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11 best dog harnesses for all types of dogs
Small dogs, large dogs, young dogs, old dogs — they can all have a better walk while wearing one of these comfortable harnesses
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A fully trained dog may happily walk alongside you with a simple lead and collar. But a still-training pup will generally be easier to control in a dog harness, especially one with a front loop you can use to keep them from pulling.
Some dogs outgrow a harness, but active breeds of large dogs (German shepherds and retrievers for example) may always be more comfortable in one. A harness also gives you, the pet parent, more control, turning a walk into less of a fight and more of a relaxing exercise for both of you. Phew!
You can read more about the benefits of a dog harness, how to shop for one and what makes a harness “no-pull” at the end of this guide. Oh, and we've also got you covered if you're looking for the best dog coats to keep them dry over the autumn months.
All prices quoted are for a medium size unless otherwise stated.
Pros
- Front and back leash points, plus four adjustable straps
- Cuts down on pulling
- Affordable
Cons
- Not straightforward to get on
Pet parents can choose from a variety of colours and sizes with the affordable Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness. Four adjustable straps keep your dog secure, and there are two leash connection points – you can choose the front one to prevent your dog from pulling.
Easy-release side buckles and reflective strips for visibility are helpful for early-morning or late-night walks. A back handle makes it easy to grab your pooch with your free hand to keep it from lunging, too.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 11-inch chest girth to a 38-inch chest girth | Main materials: polyester and nylon
Pros
- Soft polyester fabric rubs less than a traditional harness
- Created for small dogs, but also in large sizes
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs that pull
Small dog owners may already know the brand Puppia, which has earned an almost cult-like following for its soft, polyester mesh dog harness created for smaller dogs. It also come in large dog sizes, but small or sensitive-skinned dogs in particular love the fit because polyester fabric rubs and chafes less than regular harness straps.
This harness is easy to get a dog to step into if you don't have an overly wiggly one, and there's a straightforward video for putting on a Puppia using a small dog as the example.
It's affordable, and pet parents will appreciate the many colour options. too. While Puppia recommends hand-washing the vest, some online reviewers say it's also fine to put on a cold wash and hang out to dry. Since it exclusively connects to a leash at the back, this design is best for dogs that don't pull too much.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; from a 9-inch chest girth to a 41-inch chest girth | Main material: polyester mesh
Pros
- Fairly escape-proof
- Prevents a dog from pulling
- Comes with a seatbelt attachment for car rides
Cons
- Sizing runs a bit small
This easy-on harness has five adjustable points, which help create a secure fit on dogs of all body shapes. The material is made from seatbelt webbing, so it's thick and durable, and this is a good option for dogs that tend to pull, thanks to the front lead attachment.
If you're unsure on size, we recommend erring on the larger side, as it can come up quite snug. This harness also comes with a 10-inch lead that can be used as seat belt attachment.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 44-inch chest girth | Main material: polyester seat belt webbing
Pros
- One of the original no-pull harnesses
- Large range of sizes
Cons
- There's a learning curve to getting it adjusted just right
With a front loop to prevent pulling (as shown in the picture) and an easy-to-adjust style, this no-frills harness lives up to its name. It comes with four adjustment points and a video tutorial to help you get the right fit. As one of the original anti-pulling harnesses, it's earned a following for its affordability, ease of use and how quickly it can improve dog-walking.
It's easy to put on, making it perfect for excitable pets that can't sit still when they sense it's time for a W-A-L-K. But there is a learning curve to figuring out how to adjust it precisely for your dog. Once you get it, it's simple from there. The Easy Walk comes in a large range of sizes, making it appropriate for nearly any dog.
Sizes: Petite/S, S, S/M, M, M/L, L, XL; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 49-inch chest girth | Main material: nylon
Pros
- Stretchy performance fabric is exceptionally soft
- Three leash attachment points
- Matching accessories available
Cons
- The soft fabric can show signs of wear
Wild One's lightweight, stretchy harness comes in a variety of fun colours and the materials are soft and cushiony. However, note that this does mean it can show more signs of wear and tear than some heavier-duty options.
There are three lead attachment points, including one in the front for dogs that try to pull. Pet parents can purchase the harness on its own or shop one of the brand's popular walk kits, which includes a matching lead, poop bag carrier, toy and treat dispenser that all match. Our one complaint is that we can't find a video from the brand that helps new buyers put this on their dog for the first time.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 38-inch chest girth | Main material: performance stretch fabric
Pros
- Tightening harness trains dogs not to pull
- Cord-lock design helps customize fit
- Soft and non-irritating
Cons
- Take all your dog's measurements before choosing a size
Sporn's No-Pull harness is a good option for a dog that's still growing because instead of using buckles or clips, this harness is secured using a cord lock, which makes it easy to fit to your pet's correct size. You'll notice this brand doesn't use chest girth for sizing; it goes by neck size and its sizing chart also asks for your dog's length, height and width.
Although it clips in the back, this is a tightening harness, so it still works well for teaching dogs not to pull. When your pet starts tugging, the harness tightens around the front of their chest to signal them to stop. The mesh panel stretches and is soft, so shouldn't irritate.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L/XL; from a 9-inch neck size to a 24-inch neck size | Main material: nylon
Pros
- Extra durable
- Four quick-release buckles for easy on and off
- Bungee cords for light storage
- Velcro straps for adding a patch
Cons
- Might be more vest than some dogs need
A "tactical" harness is designed for service dogs and is made to be extra durable, with added storage features. But, while you may see police dogs, for example, wearing a tactical harness, they can be useful for your own dog, too, especially if they're a larger breed or if you like to hike or camp.
