best Harnesses for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness, Reflective and Padded Harness for Training and Everyday
PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness, [Upgraded Version] No Choke Front Lead Dog Reflective Harness
Bottom Line
Offers an updated design to provide more security. It features a comfortable fit with a web loop that redirects dogs that love to pull.
An anti-pull harness with a breathable mesh. Excellent for beginners in training and for casual walks or jogs.
A high-quality harness designed for working dogs. Comes in different sizes for different breeds.
Designed for maximum comfort and safety, this harness is perfect for first-time trainers or dog owners.
One of the most comfortable harnesses available. The fabric is made of soft flannel and features an escape-proof design.
Pros
Highly adjustable for a comfortable fit.
Provides strong support without choking dogs that love to pull.
Has reflectors for night walks.
Comes in multiple sizes and colors.
Comfortable padding.
Durable Oxford fabric.
Easily adjustable.
Effective no-pull feature.
Affordable price.
Durable military-grade fabric.
Very secure fit.
Great looking design.
Excellent for no-pull training.
Tough metal clips and D-rings.
Dual elastic construction absorbs sudden jerks and prevents strains.
Padded handles.
Lightweight and highly adjustable.
Available in multiple colors.
Inexpensive.
Includes 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Comfortable materials. Escape-proof.
Easy to wear and remove.
Has reflectors for safe night walking.
Affordable price.
Cons
Doesn’t fit every breed despite the size availability.
Padding too thick for some breeds.
Expensive.
Padding too bulky for slimmer breeds.
Inconsistent buckle quality.
Might be too heavy for lighter breeds.
Can be difficult to put on and off.
Higher models can be expensive.
Small breeds might find a way to escape easily.
Ineffective no-pull feature.
Not durable especially for active or athletic dogs.
Might not hold up against hard and determined pullers.
Not suitable for all breeds.
- As Good As It Gets
RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness, Reflective and Padded Harness for Training and Everyday
Bottom Line
Offers an updated design to provide more security. It features a comfortable fit with a web loop that redirects dogs that love to pull.
Pros
Highly adjustable for a comfortable fit.
Provides strong support without choking dogs that love to pull.
Has reflectors for night walks.
Comes in multiple sizes and colors.
Cons
Doesn’t fit every breed despite the size availability.
Padding too thick for some breeds.
Expensive.
- Best On A Budget
WALKTOFINE Dog Harness No Pull Reflective
Bottom Line
An anti-pull harness with a breathable mesh. Excellent for beginners in training and for casual walks or jogs.
Pros
Comfortable padding.
Durable Oxford fabric.
Easily adjustable.
Effective no-pull feature.
Affordable price.
Cons
Padding too bulky for slimmer breeds.
Inconsistent buckle quality.
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness with 2X Metal Buckle
Bottom Line
A high-quality harness designed for working dogs. Comes in different sizes for different breeds.
Pros
Durable military-grade fabric.
Very secure fit.
Great looking design.
Excellent for no-pull training.
Tough metal clips and D-rings.
Cons
Might be too heavy for lighter breeds.
Can be difficult to put on and off.
Higher models can be expensive.
PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness, [Upgraded Version] No Choke Front Lead Dog Reflective Harness
Bottom Line
Designed for maximum comfort and safety, this harness is perfect for first-time trainers or dog owners.
Pros
Dual elastic construction absorbs sudden jerks and prevents strains.
Padded handles.
Lightweight and highly adjustable.
Available in multiple colors.
Inexpensive.
Includes 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Cons
Small breeds might find a way to escape easily.
Ineffective no-pull feature.
Not durable especially for active or athletic dogs.
Didog Soft Flannel Padded Dog Vest Harness
Bottom Line
One of the most comfortable harnesses available. The fabric is made of soft flannel and features an escape-proof design.
Pros
Comfortable materials. Escape-proof.
Easy to wear and remove.
Has reflectors for safe night walking.
Affordable price.
Cons
Might not hold up against hard and determined pullers.
Not suitable for all breeds.
How We Decided
To ensure our lists feature the absolute best dog harnesses on the market, we scoured the internet to assess reviews and ratings across dozens of sites. We then take the best products and let our real-world testers put them through their paces.
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Harness
Just like clothing, choosing the best dog harness comes down to fit, function, and style. So even if there are plenty of options, not every harness is a fit for every dog, in more ways than one.
