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Dog harnesses have certain advantages over using a collar when you take your dog on walks. Is a harness a better alternative for your pup? And which type and brand of harness will be the best fit for your needs? We’ll help you decide.
Article Overview
- Benefits Of A Harness
- Best Dog Harnesses
- Is Your Dog Reactive When On Leash? (Video)
- Top Leashes & Collars
Benefits Of A Dog Harness vs A Collar
Many dog parents opt to use a harness over a dog collar for several reasons:
- Eliminates choking and gagging
- Discourages pulling on the leash
- Better control, especially with strong or large dogs or in busy traffic or crowds
- Good for dogs who like to slip out of their collar
- Effective training tool for puppies because they won’t get as tangled up in the leash
- Easier to assist older dogs who need help getting up
Best Dog Harness
We chose our top picks based on several factors, including the quality of materials and construction, special features, customer reviews, pricing, and more. We’ve broken our recommendations down into categories to help you choose the best harness for your specific needs.
For Walking & Training: PetSafe Deluxe Easy Walk Review
The Easy Walk harness was created over 15 years ago by a veterinary behaviorist and is a favorite of many dog parents and trainers. You can use it on puppies as young as six weeks old to start training good leash behavior.
It’s easy to put on because it clips around the body instead of having to go over your dog’s head. It has a front chest leash attachment to deter pulling and give you better control than a collar. This deluxe version also has padded, neoprene-lined straps for better comfort over the standard Easy Walk Harness.
Personal Experience
We use the Easy Walk Harness on our Lab. It definitely reduces her uncontrolled pulling on walks. However, it gets stuck behind her front legs sometimes, rather than staying in front as it should. I guess this annoyance is worth the trade-off for a more manageable dog on walks! – Michelle S., Canine Journal
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The Easy Walk Harness is available in 4 sizes and 4 colors.
Read Our Easy Walk Harness vs Gentle Leader Collar Comparison
No-Pull: Rabbitgoo Review
The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is the best harness for dogs that pull and an amazing value for a well-crafted and effective no-pull harness. It’s made from durable materials, is well padded for comfort, and has a breathable mesh that helps keeps dogs cool. You can use the front leash attachment to keep your dog from pulling and the back for everyday walking without choking. Many owners with dogs who like to slip out of harnesses say this one is virtually escape-proof.
Personal Experience
This is an effective harness that has held up well for years. It keeps our dog from pulling, and there’s a handle on the top that adds even more control when another dog walks by. – Alex S., Canine Journal
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The Rabbitgoo is available in 4 sizes and 12 colors.
Large Dogs: RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness Review
RUFFWEAR is known for its extremely durable and sturdy harnesses, and the Front Range Harness doesn’t disappoint — it will stand up to larger, stronger dogs and even heavy chewers. It features two leash attachment points: reinforced webbing at the chest to redirect dogs who pull and an aluminum V-ring on the back for everyday walks. Most users say the fit and comfort levels are excellent.
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The RUFFWEAR Front Range is available in 5 sizes and 8 colors.
- XX-Small: $39.95
- X-Small: $39.95 ($39.95 / Count)
- Small: $39.95 ($39.95 / Count)
- Medium: Check Amazon for availability
- Large/X-Large: $39.95 ($39.95 / Count)
- Beacon Safety Light: $24.95
Small Dogs: Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness Review
If you don’t need a heavy-duty harness or have a puppy, the Voyager is our best puppy harness pick. This harness could be a nice fit for your small or medium-sized dog. As long as your dog cooperates, it’s easy to put on — you just have him step into the front leg holes and buckle the strap across his back. It has two metal D rings and breathable air mesh on the back so your dog won’t get overheated.
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The Voyager comes in 7 sizes and 20+ colors.
- XXX-Small: $13.18
- XX-Small: $14.23
- X-Small: $14.76
- Small: $14.99
- Medium: $14.75
- Large: $14.99
- X-Large: $12.99
Check Out Our Best Harness Options For Small Dogs
For Hiking: RUFFWEAR Web Master Review
Another rugged product by RUFFWEAR is our pick for the best dog harness for hiking and other outdoor activities — and an excellent choice for escape artists. One of the features that make this ideal for hiking is a large handle on the back that lets you safely help your dog maneuver over rough terrain. Its sturdy construction is padded for comfort but still lightweight, has a back leash attachment, 5 adjustment points for a secure fit, and reflective strips.
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The RUFFWEAR Web Master comes in 5 sizes and 3 colors.
- XX-Small: $59.95
- X-Small: $59.95
- Small: $59.95
- Medium: $59.95
- Large/X-Large: $59.95
- Beacon Safety Light: $24.95
Read our guide on hiking, backpacking & camping with your dog
In Car: PetSafe Deluxe Car Safety Dog Harness Review
This PetSafe car harness is certified crash-tested* for the ultimate safety measure when your pup is in the car. To use this harness, you simply secure the vest to your pup, buckle in the seat belt and attach the tether to the belt and the vest.
There are three levels of attachments, so you can choose how tight or loose you want it. In the loosest position, your dog can stand, sit, lie down, and even stick his head out of the window. The system locks during sudden stops. You can also purchase additional tether straps for multiple cars.
*The small, medium, and large sizes are crash-tested. The extra-large is not.
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See our reviews of other car safety products for dogs
Lift: Labra Canine Support Sling Review
If your dog suffers from limited mobility due to joint pain, arthritis, or is recovering from surgery or an accident, a high-quality lift sling harness is a must-have. It helps you safely assist your dog while saving you from back strain.
This Labra support harness has a wide sling design, is long enough to support your dog’s core, and has a soft fleece lining. And it has adjustable strap lengths for your comfort and ease of use. It comes in many sizes and is sturdy enough to handle even the heaviest of dogs.
Personal Experience
Our old lady Bella (yellow Lab) suffered from hip arthritis, but she loved to go for walks. This lift harness was the best way to take her for walks while also allowing us to be comfortable. It was truly a gift during those trying days. – Michelle S., Canine Journal
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- Small: Check Amazon for availability
- Medium: $24.95
- Large: $24.95
- X-Large: $24.95
- 3XL: Check Amazon for availability
Is Your Dog Reactive When On Leash?
If your dog lunges, barks, and has other reactive behaviors to cars, people, dogs, and other stimuli when he’s on leash, check out this video that has some effective tips on how to stop these behaviors.
Need A Leash Or Collar Too?
We’ve also researched a ton of collars and leashes that you might want to consider for your pup. See our guide on how to pick the best collars and leashes for your dog, which includes a handy fit and sizing guide. And be sure to read our reviews of the best remote dog training collars that can help you train your dog to behave when he’s off-leash.
What problems do you have with your dog on a leash?