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Best Dog Harnesses

Updated February 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness
Kurgo
Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

Pricey, but it's a crash-tested dog harness to ensure safe rides in the car.

Pros

Comfortable enough for the dog to wear the entire day. Uses steel buckles to provide a high level of security with the connection. Should work with any seat belt system in a vehicle. Works nicely for connecting a leash and taking the dog on a walk. Adjustable straps for a perfect fit.

Cons

Not made for extremely large dogs. A bit more expensive than other models.

Best Bang for the Buck
Puppia Soft Harness
Puppia
Soft Harness
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Affordable Quality
Bottom Line

A comfortable dog harness that comes at a surprisingly low price.

Pros

This affordable harness is soft and comfortable to wear, yet made to last. Features durable polyester and an adjustable chest belt. Priced to fit almost any dog owner's budget.

Cons

Might be snug on breeds with wide chests, but adjustment of the chest belt usually fixes this concern.

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
PetSafe
Easy Walk Dog Harness
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Simple design in a low-priced dog harness that limits the dog from pulling too hard on walks.

Pros

Uses quick-release buckles throughout, allowing you to put on and take off the harness quickly. The loop on the chest can be adjusted for a snug fit. Offered in multiple sizes and colors to help you find the perfect choice. Strap that fits over the belly is a different color, so you'll never put it on upside-down.

Cons

Some dog breeds with short legs can step through the harness and escape.

Rabbitgoo No-Pull Adjustable Dog Harness
Rabbitgoo
No-Pull Adjustable Dog Harness
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Most Comfortable
Bottom Line

An adjustable harness for small and large breeds with safety features for your dog’s health and comfort.

Pros

This harness is designed for easy access that doesn’t sacrifice your dog’s comfort. It’s fully adjustable to a wide range of sizes, with two metal leash rings for safer walks that don’t choke your dog. Buyers praise its durability and comfort, even on hyper dogs.

Cons

Some question the clasp’s durability against the rest of the leash.

Auroth Tactical Training Dog Harness, Small, Medium and Large
Auroth
Tactical Training Dog Harness, Small, Medium and Large
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Highly Adjustable
Bottom Line

With three sizes that fit most house dogs, this K9-quality training harness controls hyper, playful dogs.

Pros

Made from heavy-duty 900D nylon with sturdy stitching. There are two metal leash attachments that keep it safe and in your hands during walks. People give its quality high marks, with several noting how comfortable their dogs seemed.

Cons

Some large dog owners didn’t think it matched their strength.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.

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Buying guide for the best dog harnesses

You want the best for your four-legged friend. Buying him a harness is a definite step in the right direction.

While collars might be the de facto choice for walking a dog, a harness is superior — unless your canine companion always walks perfectly on his leash, that is. In most scenarios, a harness delivers more control. And when your dog pulls on his leash, the harness distributes the force across his chest so he’s not vulnerable to pain or injury.

You might think buying a dog harness is as simple as walking into a pet store and picking up whatever they have in stock. But it's more complex than that. A variety of factors, including your dog's size, shape, strength, and activity level, should play a crucial role in your decision.

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EXPERT CONSULTANT
Nicole has been training animals for over 15 years, from bears and tigers to household dogs. A member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, she has been certified by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and she focuses on positive reinforcement methods so that training is always fun. Every year, Nicole attends SuperZoo, the largest pet product showcase, to research new pet products from cat litter to electric dog toys and she loves sharing what she finds with other pet parents.
Nicole Ellis
Professional Pet Trainer

Dog harness types

Is your dog an avid puller? Does he have an unusual shape that might affect the fit of his harness? Do you go on long walks together? Keep the answers to these questions in mind as you explore the different types of dog harnesses available to you.

Back clip harness

This is perhaps the most common type of harness available. It features a single D-ring at the back of the harness, between the dog's shoulders.

A back clip harness is best for small dogs and those who walk with a loose leash. If you have a strong dog who doesn't walk nicely on a leash, this type of harness may not be for you, as it basically allows him to drag you around with the full force of his weight.

Take a moment when putting on the harness for the time to make sure all the straps are properly fitted and your pal is comfortable.

Front clip harness

A front clip harness features a D-ring in the middle of the dog’s chest.

