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Jul 26, 2023

Best Dog Harnesses 2023

While dog collars and harnesses each have their own strengths, most experts agree that the latter are safer for walking your pup. Whereas collars can put a lot of pressure on your pet’s neck, the best

While dog collars and harnesses each have their own strengths, most experts agree that the latter are safer for walking your pup. Whereas collars can put a lot of pressure on your pet’s neck, the best dog harnesses distribute that pressure across their body, making them more comfortable to wear—especially for excitable pups who have a tendency to lunge or pull. For this reason, harnesses can also make controlling your dog easier. If you pick the wrong size or style, though, all of these benefits can go out the window, which is why it’s crucial to find a harness that hugs your pooch in all the right places.

For it's durability, five points of adjustment and broad padded chest plate, the Kurgo Tru-Fit ... [+] Enhanced Strength Dog Harness is our top pick for large pups.

“It’s really important that you find the right harness for your individual dog,” says Melissa Goodman, a certified dog trainer at Mission Pawsitive Dog Training in Woodland Hills, California. “What might fit great on a Lab may not fit so well on a Great Dane with a narrow frame.” Before you buy, carefully measure your dog’s height, length, neck and chest girth. (Treats are guaranteed to make this task more enjoyable for both of you.) Then, look for harnesses with multiple points of adjustment, which are key to a snug fit. And when testing the fit, take note of whether the straps that go across your dog’s chest rest above their shoulder blades—you want your pup to be able to fully extend their front legs as they’re walking.

To make the shopping process a little less intimidating, we went ahead and rounded up eight top-notch harnesses for all kinds of pups and activities, factoring in tips and recommendations from dog experts. Again, just make sure to measure your pooch beforehand—a good fit is essential.

Amazon

Material: Velvet, nylon, stainless steel | Sizes: XS to XXL

This top-rated harness can fit dogs of varying size and is suited for a wide range of activities, making it our number-one pick. Featuring a patented Martingale control loop on the back and four points of adjustment, the inch-wide harness slips right over your dog’s head. “It’s very adjustable to virtually any dog body type,” says Goodman, who frequently recommends this harness to the owners of dogs she trains. It’s also comfortable (the straps are lined with soft velvet) and designed to discourage pulling (when your dog yanks, the front strap tightens gently around their chest).

Boosting the harness’s overall appeal, it’s made with stainless steel hardware and webbing that Two Hounds claims “can literally be used to tow cars”—in other words, it’s tough. There’s one thing this harness can’t withstand, though: chewing. In the event that your pup gets ahold of it, the brand offers a chew replacement warranty; if your dog tears it up, they’ll send you a new one if you pay for shipping and handling.

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Amazon

Material: Polyester, nylon | Sizes: XS to XL

If you want something to use on occasion, this vest-style harness is extremely popular—and better yet, it’s under $20. Made of nylon fabric that’s padded with a breathable mesh cushion, this lightweight pick is guaranteed to keep your dog comfortable. Plus, it’s a breeze to use: Simply slide it over your pup’s head, adjust the straps and clip your leash onto one of two metal rings. For added safety, the harness is reflective, making this a great option for night walks. Just make sure your dog doesn’t get ahold of it, as the nylon material is not resistant to chewing.

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Amazon

Material: Polyester | Sizes: XS to XXL

Dog owners love the soft, snug fit of this mesh harness, which easily slides over your pup’s head and hugs their chest, rather than their neck. Sold in 14 colors in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, this lightweight option features a relatively simple design: It has one D-ring on the back and one point of adjustment with a quick-release buckle. One thoughtful touch: If you ever get caught in the rain or your pooch jumps in a puddle, the harness is water-repellent. (When it comes time to clean the piece, handwashing and air-drying are recommended.)

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Amazon

Material: Polyester, nylon, metal | Sizes: XS to XL

Harnesses can really come in handy if you have a large breed, as the restraint gives you better control over your pooch’s bigger body. There’s a lot to like about this tough Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness, including its broad, padded chest plate and strong metal nesting buckles made of the same hardware used by rock climbers. It has five points of adjustment, too, which helps you achieve the best fit.

