ruffwear travel dog harness

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness Review: After 5 Years of Testing by a Pulling GSP

The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is, for me, an ideal dog harness for everyday use.

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My dog’s a puller. Now, before you lambast me for my poor dog training, yes, I suspect I’m part of the problem.

To call my girl high-strung is an understatement. A 5-year-old German shorthaired pointer, Leika loves to pull, particularly if I happen to be wearing cross-country skis. So you see, as an avid skier and trail runner, she’s never been very dissuaded from pulling. And when it comes to skiing, it’s very much encouraged.

But while we spend a lot of time blasting through fields and trails tethered together, there are also many more mundane walks to the park or around the city. And then, well, pulling kind of sucks. Fortunately, the Front Range No Pull Dog Harness offers something of a solution and is tough enough to handle a powerful, rambunctious animal for a very long time.

In short: The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is easy to put on, padded, and durable. It offers two attachment points, one that lets dogs pull hard, and another on the front that dissuades pulling. It is very durable and easy to adjust, but my favorite aspect is the overall simplicity.

Editor’s note: Ruffwear made some minor changes to the Front Country harness in spring 2024. After testing the new version for 2 months, I concluded that it is functionally the same as the previous edition. The only differences are that the buckles are slightly more refined and easier to adjust, and the front attachment point now has a plastic coating over the fabric. These minor changes improve the already great harness . The photo below shows the new version, launched in spring 2024.

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

• Materials 300-denier ripstop polyester/closed-cell foam/nylon webbing
• Best for Daily walks and hikes
• Four points of adjustment for easy fitting
• Fully padded for maximum comfort
• Light, breathable mesh lining prevents overheating
• Dual attachment points offer good options for training and everyday use
• Heavy-duty and easy to wash
• Must be put on over dog’s head
• Neck and chest straps may be loose on dogs with small necks

Check out GearJunkie’s dog harness buying guide here !

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness Testing

The Front Range Dog Harness has been at the top of our best dog harnesses article for a few years now. And while I didn’t pen that piece, I have to agree with the author. It’s hard to argue against that harness. It just works.

How do I know? Well, in the 5 years that I’ve worked with my adventure pooch, we’ve put some big miles on together. In the summer, we hike, trail run, camp, and sometimes climb mountains. She’s a fantastic athlete and hiked the Four Pass Loop carrying her own pack. In the fall, we shift hard into hunting mode, where she’s a reliable if overly aggressive pointer trained mostly on wild pheasants.

In the winter, she pulls me on cross-country skis and is one of the best skijoring dogs I’ve ever seen. Thus, the pulling.

So to say we’ve tested the Front Range Dog Harness is an understatement. We literally destroyed one, finally wearing the metal attachment ring through the very tough fabric of the harness until it broke after about 3 years of use.

Then we got another one.

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness Review

Here’s what I learned. First, the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is easy to put on. Two buckles disconnect to basically open the harness into a large collar. Slide this loop over your dog’s head. Then, reach under its belly, grab the two buckles, and attach them to the center of the harness over the middle of the dog’s back. Click, click, done.

You don’t need to lift the dog’s paws or pass their legs through any loops like some harnesses. For ease of entry, this harness is great. I appreciate this every morning while bleary-eyed, half-asleep me harnesses up my dog for a pre-dawn run.

Adjusting the harness for a specific dog is pretty easy, and you only need to mess with the adjustments every month or two if it loosens up over time. It’s a simple slide-lock buckle system and takes less than a minute to adjust. The harness does come in multiple sizes, so you want to get a good measurement before you buy one. My 50-pound GSP wears a medium, and it fits her perfectly.

Attachment Points

There are two attachment points once you get ready to go: one on the back, which allows the dog to pull as hard as it wants, and one on the chest, which makes pulling awkward for the dog by twisting it to the side when it pulls.

For most of my daily runs with my dog, I use the primary back attachment clip point. Leika tends to pull early during our runs and will struggle through the side-pull discouragement. As I do worry that she could slightly injure herself by pulling against this attachment point, I just clip it on the back and full-send it for the first few hundred yards of my warmup.

Once she’s gotten the wiggles out, my dog runs close to me for the next couple of miles. Here, I can attach the front “anti-pull” part of the harness. But generally, while running, I just leave it attached to the back.

When walking, it’s another story. My wife and I like to call the front attachment point her “good dog mode.” Outside of extreme excitement, this front-attachment point acts as enough of a deterrent that my pup won’t pull hard. She realizes that it’s uncomfortable and just stops tugging.

For those who own GSPs and know about the half-hitch-around-the-belly method, well, the harness accomplishes a similar goal, but without eliciting weird stares from non-sporting dog people. It doesn’t work quite as well, but it’s close enough.

Who Should Try This Harness?

To me, the Front Range Dog Harness is the perfect everyday-use dog harness. It’s easy to put on and take off. It seems comfortable on the dog. It doesn’t show much dirt and dries relatively quickly when wet. And it doesn’t restrict a dog’s movement in any way.

For humans with pulling dogs, it offers a way to restrict the pulling behavior somewhat. It also allows a safe attachment point for rambunctious pooches on the back when a little pulling is unavoidable, like a GSP walking past a flock of geese.

Also, the harness is very durable. A spunky German shorthair pointer put one through incredible abuse for 3 years before it needed replacing. So, for those looking for a long-lasting, easy-to-use dog harness, don’t hesitate to try the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness.

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Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other AllGear websites.

He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.

Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former editor-in-chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colo., McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.

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The Best Dog Harnesses

By Lindsey Hunter Lopez

Harnesses are a must-have piece of equipment for dogs.

They provide safety and comfort during walks and can be helpful for handling and travel.

Every expert we spoke to agreed that harnesses are safer than collars because they don’t put strain directly on the neck, and they contain your pet more securely.

But for experienced dog people and new pet parents alike, it can be hard to make heads or tails of all the product options.

Young dog energy requires something sturdier than the harness you’d choose for an elderly couch potato.

A fragile Chihuahua might be more comfortable in a mesh vest-style harness, while a ridgeback that pulls will be better handled in a strap-style harness with a control loop.

A French bulldog should have something that doesn’t constrict their chest or throat, like a soft step-in harness that distributes their weight.

After extensive testing on different types of dogs, our overall picks for most dogs are the head-in Ruffwear Front Range harness and the step-in Coastal Pet K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Harness . The Front Range is a sturdy yet comfortable product that includes convenient features. If you’re looking for a simpler option, the Coastal Pet K9 Explorer step-in strap harness is a quality piece of gear that’s easy to use.

Everything we recommend

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

The best harness for most dogs.

This dual-clip, head-in harness is sturdy yet light enough that it won’t weigh down your dog. It has several built-in safety details and fits most dogs with chests ranging from 13 to 42 inches, but it might be too bulky for some smaller dogs.

Buying Options

Coastal Pet K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Harness

The best step-in harness.

This durable, minimal harness is simple to put on, even if you’re new to harnesses or handling an energetic dog. It's good for medium and large dogs, and reflective stitching adds an extra layer of safety.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness

Another good option for most dogs.

This longtime pick is hard-wearing and easy to put on. It has front and back attachment points and offers sizes and adjustments to fit most dogs. It comes with a seatbelt strap, but it hasn’t been crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety.

Puppia Soft Dog Harness

A beloved brand for toy breeds.

Our long-standing favorite harness for small dogs works well for pups that have a hard time finding a good fit in other head-in styles, but there are no adjustment points around the neck.

Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness

Another great harness for small dogs.

Secure even the tiniest of pups with this vest-style harness that fits onto a dog with adjustments in the neck, rather than the chest. It features three layers of fasteners to help keep small escape artists in place.

Gooby Comfort X Step-In Harness

The best lightweight harness for flat-faced breeds.

This harness is ideal for brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs, thanks to a unique X-shaped vest design that won’t add pressure against their shorter airways. Breathable mesh also makes it a cool option for any dog prone to overheating.

A hardy harness for active dogs

With thick straps and a chest plate made of rugged neoprene, the Kong Max is ideal for any dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors. A handle on the top helps you grab on fast in an emergency.

2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness

The best strap-style harness for bigger breeds.

This streamlined, strap-style harness is great for better control while walking a dog, thanks to a design that prevents dogs from pulling their full weight. Strips of velvet prevent underarm chafing, and the largest size can handle dogs up to (and even over) 250 pounds.

