15 Harnesses for Your Hardest Adventuring Hound
Depending on your dog’s personality, a leash may not be the best restraint option when you’re out on the town together. No matter your dog’s size, if they tend to pull, they can incur severe neck or tracheal injuries when the bulk force of their actions is confined to a 1-inch-wide strap. Enter the dog harness. Unlike a traditional leash and collar system, a harness straps over a dog’s chest, shoulders, and back to distribute their weight. They are also much more difficult to slip out of and will give you more control throughout the training process.
Since we love dogs, we’ve dug deep and looked far and wide for the best dog harnesses. The following 15 made the cut and will help you maintain a positive relationship with even the most daring dog. We’ve considered everything from price to comfort so you can sit back and relax – the hard work has been done, all you have to do is choose.
Here are the “paws” and cons to consider when buying your dog’s next harness:
- Ruffwear Front Range Harness
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is our top pick for a number of reasons. It’s lightweight, comfortable for your dog, and easy to put on. It has been thoughtfully designed to include two functional leash attachment points, one that’s ideal for daily excursions and the other that utilizes reinforced webbing along the chest when you need additional control. Available in a rainbow of colors, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness is what BestReviews.com calls a solid choice for both pups and their people. Whole-Dog-Journal.com and TheLabradorSite.com appreciated Ruffwear’s inclusion of sizes to fit everything from a Chihuahua to a mastiff.
Rover.com calls the Front Range Harness a “go-to” that’s perfect for any dog. AtopDaily.com praised the padded chest piece while Heavy.com felt confident this harness had the ability to offset strong pulling and help your dog avoid injuries.
Paws
- Durable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Price
- Clips may pinch small fingers
(Information Source Ruffwear)
- Kurgo Tru-Fit No Pull Dog Harness
The Kurgo Tru-Fit No Pull Dog Harness is the perfect harness for daily use and training and comes with a seat belt loop so your dog can be safe on the road. Featuring a quick release buckle mechanism, this comfortable and stylish harness is easy to put on and take off and provides hours of comfort for canines large and small. Founded in 2003 by a duo of dog-loving brothers from Vermont, Kurgo products feature a lifetime warranty and come with the peace of mind of being machine washable for days your walks takes you off the beaten path. BestReviews.com and TheLabradorSite.com praised the Kurgo Tru-Fit for its adjustability and TheWireCutter.com says it provides an added level of control over dogs that like to pull.
TopDogTips.com and AtopDaily.com rated this budget-minded dog harness highly for its quick release buckle and ability to mount your GoPro to document your canine adventures.
Paws
- Ideal for daily walks
- No-pull D ring attachment
Cons
- Not suited for running
- Not crash tested
(Information Source Amazon)
- PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
The Easy Walk Harness by PetSafe lets your dog know that he’s gone too far by pulling back with gentle pressure. Unlike many of the top harness systems, the Easy Walk connects at the chest, eliminating strain on your dog’s neck. This adjustable harness is perfect for brachycephalic breeds, which Rover.com points out need extra protection against neck and throat injuries.
PetSafe has designed the Easy Walk harness to provide you the most control while walking or training. Whole-Dog-Journal.com points out that the leash attaches to a sliding loop that moves freely from side to side depending on where you are in proximity to your dog. AtopDaily.com praises the Easy Walk for offering the opportunity to redirect your dog’s attention quickly and easily.
Paws
- No-choke chest connection
- Adjustable
Cons
- May slide under dog’s leg if jumping
- Limited color options
(Information Source Amazon)
- Chai’s Choice Front Range Dog Harness
Chai’s Choice Front Range Harness is made of durable, high-quality materials and features reflective 3M webbing for night visibility. This ergonomic harness disperses pressure evenly, allowing your dog to correct his pulling behaviors without damaging his throat or neck. Adjustable straps and soft sponge padding allow you to create a comfortable and custom fit no matter your dog’s size or body build. TheLabradorSite.com explains this harness can be further fit to your dog by the inclusion of the “Truelove” buckle.