The harness is also great for those seeking something they can use in the car. Not only does it come with a dog tether (a seat belt loop with attached carabiner) that’s compatible with all seatbelt systems, but it’s also crash-tested using the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for child-restraint systems.

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REI

Material: Polyester, aluminum | Sizes: XXS to XL

Outdoor-loving dog owners rave about the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness, which is made for all kinds of adventures and activities. The brand’s harnesses feel “thicker and sturdier” and have “several places of adjustment,” says Goodman, so your dog always feels secure as you hike on trails. Along with two leash attachment points and four points of adjustment, this lightly padded pick has a reflective trim and a built-in ID pocket where you can stow your dog’s tags as added safety measures. While some users might find the harness to be a little stiff, this kind of strong, high-quality construction can be helpful when you’re in the great outdoors.

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Amazon

Material: Polyester | Sizes: XXXS to XL

Step-in harnesses can be great for puppies just learning how to wear a harness—and this option from Voyager isn’t just top-rated, but also affordable. Made of breathable mesh, this well-made harness is safer than others of its kind, thanks to its velcro and buckle closures. Once you’ve got the harness on your pup, attach your leash to the two D-rings at the back, which together provide you double the security. Just keep in mind that since there’s only one area of adjustment, you need to be extra sure of your dog’s measurements so you pick the right size (there are seven options). Also, while most puppies are safe in step-in harnesses, this style of restraint might not be right for pooches who double as escape artists.

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Amazon

Material: Nylon | Sizes: S to XL

Dogs tend to lean forward when they’re running or hiking, which is why harnesses designed for activities tend to cover more of their body, says Goodman. If you’re looking for a great option to slip over your dog’s head the next time you two go on a jog, the Embark Adventure Dog Harness is a fantastic pick. Made with military-grade nylon and extra strong D-Rings and buckles, this harness (which also has a handle on the top for extra control) is strong yet comfortable, thanks to the soft padding around the neck. Another perk: It has a reflective trim for extra visibility.

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Amazon

Material: Nylon | Sizes: Petite to XL

While harnesses discourage pulling by design, the Pet-Safe Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness features an innovative construction that many find to be extra effective. Situated on the front strap of the harness is a patented Martingale loop that puts gradual pressure on your pup’s shoulders if they start to yank, making it difficult for them to pull really hard. It’s uncomfortable for your dog, but not painful: Since the front strap rests against their chest, not their throat, you don’t have to worry about them choking or gagging. The harness is also extremely lightweight and affordable, making it a winning pick all around.

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Because no two dogs have the same body structure, there’s no singular best harness for all dogs. Rather, the right harness for your pup is one that hugs their body in all the right places and feels comfortable yet sturdy. Generally speaking, the more points of adjustment a harness offers, the better. “There are some harnesses that only adjust in one or two places, so it is much harder to get the dog harness to be fitted properly because it’s too loose in one area,” says Goodman. You also want to make sure your pup’s harness is durable; while most aren’t chew-resistant, you want the restraint to be made of strong materials and to feature secure buckles.

Harnesses with padding aren’t necessarily better than their strappy counterparts, though the style does offer some perks that make them a top option for certain pups. To start, they tend to be more comfortable. They’re also designed to provide dogs maximum mobility (while still keeping pressure on their chest), says Emilee Mahar, owner/trainer of Smart K9 Training in Fargo, North Dakota, which is why the style is popular for outdoor activities like running and hiking. If you’re looking into padded harnesses for these kinds of adventures, just make sure the options you’re considering are breathable and resistant to moisture. “If you’re going hiking or swimming with your dog and your dog is going to have to wear the harness after they get wet, it’s also really important to consider a material that’s water-resistant,” says Mahar.

The safest harness for your pup is one that fits their body and doesn’t slide around. Otherwise, your dog could slip out—and it’s not that hard for them to wiggle free. “If they just get one leg out, then it can then slip over their head,” says Goodman. If you’re looking for a safe harness to use in the car, Goodman recommends padded options, as they’re “going to be much more comfortable on the dog, especially if you slam on your breaks” or get in an accident. For one extra layer of safety, you can also check if the Center for Pet Safety has crash-tested and approved a specific harness.