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Top 8 Best Dog Harnesses for Every Kind of Dog
Where’s the fun of walking or running with your dog if he chases every critter he sees, tries to get himself lost or pulls you towards an approaching vehicle? Since you can’t reason with your dog, the best thing you can do is to give him a few signals to learn appropriate boundaries and remind himself that he’s only second-in-command. But even if your dog has been trained by a professional, you can’t always expect him to remain a goody two shoes, especially when a cat or a cyclist is whizzing by. That is why you need to find the best harness for your furry pal!
Know that the collar and leash combo is not for every dog. A dog harness may be less conventional than a collar, but it is actually more advantageous than the latter. The following are reasons why you ought to get one now.
Best Dog Harnesses Buying Guide
1. EXPAWLORER Big Dog Soft Reflective No-Pull Harness – Editor’s Choice Dog Harness
You can never go wrong with the EXPAWLORER Big Dog Soft Reflective No-Pull, especially if you have a deep-chested canine buddy such as a German Shepherd or a Boxer. This dog harness is designed to minimize stress on big dogs that are fond of pulling their leash when they tag along for walks. This type of harness guarantees to keep hard-headed pets from choking themselves whenever they go off the mark or when you need to prompt them. This product feels very comfy for your canine buddy with a padded jacketing. You can rest assured that it won’t dig into your dog’s skin, which could lead to discomfort and irritation.
This padded harness also features a quick-drying material, so even if it drizzles a little, the harness won’t stay damp for long. If dirt gets on it, you can easily wipe it off, too. Thus, your dog stays dry and squeaky clean. It resembles a saddle and fits like one, too. Don’t worry–the product is a breeze to put on and take off your dog. It features extra-thick straps that provide superior support and comfort. Highly adjustable, you can achieve a snug fit anytime. The metal D-ring attachment is quite heavy-duty and is stitched rigidly. Likewise, it features a back handle, which helps hold your dog back. You won’t have to accidentally choke your dog when you try to steer him to a different angle. This harness features a reflective strip to provide more visibility in low-light areas as an added bonus.
Pros
- Extra-thick premium straps
- Heavy-duty D-ring leash attachment
- Comfy and well-padded
- Includes reflectors
- Available in different colors
- Features back handle for more control
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Suitable for large breeds only
- The material is not scratch-resistant
2. EXPAWLORER No-Pull Dog Harness w/ 3M Reflective Material
You can never go wrong with the EXPAWLORER Big Dog Soft Reflective No-Pull Harness, especially if you have a deep-chested canine buddy such as a German Shepherd or a Boxer. This dog harness is designed to minimize stress on big dogs that are fond of pulling their leash when they tag along for walks. This type of harness guarantees to keep hard-headed pets from choking themselves whenever they go off the mark or when you need to prompt them. This harness feels very comfy for your canine buddy with a padded jacketing. You can rest assured that it won’t dig into your dog’s skin, which could lead to discomfort and irritation. This padded product also features a quick-drying material so even if it drizzles a little, it won’t stay damp for long. If dirt gets on it, you can easily wipe it off, too. Thus, your dog stays dry and squeaky clean.
This harness resembles almost exactly as a saddle and fits like one, too. Don’t worry, and this is a breeze to put on and take off your dog. It features extra-thick straps that provide superior support and comfort. Highly adjustable, you can achieve a snug fit anytime. The metal D-ring attachment is quite heavy-duty and is stitched rigidly. Likewise, it features a back handle, which helps hold your dog back. You won’t have to accidentally choke your dog when you try to steer him into a different angle. This harness features a reflective strip to provide more visibility in low-light areas as an added bonus.
Pros
- durable and breathable mesh fabric
- soft and comfy fit
- good resistance to abrasion
- 3M reflective material for increased visibility
- includes 2 leash attachment points plus a seat belt attachment
- soft lining reduces chafing
- stylish and comes in a vibrant selection of colors
Cons
- Suitable for large breeds only
- The material is not scratch-resistant
3. URPOWER Dog Leash Harness – Best Dog Leash & Harness Combo
This product is packaged with a leash and a harness. In other words, you are saving more bucks for getting two items in one purchase! The URPOWER Dog Harness and Leash Set are quite trendy-looking with its two thick layers of blue denim that is accentuated with vivid red stitches. The jeans are stitched using orange nylon to ensure the materials are seamed together perfectly. This ensures it won’t get torn apart while washing. Putting on this harness is slightly different from its counterparts. Worry not, though. This product is complete with a manual so you won’t have to do the guesswork. Another great thing about this set is that it’s available in small, medium, and large sizes. The item doesn’t have buckles and padding. On the other hand, it features two customizable straps.