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness , a head-in harness that’s lightweight yet keeps its form, doesn’t twist or slip around on your dog’s body like other models we tested (an issue that can be caused by subpar design or low-quality materials). It’s lightly padded but not bulky and features safety extras like reflective stripes and an ID pocket to store your dog’s tags. There’s an aluminum V-ring leash attachment point on the back and a tough nylon loop leash attachment in the front, so walkers have the option of clipping on the front to mitigate pulling. This is a durable everyday dual-clip harness that we kept coming back to, especially for our wild, young Labrador tester.

The Coastal Pet K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Harness , a step-in, strap-style harness, is sleek and extremely easy to use—there’s even a tag depicting which part of the dog goes where. It has durable straps with reflective stripes woven in for safety and a padded chest piece that keeps force distributed, rather than focused at the neck. The simple step-in design is extremely easy to put on, which is hugely helpful if you’re wrangling a rambunctious dog. The leash attaches to double metal D rings over a single clip.

The Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness , a longtime Wirecutter pick, is a head-in vest made from lightweight padded polyester and nylon. Dual attachment points and quick-release buckles are also helpful when on the go, even just for, say, a groomer. Wirecutter readers have commented about buckle issues with this model, and a detached strap went missing in our latest testing. But the durable ripstop fabric won’t easily pill, tear against sharp dog nails, or fray from normal pulling and play, and the harness comes with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects. The Tru-Fit harness comes with a 10-inch seatbelt tether, but we have not performed safety tests on it.

Puppies, toy dogs, and low-slung pooches may have trouble fitting in a standard harness. The Puppia Soft Harness , another longtime Wirecutter pick, is a head-in option that’s stretchy and breathable. The vest style has one simple adjustment point and a back leash attachment, which should be just fine for small dogs, but we think the material is a little thin for larger dogs and might wear out, especially if they’re a puller. Sizing can get tricky since Puppia’s vest design doesn’t have any give in the collar, so double-check your pup’s measurements before making a purchase. If you have an especially wiggly little dog that needs a little extra security, opt for our next pick instead.

The Voyager Step In Air Dog Harness is similar to the Puppia, except that it fastens to a dog at the back of the neck instead of the chest, via an adjustable hook-and-loop fastener beneath its buckle. Metal double D rings for the leash attachment add extra security.

The Gooby Comfort X Step-in Harness was the favorite harness by far for use on our bulldog tester. Brachycephalic breeds—so-called "smoosh-faced" or “flat-faced” dogs like bulldogs and pugs—can have a harder time breathing because they have shorter airways. The Gooby Comfort X features a unique “X” step-in style that’s comfortable, lightweight, and doesn’t pull near the trachea. It’s easy to put on and it stays securely in place.

Kong is known for its durable dog toys, so it makes sense that the brand’s harness, the head-in Kong Max , would also hold up to bigger, active dogs like our wild Labrador tester. The inside of the chest plate is lined with neoprene—the same material wetsuits are made from—and both the buckles and the front and back D rings are metal (the other harnesses we tested have plastic buckles). The Kong Max is significantly stronger than our other picks and a great choice for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, as well as large breeds that need a strong, structured harness.

No matter how strong of a grip you think you have on your 100-pound behemoth’s leash, there’s no planning for when they suddenly lunge at a squirrel darting across the street. The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness was tested by a young golden retriever and a teenage Labrador, and it held up to the energy and size of these big dogs.

The design is minimal, with a belly strap behind the armpits and a horizontal attachment point along the lower chest rather than at the neck. That lower attachment point grants walkers greater control over their pets because if the dog pulls, they are guided to the side and unable to throw their entire weight into pulling you forward. Or, if you prefer, you can use the back attachment ring for a typical walking experience—the leash is less likely to get tangled when clipped to the top of the dog.

The front-clip metal D ring is a must for dogs that pull, although training is the way to truly stop pulling. And 2 Hounds also offers lifetime replacements of their Freedom No Pull harness—including for chewing damage—for a fee that averages a third of the purchase cost.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: ruffwear front range harness, our pick: coastal pet k9 explorer reflective dog harness, also great: kurgo tru-fit smart dog walking harness, also great: puppia soft dog harness, also great: voyager step-in air dog harness, also great: gooby comfort x step-in harness, also great: kong max, also great: 2 hounds design freedom no-pull harness, the competition.

A journalist and dog person, I regularly cover a wide range of product reviews. When I first began testing harnesses for this update I was in the midst of Karma Dog Training classes for my adolescent chocolate Labrador, Jolene, and I gained a lot of valuable insight from my trainer there at the time, Vikki Murphy. (Despite living with dogs for nearly my entire adult life, I learned that I wasn’t fitting harnesses snug enough.)

I spoke with three other dog trainers about harness features, as well as two veterinarians for health insight, two canine behavior researchers/veterinarians, a pet store owner, and three pet product experts. I also spoke to numerous dog caretakers in my daily life and utilized multiple Facebook pet groups (ranging in size from a few hundred to tens of thousands of members) that I belong to, via polls and questions.

This guide builds on testing and reporting by science journalist Meaghan Lee Callaghan and Wirecutter staff writer Kaitlyn Wells.

Harnesses are for all dogs, regardless of their size or activity level. Every expert I spoke with agreed that harnesses are safer and more comfortable when walking your dog than using a collar alone.

With a collar, all the pressure is on the dog’s neck and throat, which can be damaging, especially if your dog pulls. The trachea can be harmed, as well as nerves and blood vessels. Breeds with short snouts—brachycephalic dogs—and smaller, more fragile pups especially benefit from a harness’s weight distribution away from the neck.

If your dog balks at a harness, don’t worry, it’s hopefully a temporary hurdle. “Any harness will be best tolerated when desensitized to wearing it with positive reinforcement and proper leash training,” said Leigh Trout, DVM.

What to know if your dog pulls

If your dog pulls on her leash, a harness isn’t the answer to all your problems. Hao-Yu Shih, PhD, a veterinarian and Mayo Clinic research associate, led a 2021 study to determine whether dogs pulled harder when walked with a harness versus a collar. “It shows that dogs in harnesses tend to pull more and create higher leash tension,” Shih said.

This happens because the harness pressure on the dog’s body stimulates them to pull forward—picture someone guiding a sled dog. Kim Erickson , a dog trainer and owner of The Canine Republic , a training and boarding facility explained: “When an owner pulls back on a harness to get the dog to slow down, the dog feels the pressure on its shoulders, and it opposes it and pushes back.”

But this doesn’t mean harnesses should be avoided. Shih told us that they’re still the safer option, because using just a collar and leash can cause soft tissue damage on the neck, among other potential injuries.

Shih, along with every expert we asked, noted that if your dog pulls, you’ll need to spend time training. No harness will eliminate pulling behavior, even if it claims to be a “no pull” model, but some styles may make training a little easier, like ones with a front clip for the leash, since it redirects the dog’s force. Front-clip harnesses are an “opportunity to use natural physics to strengthen leash training,” said Trout.

If you have a small dog, using a front clip to redirect pulling may not be as important, since your pet probably can’t exert much force. And you may not even have the option, since harnesses designed for small dogs generally only have back attachment points. Former dog trainer Lindsay Raffaele explains: “Most harnesses for small dogs don’t have them in front just because they’re small enough that you should be able to control their body regardless of the reflex.” (Though Raffaele recommends using the front attachment points as a training tool regardless of dog size.) On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a large, unruly dog, using a training leash to clip on to both front and back attachment points is helpful to control your pup until she’s fully leash trained (looking at you, Jolene!). Ultimately, whether you clip in front or back comes down to preference.

If training isn’t in your budget, books (try your local library for recommendations), YouTube videos, and social media content can offer helpful advice. I like the videos on Erickson’s Instagram account . University of California Davis dog behaviorist and veterinarian Melissa Bain suggested positive reinforcement, like giving your dog treats when they’re not pulling. “Teaching the dog in gradually more challenging environments is the key—and rewarding the dog when it’s not pulling.”

Whatever you do, avoid “choke chain”-style or prong-style collars, unless under the supervision of a veterinarian who is board-certified in behavior , Trout said. These collars “have the ability to cause damage to the soft tissues, trachea, and other neck structures.”