The great thing about harnesses is that they’ve evolved and improved in terms of design, materials, construction, and additional features. These options provide pet owners with more confidence when it comes to how a dog harness can secure and keep their dog safe and secure.
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Harness
Just like clothing, choosing the best dog harness comes down to fit, function, and style. So even if there are plenty of options, not every harness is a fit for every dog, in more ways than one.
The great thing about harnesses is that they’ve evolved and improved in terms of design, materials, construction, and additional features. These options provide pet owners with more confidence when it comes to how a dog harness can secure and keep their dog safe and secure.
Key Considerations
Caution
Ill-fitting harnesses or those that use rough or low-quality materials can cause chaffing on your dog’s skin, especially those with thin coats. While not fatal, this can be very painful for your pup and can lead to larger issues like infection. If you’re using a harness for the first time, make sure it’s secure without being too tight, has padding, or uses soft materials that provide comfort and freedom of movement.
Dog Harnesses Features
Dog harnesses look similar but they have different features that are specific to certain breeds, health issues, and behaviors.
There are standard harnesses that don’t offer any special or additional features. However, if you have a dog that loves to pull, look for a front-clip harness. This feature allows you to have more control over your dog’s direction and forward motion.
On the flip side, back-clip harnesses are ideal for small dogs, dogs with respiratory, and neck problems. It offers less control than a front-clip harness but has a single anchor point that puts less pressure on their chest, allowing them to pull you from behind them. This is not ideal for dogs that love to pull.
Expert Tip
Harnesses become dirty and smelly easily, especially if your dog wears them all the time and loves to go out. One way to clean them without damaging the material or the hardware is to soak them in hot water with a fragrance-free detergent. Let it soak for 15 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly and hanging it to dry. As a note: do not put a dog harness in a washing machine or dryer. Even on delicate settings, you can cause damage to the harness, rendering it useless or greatly reducing its lifespan.
Dog Harnesses Prices
Dog harness prices vary based on features and materials. Most harnesses are affordable, even those with no-pull features can be bought for less than $20. However, other harnesses are priced higher because of the quality and the materials used.
In our list, the tactical harness is the most expensive because it’s made for working dogs and uses military-grade materials as opposed to standard harnesses that offer a comfortable fit and for more casual usage.
However, choosing the most expensive option might not give you the right harness for your dog. To avoid overspending, be sure to get the harness with the features you need. If you have a well-disciplined dog, a low-cost standard harness without the bells and whistles will give you more value than a fully-featured one.
Tips
Safety is the number one function of a harness. To find the right harness for your dog, consider the following tips:
- Get a harness that fits well and secures your dog. Loose-fitting harnesses allow dogs to escape easily while a fit that’s too tight makes it too hard to breathe. Tight-fitting harnesses can also cause skin chaffing. Choose harnesses that give you multiple areas of adjustments to find the perfect fit for your dog.
- Always prioritize quality and durability. Harnesses are not meant to be used one time only then discarded. So be sure to get one that will last and is durable enough for your breed.
- But don’t discount style as well. Harnesses get your dog style points and can make them look good when going out.
- Some harnesses are designed to prevent dogs from pulling, lunging, or going wherever they please. But the best way to prevent this is through behavior training. A well-disciplined dog is safer to be around other people and pets and is easier to control whenever you’re out and about.
other products we Considered
If the dog harness you’re looking for isn’t on our list, you may want to consider these products that didn’t make the top 5.
PetSafe CareLift Support Harness: If you have a dog with mobility impairments because of old age or disability, this harness provides full-body support so you can help your best bud move around when needed.
Gooby Dog Harness: Harnesses for small dogs can be tricky to find because of their size. But have no fear, this harness is designed for small dogs and is escape-proof
FAQ's
Are harnesses better than collars?
Yes, generally harnesses are better than collars when it comes to controlling your dog , especially those that are strong and love to pull. Collars can choke or damage the throat of dogs because the force is concentrated entirely on the neck area. But harnesses are designed to distribute the pressure along their chest area and body, making it a much safer option for both owner and dog alike.
How old should my dog be to use a harness?
You can start using a harness as soon as your dog is ready for leash training. However, if you have a puppy, it’s advised to remove the harness when not in training. Keeping it on may hinder proper bone or muscle development.
What size should I get my dog?
Manufacturers often provide a size chart to help choose the proper harness size and measuring instructions. If unsure, you need to measure your dog’s neck and chest girth.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director