10 Best dog harnesses: my absolute recommendations

Price Range: $$$

Price Range: $$

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Why Use A Dog Harness?

One good thing about dog harnesses is that they do not put any pressure on the throat, which can be very critical for dogs who pull on the leash or have respiratory or throat diseases.

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Also, a harness helps you control your dog during training. As your dog begins to adjust his center of gravity, he finds the position where he is most comfortable and balanced.

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Most importantly, a dog harness provides more security and comfort. With a harness, your dog might adjust better as it would be more challenging for him to wriggle out of it.

When introducing your dog to a harness, it is essential that you condition him first and give him a lot of treats and praise so as to develop positive associations with the harness.

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Types of Dog Harnesses

There are different harnesses that have their own features and purposes. Some types include:

1. Walking Harness

A walking harness is best if your dog is very obedient and has minor behavior issues. This type of harness is very light and will not hurt your dog in any way. If strolls are your thing, make sure you get one of the best dog walking harnesses.

2. Pulling Harness

If your dog likes forcing you to hurry along, this harness will help train it to become more obedient. It can also develop your dog’s muscles as it allows you to attach some weights that your dog has to work hard to pull.

3. Training Harness

A training harness is best for dogs that are active. Its durability can withstand intense movements while making sure that your dog stays comfortable and is able to breathe freely.

4. Back-Clip Harness

For this design, the leash attachment is found on the dog’s back. This is best harness for small dogs and will help train your dog not to pull on the leash.

The back-clip harness is comfortable and very easy to put on. It does not tangle easily and usually comes in many patterns. However, it can provide little control for dogs that are very aggressive and have the tendency to pull on the leash.

5. Front-Clip Harness

With front-clip harnesses, the leash attachment is found on the dog’s chest. This design allows the owner to control the direction of the dog, thus minimizing pulling.

However, with this type, there is a tendency for the leash to tangle easily and a head halter may still be needed for dogs that are very aggressive.

6. Tightening Harness

Tightening harnesses are best when you want to hinder your dog’ from pulling. Because of the slight discomfort due to the tightening, your dog would eventually stop pulling. The tightening harness is very easy to put on a dog and is considered a good device as it does not cause pain.

However, this does not help your dog learn how to walk on a loose leash. Also, note that there are some types of tightening harnesses that can cause pain on the dog so be sure to research more into the product.

Tips on Getting A Good Fit

When choosing a harness, make sure that the harness is easy to slide and that it allows your dog to move freely and comfortably. It should also be snug enough so your dog cannot wriggle out of it. You can check if it is adjustable by looking at the girth, the area around the chest behind the legs.

What Are The Top 10 Best Dog Harnesses To Buy?

Now that you have an idea of what to look out for when choosing dog harnesses, we review the top 10 best harnesses to buy. Here you will find cheap dog harnesses, leather ones, even fashionable frilly ones – there’s so much variety to choose from.

1. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness with Quick Release Buckles

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This is one of the best dog harnesses as it can be used indoors or outdoors. With a padded chest plate and five adjustment points, the harness is comfortable and very easy to put on and adjust. It is also machine washable and can fit dogs weighing 10 to 80 lbs.

Featuring quick-release buckles and a no-pull ring, this harness makes everyday walking and training easier and more comfortable for your dog. Made with seatbelt webbing and other sturdy materials, this harness is also best for restraining your dog while driving as it can be used with any seatbelt. Its five adjustment points ensure near perfect fit and this can also be used to restrain your dog while you are driving.

Pros

Highly adjustable
Useful seatbelt attachment
Versatile and can be used for almost anything
Ensures perfect fit

Cons

Not ideal for highly active dogs
Sizing may sometimes be inaccurate

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2. ARIKON Adjustable Heavy Duty Denim No-Pull Dog Training Leash Harness

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Made with durable and wear-resistant denim, this harness is not easy to break even when bitten by your dog. It is suitable for different kinds of dogs as it comes in different colors and can fit dogs from 11.8 to 27.6 inches. Designed with hard plastic rings, it can be adjusted easily so it would not be too tight or too loose for your dog. This harness is a great choice as it has a lock catch that makes it very easy to unlock and fasten. There is even a leash and a hook included, which helps you control your dog when you are walking or jogging.

Pros

Easy to put on
Effective in holding the dog back
Sturdy and looks great

Cons

Dye runs if not washed properly

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3. Unho Dog Body Harness Padded Extra Big Large Medium Small Heavy Duty vary from All kinds of size

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Made with a non-pulling mesh and elastic webbing, this harness offers total style and comfort for your dog. This is one of the best harness for large dogs, especially ones that pull. It can endure any weather as it is made with high quality nylon and nickel-plated material. It is perfect for any dog due to its soft inner lining that is skin-friendly, breathable and sweat resistant. The soft double layer nylon hand strap paired with a heavy-duty metal D ring ensures that your dog would not be able to break free easily. The chest strip is also highly adjustable and it comes in sizes good for dogs with a chest size of 50 to 110 cm.

