not ideal for very small or very large dogs |
| Deters pulling on the leash | Not chew-proof |
| Has front and back metal leash attachments | A few complaints that it ripped after a few months |
| Easy to put on and adjust with 4 adjustment points | |
| Padded with soft cushion | |
| Breathable air mesh to keep your dog cool | |
| Bright reflective strips | |
| Handle on back to hold on to your dog |
Price
The Rabbitgoo is available in 4 sizes and 12 colors.
Starts at: $17.98
Best Dog Harness For Large Dogs That Pull: RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness Review
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RUFFWEAR is known for its extremely durable and sturdy harnesses, and the Front Range Harness doesn’t disappoint — it will stand up to larger, stronger dogs and even heavy chewers. It features two leash attachment points: reinforced webbing at the chest to redirect dogs who pull and an aluminum V-ring on the back for everyday walks. Most users say the fit and comfort levels are excellent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely durable and sturdy | Pricey |
| Deters pulling on the leash | Not quite as escape-proof as the Rabbitgoo |
| Has front and back leash attachments | Some users say the sizes run a bit small |
| Easy to put on and adjust with 4 adjustment points | |
| Foam padding for comfort | |
| Reflective trim and light loop to attach the Beacon safety light (sold separately) | |
| Pocket on back to store ID tags |
Price
The RUFFWEAR Front Range is available in 5 sizes and 8 colors.
Starts at: $49.95
Best For Small Dogs: Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness Review
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If you don’t need a heavy-duty harness or have a puppy, the Voyager is our best puppy harness pick. This harness could be a nice fit for your small or medium-sized dog. As long as your dog cooperates, it’s easy to put on — you just have him step into the front leg holes and buckle the strap across his back. It has two metal D rings and breathable air mesh on the back so your dog won’t get overheated.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Doesn’t have a front leash attachment |
| Secures easily with Velcro and buckle on the back | Largest size is not suitable for dogs over roughly 30 lbs |
| Breathable air mesh to keep dog cool | Not ideal for escape artists |
| Reflective strips | |
| Wide range of sizes for small and medium dogs |
Price
The Voyager comes in 7 sizes and 20+ colors.
Starts at: $11.53
Check Out Our Best Harness Options For Small Dogs
Best For Hiking: RUFFWEAR Web Master Review
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Another rugged product by RUFFWEAR is our pick for the best dog harness for hiking and other outdoor activities — and an excellent choice for escape artists. One of the features that make this ideal for hiking is a large handle on the back that lets you safely help your dog maneuver over rough terrain. Its sturdy construction is padded for comfort but still lightweight, has a back leash attachment, 5 adjustment points for a secure fit, and reflective strips.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely durable and sturdy | Pricey |
| Lift handle to help your dog navigate rough terrain | Doesn’t have a front leash attachment point (only back), so it’s not a no-pull harness |
| Easy to put on and adjust with 5 adjustment points | May not fit very small dogs |
| Users say it works well with escape artists | |
| Foam padding for comfort | |
| Reflective trim and light loop to attach the Beacon safety light (sold separately) |
Price
The RUFFWEAR Web Master comes in 5 sizes and 3 colors.
Starts at: $44.95
Read our guide on hiking, backpacking & camping with your dog
Best For Car: PetSafe Deluxe Car Safety Dog Harness Review
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This PetSafe car harness is certified crash-tested* for the ultimate safety measure when your pup is in the car. To use this harness, you simply secure the vest to your pup, buckle in the seat belt and attach the tether to the belt and the vest.
There are three levels of attachments, so you can choose how tight or loose you want it. In the loosest position, your dog can stand, sit, lie down, and even stick his head out of the window. The system locks during sudden stops. You can also purchase additional tether straps for multiple cars.
*The small, medium and large sizes are crash-tested. The extra-large is not.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value | Some complaints that dogs get twisted up in the tether strap/seat belt |
| Certified crash-tested | Only comes in one color (blue) |
| Fits all vehicles | |
| Easy to buckle your dog in | |
| Dog can stand, sit and lie down | |
| Padded vest area with a breathable liner | |
| Separate leash attachment so you can walk your dog using the car harness |
Price
Starts at:
Check Amazon for availability
See our reviews of other car safety products for dogs
Best Lift: Labra Canine Support Sling Review
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If your dog suffers from limited mobility due to joint pain or arthritis or if they are recovering from surgery or an accident, a high-quality lift sling harness is a must-have. It helps you safely assist your dog while saving you from back strain.
This Labra support harness has a wide sling design, is long enough to support your dog’s core, and has a soft fleece lining. And it has adjustable strap lengths for your comfort and ease of use. It comes in many sizes and is sturdy enough to handle even the heaviest of dogs.
Personal Experience
Our old lady Bella (yellow Lab) suffered from hip arthritis, but she loved to go for walks. This lift harness is the best way to take her for walks while also allowing us to be comfortable. It is truly a gift during these trying days.
– Michelle S., Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy material | Some owners with large-chested dogs said it bunches up at the belly or hips |
| Easy-to-use sling design | Only comes in one color (black) |
| Adjustable straps for your comfort | |
| Soft fleece lining | |
| Wide Velcro closure at top | |
| Rolls up and snaps for portability |
Price
Comes in multiple sizes.
Starts at: $17.95
Is Your Dog Reactive When On Leash?
If your dog lunges, barks, and has other reactive behaviors to cars, people, dogs, and other stimuli when he’s on a leash, check out this video that has some effective tips on how to stop these behaviors.
Need A Leash Or Collar Too?
We’ve also researched a ton of collars and leashes that you might want to consider for your pup. See our guide on how to pick the best collars and leashes for your dog, which includes a handy fit and sizing guide. And be sure to read our reviews of the best remote dog training collars that can help you train your dog to behave when he’s off-leash.
Tagged With: Collars, Comparison
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