Do puppies need special harnesses?

In a word, no. Trout said that the same type of harnesses can be used for puppies and adults, and both she and her colleague, Paulina Bazlova, DVM, recommended using a front-clip harness for young dogs. “This is a powerful tool for leash training as it naturally encourages the puppy to make eye contact when it starts to pull against the leash, giving an opportunity for redirection.”

We scoured the internet for highly reviewed harnesses and revisited ones from previous Wirecutter testing. We checked dog Facebook groups and asked every dog person we could find if they had a favorite harness. We tracked accolades and customer reviews, as well as warranties. The resulting list brought us to 31 harnesses, which we narrowed down to 15 strong contenders after further research.

Harness styles

When considering which harness is best for your dog, it’s important to understand a few key terms:

Head-in : As the name implies, you place this style of harness on your dog headfirst. This is the most common type of harness, generally with three standard styles: Vests have the most coverage, strap styles are more minimal, and the classic harness is somewhere in between. For big dogs, head-in styles are usually easier to put on.

Step-in: If you have a dog that doesn’t enjoy things going over her head, this type gets buckled onto a dog by wrapping it around their midsection. Lay the harness on the ground and allow the dog to step its front feet into the openings, or lift your dog’s paws into the right spots. Then bring the sides up and clip. Step-in harnesses can be easier to put on smaller dogs, because you can lift the dog to place their paws into the harness. Vest, strap, and classic/medium coverage harness categories apply for this type, too.

Whether they’re head-in or step-in, medium-coverage vest and strap-style harnesses are the most popular overall at Petco, said Stephen Carnes, the company’s merchandise manager for dog and cat supplies. “For smaller dogs, step-in harnesses are preferred, while over-the-head options are the more popular choice for larger dogs.” There are more niche types, like utility harnesses for working dogs, head collars for training, and various others, but we focused on mainstream styles.

Harness attachment points

Once you’ve decided on a style you think will work best for your dog, consider where the harness attaches to the leash:

A front-clip harness is what experts recommend to dissuade dogs from pulling, because having the leash attachment at the dog’s chest guides them to the side when they pull. This helps prevent the dog from throwing their entire weight into pulling. A front-clip makes leash training easier by giving walkers this method of natural correction. The downside is that too much side-pulling can lead to a twisted or tangled harness or leash.

As the name implies, a back-clip harness has a leash attachment point on the dog’s back, often between the dog’s shoulder blades. This style is less likely to get tangled, and it’s great for most dogs, especially dogs that don’t have issues with pulling.

The dual-clip harness has attachment points at the chest and back, offering the choice of where to clip the leash. This versatility is helpful because you can move from front to back clip as needed or preferred. It also allows walkers to use a double-ended leash or two leashes, one attached to each clip.

A proper fit is crucial

The most important factor in choosing a harness is whether it fits your dog well, our experts explained. Take the time to carefully measure your dog (video) . Zach Neumann, a merchandising director at Chewy, told us, “Don’t rely on weight either—harness sizing depends on measurements, not weight. If it doesn’t fit properly you may have an escape artist on your hands.” Or worse, an ill-fitting harness could injure your dog.

Trout said to look for a harness that doesn’t cause trauma to the armpits when properly fitted. Chafing at the armpits was a common issue we encountered when testing, especially on our lanky Lab. “A harness with a strap under the barrel of the chest instead of the armpits can avoid this,” Trout explained. “Look for redness, hair loss or abrasions under all points of contact, especially under the armpits. Any bowing or buckling of the front legs is also a sign of ill fit.”

Carnes added: “Pay attention to make sure your pet’s skin is not bunching up, nor should there be an indentation in your pet’s hair when the harness is removed,”

A harness can also be too loose—it should be snug enough to fit just two fingers between the harness and the dog’s skin, and somewhat difficult to get your fingers in there, according to dog trainer Vikki Murphy. She told us that many people don’t secure their harnesses tight enough and showed me that Jolene’s harness was too loose, causing it to twist.

“The ability to have multiple points of adjustment (neck and girth) are critical to ensure a perfect fit every time,” said Carnes. In our tests we found that more adjustment points didn’t necessarily equal a better fit, and sometimes made it harder to use the harness. For instance, the Blue-9 Balance Harness has six adjustment points—which can be great for a longer dog—but it ended up being annoyingly tedious to fit our tester. The Coastal Pet K9 Explorer , on the other hand, has only three adjustment points and fits extremely well.

Ordering a harness online can be tricky because brand sizing varies widely, so check if the brand offers breed examples or includes weight guidelines to get a more specific fit. If your dog lands on the cusp between sizes, we suggest getting both from a retailer that accepts returns and sending back the one that doesn’t work out.

The 15 harness models were tested on a variety of dogs, ranging from 8 to 85 pounds, and each with a different body type, temperament, age, and activity level.

Over the course of four months we matched appropriate models with each dog’s physical type during their daily walks. We also tried the harnesses out in different environments, including paved streets, campsites, dog parks, hiking trails, and yards during dog playdates. In all, more than 300 hours of harness testing were logged, and we focused on four main criteria:

Ease of use : The average dog caretaker isn’t going to want to spend a ton of time learning a complicated configuration just to walk their dog. If a harness was decently easy to figure out and adjust, that was a great start. Some models look stylish, or have lots of cool features, or even impressive functionality once you’re moving, but if you’re annoyed putting the harness on your dog, those extras aren’t worth much.

Fit : As already noted, harnesses needed to fit snugly and comfortably on the dog while the animal is walking, and not cause chafing. All the various parts of the harness needed to stay where they’re supposed to during a walk, without twisting, turning, or bunching. We also looked for harnesses that distributed a dog’s force evenly, so that certain points weren’t under greater pressure than others. “It’s important that a harness has equal points of pressure distribution, while also enabling free joint movement without restriction,” said Carnes.

Performance: We took note of how well each harness functioned on our walks and checked for any hardware coming loose or straps fraying during use.

Durability : We paid close attention to whether a harness became overly worn or beat up during the months we tested.

We used to include washability as testing criteria, but we didn’t focus on it this time. Most of the harnesses we looked at are about the same in terms of cleaning instructions (typically, you hand-wash and air-dry them). We also polled 62 dog caretakers to see how important washability is when it comes to harnesses, and 71% said they’ve never washed theirs.

During testing, we kept returning to the head-in, dual-clip Ruffwear Front Range Harness for everyday use. We love that it's padded yet lightweight, has multiple adjustment points, and is made from a tough, polyester ripstop that resists scratching. While we didn’t prioritize extras in our tests, smart safety details helped propel the Ruffwear Front Range to the top in the end. It’s a great option for most dogs, whether it’s for hiking or daily walks.

Four uncomplicated adjustment points allow for a precise fit. Multiple points of adjustment mean you have a better chance of getting a great fit and that the harness can handle fluctuations in size, weight, and even hair length if your dog gets a summer trim.

It has strong attachment points. The back leash attachment is a thick aluminum V-ring, and the chest’s attachment loop is fashioned from reinforced nylon webbing.

This harness is heavy on cool safety features. A “secret” ID pocket (it could also hold an empty poop bag) is hidden within the material behind the back of the neck and seals shut via a hook-and-loop fastener. A small loop meant for affixing Ruffwear’s Beacon Safety Light could hold anything else you wanted to add in the spot if you used a small carbineer. All of the available vibrant colors feature a reflective edging for night safety. On the inside front of the harness, there’s a label spot to write in your dog’s name, which could come in handy if they go to doggy day care.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

You have to poke the tips of your fingers into a nylon pocket to unfasten the buckles on both sides of the back, which can be mildly annoying. The reinforced nylon front attachment point has proven very substantial, but some may wish that both attachment points are metal. Last, the straps on the Front Range are not as robust as several of our other harness picks (the Coastal K9 Explorer , 2 Hounds Freedom , and Kong Max ) and got a little worn after a few months of use.

Amid the complicated buckles and straps of many of its competitors, we appreciated the refreshingly simple design of the Coastal Pet K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Harness . Thankfully, in our tests it also turned out to be a great overall step-in harness to boot. To get it on, your dog steps into it (or you place their feet for them) and then you fasten it with one simple clip at the back. This more minimal design is typical of strap harnesses. But the Coastal Pet K9 Explorer also includes a sturdy-yet-lightweight padded chest plate, transforming it into a practical hybrid. Strap harnesses, according to Carnes, help dogs stay cool in hot weather, making this an especially great option if you prefer some chest coverage for your dog and live in a warm climate, or just for use as a summer harness. Like the Ruffwear Front Range , this is another harness we returned to often for our daily walks while testing.