TheLabradorSite.com loved the dual clasps while TopDogTips.com praised the high-load capacity of the Duraflex buckle. AtopDaily.com ranks the Front Range as a top three find for its fully-loaded features menu.
Paws
- Highly adjustable
- Reflective webbing for safety
Cons
- Price
- Standard sizing may be unreliable
(Information Source Amazon)
- Puppia Dog Harnesses
Made of 100 percent soft and breathable polyester, the Puppia Dog Harness is a machine washable wonder that fits like a glove; simply follow the provided size chart online and your dog will be snug as a bug in his new no-choke harness. Featuring an adjustable neck and chest, the Puppia Dog Harness is a truly customizable harness that’s perfect for dogs from 3.5 pounds up to 65 pounds.
BestReviews.com cites budget-friendliness as part of the reason this harness is so popular. TheWireCutter.com makes a great point that the Puppia Dog Harness is good for low-slung dogs. Rover.com and TopDogTips.com cite lightweight materials and quick-release buckle as reasons this harness makes the cut.
Paws
- Breathable mesh
- Comfortable
Cons
- Limited sizes for large breeds
- Mesh can snag
(Information Source Amazon)
- Unho Dog Body Harness
The Unho harness is everything a dog walking system should be without the glitz and glam of boutique leashes and harnesses. Its reliable padded mesh body is accented by nickel plated hardware for long-lasting durability in all environments. This harness features lateral stretch webbing that moves naturally with your dog for comfort and control without injury.
BestReviews.com says this is a great choice for large, active dogs; PetSho.com agrees and adds that it is also non-irritating to the skin. AtopDaily.com liked the self-strapping layout and Heavy.com rated the Unho highly for its quality build and comfortable padding.
Paws
- Hand strap for added control
- Ideal for large breeds
Cons
- Only available in black
- Singular attach point
(Information Source Amazon)
- ExPAWlorer Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness
Built for big dogs, the ExPAWlorer harness offers extra control with the inclusion of a thoughtfully placed nylon hand hold at the dog’s shoulders. A fast-drying and breathable harness, it also provides ample nighttime visibility with wide, reflective bands across the back. Parachute clasps and fully adjustable straps make the ExPAWlorer harness a favorite of dog lovers everywhere.
Metal D rings and a comfortable neoprene lining also boosted the ExPAWlorer into top spots with BestReviews.com and Rover.com. Pound for pound, this harness stands up against brands twice the price.
Paws
- Solid build
- Padded
Cons
- No small sizes
- Solid colors only
(Information Source Amazon)
- DEXDOG EZ Harness
The DEXDOX EZ Harness is a slip-on walking vest that won’t rub or leave rashes on your sensitive-skinned pooch. Its reflective stitching and padded straps ensure your dog stays safe and comfortable day or night. Made to eliminate the hassles of getting ready for a walk, the DEXDOX EZ Harness is perfect for impatient pets (and their perpetually rushed parents).
AtopDaily.com praises DEXDOG for the company’s offering of colors to suite any dog and owner. Heavy.com also liked the color options and notes this vest comes with flexible straps for a cozy Fido-friendly fit.
Paws
- Easy on
- Padded for comfort
Cons
- No chest anchor
- Limited styles in this brand
(Information Source Amazon)
- Arikon Heavy-Duty Denim Dog Leash and Harness Set
Denim has been the working man (and woman’s) go-to fabric for a century when comfort and longevity was a must. Today, Arikon has taken this thought process and finally create a denim dog harness that’s both fashionable and functional. The Arikon Heavy-Duty Denim Dog Leash and Harness is sturdy enough to handle heavy pullers but easy enough to use for every day walks.
PetSho.com points out that the denim fabric, which is exquisitely stitched at the seams, is almost chew-proof and is easily adjustable. TopDogTips.com praises the simple and effective design.
Paws
- Durable
- Stylish
Cons
- May look dated to young pet owners
- Adjustable rings are made of plastic
(Information Source Amazon)
- Embark Active Dog Harness
When your harness is sewn using military-grade nylon thread, you know you’ve made a great choice. The Embark Active Dog Harness is that great choice and offers a front-facing no-pull leash attachment. It’s also very comfortable with padding in all the right places. One of the easiest harnesses to slip on, the Embark Active Dog Harnesses distributes your dog’s weight evenly for no-choke control while training.
