When it comes to keeping your pets safe, it can be difficult to know what products to use. Even dogs, who are good communicators, can’t always tell their owners when something is wrong. One easy way to keep your dog comfortable and safe is by swapping a traditional collar and leash for a harness. That’s one less grievance Fido has to communicate with barks and tail wags.
Traditional collars and leashes are fine for dogs who never pull or stray, but that’s not most dogs. A harness removes the pressure from a dog’s throat, which can lead to serious injury for dogs who are not yet trained and frequently pull. Some breeds are more prone to pulling and can develop issues with their thyroid. Pulling can also lead to inflammation in the throat and bruising. Dogs can suffer whiplash when pulling on a leash and collar combination and excessive pulling can even damage their ears and eyes since the action of pulling can reduce blood flow.
A harness is ideal for training since it prevents dogs from getting tangled in their leash. Harnesses also offer better control, which is good news for pet owners in busy urban settings. Harnesses also discourage pulling because of the ease of redirecting dogs when they are wearing a harness compared to a traditional collar and leash.
When buying a harness for your dog it’s important to correctly measure them. Instead of going by breed or weight, dog owners should measure their dog’s girth and length in order to get a harness that fits securely and comfortably.
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Whether you need a harness that is designed for late-night walks, one that can transition from the park to the car, or one that won’t cause your pup to overheat, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks for the best dog harnesses below.
1. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
BEST OVERALL
For a dog harness that can be used for leash training or casual walks, is durable, breathable, and includes several safety features, we like the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness. Available in five sizes and 10 color options, the no-pull, no-choke harness features a D-ring on the back for trained dogs and a second D-ring on the chest for dogs that are still leash training. The overhead harness is easy to slide on and has two adjustable, fast-release buckles for a secure fit. Made with durable nylon oxford and breathable mesh, the harness has reflector stripes for added security and a handle to provide support for older dogs or dogs that suffer from joint issues.
2. Eagloo Dog Harness
BEST PADDING
For a no-pull harness with extra padding for a comfortable fit, we recommend the Eagloo Dog Harness. Two metal leash rings give pet owners the option of hooking their dog’s leash to the back of the harness for trained dogs or connecting it to the front of the harness on the dog’s chest for leash training. A durable and sturdy strap on the back of the harness provides a handle for dog owners when their pup needs help getting upstairs or into a car. The no-choke harness evenly distributes pressure across the dog’s chest instead of around their throat, which can be dangerous and painful. Made with breathable mesh for all-weather use, the harness also has soft sponge padding for added comfort and protection against pulling. We also like that the nylon webbing has reflective material for added visibility.
3. Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness
BEST ALL-WEATHER OPTION
For a harness that will keep dogs warm during cold months and cool in the heat, we like the all-weather harness from Voyager. Made with breathable mesh, the lightweight harness has a step-in design with an easy buckle closure in the back. Designed with safety in mind, the harness has two reflective strips, a hook and loop fastener, a buckle and double D-rings for three layers of protection. Available in seven sizes and 27 color combinations, dog owners can find the perfect fit and style for their pooch.
4. Kurgo Dog Harness
BEST FOR THE CAR
For a harness that can go from the car to the sidewalk, we like the multi-use Kurgo. Made with crash-tested certified buckles, the harness has metal nesting buckles for safety and added durability. A padded chest plate provides comfort while a small leash with a carabiner makes it easy for pet owners to secure their pup to a seatbelt during car rides. When the ride is over, pet owners can choose between the back leash attachment for walking or the front D-ring for no-pull training. Available in four colors and five sizes, the Kurgo is ideal for dogs that spend any time in a vehicle.
5. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
BEST FOR WARM WEATHER
For a harness that won’t pull on your dog’s throat and won’t make them overheat, we like the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. Designed by veterinarians, the easy walk harness is designed with a patented front loop that can help stop light to moderate pulling, making it ideal for leash training. We like that the PetSafe harness has two buckles, is fully adjustable, and is available in eight sizes, making it easy for pet owners to get the best and most comfortable fit for their dog. The low coverage harness also means that there is less material on your dog, which is good news for hot climates.