A novice can snap this harness in place on the first try. We wish more models came with a little tag like the one found on the Coastal Pet K9 Explorer . A helpful diagram clearly designates the left and right sides of the harness and where your dog’s head should go. Dog walkers will appreciate the guidance.

Finding a great fit is easy, even with only two adjustment points. This harness worked equally well on our long, thin Labrador and our bulldog testers despite the dogs’ extremely different body types.

It has added security. Two metal D rings sit above the back clip, should anything happen to the plastic buckle during a walk. We think that’s unlikely—it’s sturdy and never faltered during testing—but the extra assurance is nice. The straps are held together with metal hardware, and reflective stripes are woven into the coloring.

There’s no front clip here, so if you need extra control over a pulling pup, skip this one.

The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness is a longtime Wirecutter pick because it’s well made and has dual attachment points. The lightweight, vestlike design doesn’t put extra pressure on a dog’s throat if they tug. We’ve found it to be durable, and it has a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects.

It’s easy to put on. Unlike others we tested, like the Blue-9 Balance Harness , it’s clear on the Kurgo Tru-Fit which side is the front and which is the back. It took us only a minute or two to adjust the straps to fit snugly but not too tight. It features dual metal attachment rings (a D ring in front and a sliding V-ring on the back). And it has two options for length fit thanks to loops with snaps on the front panel.

The Tru-Fit includes a seatbelt attachment. We didn’t test this element so we can’t vouch for its safety in a moving vehicle, but the included 10-inch travel strap does make it simple to strap your dog in and prevent your dog from sneaking into your lap while you’re driving.

If you drive a lot with your dog, Kurgo does make car safety harnesses that are crash-test certified. If you’re not using a seatbelt strap or car harness, “crating the dog in a car is the safest option,” said Trout. The Center for Pet Safety offers more information about crash-tested harnesses.

A few Wirecutter commentators have noted that their Kurgo’s plastic buckles broke. We haven’t personally experienced this in our current or long-term testing, but we did experience another complaint we’ve seen. The strap that goes around the dog’s middle isn’t physically attached to the rest of the harness—it’s held in place through a loop in the back and a snap—so it can separate from the chest plate. We lost the strap during testing, so if you opt for this harness keep a close eye on it! We still stand by this pick, but these issues downgraded the Kurgo from being our top pick, and we’ll continue to monitor the reported issues.

The Puppia Soft Harness is an adjustable head-in vest designed to keep toy-sized and smaller dogs safe. A flexible fabric construction can fit tiny dogs more snugly than nylon straps or a universal head-in design like that of the Ruffwear Front Range . According to Carnes, soft vest styles are also better at distributing weight pressure and cause less chafing. The Puppia is available in sizes small enough for use on a dog with a 9-inch chest, such as a 3.5-pound Chihuahua.

Finding the right fit is easier with the Puppia than other small-dog harnesses we tested. This harness only has a single buckle and one adjustment point, but it works well with a variety of small dog body shapes thanks to its flexible materials and the ease with which the slide buckle moves along the strap while adjusting. Other harnesses we tested, including the Ruffwear Front Range, require a bit more effort, but the Puppia also might just be easier to maneuver due to the smaller size of the straps and buckle. The vest keeps the harness snug without putting pressure on your small pup’s delicate neck.

Our most recent tester loved the simplicity and feel . The vest’s body is made from a smooth, slightly springy polyester mesh and edged in a soft fleece material that won’t chafe. Shelley Friedman, the human companion of our most recent tester, a tiny terrier mix named Suzi, found the Puppia incredibly easy to use and noted that Suzi seemed very comfortable on her walks.

The brand performs well in long-term testing. The Puppia has been a Wirecutter pick since 2017. One Wirecutter staffer has been using a variation, the Ritefit , which has an additional adjustment point at the neck, since 2019 for their 30-pound pup and told us that it’s still holding up great.

There’s a bit of a learning curve with the adjustable strap on this model. “People can get confused by how to loop it around the belly area and then up through the top loop,” said one Wirecutter staffer. Another long-term tester noted that the Puppia tends to trap a lot of hair. If this happens to you, you can hand-wash it or use a lint roller or dedicated pet hair removal tool like the ChomChom Pet Hair Remover or Black+Decker Pet Hair Remover .

Since the Puppia harness has no give in the neck area, finding the proper size to order can sometimes be challenging. We recommend double-checking your dog’s measurements before purchasing; the manufacturer advises adding a quarter to a half inch to the neck measurement and measuring at the base of the neck for a proper fit.

There’s also only one small ring on the back that you clip the leash into, which Friedman didn’t feel was as secure as the double rings on our additional pick for small dogs.

Our second pick for small dogs, the Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness , is made of similar stuff as the Puppia—a smooth and pliable polyester mesh trimmed in a lightly padded fleece edging, but the two differ in how they attach to a dog’s body.

We found the Voyager Step-In more secure than the Puppia for dogs that squirm a lot . While the Puppia is adjustable in the chest but not the neck, this pick secures and adjusts at the back of the neck via a hook-and-loop fastener, which is located beneath its side-release plastic buckle. A dual pair of D rings for leash attachment sit above the buckle, providing three layers of security in all, topped off with small reflector strips at the shoulders. “For small, wiggly dogs like Suzi, I like the more form-fitting control of the Velcro and buckle,” Friedman told us. The Air only has a back leash attachment, which is generally fine for little ones who can’t overpower their humans.

One of our testers wished that the Voyager Air was a bit more adjustable; it fits her pup differently depending on her haircut.

A soft mesh style designed with small dogs in mind, the Gooby Comfort X Step-In Harness works great for brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like Bulldogs and pugs. Flat-faced dogs often have a harder time breathing due to their exceptionally short snouts, so the Gooby Comfort X Step-In’s low, wide straps help keep pressure away from dogs’ necks, distributing it across their chests instead.

We tested this harness on an English Bulldog named Peaches and the choke-free design proved comfortable and effective. Nothing dug in, chafed, or pinched thanks to wide, lightweight soft straps that distributed weight comfortably. For this reason, the Gooby is also ideal for small, delicate dogs; the nylon straps of many step-in harnesses could apply too much pressure. Dogs who overheat, like Peaches, stay cool thanks to the Gooby’s minimal amount of material.

The unique, lightweight X-shaped design is simple to put on. The dog steps in and you buckle it at their back—that’s it. Four adjustment points help you find an ideal fit, and double metal D-rings for leash attachment sit just above the quick-release buckle.

The Gooby has fun color combinations and is easy to wash. Throughout our testing, we noticed that mesh harnesses trapped more dog hair than other materials we looked at, but this one is machine washable, unlike some of our other picks.

There’s no front attachment point, but if you’ve got a dog who walks with a loose leash, that shouldn’t be a problem. The front attachment point is more common for harnesses made for larger breeds. 

We wish that their sizing accommodated larger dogs. The company says these harnesses are made for dogs up to 30 pounds. But the sizing is by girth, and the XL size (22 inches to 28 inches) fit our 50-pound Bulldog perfectly. We think it’s Peaches’s ideal harness—she loves it, we love it, but because her weight exceeds the suggested maximum for an XL, we can’t guarantee that the buckles and straps will hold up to her weight and strength over time.

Kong has been producing tough, quality dog toys for years, so when they started making harnesses, we hoped they’d be equally durable. And they are. The Kong Max came up a lot in three different Labrador retriever Facebook groups as a favorite, and sure enough, it performed well on Jolene, our 10-month-old chocolate Lab and a boisterous big dog with puppy energy. If you’ve got a large breed that’s rough on their gear, go with the Kong Max.

The Kong Max features the sturdiest hardwear of all the harnesses we tested. We love that both the D rings and the side-release buckles are made from thick, heavy metal, but people in chilly climates should note that metal hardware quickly gets cold to the touch. The Kong Max also has thick nylon straps and a chest plate with neoprene (the thick, sponge-y material that wetsuits are made from) on the inside facing the chest, so it’ll hold up to water-loving dogs, pullers, and heavy chewers.