Pros

Well-made and sturdy
Easy to put on and adjust
Comfort and style in one

Cons

Sizing may sometimes be inaccurate
May get twisted easily

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4. Halti Training Harness

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This product is one of the best harness for dogs as it is actually designed by a veterinarian. It has been made to fit all kinds of dogs, even small ones – making it one of the best puppy harness. With a padded girth strap, it prevents chaffing and keeps the harness in place. The front chest strap makes it easier for you to have more control over your dog and steer it towards your desired direction. There is also a collar clip that you can use to ensure extra security. This is a great choice because you can also use it with a double-ended leash that you can attach to the front and the back. It can fit dogs with a girth size of 14 to 40 inches.

Pros

Helps decrease pulling and aggression
Effective in training
Escape proof
Provides comfort

Cons

Plastic buckles can be weak
Fitting instructions may be inaccurate

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5. YUP! Nylon Non Pulling Dog Harness, Medium, Red

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This harness is a great choice because it has non-pulling mesh and elastic webbing that anchors your dog’s natural movements. It is specifically designed for moderate and heavy pullers as there are padded sherpa sleeves that tighten slightly when pulling occurs. The red color found at the trim around the neck complements the black attaching sleeve, providing a stylish comfort for your dog. It is one of the best available as it is made from high-quality nylon and can fit dogs with a neck size of 16 to 24 inches.

Pros

Reduces pulling
Easily adjustable
Prevents dog from choking

Cons

Sizing may sometimes not be very accurate so be sure to double check

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6. SimplyWag Dog Body Harness

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Made of 100% polyester mesh and available in 19 different colors, this SimpleWag Body Harness is one of the most stylish options in the market. It has a dual-closure system that ensures a snug fit and it can be easily secured with just two fingers. Aside from this, there is also a Velcro that keeps everything in place, making it easier for you to adjust the harness according to the size of your dog. It comes in sizes perfect for dogs with a girth size ranging from 12 to 53 inches.

Pros

Provides comfort to the dog
Colors allow high visibility
Ensures perfect fit

Cons

Sizing may sometimes be inaccurate

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7. Wiggles Wags & Whiskers Freedom No-Pull Harness Training Package

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This harness is best used if you want to train your dog to walk easily on a leash. Made of nylon webbing and X stitches, it can be used daily and can withstand the strongest dogs. This harness is patented, with a dual connection found at the front and back that helps you redirect your dog’s attention and discourage pulling. It also comes in different colors and has a Swiss velvet lining behind the legs also prevents sores, chaffing, and rubbing. It comes in different sizes perfect for dogs with chest size ranging from 14 to 44 inches.

Pros

Works well for training and walking
Perfect for high energy pulling dogs
Worth the money

Cons

Clasps may be a bit bulky

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8. Ruffwear Front Range Everyday Harness

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This harness is one of the best because you can use it for your dog everyday. Made with four points of adjustment, a padded chest and belly panel, this harness provides a customizable and comfortable fit. It also has two leash attachment points that are useful for additional control – one is an aluminum V-ring at the dog’s back and another is reinforced webbing on the chest. Also, there is even an ID pocket that holds your dog’s tags and makes them more accessible. It fits dogs with girth size ranging from 13 to 42 inches.

Pros

Useful dual point attachment
Allows action-packed movement of dog
Great investment

Cons

Great for its basic everyday design but could improve on more features

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9. Checkered frills Fashion Pet Dog Cat Harness Adjustable

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This harness is one of the most stylish ones around. Made of 100% polyester and adorned with laces and checkered frills, this harness is soft to touch and comfortable to wear. It is great for reducing tugging and pulling. It is easy to snap and buckle because of the adjustable chest belt and you can hook any type of leash onto it because of the D-ring at the back. Also, it comes in pink, purple, and red and has sizes that can fit dogs with a chest size of 9 to 32 inches.

Pros

A harness and an outfit in one
Durable
Ensures perfect fit

Cons

Could use more features

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10. Gooby Choke Free Perfect Fit X Harness for Small Dogs

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This is one of the best harness for small dogs and has a stylish choke-free design that makes your dog comfortable. Made of 100% polyester mesh with a soft suede trim, the harness easily dries up when wet and there is less skin irritation due to the synthetic lambskin strap. The V-neck opening, while providing comfort and style, also helps reduce pulling as the force is distributed throughout the chest. Its four adjustable points ensures a comfortable fit and it can fit dogs with a chest size ranging from 13 to 23.4 inches.

Pros

Easy to put on and adjust
Comfortable and sturdy
Uniquely designed

Cons

May be a bit loose

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Conclusion

There are a wide variety of dog harnesses in the market in all sorts of sizes, colours and designs. Make sure you do your research and read up on reviews in to which dog harness is best for your dog. For more information about traveling with your dog, read our ultimate guide to the best dog seat covers for your car.

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