Pros
- 2-in-1 product
- made with dual layers of blue denim
- for style and durability
- reduced chafing due to lack of buckles and padding
- heavy-duty nylon stitching
- rust-resistant metal clasps
- 2 adjustable straps
- no hard edges
- size selections
Cons
- different configuration
- the leash is too long
4. PAWABOO Dog Safety Vest Harness -Best Harness for The Car Ride
Knowing that your pet stays in place even when there are a few bumps along the road, gives you the peace of mind you need when driving. The PAWABOO Dog Safety Vest Harness is designed to provide your pet maximum safety during a car trip. Using a ramp to get your dog into your car or SUV, simply connect this vest harness to a seat belt using its attachment loop. This harness is also suitable for walks in the park as it provides you more control over your wandering dog without possible choking. Moreover, this harness is made with 100% Oxford polyester fabric; thus, it feels lightweight and soft to the touch, all the while breathable and heavy-duty. The harness’ simple design makes putting and taking off the harness as easy as pie.
It features a wide padded chest to give your pooch the comfort he needs. The snap hooks used for this vest are premium electroplated stainless steel, making it highly durable and abrasion-resistant.
Pros
- versatile: ideal for car rides, short walks, etc.
- made with 100% Oxford polyester fabric and premium-quality snap hooks
- lightweight, soft, and breathable
- easy to wear design
- has wide and padded chest areas
Cons
- not crash-tested, unlike other brands
- adjustable straps tend to loosen in time
5. Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Adjustable Dog Harness
The Blue Classic harness may seem a little too basic at first glance, but you can rest assured that it will get the work done. This modest harness boasts a reliable and long-lasting construction of nylon fabric with high-density webbing. Also, it features a neoprene layer to reduce chafing. This harness is perfect for training pups as well as for containing adult small breeds. Due to its lack of frills, putting on this harness on your pooch is a cinch. The strap clips around your pet’s chest and won’t loosen up even if your dog jerks all the time. Moreover, this harness is complete with reflectors to provide more visibility during night time or in low-light areas. The Blueberry Classic Collection comes in 19 bright sunny colors. If you want, you can also buy a matching collar.
Pros
- sturdy construction: nylon fabric plus high-density webbing
- neoprene layer minimizes chafing
- easy to put on
- with reflective strip for added visibility at night
- available in 19 colors
Cons
- has no padding for comfort
- suited for puppies and small dogs only
6. Ruffwear – Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness for Dogs
The Ruffwear Front Range No-Pull Harness is designed to give your furry buddy all-day comfort for a variety of activities such as hiking, jogging, and running. Made with a reinforced webbing material, this harness offers high strength and abrasion resistance. This harness is among the most comfortable ones you can ever find on the market. It features a nicely padded chest and belly that will never flatten over time. Plus, this harness is quite soft to the touch. Apart from superior comfort, this harness offers a reliable connection. It has two attachment points, which you can use alternately depending on each type of activity. You can find a sturdy aluminum D-ring on the back part and another attachment point on the front. Putting the harness on your dog is also a piece of cake. All you need is to slip it on your dog’s head. Complete with four adjustment points, you can easily find the perfect fit for your dog. It even offers a small pocket where you can tuck in an ID tag.
Pros
- reinforced webbing
- sturdy and abrasion-resistant
- quick-drying and machine-washable
- soft to the touch
- well-padded chest and belly panels
- hassle-free to put on
- includes a built-in pocket
- up to 7 color sections
Cons
- smart escape artists may easily slip out of the harness
7. BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Walking Vest Harnesses –Best Puppy Harness
Getting your little pooch a harness for leash training has to be the most humane choice for your growing buddy. A harness allows your pet for easy breathing all the while giving you more control over your pooch. The first thing you’ve probably noticed about this item is how cute it looks. Plus, there are seven bright colors to choose from. The BINGPET Soft Mesh Harness is among the best harnesses you can get for your puppy. This item is made with 100% polyester; hence, it’s durable, quick-drying, abrasion-resistant, and soft. This accessory has a quick-release buckle and an adjustable chest belt. However, this particular piece offers no adjustability to the neck area. So for you to successfully slip on the harness on your pooch, you need to make sure that the opening fits your dog’s head.