The four adjustment points are easy to maneuver . The metal D rings on the chest and back also offer versatility—if your dog is a puller like Jolene, you’ll want to use the front clip to help redirect their strength as you train them out of the habit. The Kong Max kept its shape and did not twist, no matter how much Jolene pulled on the leash.

The Kong Max also features a handle. The only other harness we tested with a handle was the Copatchy , and we didn’t see handles often in our product research. Corinne Buchanan, owner of Woofsmeow pet store in Los Angeles, says she’s been hearing customers talk about harness handles as a beneficial feature. The Max has a neoprene-lined handle on top, which is a helpful safety feature, especially for smaller dogs. “If you have to quickly pick up your dog because of a coyote on a trail, etc., it's a safe and fast way to grab your dog,” said Buchanan via email.

One of the elastic bands that holds a strap in place has gotten frayed over months of heavy use, but it doesn’t affect the harness function and this is still the toughest harness we tested.

The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness offers excellent control while walking your dog, with a strap that sits low across the chest instead of encircling the neck. The construction and straps are durable, and for extra comfort, a bit of velvet lines the lower strap that goes under the armpits. The velvet also works as an identifier as to which strap goes where. The harness stays put on the dog’s body with simple, strong straps that don’t constrict, and because it’s just straps with no extra material, it’s great for warm climates and hot summer days

This harness features a Martingale control loop—an extra bit of strap that cinches in when a dog pulls. We know that a harness won’t stop pulling behavior, but this is a nice tool to have at your disposal; it offers a bit more control both in general and while training, especially when you connect a training leash to both the front and back attachment points.

The sizing options are expansive. Designed for dogs up to 250 pounds, the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness was ideal for our 85-pound golden retriever tester. There are four adjustment points, including a rare adjustable sternum strap, which is helpful if your dog is proportionally shorter or longer. And it’s comfortable for big dogs because it doesn’t constrict on the neck; the front horizontal strap sits low on the chest. Another nice feature is that you can choose the strap width; ⅝ inch for dogs under 40 pounds, or the 1-inch width for dogs over 40 pounds. Bigger dogs have more bulk to throw around, so a wider strap means more control, and less chance for the harness to dig into the dog’s skin. This harness features two stainless steel D rings.

It has a great warranty. The 2 Hounds Freedom No-Pull Harness comes with a lifetime replacement warranty for chewing damage—for a fee. You pay $13 to ship the harness back to the manufacturer for a replacement.

Since it’s all straps, the Freedom can be tricky to put on your dog until you get used to the design. After that, it’s simple. While we didn’t prioritize cleaning in our new tests, older testing found that the velvet in this strap can retain odors, but no odors were detected in the model we tested for this guide.

The Ruffwear Hi & Light Lightweight Dog Harness was a former pick, but in our latest testing we preferred our new pick, the Front Range model. The Hi & Light twisted around on our more rambunctious dogs.

The Wild One harness looks great in the monochromatic hues the brand offers, but the fabric easily gets contorted, and it doesn’t hold its shape. It’s a case of style over substance.

The head-in sturdy Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness is great. It’s just a half step behind similar harnesses like the Ruffwear Front Range Harness because it’s slightly bulkier. If you’re on a budget, the Rabbitgoo will work just fine.

This brand gets great reviews, but the Blue-9 Balance Harness is all straps, and the design is just too complicated to put on.

The Blueberry Pet Reflective Back Clip Harness is decent, but the straps are thinner than its similar competitors, and the material doesn’t feel as high quality.

While the Copatchy harness looked like its simple design could be effective, the structure didn’t hold up as well as its competitors and was actually quite flimsy.

Despite ordering the Chai's Choice Outdoor Explorer No-Pull Harness , the actual harness that arrived was branded as “Truelove No Pull Harness,” which left us confused. It’s similar in its design to a few of our picks, but the quality isn’t as high.

The YOULY Champion Harness step-in harness fell short, quality-wise, and the straps are a little thin for large dogs. The Coastal Pet K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Harness is a better option with more longevity.

Correction: Two images that appeared in a version of this guide published on January 4th showed a Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness worn incorrectly. One of the images also misidentified the Kurgo as a Ruffwear Front Range harness. 

This article was edited by Joshua Lyon and Harry Sawyers.

Vikki Murphy, trainer at Karma Dog Training , in-person interview , August 12, 2023

Stephen Carnes, Merchandise Manager, Dog and Cat Supplies, at Petco and Darris Cooper, National Dog Training Manager at Petco , email interview , July 7, 2023

Zach Neumann, product expert at Chewy , email interview , July 6, 2023

Corinne Buchanan, owner of Los Angeles pet store Woofsmeow , email interview , July 4, 2023

Hao-Yu Shih, PhD, animal behaviorist and researcher , Zoom interview , June 22, 2023

Melissa Bain, PhD, veterinarian and animal behaviorist at UC Davis , Zoom interview , June 22, 2023

Epi Gumatay, dog trainer and owner of Glendale Pet Resort , email interview , June 20, 2023

Kim Erickson, trainer and owner of Canine Republic , email interview , June 20, 2023

Leigh Trout, DVM, veterinarian at Media City Animal Hospital , email interview , June 19, 2023

Lindsay Raffaele, former dog trainer and former owner of AnimalSense dog training center , Facebook conversation , December 12, 2023

Meet your guide

Lindsey Hunter Lopez

Lindsey Hunter Lopez is a freelance writer reporting on pet gear for Wirecutter. She covers health, parenting, skin care, shopping, and entertainment—among other topics—for a variety of magazines and news outlets. She has written hundreds of gift guides and reviews, occasionally recruiting her two children, her husband, her bulldog, and her Labrador for product testing.

Further reading

The Best Dog Crate

by Kaitlyn Wells

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Adopting a New Dog Checklist

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Don’t Let Pets Destroy Your Bedding. Use These Tips Instead.

by Jackie Reeve

If you share your bed with a pet, some simple strategies and durable gear can help protect against accidents and keep your space clean and comfortable.

Gear and Tips to Help Your New Pet Feel at Home

by Tim Heffernan

Bringing home a new cat or dog is challenging for you and them. Our picks—for pet beds, bowls, toys, insurance, and more—help ease the transition.

12 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested 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.

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.

Best Overall

Rabbitgoo no-pull pet harness.

Puppia Soft Dog Harness

Best for Large Dogs

Kurgo dog walking harness.

Best No-Pull

Petsafe easy walk.

Best for Medium Dogs

Wild one dog harness.

Best Step-In Dog Harness

Lupinepet step-in harness.

Best for Training

Sporn no pull dog harness.

Best Tactical Dog Harness

Onetigris tactical vest.

Best Dog Harness with Handle

Kurgo journey air harness.

No-Escape Harness

2 hounds freedom harness.

To make our choices, Good Housekeeping Institute experts evaluated more than 20 harnesses pulled from top-performing brands, both in our Lab and with consumer testers , considering ease of use and overall quality. We also consulted Megan Conrad , M.B.B.S., an associate veterinarian at WellHaven Pet Health, and Lisa Lippman , D.V.M., veterinarian and director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet clinics.

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. We've also got you covered if you're looking for the perfect dog leash (or running leash ) to go with your new harness.

Pet parents can choose from a variety of colors and sizes of the affordable Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness. "This harness definitely prevents any extra pulling and enabled better control during our walks ," said one of our testers.

Four adjustable straps keep your dog secure, and two leash connection points let you choose the front one to prevent your dog from pulling. " The buckles are super sturdy and easy to use. Whenever my dog wears the harness, I feel comfortable knowing that she can’t slip out of it whether we’re walking, running or traveling," said a Lab expert.

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. "The one con is that it’s a bit annoying to have to force it over my pup’s head. She hates that part," our Lab tester said. "It’s a bit tight. Other that that, I absolutely love how it looks and performs." Our sample arrived with sparse instructions but there's a video on the Amazon link.

Sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 11-inch chest girth to a 38-inch chest girth | Main materials : polyester and nylon

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 especially 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. "A lot of harness brands have a video on how to put it on," says Dr. Lippman, and there's a straightforward video for putting on a Puppia using a small dog as the example.

