If you're in the market for a dog harness, figuring out what kind you need can feel overwhelming. Here are the best options.
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The 6 Types of Dog Harnesses
Updated Aug. 14, 2024
If you’ve ever shopped for a dog harness, you know how overwhelming the process can be. As a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and a lifelong dog lover, I understand the importance of choosing the right harness for your furry friend. So does Rachel Monson, a decade-long veterinary assistant and animal content specialist. She says, “Since a harness spreads pressure across the body rather than concentrating it on the neck and throat, it reduces stress in these sensitive areas, making it a safer and more comfortable option for many dogs.”
But picking the right harness starts with understanding the different options. In this article, I’ll guide you through the six most common types of dog harnesses, explaining their positive features and drawbacks. Additionally, I’ll share my top pick in each style. Here are the six types of dog harnesses and their pros and cons.
Best DUAL-CLIP HARNESS
Hurtta Y-Harness
Pros:
- Versatile walking action
- Best of both worlds (front and back clips)
Cons:
- Two metal loops may not be the most comfortable for your dog as the unused loop may rub against their skin
With a dual-clip harness, you have the option of attaching the leash to the front or back of your dog, depending on their behavior.
If you think a dual-clip would be right for your dog, the Hurtta Y-Harness is a good choice. This model features wide neoprene padding to reduce chafing, and its built-in reflectors help with visibility at night.
Best Step-In Harness
Blueberry Step In Back Clip Dog Harness
Pros:
- Great for small dog breeds
- Most are back-clip
- Easy to put on
Cons:
- If your dog is easily excitable or not the most obedient, you may have trouble maneuvering them into the correct position to put on the harness
A step-in harness is great for dogs who dislike having a harness put on over their head. Lay the harness flat on the ground and have your dog step into the two loops formed by the straps. Then simply pull up the side straps and buckle them together around your dog’s back.
A great example of a step-in harness is the Blueberry Step In Back Clip Dog Harness. It’s made of machine-washable durable nylon and comes in seven bright, fun colors.
Best Safety Harness
Kurgo's Tru-Fit Smart Harness
Pros:
- Can also be used as a walking harness
- Compatible with all cars
Cons:
- Can be expensive
If you frequently travel with your dog in the car, you should have some way of keeping them safe and restrained. One option is a safety harness that easily attaches to the seat belt, keeping your dog comfortable and secure on the road.
Before you hit the road with your dog, look into Kurgo’s Tru-Fit Smart Harness. It includes a dog seat belt loop and is crash tested for dogs up to 75 pounds.
Best Day-Pack Harness
Outward Hound DayPak
Pros:
- Storage for food, dog toys and other items
- Best for medium-to-large dogs
Cons:
- May be too bulky for everyday use
Certain breeds or activities will require something sturdier than your everyday harness. If your dog loves to accompany you on long hikes or camping trips, a heavy duty/backpack harness will make it a breeze for them to carry their gear in comfort and style.
We love this Outward Hound DayPak’s four expandable pockets and breathable mesh fabric. It’s also water resistant.
Best Back-Clip Harness
PetSafe Back Clip Dog Harness
Pros:
- Widely available
- Leash is less likely to get tangled or tripped on
- Dogs can’t reach the leash to chew on it
Cons:
- If your dog has a tendency to pull, a back-clip harness will not discourage this behavior
Back clip harnesses are one of the most basic and versatile types on the market. They have a metal D-loop sewn into the fabric at the back of the harness where the dog leash attaches.
If you’re considering a back clip harness, the PetSafe Back Clip Dog Harness is an excellent choice. Covered in soft padding and featuring an elastic neckline, you won’t find a more comfortable harness for your dog. Another great feature is the top handle, which allows you to easily grab your dog if necessary.
Best Front Clip Harness
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Pros:
- Widely available
- Preferred by dog trainers for teaching good leash manners
Cons:
- Your dog can easily get the leash tangled in their legs if you don’t carry the leash high enough
Front clip harnesses are also known as anti-pull harnesses. They help teach your dog not to pull and tug at their leash. The style is similar to the back-clip type, except the loop is located in front of your dog’s chest.
There are many great front-clip harnesses on the market. The best is the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. It’s available in four sizes to fit any breed. The straps are clearly labeled “belly/shoulder/chest” so you’ll never be scratching your head about what goes where.