Pros
- durable 100% polyester construction
- with up to 7 colors to choose from
- soft to the touch
- does not stretch
Cons
- no collar adjustment
- sizing issues
8. Gooby Trekking Memory Foam Harness
The Gooby Trekking Harness is one unique product. Only the Gooby Trekking Harness uses quality memory foam among all the products on this list. Therefore, it easily conforms to your dog’s body contour to give him superior comfort. Likewise, this product is lined with fleece to provide your pooch a luxurious feel. The fleece lining also keeps your pooch feeling toasty during cold weather. Although this item won’t stop your dog from chasing squirrels, this sporty-looking accessory can at least reduce the pressure that may choke him from doing so. However, the use of plastic rings instead of metal rings is a major gripe. This harness may suffice if your dog is not much of a robust puller.
Pros
- Sporty easy-to-wear design
- Uses memory-foam technology for superior comfort
- Lined with fleece for a lush feeling
- With up to 5 colors to choose from
Cons
- Uses plastic rings
- Not suitable for strong, aggressive dogs
Benefits of Using Dog Harnesses – Should You Use A Dog Harness?
Prevents Tracheal Damage
As far as anatomy is concerned, a dog’s neck is barely different from a human. Both species have an esophagus, a trachea, lymph nodes, thyroid glands, a spinal cord, and a host of veins within one’s neck. Now, try to imagine wearing a collar around your neck that compresses all that with every tug. The main benefit of using a harness is to prevent injuries to your dog’s windpipe, especially if he has a bad habit of pulling on his leash. Instead of straining his neck, a harness distributes the stress across his chest or back.
Curbs Your Pup’s Excitement
Even if your dog is well-trained and well-behaved, it doesn’t guarantee that he won’t go berserk especially if he sees something that piques his interest. Dogs love to chase anything that moves, from squirrels to skateboarders; scooters to double-deck buses. This characteristic stems from their ancestry as hunting animals.
Gives You More Control
Another benefit you get for using a dog harness is the amount of control it gives you. Your dog can easily tow you a couple of steps behind him, especially if yours is one large, mighty, and stubborn dog. But with the help of a harness, you can control his pace, direction, etc.
What to Look for in a Dog Harness – Protect Your Dog
Adjustability
Having a highly adjustable harness is vital, considering that dogs come in different shapes and sizes. Adjustability is the key factor in order to achieve the perfect fit for your dog. The more adjustment points a harness has, the better.
Putting On Harness
Older dogs that may have joint issues may be better off using a clip on system instead of one where it would require the dog to step into it.
Comfort
The pressure caused due to tugging or pulling is applied mostly on the dog’s chest and shoulders. The ideal harness should have well-padded chest and belly panels to prevent chafing, especially for short or little hair breeds.
Freedom of Movement
Your dog’s harness should not restrict his movements. Choose the dog harness that will provide ample room between your dog’s forelimbs. Also, the straps shouldn’t be narrow or wide enough to cause difficulty as whenever your dog extends his forelimbs when running or walking. Restricting your dog’s shoulder movements only cause pressure on other parts of your dog’s body. Poorly positioned straps also cause pain and irritations due to chafing.
Durability and Recommended Safety
Of course, your dog’s harness should withstand daily usage and years of abuse. It has to be strong enough to hold the brunt of a heavy, stubborn dog. Otherwise, there is no point in getting one.
Reflective strips allow you and your dog to be seen out at night on your evening walks. Compromising on durability also means putting your pet at risk. It should have secure closures so your escape artist won’t flip or twist right out of his harness using his special ninja moves. A durable harness is an escape-proof harness.
Functionality
There are those that function as a front-attaching or a back-attaching harness. Front-attaching harnesses are recommended for strong large breeds, while back-attaching harnesses are more suitable for smaller canine breeds.
Keeping your dog clean while on your outdoor trek is important, and if the safety vest covers up most of your dog’s undercarriage, this can aid on you not needing to do much cleaning work when it’s time to come home. Nonetheless, some products can do both. The dog harness is a heavy-duty adventure harness, a mobility aid, and a no-pull harness rolled into one. A handle can also serve as a way to actually lift and support your dog if you are outdoors hiking. Having multiple attachment points offers such versatility.
Conclusion
Whether you need to curb your dog’s hunting instincts or to simply prompt him on which way to go, choosing the top dog harness would be the safest way to do so. As for our top 8 list, it is clear as day that the EXPAWLORER No-Pull Harness is our personal favorite. We highly suggest that you buy this product if you have a large breed. This product boasts several amazing features, but we particularly love its extra-thick straps, which are highly adjustable to ensure a snug fit. Not to mention its metal D-ring leash attachment that is quite sturdy, making it perfect for incessant pullers. Don’t forget that EXPAWLORER Adventure Pet Vest is also a great choice if you have a smaller dog.