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Apr 07, 2024

5 Best No

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Say hello to easier walks

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Say hello to easier walks whether you've got a small or large pup.

Walking a dog that likes to pull on the leash can make a stroll around the block feel like a game of tug-of-war, but you don't have to fight to keep your pup in check. Dog harnesses are great for pets who haven't quite mastered walking nicely on a leash or for pet parents who don't have the upper body strength to wrestle with a strong-willed pooch. They're also generally better for your dog than a collar leash attachment, since collars can restrict your dog's windpipe when they pull, which can lead to choking or even spinal injuries.

When it comes to picking the right harness for you and your pets, the Good Housekeeping Institute has a century-plus long history of testing products, including furry friend favorites like dog beds, pet GPS trackers and dog sunscreen. To find the best no-pull dog harnesses, we tested over a dozen popular and widely available models, including having dogs of all shapes and sizes try them out in the real world.

Check out the reviews of our top picks below, and find more information about how we test dog harnesses at the bottom of this guide.

With sherpa-covered straps that go under the dog's front legs, this mesh harness works well for pups with short or fine hair because the gentler fabric won't feel scratchy or irritating on their skin. Instead of buckles or clips, this harness is secured using a cord lock which makes it easy to fit to your pet's correct size, too. Although it clips in the back, it's a tightening harness, so still works well for dogs that pull.

When your pet starts to pull, the harness tightens around the front of their chest, applying pressure to get them to stop. Plus, the mesh panel stretches with your dog's body to reduce friction. While testing, we found that the harness can be tough to put on squirmy pets, since it doesn't unclip to come apart. It does come in five different sizes and three colors, and keep in mind that if you want the harness to fit properly, measure your dog with a measuring tape.

Rabbitgoo's harness comes in a variety of colors, so you can customize it to your pet's style. "This harness definitely prevented any extra pulling, and enabled better control during our walks," said one of our testers. This harness got top marks for fit, given its total of four adjustable straps to keep your dog secure. We also love that it comes with two leash-connection points which makes it great for training — as well as a front leash clip to reduce pulling.

Easy-release side buckles and reflective strips for visibility are helpful for early-morning or late-night walks in low visibility. Our testers particularly liked the harness's cushioned panels and durability. The back handle makes it easy to grab your pooch quickly if your pet leaps toward another dog or other distraction, too.

This easy-on harness was a tester favorite thanks to its five adjustable points, which help enable a secure fit on even the biggest barrel chests.

The front leash attachment helps prevent strong pups from pulling you down the block, while the back leash attachment works fine for smaller pets. "It was very easy to adjust the harness to a comfortable fit and to put on and to remove," noted one tester. We also appreciated how thick and durable the material felt. Another tester's "escape artist" pooch was unable to break free from this harness, unlike some of the smaller ones they've tried before.

If you're unsure on the size, get one that's larger than you need since it can get a little tight for dogs on the bigger end of the sizing scale. While we haven't assessed the seatbelt attachment for safety measures, the harness comes with a seatbelt attachment that one of our consumer testers tried and enjoyed. However, according to the Center for Pet Safety, unrestrained pets can cause harm to both you and themselves if in a crash, so while this option is great as a walking harness, it's not third-party certified for car safety like the Sleepypod Clickit Terrain.

This front range harness has padded front and back panels for your dog's comfort over long, meandering walks or hikes. A sturdy front loop leash attachment reminds them not to pull your arm out, while a back metal loop works well for gentler walkers. It comes in a variety of colors, too.

We found this harness to be made of pretty thick, padded material, but noted that the location of the buckles means it can be a bit tough to unclip. Four adjustment points make it easy to fit it to your dog's body, although it may not fit dogs with a broad chest and narrow waist as well as stockier breeds.

It also includes reflective trim for added safety when you brave those night walks, and a little pouch for storing ID tags or pet GPS trackers. "We've had this harness for years, and it's held up really well even though we have a strong dog that pulls," said one tester with a greyhound/lab mix.

Wild One's lightweight, stretchy harness comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will give your walks a stylish flare. In testing, we liked that the materials felt high quality and exceptionally soft and cushiony, making it a perfect fit for small dogs with short hair or bony bodies. "This harness is definitely one of the softest, most luxurious feeling one we've tested," said one GH analyst. It also has three leash attachment points and sizing small enough for some of the tiniest teacup breeds.

However, since the materials are so soft, it can show signs of wear more quickly than some other utilitarian options. It's available for purchase on its own, as part of the walk kit, which includes a leash and poop bag carrier, or the harness walk and play kit which includes everything from the walk kit as well as three rubber toys.

To find the best dog harnesses, we evaluated 14 harnesses both in our Labs and out in the world with dogs of all shapes and sizes to ensure they work with all types of pups. We ultimately took over 670 measurements and considered a variety of factors, such as ease of use, the owner's control over the dog, additional features like leash clips and overall satisfaction to find the best harness for your pup.

We also spoke with Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie, and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health.

There are two mains thing you want to consider when shopping:

✔️ Size: It's important to use the correct size for your pet and ensure that harness isn't too big or too small since it can be uncomfortable or dangerous. Be sure to measure your pet before you purchase.

✔️ Features: In addition to deciding if you want clips, buckles or cords, you'll want to check the size of the straps, whether it has cushioning or padding and if it comes with a warranty.

Because no-pull harnesses don't put pressure on the dog's neck, they don't restrict their breathing when they pull like a leash and collar would. They also enable the owner to have more control over their dog on walks, which can be helpful for large or exuberant pups. They make great training tools, because the chest leash attachment reminds your pup not to pull as they walk.

Many standard dog harnesses have a leash attachment at the back of the harness, which works fine for dogs who walk calmly on leash. Because they're intended for dogs who do, no-pull harnesses have a leash attachment on the chest, which puts pressure on their chest and discourages the dog from pulling.

If the harness isn't fitted properly, it can rub underneath the dog's armpits and at other seams. That can cause irritation, pain and may even lead to longer-term issues if not addressed. That's why measuring your pet is so important before purchasing a new harness so it fits properly. If your pet's harness starts to chafe, discontinue use.

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs, including dog harnesses.

As senior editor, Lizz Schumer has spent over a decade testing everything from pets to entertainment. She has written about pets and pet products for the past five years and has spoken to dozens of veterinarians, animal behaviorists and certified trainers about what pet owners need to know.

In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of journalism experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping, as well as BuzzFeed, while also previously working in the parenting and pets sphere at People.

Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.

Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People, covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

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