Every dog owner understands the scare that comes with a hyperactive dog that cannot remain calm when you walk or engage in other activities.
At times you realize a leash and collar can only do so much. That is where the dog harness comes in for maximum control. Other than that, using the best dog harness can help take the pressure off the neck and is more comfortable for your dog.
Types Of Dog Harnesses And How They Work
There are several types of dog harnesses for your pup. The leading ones include;
1. The Vest Harness
This is the best option for dogs that don’t pull. They fit comfortably like any other piece of clothing for the dog and pose no risk of chafing under the armpits.
2. The Head Halter
The head halter is a great option for reactive dogs, the large breeds of dogs being walked by children or adults of limited strength. It works by allowing control of the head of the dog, which is the most sensitive part of the body.
The harness slides over the nose, connects to a lead below the chin, and fastens behind the ears. It, however, still lets the dog have the space to open its mouth and even carry an item.
3. The Webbed Harness
This is another ideal option for non-pulling dogs. It snugs over the dog’s body to cover the areas around the chest and the back.
4. Roman-Style Harness With H
This harness has a circle on the neck area and another circle at the back of the trunk. The two circles are then joined with two straps of the same material as the circles. One joint pass on the back, and the other between the legs.
This harness can work for both big and small dogs. It’s also comfortable for most dogs.
5. Swedish Y Harness
This harness has one circumference wrapping around the chest and the other behind the front legs, then comes together on a single attachment at the dog’s back. The harness puts pressure on the chest area, not the neck – protecting it from injuries.
How To Choose A Dog Harness
Choosing the right dog harness is the best way to keep your dog under control. Get it wrong, and your dog will slip out and dart into traffic or get lost during your excursion.
With the many dog harnesses available, deciding on the perfect fit can be difficult. Here are some things to consider to help you choose the right dog harness.
Dog Size And Temperament
When choosing a harness, your dog’s weight, breed, and character matter. Different dog harness options fit differently. Harnesses that loosely fit can easily slip out, while the ones that are too tight can be painful.
Measure the dog’s rib cage to help you determine the correct size. Also, test the harness on the dog at home (before heading out) to ensure it’s not loosening, rubbing uncomfortably on the body, or moving around the body.
Harness Design
Choose the right harness based on how much or how hard your dog pulls. Go for one that your dog can’t pull around easily.
Some standard dog harness design options include a flat buckle collar with a simple snap, ideal for calm dogs, a martingale collar for dogs with narrow heads, and a body harness for smaller dogs. Halter harnesses are ideal for large and strong dogs who like to pull.
You can use a harness with a clip on the back for well-behaved dogs. For the ones who pull, you need a harness with a clip on the front for more control.
Cost
The materials, features, design, and size are some of the contributing factors to a dog’s harness cost. You can expect to pay lower for the basic harnesses and top dollar for the more sophisticated and fancier ones. You will also spend more money on the larger harnesses.
Best Dog Harnesses
Based on the factors above, we’ve come up with a list of the best dog harnesses to opt for:
Best Overall – Petsafe 3-in-1 Harness
The proper dog harness is the one that makes walking the dog easier. No matter how much you think you know your dog’s size, you can still find yourself buying a little tighter or looser harness. That’s why you need an adjustable one to fit any dog, such as the PetSafe 3-in-1.
The harness has five adjustable buckles to loosen or tighten depending on the dog’s needs. It also has back and front metal rings for leash hookup, a top-mounted handle for more control, and reflective stitching for assured safety. You also get an adjustable car control to keep your dog in check while driving.
The harness is available in black, teal, and plum. Depending on your dog’s size, you can choose from the four available sizes.
Pros
- Multiple adjustment points
- Durability
- It can be used when driving
Con
- It might take some time to learn to use it perfectly.
Click here to purchase the dog harness.
Best For Small Dogs – Puppia Authentic RiteFit Harness with Adjustable Neck
Are you looking to take your small pup for a walk in style? Nothing works better than the Puppia authentic Ritefit harness.
The harness is made with a polyester mesh that is soft and lightweight, making it very comfortable for small dogs. The mesh is breathable and padded for ultimate comfort.
The harness comes with a back leash attachment for ease of moving around. It is easy to clean, whereby you can toss it in the laundry machine.
The dog harness comes in seven sizes and is available in 13 colors and patterns.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Easy to clean
- Back leash attachment
Con
- Not adjustable
Click here to purchase the harness.
Best For Large Dogs – 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness
A large active dog calls for more control than a smaller breed. That’s why you need a harness that is up to the task. The best option, in this case, is the 2 Hounds design freedom dog harness. The no-pull design with a strap across the chest instead of around the neck makes for comfort when worn. It also has velvet under the armpit straps and identifiers for the location of the straps.
