The 5 Best Dog Harnesses For Daily Outdoor Adventures
Using a durable harness will make daily walks and longer hikes more comfortable for your dog.
If your canine already has a comfortable dog collar, buying them a harness may seem unnecessary. But one of the best dog harnesses is the perfect walking accessory for all dogs, especially if they tend to pull. Most harnesses fit snugly on your dog’s chest and clip behind their front legs to keep it from slipping. There are adjustable straps to ensure it stays in place while walking. And depending on the design, you can attach their leash to the front or back of the harness with ease.
Since harnesses sit below the neck, you won’t have to worry about your pup choking or coughing, even if they tug a little too hard on their dog leash. But the best part is that dog harnesses are available in multiple colors and patterns, so you can pick your favorite to accessorize your furry friend.
Best Dog Harnesses To Consider
When picking out a harness for your dog, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Your dog’s breed will determine the best harness style based on their size and body type. For example, dogs with slim necks and heads will have an easier time escaping from their harness if it doesn’t clip in place behind their front legs for security. But dogs with bulkier builds, such as bulldogs, won’t have the same amount of wriggle room, no matter which harness you choose.
The weather also needs to be a determining factor when buying a dog harness. If you plan to take your dog on walks in hot, sunny temperatures, a breathable harness is a must. There are minimal designs with only a few well-positioned straps to keep it on your dog without causing overheating. But there are more substantial harnesses made from a breathable mesh material that will keep your dog cool whenever they wear it.
Lastly, you should consider how much your dog pulls on the leash. While some dogs are easy to walk and don’t get distracted, others find it hard to focus. Thankfully, there are a variety of no-pull harnesses on the market to discourage your pup from turning every walk into a drag. These harnesses won’t hurt your dog but may cause a slight amount of discomfort to remind them who is in charge on every walk. No matter what kind of dog harness you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to help you pick.
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
When it comes to dog harnesses, this one from Rabbitgoo stands out for its design and durability. Available in multiple colors and sizes, dog owners love this harness because it fits securely on almost any breed. After sliding the harness over your pup’s head, you can adjust the straps before securing them in place on either side.
The harness has stainless steel hardware, including loop attachments on the chest and back, so you can choose where you clip your dog’s leash. But the best part is the built-in handle on the back that offers you complete control over your dog if you get into a dangerous or uncertain situation.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh material
- Adjustable in four areas
- Attaching the leash to the front loop helps prevent pulling while walking
Cons:
- It doesn’t have any built-in pockets for treats or poop bags
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Dog Harness
Whether you take your dog on daily walks or the occasional stroll, having a high-quality harness will ensure you never lose control of your pet. This dog harness from Best Pet Supplies is lightweight and padded for your pup’s comfort all year round. And it has a single buckle on the back to secure it once your dog steps into the harness.
Your dog’s leash clips to the two metal D-rings on the back of the harness. And the included size guide will help you pick the perfect harness for your dog, no matter how large or small. Plus, the reflective strips will keep you and your pup safe whenever you’re out after dark.
Pros:
- Multiple color options
- Full chest and back coverage
- Affordable harness
Cons:
- This harness isn’t designed to discourage dogs from pulling
PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness
Is there anything worse than disciplining your dog while on a walk? It can be embarrassing when others see you struggling with your pet and discouraging to see your hard work getting lost in stressful situations. With PetSafe’s harness, you can get past your dog’s bad habit of pulling with minimal effort.
The harness is minimal, with only a few straps that loop around your dog’s torso and across their chest. The sturdy plastic clips make it easy to secure once adjusted to fit your dog. And it is designed with a front loop for the leash, so you are always in control. The chest strap will even tighten slightly if your dog attempts to pull or yank the leash while walking to teach them to be a first-class citizen.
Pros:
- It doesn’t have to be used with a collar
- Doesn’t feel restrictive
- Designed for all breeds
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other harness options
Pawtitas Step-In Dog Harness
Whether you live somewhere warm or have a petite pup, a lightweight dog harness will be the most comfortable option. This one from Pawtitas only has a couple of slim nylon straps that sit around your dog’s chest and back. Available in multiple bright and neutral colors, this harness is easy to use. Your dog can step into the two leg loops before you tighten the straps to help it fit snugly.
The chest strap sits low enough to prevent damage or discomfort to the neck and throat whenever your dog wears their harness. And you can clip any leash directly onto the metal D-rings on the back for extra security.
Pros:
- Durable nylon with reinforced stitching for strength
- Safe to machine wash
- Matching collars are available for purchase
Cons:
- Challenging to get the sizing right on dogs with long hair
Amtor Dog Harness with Leash Set
If you want your dog to look their best while out and about, we recommend this harness and leash set from Amtor. This affordable set includes a breathable mesh harness, which is available in multiple sizes. And no matter which size or color you pick, it comes with a matching five-foot leash.
The harness has an adjustable panel on the back and a plastic buckle to ensure it’s extra secure. And you can clip your dog’s leash directly to the back of the harness for convenience. The leash is comfortable to hold while walking and has a rotating clip to prevent it from tangling around you and your pet.
Pros:
- Reflective strips on the harness and leash
- Available in smaller sizes than most harnesses
- Extra padding for comfort
- Metal loop on the harness to hang a name tag
Cons:
- The leash isn’t as long as a standard leash
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my dog start wearing a harness?
Harnesses come in all sizes, so you can purchase one for your puppy as soon as you bring them home. This is the ideal time for your dog to start wearing a harness, as it will ensure they get used to it from a young age. Harnesses offer a hug-like sensation, which is comforting for pups that need a lot of love and attention when they are separated from their mother and siblings. The only downside to purchasing a harness for your puppy is that you’ll likely need to buy a few different harnesses as they grow, especially if they are a large breed.
What are the benefits of using a harness?
In general, dog owners prefer harnesses over dog collars when walking their pets for various reasons. Firstly, a harness sits lower on your dog’s torso, so it never tugs on their neck. The leash clips directly onto the front or back of the harness instead of the collar for comfort and safety. This is especially important for dogs that struggle with pulling, as they could cause permanent internal damage to their throats when wearing a standard collar.
If you have a sneaky dog that always finds their way out of their collar while walking, a harness will help fix this bad habit. This behavior is frustrating but can also be dangerous if you are walking in a busy area, so putting a stop to it is a must. When your dog wears a heavy-duty harness that locks in behind their front legs, it will be almost impossible for them to slip out. To ensure your dog is safe in their harness, you should always double-check the tightness of each strap before every walk.
Finally, a dog harness will help you stay in control of your pet, no matter their size. Even though you are still using a standard leash, clipping it onto a harness will more evenly distribute your dog’s weight, so every walk is comfortable for both of you. Many harnesses also have a sturdy handle on the back that allows you to grab your dog quickly in case of emergency.
How do I measure my dog for a harness?
While every dog harness is constructed slightly differently, they should all fit similarly. You need to measure the circumference of your dog’s neck and chest to help you pick the correct size. If they are between two sizes, we recommend reaching out to the manufacturer with your measurements, so they can help you pick the appropriate harness for your pup. Once you have your harness, secure it on your dog, and tighten the straps. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s skin to guarantee a snug but comfortable fit.
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