This type of harness gives you more control and prevents your dog from pulling you. It’s not uncomfortable for him, either — even if he tries to yank. A front clip harness is perfect for training your dog to walk with a loose leash. It’s also appropriate for anyone who needs to walk a strong dog safely.

Some harnesses have clips on both the front and back. This is ideal if you occasionally need extra control but are typically fine with just a back clip.

Bib harness

A bib harness, also known as a vest harness, sports a large front piece that covers almost all of the dog's chest. It may include a front clip, a back clip, or a combination of the two.

This type of harness is usually padded for comfort. That’s a plus for people who take their dogs on long hikes, as it could help prevent uncomfortable rubbing and chafing.

Mix-and-match harness

All dogs are beautiful, no matter what their size or shape. But some are harder to fit into a harness than others. If your dog has a barrel chest or disproportionately wide shoulders, he may be able to wriggle out of an average harness. You need something that fits him better than that.

Mix-and-match harnesses are sold as separate “segments” that clip together. The advantage: you can tailor a harness to fit your unique dog. For instance, you could order a small chest piece, a medium back piece, and a large girth piece to achieve the correct fit.

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Testing dog harnesses
We spent 22 hours researching 86 models of dog harnesses and consulting with pet experts. We then purchased our top harness and tested it in the BestReviews lab.
STAFF
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The anatomy of a harness

Not all harnesses are the same; features vary from product to product. Some designs will naturally suit your four-legged friend better than others.

Here’s a look at some common dog harness features:

Padding

We recommend that you choose a well-padded harness. Non-padded harnesses made strictly of webbing, leather, or mesh have a tendency to rub, especially if your dog doesn’t walk perfectly on his leash. A good dog harness could be padded with neoprene, fleece, or another material.

"Dog harnesses need to be regularly washed, just like your clothes. Check whether the product you are buying is machine or hand washable."
STAFF
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Clips and D-rings

It's always wise to inspect the clips and D-rings on your dog harness to make sure they're secure enough — especially if you have a large, strong dog. As explained above, it's best to choose a harness that has a D-ring on the front if your dog tends to pull on his leash.

"If a clip or D-ring breaks at the wrong time, your dog could run into a dangerous area or get lost. It's not worth going for a flimsy model with plastic leash clips just to save a few bucks."
STAFF
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Handles

You might wonder why you would need a handle on your dog's harness. If you occasionally need to pull your dog out of trouble or remove him from the water, a handle can be very helpful. It gives you more “close control” than a harness without a handle.

Water-resistance

Some harnesses are made from water-resistant or quick-dry materials. In many situations, this type of material might be unnecessary. But if your dog is an avid swimmer, a quick-dry harness can be a godsend.

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Expert Tip
Make sure that the harness fits your dog since a harness that does not fit properly will be easy for your dog to escape. Dogs with broader shoulders may need a specialty harness.
STAFF
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Reflective strips

Crossing the road at night, when you and your dog aren’t clearly visible, can be dangerous. A product like the Expawlorer Big Dog No Pull Harness addresses this risk with reflective strips that allow drivers to spot you after the sun goes down. If you walk your dog at night or in the early morning, a harness with reflective strips is definitely a good call.

Hue and design

It might only be aesthetic, but there's no reason why you shouldn't care about the color of your dog's harness. Most of our top picks come in a variety of colors. For instance, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness is available in campfire orange, alpenglow pink, twilight gray, and pacific blue. However, some more utilitarian products may only come in black.

"If your dog outgrows its harness, or the harness becomes too old, consider donating it to your nearest pet care facility."
STAFF
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Harness vs. collar: What's the difference?

Some owners might wonder why they should buy their dog a harness if he already has a collar. In truth, there are several reasons why a collar isn't the best choice for walking your dog:

  • A collar can strain your dog’s neck in a way that a harness does not. If you've ever witnessed a collared dog wheezing and spluttering while pulling on his leash, you know what we’re talking about. Dogs don't necessarily realize that their discomfort is caused by them pulling against the collar — and that they could make it stop by walking with a loose leash.
  • A collar can cause lasting damage to the body. Dogs have been known to suffer a range of injuries – crushed trachea, severe bruising, whiplash, vertebrae fractures – as a result of wearing a collar.
  • A harness can give you more control over your dog than a collar alone.
  • Compared to a dog wearing a no-pull harness, a collar can make leash-aggressive dogs feel less secure and more likely to lunge and snap at other dogs.
  • A harness is much safer for dogs with short, flattened noses (such as pugs) or those with respiratory issues. A collar could limit their breathing even further.