6. Best Pet Supplies Harness
COZY CHOICE
Our pets come in all different shapes and sizes, and no harness is a perfect fit, which is why we love this dog harness from Best Pet Supplies because it has multiple adjustable points around the body to make it a truly great fit. Your pooch will love the ultra-soft fleece and might just wear it around the house after your walk. This harness is one of our favorites for its small details and super cozy material. What dog wouldn’t want the best of the best?
7. Chai’s Choice Adventure Harness
BEST FOR THE TRAILS
If your dog is always up for an adventure, but still needs help with its obedience skills, then the Chai’s Choice harness is an excellent option to get your dog out and up on the trails. With features like light mesh padding on the chest and belly for support and comfort, reflective piping woven into the nylon material for extra visibility, and adjustable straps, this harness is a no-brainer for dogs who are eager to stay outdoors. Keep your dog safe and happy while at your side with the Chai’s Choice harness.
8. One Tigris Tactical Vest
BEST FOR TACTICAL ADVENTURES
If your dog is as outdoorsy as you are, then chances are they’ll want their own vest. Even if you can’t prove your dog wants their own vest, you can get a cool one for them anyway, and the One Tigris Tactical Vest will help them improve on walks while also storing gear. The adjustable neck and chest straps allow for a snug fit while the extra room for morale patches is abundant. This vest has clips for your dog’s leash and doubles as a harness. It comes in three colors.
9. GoPro Fetch Dog Harness
BEST FOR FOUR-LEGGED FILMMAKERS
Ever wonder what the view is like for your dog? Stop wondering and find out with the help of the GoPro Fetch Dog Harness. Designed to work with all styles of GoPro, the harness features two mounting positions, one on the chest and one on the back, giving users options for where to place their camera. The fully adjustable harness can fit dogs between 15 and 120 pounds and is padded for added comfort. Made with washable, water-friendly material, the harness includes a tether to create a secure GoPro mount.
10. Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jackets
BEST FOR DOGS THAT SWIM
Dogs are natural swimmers, but it’s still important to keep your pooch safe when out on the water. The Vivaglory Ripstop Dog Life Jacket is a harness-style lifejacket for dogs that is made with safety in mind. Featuring reflective strips and available in nine highly visible colors and four sizes, the lifejacket is made with extra padding to keep your dog buoyant when in the water. Wide leg holes ensure there is nothing obstructing their movement while swimming or walking. A D-ring on the back makes it easy for pet owners to attach a leash and a reinforced handle provides an easy way to lift the dog out of the water.
11. Outward Hound Lightweight Dog Backpack
BEST FOR DOGS THAT HIKE
Not only does the Outward Hound Lightweight Dog Backpack have the best name for a dog harness, but it also has lots of space for packing your dog’s goodies while out on the trail. Made with breathable mesh material to keep dogs cool, the pack has four zippered pockets with two pockets on each side for even weight distribution. The harness is fully adjustable and features reflective strips for high visibility. Perfect for carrying doggie bags, treats, small toys and even your personal items, the Outward Hound dog also has a handle and D-ring for leash attachment.
MORE: The 9 Best Dog Hiking Backpacks
12. COODEO Dog Carry Sling
BEST FOR ELDERLY DOGS
For a non-traditional dog harness that is designed to help older pooches with arthritis or joint issues, we like the COODEO Dog Carry Sling. Carrying small dogs with mobility issues is relatively easy, but for bigger dogs, the COODEO Dog Carry Sling makes it easy to comfortably carry your dog upstairs, help them into a car or keep them in place while giving them a haircut or nail trim. The sling is designed to be used by one or two people depending on the size of the dog and is available in four sizes for dogs up to 130 pounds.