TopDogTips.com notes this harness is used regularly for service and therapy animals. Embark provides a no-risk product guarantee and offers free replacement if the fit doesn’t work for your pet.
Paws
- Reinforced stitching
- Seat belt compatible
Cons
- Front attachment not for everyday use
- Limited colors
(Information Source Amazon)
- Gooby Perfect Fit X Harness
The Gooby Perfect Fit X Harness was made with your dog’s comfort in mind. Trimmed in high-quality micro-suede and decked out with a lambskin strap, this mesh harness reduces the bothersome friction often experienced by dogs wearing a nylon harness system. An adjustable chest and neck ensure a perfect fit for your dog. When walking, pulling dogs will be redirected with gentle pressure on the chest instead of the neck, which can cause damage to the throat and make outings unpleasant for everyone.
TheLabradorSite.com praises the Gooby for its cross-body design and PetSho.com points to its quick-drying ability as a reason the Gooby Perfect Fit X Harness makes its top harness list.
Paws
- Comfortable
- Unique style
Cons
- May stretch too much for large dogs
- Not padded
(Information Source Amazon)
- Majestic Pet No Pull Dog Harness
The Majestic Pet No Pull Dog Harness is an affordable option for pet owners on a budget or those who simply like to change things up frequently. This breathable and lightweight pet walking and training system pinches slightly at the shoulders to redirect your dog if he pulls or strays. This simple no-frills harness isn’t meant to win a fashion show but it does what it should no matter where you go with your pet.
AtopDaily.com calls the Majestic Pet No Pull Harness the Jack of all Trades and master of most. Heavy.com says the simple design is easy to use.
Paws
- Inexpensive
- Effective
Cons
- Pinches at the shoulder
- No premium features
(Information Source Amazon)
- Noxgear LightHound
The Noxgear LightHound delivers the ultimate in nighttime visibility and boasts eight bright illuminated colors and six flash patterns. Each light patterns was developed based on visual science principles to get the attention of passing motorists. This is the harness you need if most of your dog time happens after the sun goes down. The Noxgear LightHound can be seen for more than half a mile away. No batteries to install, the LightHound’s rechargeable power source is built right in and is machine washable for your convenience.
PetSho.com says this is a one-of-a-kind harness that’s not only highly visible but comfortable for your dog, too. Rover.com likes the secure, adjustable strap.
Paws
- Night visibility
- Unique
Cons
- Price
- No front leash attachment
(Information Source Amazon)
- The Company of Animals Halti Harness
The Company of Animals Halti Harness features a patented design that stops pulling by directing your dog via the chest and shoulders. This harness was conceptualized by Dr. Roger Munford, who wanted a better way to control pulling behaviors. With neoprene padding on the shoulders, this harness is just as comfortable as it is effective.
TheLabradorSite.com reports that it stops pulling and won’t constrict your dog’s throat. PetSho.com was impressed by the fact that The Company of Animals Halti Harness was designed by a veterinarian.
Paws
- Developed by a veterinarian
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Requires sewing to secure fit
- Thin straps
(Information Source Amazon)
- 2 Hounds Design Wiggles Wags & Whiskers Freedom No-Pull Harness Training Package
The Wiggles Wags & Whiskers harness by 2 Hounds Designs is made in the USA and includes a double ended leash as well as training instructions for novice pet owners. One of the top picks by adoption groups across the country, the Wiggles Wags & Whiskers Freedom No-Pull Harness is a dual purpose tool and may be used for training or exercise. Making this an even better value, 2 Hounds Design will replace up to two chewed straps at no cost.
TheLabradorSite.com asserts that the Wiggles Wags & Whiskers Freedom No-Pull Harness was developed with the canine escape artist in mind. Rover.com aptly points out that looks are deceiving and despite the basic design of the harness, it hides a few features that make it safe and effective.
Paws
- Packaged with leash
- Two leash attachments
Cons
- Not chew-proof
- Limited colors available
(Information Source Amazon)