That said, all dogs should wear a collar with ID tags, even if they're microchipped and harnessed. Wearing a collar with tags increases your dog’s chance of coming home safely and quickly should they ever get lost.

"If your dog has a collapsing trachea or other throat ailment, consider using a harness. The tug and pull of a collar may cause more harm."
STAFF
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Sizing and adjustability

You'll find harnesses to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes, and most are adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit. But learning a little more about how to fit your dog for a harness will help you get the right size the first time around.

With most harnesses, you only need to take one measurement to find the correct size for your dog. Often called the "girth" measurement, this is the circumference of your dog around his ribcage. To get this measurement, you'll need a soft cloth measuring tape. Wrap it around your dog just behind his front legs, at the widest part of his ribcage, and take note of the measurement. Then check the product (or the manufacturer's website) to see what size your dog's measurement equates to.

Although the harness should be fairly snug to prevent slippage, it shouldn't be too tight, especially around the ribcage. A too-tight harness could restrict your dog's breathing. It’s also really uncomfortable.

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Expert Tip
It might surprise you what a difference a good no-pull harness can make. Not only will your walk be more enjoyable for both of you, but you will also be able to walk longer. More exercise can fix many other issues – a dog with more exercise is less destructive in the home.
STAFF
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Cost and durability

A basic harness could cost you less than $10. A top-of-the-line harness could cost you up to $100. What’s a good price for a dog harness, and does a higher price guarantee higher quality?

We offer the following shopping tips:

  • “Dirt cheap” harnesses will likely fall apart within a few months. What’s more, they often cause discomfort to the dog. We advise against these products.
  • You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good dog harness. The average dog walker is likely to find success with a product in the $20 to $30 range. Please see the five choices in our product list, above, for the best choices in dog harnesses today.
Don't hook the leash onto a ring that isn't designed for this purpose! The clips that the leash hooks onto should be solid metal.

Questions to ask yourself

At this point, you hopefully have a good idea what kind of harness to buy for your dog. Before making your final selection, we can suggest you ask yourself the following questions.

Q: Will I be using it every day?

A: Hopefully the answer to this is “yes,” as all dogs need daily walks for optimum physical and mental health. If your harness will get daily use, it's definitely wise to go for at least a mid-range product to ensure it lasts a good long time.

Q: Does my dog pull on the lead?

A: Some dogs are too excited by the mere concept of going for a walk to ever consider walking with a loose leash. If your pup's a puller, pick a front clip harness to make your life easier and give your arm a rest.

Q: Is it machine washable?

A: We all know that a dog can appear “spotless” one moment and drenched in mud the next. Check that your harness of choice is machine washable. Most dog owners consider this to be a huge advantage, if not a necessity.

Q: Will I being going on long walks with my dog?

A: If you intend to hike with your four-legged friend for hours on end, make sure you choose an extremely well-padded harness.

"Many harnesses advertised for cars are NOT suitable for a car at all – and many of these are from very reputable companies that I would buy other products from. Check out the Center For Pet Safety’s Crash tests if you are planning on using a harness as a car restraint."
STAFF
BestReviews

Did you know?

  • Some harnesses clip around the dog; others require the dog to step into them. The latter can be tricky for older dogs and those with poor joint mobility.
  • Many harnesses have great features for outdoor enthusiast pups! There are harnesses that will support your dog's ribcage while being carried up a mountain and come with reflective pieces for while out running on the trail.
  • A harness that covers most of your dog's undercarriage and chest can cut down on the cleanup time after an outdoor adventure. 
  • If you regularly walk your dog at night, choose a harness with reflective strips for increased visibility.
  • Some harnesses are available with badges on them where owners can put messages like "I'm friendly" or "I need some space."
  • Make sure your harness doesn't sit too high on your dog. If it fits poorly — or just doesn't suit your dog's shape — it could still be hurting or damaging his neck when he pulls.
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