It's affordable, and we've found it to be a great choice for dogs that have rejected other types of harnesses. It's got more than 17,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Pet parents who are looking for some style appreciate the many color options. (Get a matching leash to be really stylin'!) While Puppia recommends hand-washing the vest, some reviewers say it also works fine machine-washed in cold and hung 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

This easy-on harness is a tester favorite due to its five adjustable points, which help create a secure fit on dogs of all body shapes. "It was very easy to adjust the harness to a comfortable fit and to put on and to remove," said one tester. Our Lab analysts appreciated how thick and durable the material felt; it's made with seatbelt webbing. Another tester's "escape artist" pooch was unable to break free from this harness, unlike some of the smaller ones they've tried before.

Above all else, the harness did a great job of preventing our tester dogs from pulling their owners all the way around the block, particularly with the front leash attachment. If you're unsure on size, we recommend erring on the larger side since we noticed it could be a bit tight. While our Lab experts haven't assessed the seatbelt attachment personally, the harness comes with a seatbelt attachment that one of our consumer testers tried and enjoyed.

Sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 44-inch chest girth | Main material : polyester seat belt webbing

"The Easy Walk Harness is a popular harness," says Dr. Lippman. With a front loop to prevent pulling (as shown in the picture) and 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 well as email and phone support if you still need help. As one of the original anti-pulling harnesses, it's earned a following for its affordability, ease of use and how immediately it can improve dog-walking.

Our testers loved how easy it was to put this harness on, making it perfect for excitable pets that can't sit still when they sense it's time for a W-A-L-K. Yet 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. This is one of the most popular on Amazon, with more than 28,000 five-star reviews. The Easy Walk comes in a larger range of sizes than any other harness on our list, 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

Wild One's lightweight, stretchy harness comes in a variety of rich colors including limited-edition ones; you can see all of the possible choices on the brand's website. While testing, our Lab analysts liked that the materials felt high quality and exceptionally soft and cushiony . "This harness is definitely one of the softest, most luxurious-feeling one we've tested," said one. However, since the material is so soft we noticed that it can show more signs of wear and tear than some other heavier-duty options.

There are three leash attachment points including one in the front for dogs that try to pull. Pet parents can purchase the harness on its own or snag the brand's walk kit which includes a leash and poop bag carrier 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. Note that the newest colors come with an additional neck buckle and slightly different sizing.

Sizes : XS, S, M, L; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 38-inch chest girth | Main material : performance stretch fabric

If your squirmy dog doesn't want a harness vest pulled over its head, this step-in option might be right for you. Simply put the harness on the ground and direct your pooch's front two paws into the leg holes. Though small and light, we were impressed by its durability. One tester said, "It was small but really strong, and I wasn't worried that my dog would break out of it or that I wouldn't be able to control him."

This works best for well-trained dogs that don't pull since it doesn't have a front leash clip. Also, the rings are on the small side, which makes it difficult to attach a leash with a big clip. It's best for a medium-sized dog, which is reflected in it only coming in two sizes. Fans of the brand like that the harnesses come in beautiful patterns, not just bright colors. The green one shown is called Tail Feathers; there's a blue called Rain Song , an orange called Go Go Gecko and many more.

Sizes : M, L; from a 15-inch chest girth to a 30-inch chest girth | Main material : nylon

"A harness is good for training," Dr. Lippman says. "It takes a lot of pressure off of a dog's delicate neck" while you are correcting behavior and guiding your dog on a walk, compared to using a leash attached to a neck collar. We like Sporn's No-Pull version 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 their sizing chart also asks for your dog's length, height and width.

Although it clips in the back, this is a tightening harness, so still works well for teaching dogs not to pull. When your pet starts pulling, the harness tightens around the front of their chest to signal them to stop. The mesh panel stretches and is soft, so we found it to be non-irritating.

Sizes : XS, S, M, L/XL; from a 9-inch neck size to a 24-inch neck size | Main material : nylon

A "tactical" harness is designed for service dogs and is made to be extra durable, with added storage features . Though you'll see, for instance, police dogs wearing a tactical harness, one can be useful for your own dog, too, especially if you have a large dog 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. Lab experts noted that this harness felt very sturdy without being heavy enough to weigh your pup down. "I like how many ways there are to adjust this harness and the four quick-release buckles that mean it only takes seconds to put the harness on and off," said one tester.

A handle on the top of the harness lets you quickly grab ahold of 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 a patch, like one that says "in training " or " therapy dog ." The vest comes in green, brown or black and is available for medium and large dogs only who weigh between 20 to 90 pounds.

Sizes : M, L; from a 24-inch chest girth to a 36-inch chest girth | Main material : nylon

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 . "I also liked the option to attach a leash on either the top or bottom side of the harness," said one tester. "I think this harness could be good for running with the dog if you connect the leash to the top clip."

Sturdy construction makes this worth the extra price. It's even machine-washable. 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

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. We've seen the Freedom harness recommended on Reddit forums, but we've also had trainers warn that it can be overly restrictive for some pups.

"The velvet liner of the leash seems particularly soft and comfortable," a tester said. 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. Even then, you can purchase the chewing warranty to get a replacement harness sent to you. We checked with the brand and received word that, "You can take advantage of the warranty even if you purchased through Amazon."

One of our Lab experts did have trouble returning it for ripping versus chewing. 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

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

Made for a long outing, this harness has padded front and back panels for your dog's comfort over extended walks or hikes . A sturdy front loop leash attachment discourages pulling, while a back metal loop works well for more easygoing dogs. It comes in more than a dozen colors, 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.

"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. We appreciate that the harness is made with some recycled materials. This is another popular choice on Amazon with more than 12,000 five-star reviews.

Sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 13-inch chest girth to a 42-inch chest girth | Main material : polyester

Blue-9 Balance Harness

Some dogs are trickier to fit with a harness than others, and we've had dog parents recommend the Balance as a very customizable no-pull option with six points of adjustment . Testers say that this doesn't rub under a dog's legs like some harnesses do, and it's less restrictive of their motion. One ring on the back and one on the front can help you manage pulling. There are nine colors available, but this harness is less of a fashion choice and more of a quality choice as it's made in the USA. This is a hand-wash only choice.

Sizes : XS, S, M, M/L, L; from a 13.5-inch chest girth to a 43.5-inch chest girth | Main material : nylon

How we choose the best dog harnesses

Our team at the Good Housekeeping Institute reviews pet gear of all kinds, including cooling dog beds and dog strollers .

For this story we interviewed Megan Conrad , M.B.B.S., an associate veterinarian at WellHaven Pet Health, and Lisa Lippman , D.V.M., veterinarian and director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet clinics. We read hundreds of reviews to discover which dog harnesses were worth considering, then tested over a dozen of them in our Lab and with consumer testers. We based our final recommendations on extensive research, assessments of brands and materials and real-life testing, considering:

✔️ Fit: We tried styles on active dogs to be sure they don't irritate or cause discomfort. We also assessed how easily the harnesses adjusted for a proper fit. "Fit is really important because otherwise a harness can interfere with a dog's movement," said Dr. Lippman.

✔️ Performance: We prioritized harnesses that prevent pulling and help you maintain control over your dog. To test, we took pups on walks with a variety of external stimuli like other dogs or squirrels to see how easy it was to control the dogs.

✔️ Ease of use: We considered how easy a harness was to secure and how simple it was to attach a leash, and looked for harnesses that are easy to clean.

✔️ Extra features: A plain harness will do the job, but we put some in the mix that offer features like a handle or reflective material.

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-c lip 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 harness, 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 of the harness. They're ideal for training pets since 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 wiggly dog, a step-in harness makes the process of getting your pet ready 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 can be 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," Dr. Conrad explains. As a bonus, "some dogs respond better to walking on a harness rather than on a collar."

• Large or strong dog breeds like pit bulls, 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, said Dr. Conrad.

• 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. "Some small dogs are prone to a condition called collapsing trachea and in general are more comfortable walking on a harness rather than with a collar," Dr. Conrad said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For more than a century, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing Lab-tested reviews and advice on anything a family might buy for their home. Our Good Housekeeping team has extensive information on how to care for your pet and reviews products for pet parents, too, such as the best air purifiers for a home with a dog or cat. Many Lab insiders own pets, like Redford the dog, shown here, and regularly test pet products in the real world.

Much of the research for this story and the initial choices for the best dog harnesses were made by our former Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain , a dog owner and pet-product expert who also covered pets for People . The most recent update, including new research, is from journalist Jessica Hartshorn , a contributing writer for GH.

