Importance of a Good Harness
The best dog harness provides you with the peace of mind that your dog is safe, and provides your dog with a comfortable fit. When searching for a harness, you want one that fits snugly, doesn’t chafe or pull out fur, and properly takes pressure off your dog’s neck.
When you don’t walk with a harness, if your dog pulls on its collar it can cause a number of medical issues. Pulling on a collar can cut off your dog’s circulation, crush their trachea (windpipe), and more.
Conversely, the best dog harness can remove pressure from your dog’s windpipe. Some harnesses even help reduce pulling.
Five Best Dog Harnesses
As a certified dog trainer, I have seen a wide variety of clients struggle with walking their dog on a leash. I have used trial and error to help you find the best dog harness for your pet.
Each of these harnesses has a certain scenario or feature that sets it apart from the rest: durability, all-around use, value, etc. It is difficult to provide an all-encompassing choice of which dog harness is best, but we have ranked them in terms of quality, price, versatility, ergonomy, and more.
Here is our unbiased review of the top 5 best dog harnesses available!
All-Around Favorite Dog Harness
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Review Highlights:
“… We had our first walk in over a year and it works amazingly. No choking or coughing and minimal pulling. Thank you for the great product. So glad I decided to try it. …”
“… it works so much better than just a regular collar and leash. This doesn’t choke my dog either. I have no problem putting this on or taking it off her also. Glad I made this purchase. …”
“… This dog harness is amazing. Easy to clip on any easy to takeoff. The dog does not have to step into anything put it over their head run the straps under their belly one click and you’re done …”
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This harness is great because it provides the best of both worlds. You have the option to hold the handle on the harness, or clip your leash to the ring on the back.
Feature Highlights:
- Comfortable fit ensures the pressure is distributed evenly when pulling.
- Sturdy nylon handle to give you the best grip.
- Reflective straps to keep you and your dog safe in low light.
This harness is made with durable materials to keep you and your dog safe. The strap is made with thick nylon so you can keep your grip even when your dog pulls. Additionally, the leash attachment is made with sturdy steel to keep your dog secure.
Another great feature of this product is comfort. The interior has soft padding to keep your dog comfortable. Conversely, the material on the exterior is thick and durable to prevent tearing. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Pitbulls, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and more.
Best Indestructible Dog Harness
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Review Highlights:
“… It is strong, secure and comfortable for my puppy. The large size has grown with my puppy and she still has more room to grow. It is her favorite because it seems to be the most comfortable for her and my favorite because it is so secure …”
“… Overall I love the product! Very durable and a soft grip. I have taken it to the beach and it has been in the water. It is a well made product. …”
“… This is very safe, it don’t harm the animal. I LOVE it. Thank You!! I do hope there is a next size up if I need it. I’ll be back and I do recommend this …”
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We know every dog can’t be a perfect angel. If your dog is a chewer, this harness provides thick and durable material to prevent destructive chewing. However, as is the case with any harness, if your dog chews you should remove the harness when not in use.
Feature Highlights:
- Made with two thick layers of nylon and denim material.
- Soft texture and adjustable straps help prevent irritation and rubbing.
- Heavy-duty clips and rings do not rust and help keep your dog secure.
The durability of this product comes from the double-layer construction. You receive one layer of thick nylon and another layer of denim to resist tearing and chewing. With sturdy and durable materials, you can expect along life from this harness.
In addition to its dependable build, this product also provides a comfortable fit. It is made with softer materials on the interior surface to avoid rubbing and irritation. You can choose from three different sizes. Each is adjustable, so you can find the best fit for your pup. Recommended for: Pitbulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, and more.
Best Value Dog Harness
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Review Highlights:
“… BEST Harness and Leash Set…This set in highly durable, thick and cushioned… The HIGH QUALITY material will stand up to anything… THANKS, UPPOWER!!! …”
“… I love this leash! My three year old enjoyed walking him with this new leash. I will definitely be purchasing another for our other dog …”
“… Worth every penny with the harness and leash! Highly recommended! Don’t second guess, just do it and see for yourselves …”
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We love this product because it is both affordable and durable. When you walk your dog, you want to make sure that they’re safe. With this product, you can breathe easy knowing that the material is durable and will keep your dog safe and secure.
Feature Highlights:
- Heavy-duty material with high-quality buckles and clips.
- Cotton padding reinforces the interior surface to prevent irritation.
- Comes with a 180-day warranty.
This product is made with two dense layers of nylon for a thick and durable fit. You can tell just by looking at the harness that it is well-made and contains quality ingredients. Choose from a variety of sizes, and adjust the straps to fit your dog perfectly.
If the durable material isn’t quite enough to sway you, you also receive a 180-day warranty for this product. URPOWER not only guarantees that you will love this harness, but they actually back it up with a warranty to boot! Recommended for: Pitbulls, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies, and more.
Best Dog Harness for Small Breeds
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Review Highlights:
“… Those of you out there with itty-bitty dogs know how hard it is to find items small enough for them! I ordered an x-small for our 1.5 pound Morkie pup & it fits perfectly! …”
“… The material is soft (important for my tiny old rescue pomchi) yet durable, the hardware is solid, and the straps/fastener are very strong/durable as well. I feel like this will last for years. Buy this one! …”
“… My Remy loves his harness. He hated the other harnesses and collars but can’t wait to go out with this harness on. Spot on. Perfect fit. Already suggested it to other dog owners I know. …”
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If you have a toy breed, or even a “standard” small breed dog, it can be difficult to find a quality harness. Companies often build small breed harnesses with sub-par materials because smaller dogs cannot pull with the same intensity as large breeds. Thankfully, this harness provides you with sturdy materials and a comfortable fit for your small dog.
Feature Highlights:
- Features reflective straps to keep your dog visible even in dim light.
- Comes with dense padding to cushion your dog and provide the utmost comfort.
- Provides a lifetime satisfaction guarantee that you will love your harness.
This step-in harness is easy to quickly put on your small breed. It is also easy to swiftly unclip and remove as well. Your dog has the top level of comfort in this product with dense padding to cushion your dog and prevent rubbing. The thick exterior material also ensures a long-lasting harness that you can use for years!
Another great feature of this harness is the reflective straps. In dim light, reflective materials are a great way to keep you and your pet safe and visible. Choose from four different sizes for the most secure fit. Recommended for: Shih-Tzu, Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranians, and more!
Best Harness for Dogs Who Pull
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Review Highlights:
“… After a couple of minutes walking with the harness on it was a miracle! No more pulling! Thank you! …”
“… I WILL NOT walk my dog without this harness. It’s that good! …”
“… I barely have to tug on the leash and she stops pulling. It was easy to fit, it’s easy to put on and take off, and is very sturdy – obviously well made. Great product! …”
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As a dog trainer, this is my absolute favorite harness for dogs who pull. It is also the harness that I use on my own dogs! The front-clip feature provides a great way to prevent pulling while also reducing the pressure on your dog’s neck.
Feature Highlights:
- Unique design reduces pulling and prevents choking.
- You can clip your leash on the front or back of the harness.
- Velvet lined interior protects your dog from irritation and rubbing during use.
My favorite way to use this harness is by clipping your leash to the front. When your dog pulls, they do not pull on their throat choking them. The front clip also keeps your dog from being able to pull forward and helps displace much of the pulling that you experience in other harnesses.
Another great feature in this harness is the velvet-line interior. This keeps your dog from chafing while using the harness. Additionally, you can choose from several different sizes, all of which adjust to best fit your dog. Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and more.