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Harness
When purchasing a dog harness, several factors should be considered. Here are the biggest and most common ones to consider:
Dog Breed
Rachel Monson says, “Many dogs can benefit from using a harness instead of a traditional collar, especially brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs.” For instance, dogs with wider shoulders and necks might find slipping out of a collar fairly simple and easy to do, but a harness can prevent this. Furthermore, Monson says, “Harnesses are also helpful for small dogs prone to collapsing trachea,” because a harness can “reduce stress in these sensitive areas, making it a safer and more comfortable option for many dogs.” Harnesses distribute the weight and pressure of the leash away from your dog’s collar and neck, transferring it to their shoulders, chest and back. This significantly reduces the risk of neck strain or choking. Even if your dog doesn’t pull, harnesses are generally more comfortable and can offer you more control.
Dog Behavior
Keep in mind your dog’s temperament and behavior during walks. Some dog harnesses are more suitable for pups that pull or don’t pull on their leash. As Monson says, “Harnesses were originally designed to allow and encourage pulling, so it’s important to train your dog accordingly.” Evaluate your dog’s behavior to determine which features will best suit them, like a no-pull design if your pup is prone to yanking you along during walks.
Investment in Training Your Dog
“No-pull harnesses can be effective tools, but they are generally not a complete solution for a dog that pulls on the leash. Pulling is often a behavioral issue that requires more than just equipment to address,” says Monson. Like anything you get for your dog, a harness is a tool first and foremost. It’s not an answer. You might think of a harness as a solution to your woes. But the truth is, if you aren’t dedicated to training your dog (and reinforcing that training), a harness likely won’t be the answer you seek.
A Proper Fit
Monson says, “A harness should fit snugly against your dog’s body, allowing you to slip two fingers underneath at every point. If the harness is too tight, it can cause painful rub spots. If it’s too loose, your dog might escape, which could lead to injury.” Think of it like trying on clothes for yourself. If you don’t like the fit, you won’t wear those pants, right? The same goes for the harness. Your dog should be comfortable, not forced into a harness that doesn’t work for them.
Maintenance/Adjustments
“You should check your dog’s harness fit every time they wear it,” says Monson. Wearing the harness might loosen the straps, so you should check it between uses to ensure the fit is right the next time you use it. Furthermore, Monson adds, “It’s also important to check the fit after strenuous exercise, like running or hiking, as the harness might loosen. Regularly adjusting the harness ensures it remains snug and secure, keeping your dog safe and comfortable.”
Why You Should Trust Us
As a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a graduate in animal welfare and behavior and a recognized author by the Dog Writers Association of America, I (John Woods) bring a wealth of expertise to this guide. Most importantly, my lifelong love for dogs drives my passion for helping others find the best products for their furry companions. Combining my personal experience with the expertise gained through my studies, I have carefully selected the best of every kind of dog harness on the market.
Along with my own experience, I also consulted with Rachel Monson, a decade-long veterinary assistant and animal content writer whose work has appeared on A-Z-Animals.com, BetterPet.com and in the pet section of ConsumerAffairs. Her expertise helped to flesh out this guide and added even more professionalism and clinical knowledge to the piece.
How We Found the Best Dog Harnesses
When selecting dog harnesses, we began by thoroughly researching the wide range of available options. We carefully considered size, material, design, and price point factors. Additionally, we looked for harnesses that catered to specific dog behaviors, including those suitable for pulling dogs, active hounds and pups that travel frequently with their owners. To further refine our choices, we analyzed customer reviews to gain insight into each dog harness’s real-world performance and durability.
FAQ
What is the best harness for a dog that pulls on walks?
Consider using a front-clip harness if your dog tends to pull on the leash during walks. With a front-clip harness, if your dog pulls, it will cause them to turn towards you instead of moving forward, which can help reduce the pulling behavior. Additionally, the harness will reduce pressure on your dog’s neck, providing a more comfortable walking experience. Remember, as Monson tells us, “It’s important to train your dog accordingly.” Without proper training, even a no-pull harness might not work.
What is the best harness for small dogs?
Most harnesses come in various sizes, so there isn’t one specific design that is best for small dogs. Measuring your pooch is important to ensure that the harness will fit comfortably before purchasing. It’s always a safe bet to select one with adjustable straps to get the perfect fit. Most of the time, harnesses are far better than traditional collars. “Since a harness spreads pressure across the body rather than concentrating it on the neck and throat, it reduces stress in these sensitive areas, making it a safer and more comfortable option for many dogs,” says Monson.
Should my dog only wear a harness on walks?
Wearing a harness for extended periods can potentially cause discomfort and irritation for your dog. However, harnesses can be used for various purposes beyond walks. They are ideal for securing your dog in the car using a seatbelt, during training sessions and indoors, especially in new environments where you may need better control over your dog.
Originally Published: October 01, 2020