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Front Range® Dog Harness

padded, everyday adventure

Selected: Basalt Gray

• XXSmall 13-17 in (33-43 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• XSmall 17-22 in (43-56 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Small 22-27 in ( 56-69 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Medium 27-32 in (69-81 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in (81-107 cm) Out of stock Choose size

Are you sure you have the right size selected?

Please Select A Size.

Coming Soon Coming May 4th.

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Email submitted. We'll notify you when this gear is back in stock.

• XXSmall 13-17 in Out of stock Choose size
• XSmall 17-22 in Out of stock Choose size
• Small 22-27 in Out of stock Choose size
• Medium 27-32 in Out of stock Choose size
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in Out of stock Choose size
• XXSmall 13-17 in (33-43 cm) Out of stock
• XSmall 17-22 in (43-56 cm) Out of stock
• Small 22-27 in ( 56-69 cm) Out of stock
• Medium 27-32 in (69-81 cm) Out of stock
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in (81-107 cm) Out of stock

The Front Range Harness is a padded everyday dog harness that is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear. A key piece of gear for canines embarking on a life of adventure with their humans, the harness features two leash attachment options: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog's back for everyday walks, and reinforced front clip at the dog's chest to redirect dogs that pull on leash. The ID pocket keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible, and the reflective trim and light loop for The Beacon™ boost visibility in low-light conditions. Complete the kit with the matching Front Range® Dog Collar and Front Range® Dog Leash .

WHAT’S NEW: Improvements for easier adjustment on girth straps; more recycled materials in shell, webbing, and lining materials.

ALL DAY COMFORT

Foam-padded construction for comfortable extended wear.

Four points of adjustment for an optimal fit.

STRONG CONNECTIONS

Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring on back and reinforced webbing on chest.

Additional Features

Foam-padded construction for comfortable extended wear

Four points of adjustment for an optimal fit

Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing

ID pocket stores dog tags

Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching The Beacon™

• Shell: 300 denier polyester ripstop (bluesign® approved)
• Padding: Closed-cell foam
• Lining: Polyester knit mesh
• Webbing: Polyester
• Front Leash Attachment: Engineered nylon webbing (bluesign® approved)
• Back Leash Attachment: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring
• Buckles: ITW Nexus Airloc (bluesign® approved)
• Made in Vietnam
• Mild detergent

Front Range® Dog Harness Videos

About: the front range® harness.

Learn more about the Front Range® Harness from Phillip and Sadie.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Materials & Care

Find the right size for your dog.

Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.

Sizing Chart & Technical Specs

13-17 in (33-43 cm)

17-22 in (43-56 cm)

22-27 in ( 56-69 cm)

27-32 in (69-81 cm)

32-42 in (81-107 cm)

Trail Tested Promise

All of our products are rigorously field tested and we proudly guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship.

Ratings & Reviews

This is by far the best harness we have found for our Shih Tzu. It's easy to adjust and put on and the positioning of the buckles and clips are well considered, comfortable for him, and he walks well wearing it. Also, the colourways are gorgeous!

This is our dogs third and he walks great with it, so easy to put on and adjust

Love the harness, so does Bryn, our corgi. It’s super light and comfortable for Bryn. Happy with the purchase

1st time I’ve used a harness on any of my dogs and it looks great on.

Perfect fit for my pug and she's obviously very comfortable in it. I also have the "web master" which is completely escape-proof. We started with the WM as she's a rescue and we didn't know how she'd be, but that is a bit heavy for summer so have invested in a front range harness. Great fit and sturdy enough for a moderate wriggler. Would still recommend the WM if your dog has Houdini DNA.

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Sale price $53.95 CAD

Front Range® Dog Harness

padded, everyday adventure

Selected: Blue Pool

• XXSmall 13-17 in (33-43 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• XSmall 17-22 in (43-56 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Small 22-27 in ( 56-69 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Medium 27-32 in (69-81 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in (81-107 cm) Out of stock Choose size

Are you sure you have the right size selected?

Please Select A Size.

Coming Soon Coming May 4th.

NOTIFY ME WHEN AVAILABLE

Email submitted. We'll notify you when this gear is back in stock.

• XXSmall 13-17 in Out of stock Choose size
• XSmall 17-22 in Out of stock Choose size
• Small 22-27 in Out of stock Choose size
• Medium 27-32 in Out of stock Choose size
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in Out of stock Choose size

Sizing Chart & Carrying Capacity

Use this fit guide to find the right size for your dog. Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.

Free Returns

Better With Each Design

Trail Tested Promise

• XXSmall 13-17 in (33-43 cm) Out of stock
• XSmall 17-22 in (43-56 cm) Out of stock
• Small 22-27 in ( 56-69 cm) Out of stock
• Medium 27-32 in (69-81 cm) Out of stock
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in (81-107 cm) Out of stock

The Front Range Harness is a padded everyday dog harness that is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear. A key piece of gear for canines embarking on a life of adventure with their humans, the harness features two leash attachment options: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog's back for everyday walks, and reinforced front clip at the dog's chest to redirect dogs that pull on leash. The ID pocket keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible, and the reflective trim and light loop for The Beacon™ boost visibility in low-light conditions. Complete the kit with the matching Front Range® Dog Collar and Front Range® Dog Leash .

WHAT’S NEW: Improvements for easier adjustment on girth straps; more recycled materials in shell, webbing, and lining materials.

ALL DAY COMFORT

Foam-padded construction for comfortable extended wear.

Four points of adjustment for an optimal fit.

STRONG CONNECTIONS

Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring on back and reinforced webbing on chest.

Additional Features

Foam-padded construction for comfortable extended wear

Four points of adjustment for an optimal fit

Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing

ID pocket stores dog tags

Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching The Beacon™

• Shell: 300 denier polyester ripstop (bluesign® approved)
• Padding: Closed-cell foam
• Lining: Polyester knit mesh
• Webbing: Polyester
• Front Leash Attachment: Engineered nylon webbing (bluesign® approved)
• Back Leash Attachment: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring
• Buckles: ITW Nexus Airloc (bluesign® approved)
• Made in Vietnam
• Mild detergent

Front Range® Dog Harness Videos

About: the front range® harness.

Learn more about the Front Range® Harness from Phillip and Sadie.

Discovering the Front Range

In the mountains of Colorado’s Front Range, Nathan first discovered a new pace of life. With Turkey, he learned how to live in the now as he watched her happily trotting along through mud, meadows, and moose poop for the first time in her life. Together, they found a new home in the mountains.

Materials & Care

Find the right size for your dog.

Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.

Sizing Chart & Technical Specs

13-17 in (33-43 cm)

17-22 in (43-56 cm)

22-27 in ( 56-69 cm)

27-32 in (69-81 cm)

32-42 in (81-107 cm)

All of our products are rigorously field tested and we proudly guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship.

Ratings & Reviews

Best everyday harness, perfect amount of padding and flexibility

Easy to put on and take off, secure -- top of the line! It has two spots (hooks) or securing a leas.h. Good design.

Perfect harness for our 4 month old pup! Loose leash walking is a breeze thanks to the chest attachment loop. The ID pocket also fits an AirTag, which is a big plus.

This was recommended by a coworker when I was having trouble finding a harness that I could completely clip open both sides of the harness instead of having to slip one leg in and out. Very durable and it’s held up to my puppy’s teeth when she tries to bite it. I had a little trouble adjusting the fit but that is not due to the harness but my puppy who doesn’t stay still and very bite happy. I would definitely recommend to someone who is looking for a harness for their dog.

This harness not only fits my pup perfectly, but also much to my surprise the front leash attachment actually does help with pulling! Not to mention The purple makes her look like royalty! Highly recommend this harness!

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Sale price $49.95 USD

Front Range® Dog Harness

padded, everyday adventure

Selected: River Rock Green

• XXSmall 13-17 in (33-43 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• XSmall 17-22 in (43-56 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Small 22-27 in ( 56-69 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Medium 27-32 in (69-81 cm) Out of stock Choose size
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in (81-107 cm) Out of stock Choose size

Are you sure you have the right size selected?

Please Select A Size.

Coming Soon Coming May 4th.

NOTIFY ME WHEN AVAILABLE

Email submitted. We'll notify you when this gear is back in stock.

