The 9 Best Dog Harnesses To Keep Your Pup Safe And Comfortable
Just like leashes and collars, a well-fitted harness is an essential piece of gear for dog owners. When your pup is on a walk, the best dog harnesses distribute pressure from their leash across their body, making them more comfortable to wear—especially for excitable dogs who have a tendency to lunge or pull. For this reason, harnesses can also make controlling your dog easier. Our top pick for most pet owners is the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness, a durable, adjustable option with safety features like reflective strips and a built-in ID pocket.
Depending on your dog’s size, walking tendencies and activity level, though, there might be a better option for you. “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 even start shopping, 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. Ahead, here are the very best dog harnesses for every kind of pup.
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Best Dog Harness Overall: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
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Best Value Dog Harness: Rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness
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Best Harness For Small Dogs: Puppia Soft Dog Harness
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Best Harness For Big Dogs: Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
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Best Padded Dog Harness: Wild Ones Harness
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Best Dog Harness For Training: Two Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness
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Best Step-In Dog Harness: Voyager Step-In Dog Harness
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Best Dog Harness For Hiking: Embark Adventure Dog Harness
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Best Harness For Dogs Who Pull: Petsafe Easy Walk Harness
Best Dog Harness Overall
A Strong Yet Lightweight Pick With Smart Safety Features
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
Material: Polyester, aluminum | Sizes: XXS to XL
Pros:
- High-quality feel
- Four adjustment points
- Smart safety features
Cons:
- Might be too stiff for some
For its adjustability, durability and smart safety features, the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness—which is made for all kinds of adventures and activities—is our top pick overall. The harness feels “thicker and sturdier” and has “several places of adjustment,” says Goodman, so your dog always feels secure no matter what you’re doing. Along with two leash attachment points and four points of adjustment, this lightly padded pick has reflective stripes and a built-in ID pocket where you can stow your dog’s tags as added safety measures.
What the editors say: “This thing is bulletproof,” says Forbes Vetted group product manager Matt Flood. “My active 90-pound dog has been exclusively wearing it every day for the past seven years, and it still looks brand new.”
Best Value Dog Harness
A Budget-Friendly Option That Gets the Job Done
Material: Polyester, nylon | Sizes: XS to XL
Pros:
- Four points of adjustment
- Cushioned and breathable
Cons:
- Some owners complain of poor quality and fit
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 with a breathable mesh cushion, this padded, 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.
Best Harness For Small Dogs
A Soft Pick That’s Ideal For Small Frames
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
Material: Polyester | Sizes: XS to XXL
Pros:
- Easy to get on
- Lightweight and breathable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Has just one leash attachment
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, hand-washing and air-drying are recommended.)
Best Harness For Big Dogs
A Tougher Option for Bigger Pups
Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
Material: Polyester, nylon, metal | Sizes: XS to XL
Pros:
- Five points of adjustment
- Lifetime warranty
- Machine washable (on gentle cycle)
Cons:
- Nesting buckles can be hard to adjust
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 to 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.
What the editors say: Newsletter editor Ashley Dean has been using this harness for her 65-pound dog for two years, and it’s held up well. “My dog can be stubborn about which way he wants to walk, and the harness lets me put some muscle into pulling him without hurting him,” she says. “The seat belt [loop] is easy to use and not too restrictive, too.”
Best Padded Dog Harness
A Soft, Adjustable Pick That’s Comfortable Yet Secure
Wild Ones Harness
Materials: Polyester, nylon, coated carbon steel | Sizes: XS to L
Pros:
- Cushioned for ultimate comfort
- Quick-snap buckles for easy removal
- Comes in 11 colors
Cons:
- Might be too stretchy for some
Padded harnesses tend to be more comfortable for dogs, and the best of its kind is this popular pick from Wild Ones. Available in sizes XS to L, this soft, cushioned harness has three attachment points and adjustable straps, making it suitable for dogs of (nearly) all sizes. It’s also soft and stretchy for maximum comfort, whether your pup is on a leisurely afternoon walk or a vigorous run. (Padded harnesses are great for activities, as the cushioning can prevent chafing, says Emilee Mahar, owner of Smart K9 Training in Fargo, North Dakota.) Lastly, this pick comes in 11 pretty colors so your dog can walk in style.
What the editors say: “I love how cushiony and stretchy it is, and the material is really easy to spot-clean,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla, who uses the harness on her chunky 11-year-old American bully. “I can’t comment on how well these work for extreme pullers, but for dogs who are pretty easy to walk/moderate pullers, it’s worked great for me.” (She’s also a fan of Wild One leashes, which are waterproof and easy to clean.)
Best Dog Harness For Training
A Highly Adjustable Pick That Fits Most Shapes
Two Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness
Material: Velvet, nylon, stainless steel | Sizes: XS to XXL
Featuring a patented Martingale control loop on the back and a front O-ring, this top-rated harness gives you lots of control over your dog, making it ideal for training. Designed with four points of adjustment, this pick is “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). 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.
What the editors say: Chief product officer Nina Gould has two 60-plus–pound dogs who are strong, poorly leash-trained and serious pullers, “and this harness really helps to reduce the force, making them much easier to control,” she says. While she (and a few other Vetted staffers) say it’s not the easiest harness to put on, with a little practice, you eventually get the hang of it.
Pros:
- Four points of adjustment for a custom fit
- Chew replacement warranty
- Available in 15 colors
Cons:
- Reviews say the color can bleed when wet
- Can be difficult to get on
Best Step-In Dog Harness
A Simple, Easy-To-Use Option For Puppies
Voyager Step-In Dog Harness
Material: Polyester | Sizes: XXXS to XL
Pros:
- Easy to get on
- Small dog friendly
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- A roomier fit with just one point of adjustment
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.
Best Dog Harness For Hiking
A Strong, Reflective Pick Designed With Comfort In Mind
Material: Nylon | Sizes: S to XL
Pros:
- Padded to prevent rubbing
- Handle for added control
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Some dog owners report sizing and adjustment issues
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 hit the trail, 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.
Best Harness For Dogs Who Pull
A Patented Design That Helps With Pulling
Petsafe Easy Walk Harness
Material: Nylon | Sizes: Petite to XL
Pros:
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