The no-pull front attachment is placed at the lower chest to give you complete control of the dog without extra material. It has a back leash attachment ring with extra fabric and cushioning for comfort.
The dog harness is available in several colors and can accommodate dogs weighing 15 to 250 pounds. This means it can handle some of the biggest dogs around.
Pros
- Durable
- It can accommodate dogs of any size
- Can work for training and other intense activities
Con
- A little too bulky for smaller dogs
Click here to purchase the harness.
Best No-pull – Blue-9 Buckle-Neck Balance
Are you struggling to find a perfect harness that fits your dog? Look the way of the Blue-9 Buckle-neck balance for the best option. With 6-points of adjustment, the harness is comfortable and fits perfectly to dogs of any size or breed. It also has straps that clip around the neck and torso.
The harness’ no chafing and no choke design allows your pet’s mobility. Its Y-neck design does not pinch under the dog’s armpits, providing a high comfort level. It also has rings on the back and the front, which helps to manage pulling. The harness is perfect for training.
Pros
- Durable
- Machine washable
- Ideal for dogs that dislike putting their head through the harness
- Adjustable for appropriate fit
Cons
- A little expensive compared to other dog harnesses.
- No padding
Click here to purchase the harness.
Best For Hiking – Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
A hike with your dog is one of the best ways to spend time together. If you want to make the most of the time for you and your dog, you need to find a harness they can wear comfortably for an extended period. Designed for easy wearing, the Ruffwear harness is lightweight, durable, and can work for any outdoor adventure.
It has foam-padded strips across the belly and chest for active or resting comfort. There are two leash attachment points for additional control. Its four adjustment points ensure the right fit limiting the risk of your dog escaping during the hike.
The harness has several thoughtful additions, like a beefy aluminum V-ring on the back, a 360-degree reflection, and an ID pocket to store your contact info if the collar or tag gets lost. Its highly reflective fabric makes it easy to spot both during the day and at night.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy
Con
- A little expensive
Click here to purchase the harness.
Best Budget – Rabbitgoo No-pull Dog Harness
Finding your dog the perfect harness does not mean you have to break the bank. You can find a perfectly working yet affordable harness in the form of the Rabbitgoo dog harness. It comes with two metal leash rings for long walks and less pulling. The attachment points being metal makes them durable and provides reliable strength.
The harness is easy to wear on the dog. You only have to slide it up the dog’s head and then buckle up. You can then adjust the straps to fit your dog, and you are good to go. It works perfectly for a hike, jog, or walk.
The harness is made with durable nylon and a breathable mesh for comfort. It’s also super bright and reflective hence easy to spot in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Adjustable straps for customization
- Padded mesh for cooling during exercise or warm days
- Affordable
- Durable
Con
- It has to go over the head to put on or take off.
Click here to purchase the harness.
How To Measure A Dog For The Harness
You need the right harness size for your dog, then put it on correctly. A loose harness provides little control, while tight ones create discomfort and the risk of injuries.
Use a soft measuring tape to measure the length from behind the dog’s neck to the breastbone. Also, measure the widest part of the dog’s chest by placing it behind its front leg and running it through its back. Use these figures when shopping for the harness.
Most harnesses are also sold based on the dog’s weight, which you can measure on a weighing scale.
Dog Harness FAQs
What are some of the potential risks of using a harness?
While a dog harness is all about keeping the dog under control for its protection, it can become hazardous when misused. Some potential risks include the following:
- If the harness is too tight and the dog keeps pulling, it can cause chest injuries or be fatal
- Your dog sleeping on the harness can be a choking hazard.
- Leaving a wet harness on the dog for too long can cause skin infections.
- There are cases of dog harnesses causing skin irritations around the armpits or under the chest.
Do I need a dog harness camera?
Dog harness cameras are not necessary when buying a dog harness; however, they come in handy when monitoring your dog’s movement and activities. With a fetch mount, you can place a camera to record the world from the dogs’ point of view.
Having a camera allows you to share the excitement of the hikes and games while keeping the memories for years.
What is the dog harness checklist?
There are several boxes a dog harness has to tick to make it the perfect one for your dog. First, it should fit well to give you more control over your dog’s movement or offer limited control. It should measure up by being the right material and size. Also, determine if the harness needs extra padding or not.
Your dog should be interested in wearing the harness you are buying. Consider trying out different dog harnesses on the dog to find out what it fancies. Lastly, check if the harness is compatible with the leash.
Why do you have to choose the right dog harness?
A dog harness of the right size has several benefits like discouraging your dog from pulling, giving you better control, and stopping your dog from jumping up on people or things.
The proper dog harness also comes in handy when walking multiple dogs and helps keep them safe when hiking or doing other intense activities.