Updated on Nov. 21, 2024
A dog harness helps keep your dog safe and is a practical alternative to a collar. Use this list to help you choose the best harness for your dog.
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Do you need to buy a harness for your dog? Yes! Like dog collars, a harness is an essential piece of gear that will help keep your dog safe and comfortable on walks. For dogs that get excited and pull on their leashes, a harness is vital for distributing pressure away from their neck and preventing neck strain and choking. If your dog rarely pulls, a harness can still be useful for safety and security reasons (like keeping them secure in the car).
Robert Haussmann, co-founder of DogboyNYC and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), says, “Harnesses are a great option for walking your dog on a leash. They provide a safe connection to your dog while minimizing pressure on the dog’s trachea or spine. They are perfect for young dogs and puppies who are learning how to walk calmly on a leash.”
The point is that a harness is a necessity for dog owners, regardless of their dog’s breed, size, demeanor, etc. But figuring out which one is best for you can be a difficult task, which is why we’ve done the heavy lifting and put together this list of the best dog harnesses you can buy.
via chewy.com
We love the Puppia RiteFit Back Clip Harness because its lightweight mesh is not too bulky on your small dog and the soft padding ensures a chafe-free experience. Chafing from a harness is more common in small dogs because they have less room between their legs and their bodies.
It also has an adjustable neckline to fit dogs that may be between sizes. Many small dog breeds are notoriously difficult for fit for harnesses, but this option comes highly rated from owners of toy breeds. It will help give your dog the perfect fit.
This harness tends to run small, so be sure to double-check your dog’s measurements before you buy.
via chewy.com
You wouldn’t let a baby ride in your back seat without a safety seat, so why would you let your dog roam around back there?
There are various ways to keep dogs safe in the car, and one we recommend is this Tru-Fit Smart Harness by Kurgo. This harness lets you buckle your dog directly into the waist and the shoulder seat belt to keep them safe and secure when the car is moving. The metal buckles and carabiner have been crash-tested up to 75 pounds. This harness easily transitions to use as a regular walking harness when you get where you are going.
via chewy.com
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality. The Voyager Mesh Dog Harness offers the durability and comfort of a more expensive harness at an affordable price.
Made of polyester that’s breathable and durable, this harness comes with two sturdy metal D-rings that work just as well as those on a harness that’s twice the price. This step-in harness comes in sizes from XS to XL so you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit for your dog.
via chewy.com
This Copatchy No-Pull Reflective Adjustable Dog Harness tops this category because it adjusts easily to grow with your dog, making it an essential puppy product.
The sliders around the buckles glide smoothly to adjust — no more tugging and struggling with straps! And it’s made of durable, chew-resistant material. This harness will help train your puppy to walk on a loose leash. It even has a handle for the times when you need to quickly grab onto your pup.
Tip: Copatchy understands puppies grow fast and will happily work with you on exchanging sizes.
via chewy.com
Sometimes you need something a little more heavy-duty for taking your dog on adventures. You won’t find anything better for that than the OneTigris Tactical Vest.
It offers MOLLE (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment) webbing and a bungee strap for storing food, treats and other necessities. It’s waterproof and easy to wash, so it’s perfect for time spent in the great outdoors. It’s also easily customizable with patches and badges! You dog will get plenty of exercise wearing this harness.
via chewy.com
If you have a really strong dog or simply a large one walked by a smaller human, you might need more control than a no-pull harness offers. That’s where this PetSafe Gentle Leader Nylon Dog Headcollar can be especially useful. It’s highly recommended by vets and trainers and completely comfortable for your dog. Also, it’s fully padded and still allows your dog to open their mouth and even hold their favorite dog toy.
via amazon.com
Large breeds need a harness that’s more durable but still offers comfort for when they see a squirrel and throw their whole body weight against the leash.
This Dean and Tyler DT Dog Harness is made of super-strong nylon and features three metal D rings as leash attachment points. The rings are large enough to accommodate any kind of leash buckle, and the nylon fabric even stands up to serious chewing, according to reviewers. It also includes a heavy-duty handle and reflective strips that are great for nighttime visibility.
via amazon.com
No-pull leashes are designed with a D ring in the middle of the dog’s chest to discourage pulling. Despite their name, they won’t completely eliminate this dog behavior. That requires consistent training and the help of a sturdy harness.
There is so much to love about the rabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness! Its front clip leash attachment helps encourage your dog to walk calmly by your side and is perfect for training. Plus, this harness is adjustable and ridiculously easy to put on. It also has a back clip option for more relaxed walks and jogs.
via amazon.com
A step-in-style harness is a perfect solution for dogs who don’t like having a harness put on over their heads. This Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness is an Amazon bestseller for a reason. It features comfortable all-weather mesh suited for hot summers, rainy springs and chilly winters.
The key feature of this harness is that it’s designed to go on your dog in two easy steps. Once your dog is standing in the harness, simply pull the sides up and secure the hook-and-loop fastener. From there, just clip the buckle on top and attach the leash. This hook-and-loop/buckle combo is a groundbreaking innovation that will keep your dog comfortable and secure.