With this one, four different buckles make it easy to strap your dog in and out in a variety of ways. A handle on the top of the harness also lets you quickly grab your dog if you need to hold it back for any reason. Bungee cords on the top of the harness are great for some light storage and there are hook-and-look strips for adding an ‘in training’ patch if you wish. The vest comes in five colours and six sizes.
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 20-inch chest girth to a 40-inch chest girth | Main material: nylon
Pros
- Soft, padded panels
- Handle makes it easy to hold your dog back from lunging
- Machine washable
Cons
- Runs big and is not for tiny breeds
The main feature of this soft, padded harness is the large, easy-grab back handle for lifting your dog up when necessary and controlling them when in close quarters with fellow furry friends. The sturdy construction justifies the higher price, plus it's machine-washable (always helpful with mucky pups). This does run a bit big and the brand says it's not for dogs who weigh less than 15 pounds.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 44-inch chest girth | Main material: nylon
Pros
- Great for training with dual-connection leash
- Lined in velvet for comfort
- Hard for your dog to escape from it
Cons
- Can twist when you take it off
The name is kind of funny because, in fact, the Freedom is among the hardest harnesses for a dog to escape. Use it with the brand's double-clip leash, as shown, to connect to your dog at two points simultaneously for training and control.
The martingale loop connection on the back of the harness ensures that pressure is evenly distributed across your pup's body with no worries about pinch points, and the loop on the front helps you direct your furry friend. Note, however, that some trainers warn that it can be overly restrictive for some pups.
The nylon webbing in the harness is tested on up to 3,800 pounds, so it's not likely to rip or fray without your dog actively chewing on it. Some online reviewers say that if you take the harness off carelessly, it can twist up. We recommend this video on straightening the harness if that happens.
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; from a 14-inch chest girth to a 44-inch chest girth | Main material: nylon and velvet
Pros
- Padded front and back panels
- Wide colour range, all with reflective trim
Cons
- Doesn't fit dogs with broad chest and narrow waist
Made for longer outings, this harness has padded front and back panels for your dog's comfort over extended walks or hikes. A sturdy front loop lead attachment discourages pulling, while a back metal loop works well for more easygoing dogs.
It comes in more than a dozen colours, all with reflective trim for visibility. The four adjustment points make it easy to fit it to your dog's body and it won't hinder their mobility so they can still run around.
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 13-inch chest girth to a 42-inch chest girth | Main material: polyester
Pros
- Six points of adjustment
- Less restrictive than others
Cons
- Not as stylish as others
Some dogs are trickier to fit with a harness than others, and we've had dog parents recommend the Balance as a very customisable no-pull option with six points of adjustment.
One ring on the back and one on the front can help you manage pulling. There are nine colours available, but this harness is less of a fashion choice and more about quality. Note that it's also hand-wash only.
Sizes: XS, S, M, M/L, L; from a 13.5-inch chest girth to a 43.5-inch chest girth | Main material: nylon
What to look for when shopping for the best dog harness
There are different types of harnesses to consider based on your lifestyle and pup, so it's worth learning how to shop between them.
✔️ Back-clip harness: A back-clip harness is best for dogs that are fairly well-mannered. It's a similar experience to walking with a simple collar, except the harness helps safely distribute the pressure away from your pet's neck to their chest. However, unless the harness is also a tightening design, it won't do much to restrict your dog from pulling.
✔️ Front-clip harness: For dogs that tend to pull, front-clip harnesses can help ensure your daily walk is a relaxing experience. By clipping the leash to the front of their body at their chest, when your pet starts pulling, they'll simply turn themselves around (which won't encourage them to keep lunging for that squirrel).
✔️ Dual-clip harness: Dual-clip harnesses can clip in both the front and back. They're ideal for training pets as you can use a dual connection leash to help lead them while restricting them from pulling. With a dual-clip harness, you can choose whether you need a stronger no-pull option or just a simple back clip option.
✔️ Step-in harness: If you've got a wriggly dog, a step-in harness makes the process of getting your pet ready for their walk a bit easier. You simply place the harness on the ground and put your dog's legs in the designated spots. This is ideal for pets that don't like putting things over their head.
✔️ Tightening harness: Tightening harnesses help keep your pet from pulling by constricting around their body when they lunge forward. You'll want to make sure you use a tightening harness with gentle fabric and hardware that isn't too close to their throat, to keep them safe when pulling adds additional pressure.
Is a dog harness better than a collar?
While a collar is good for hanging a dog's ID, a harness offers you more control and prevents potential damage to your dog's throat, according to the American Kennel Club. Collars can create strain on your dog's windpipe and in some cases, their spine. Using a harness instead of a collar can prevent that choking, hacking effect you may have seen when your dog tries to pull toward a squirrel or another dog.
Harnesses distribute pressure across the body rather than just on the neck. As a bonus, some dogs respond better to walking on a harness rather than on a collar.
Large or strong dog breeds like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers do well walking on a harness. Not only does a harness remind a large dog not to pull and help deter them from doing so, it's safer for their body. A harness can also make it easier for you to control a large dog.
Some small breeds like Chihuahuas, toy poodles and Jack Russells find harnesses more comfortable on their small frame, and a harness with a handle can make it easier to pick up your petite pooch if they get tired or you need to lift them out of danger.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
For 100 years, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing reviews and advice on anything a family might buy for their home. We are used to interrogating product claims to sort the fact from the fiction, and we've applied that same rigour to sourcing the best buys for our beloved pets.
Much of the research for this story and the initial choices for the best dog harnesses were made by the former Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain, a dog owner and pet-product expert based in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab over in the US. The results were then reviewed by Alison Lynch, head of content for the GHI team in the UK to ensure the products are all available here and identical to those tested by our colleagues.
Jamie (she/her) is the former parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has also worked a BuzzFeed and People. 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.
Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.
In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
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