• XXSmall 13-17 in Out of stock Choose size
• XSmall 17-22 in Out of stock Choose size
• Small 22-27 in Out of stock Choose size
• Medium 27-32 in Out of stock Choose size
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in Out of stock Choose size

Sizing Chart & Carrying Capacity

Use this fit guide to find the right size for your dog. Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.

Free Returns

Better With Each Design

Trail Tested Promise

• XXSmall 13-17 in (33-43 cm) Out of stock
• XSmall 17-22 in (43-56 cm) Out of stock
• Small 22-27 in ( 56-69 cm) Out of stock
• Medium 27-32 in (69-81 cm) Out of stock
• Large/XLarge 32-42 in (81-107 cm) Out of stock

The Front Range Harness is a padded everyday dog harness that is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear. A key piece of gear for canines embarking on a life of adventure with their humans, the harness features two leash attachment options: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog's back for everyday walks, and reinforced front clip at the dog's chest to redirect dogs that pull on leash. The ID pocket keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible, and the reflective trim and light loop for The Beacon™ boost visibility in low-light conditions. Complete the kit with the matching Front Range® Dog Collar and Front Range® Dog Leash .

WHAT’S NEW: Improvements for easier adjustment on girth straps; more recycled materials in shell, webbing, and lining materials.

ALL DAY COMFORT

Foam-padded construction for comfortable extended wear.

Four points of adjustment for an optimal fit.

STRONG CONNECTIONS

Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring on back and reinforced webbing on chest.

Additional Features

Foam-padded construction for comfortable extended wear

Four points of adjustment for an optimal fit

Two leash attachment points: aluminum V-ring and reinforced webbing

ID pocket stores dog tags

Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions and light loop for attaching The Beacon™

• Shell: 300 denier polyester ripstop (bluesign® approved)
• Padding: Closed-cell foam
• Lining: Polyester knit mesh
• Webbing: Polyester
• Front Leash Attachment: Engineered nylon webbing (bluesign® approved)
• Back Leash Attachment: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring
• Buckles: ITW Nexus Airloc (bluesign® approved)
• Made in Vietnam
• Mild detergent

Front Range® Dog Harness Videos

About: the front range® harness.

Learn more about the Front Range® Harness from Phillip and Sadie.

Discovering the Front Range

In the mountains of Colorado’s Front Range, Nathan first discovered a new pace of life. With Turkey, he learned how to live in the now as he watched her happily trotting along through mud, meadows, and moose poop for the first time in her life. Together, they found a new home in the mountains.

Materials & Care

Find the right size for your dog.

Measurement is around the widest part of the rib cage.

Sizing Chart & Technical Specs

13-17 in (33-43 cm)

17-22 in (43-56 cm)

22-27 in ( 56-69 cm)

27-32 in (69-81 cm)

32-42 in (81-107 cm)

All of our products are rigorously field tested and we proudly guarantee against defects in materials and craftsmanship.

Ratings & Reviews

Easy to put on and take off, secure -- top of the line! It has two spots (hooks) or securing a leas.h. Good design.

Perfect harness for our 4 month old pup! Loose leash walking is a breeze thanks to the chest attachment loop. The ID pocket also fits an AirTag, which is a big plus.

This was recommended by a coworker when I was having trouble finding a harness that I could completely clip open both sides of the harness instead of having to slip one leg in and out. Very durable and it’s held up to my puppy’s teeth when she tries to bite it. I had a little trouble adjusting the fit but that is not due to the harness but my puppy who doesn’t stay still and very bite happy. I would definitely recommend to someone who is looking for a harness for their dog.

This harness not only fits my pup perfectly, but also much to my surprise the front leash attachment actually does help with pulling! Not to mention The purple makes her look like royalty! Highly recommend this harness!

We had the other version and loved it. It lasted a long time. We got this new version recently and it has been great. Other harness brands we’ve had start to come apart and rip at the seams. We have a strong lab and these totally hold up so nicely. Definitely recommend.

Project Pawsitivity

A Sitting For a Cause Blog Featuring All Things Pet-Related

Subway Strays: The Dogs of Moscow’s Metro

Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, the stray dogs in Moscow have a surprisingly well-documented history which animal behaviorists have been paying close attention to for several decades. During the Soviet period in Russia the packs of wild (or stray) dogs in were regulated. Only the clever canines who learned to stay in isolation were able to survive. Usually, these dogs would remain on the outskirts of the city hunting in wild packs, as the living in the city was dangerous and food scarce.  After the fall of the Soviet Union quality of life in Russia began to slowly improve and with it more street vendors and food collecting in busy neighborhoods. This began to bring some the stray dogs out of the suburbs into the city.

Today, there are nearly 35,000 stray dogs that call Moscow home. Out of these 35,000 stray dogs there are about 500 that have taken to living underground. Out of these dogs, there are a few that have started thinking outside the box and inside the boxcar. They have begun the slow move underground to stay out of the cold (Russian winters reach an average of -5 degrees every day). Many of the Russian commuters embraced the dog’s underground migration by petting them or giving them food.

Though these claims may seem like the made up type of internet misinformation that we have learned to be skeptical of these days, it is actually sourced to a Russian biologist by the name of  Dr. Andrey Poyarkov , a highly regarded scientist in his field of study. As it turns out Poyarkov has been studying these dogs for the last thirty years and told news sources back in 2010 that he suspected a small fraction of these underground dogs had actually learned to use the subway in order to beg for food in bustling urban areas where food is more plentiful.

Andrei Neuronov , an animal behaviorist, says much like you train your dogs at home to respond to verbal commands like “sit” or “stay,” the Moscow metro dogs are using audio cues from the subway stops they have learned. The dogs memorize the names of the stops to navigate the subway systems in order to take them to heavily populated places during the day and get food.  Then, they return to their more secluded corners of the suburbs at night where they are less likely to be bothered by people.  Here is a story ABC did back in 2011, talking about this very thing.

Do you have any information on how to help these dogs?  Please share and comment below.

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Ruffwear, Flagline Dog Harness, Lightweight and Reflective, No Pull Dog Lift Harness for Hiking, Running and Everyday Use, Blue Dusk, XX-Small

Large/X-Large

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About this item.

• Lightweight and Durable: A lightweight lift-and-assist harness that's versatile and easy to put on; Designed for hiking, rock scrambling, or any activity where your dog might need a little help; Updated shell fabric for improved durability
• Continued Innovation: Equipped with a padded handle and load-dispersing chest/belly panel for balanced and comfortable lifting options for assisting dogs; A popular choice for dogs who need mobility assistance and amputee dogs; New harness colors
• Multiple Leash Connection Points: Features three leash attachment options; We’ve updated the chest attachment point for greater durability for pullers; There are 2 leash points on the back for a more relaxed setup or towing
• Enhanced Adjustability: 6 points of adjustment and an easy on/off construction ensure a secure fit; A minimalistic yet effective solution for active dogs; Includes a debris-resistant liner that keeps the harness clean and fur free
• Maximum Visibility: Reflective trim helps your dog stand out against any landscape, day or night; Includes a light loop for attaching The Beacon (sold separately)

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Product Description

The Ruffwear Flagline Harness is a lightweight, multi-purpose harness that's suitable for a variety of activities, from walking and running to hiking and scrambling across rocky terrain. A handle and comfortable construction allow you to lift and assist your dog over rocks, rivers, or just into the car. The Flagline is super adjustable, secure, and easy to put on and take off. It features three leash attachment points, a debris-resistant liner, reflective trim, and a light loop for attaching The Beacon (sold separately).

Product information

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My review after months of use. My dog LOVES this harness!

✅Reviews with Wes

Ruffwear Flagline Dog Harness Review

Great harness for my wriggly, outdoor-loving dog

Best dog harnesses lightweight and durable

Anna Danigelis

Strong double leash for 2 dogs

Product details.

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12 x 5 x 0.5 inches; 5.6 ounces
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 30551-407S2
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 30, 2021
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Ruffwear
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09MSMPQ7H
• #100 in Dog Vest Harnesses

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, weight and ease of use of the animal harness. For example, they mention it's well made, lightweight and easy to use. Some appreciate the handle and fit. That said, opinions are mixed on value and adjustability.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the harness. They mention it's well-made, tough, and durable. The buckles and anchor points are made with sturdy materials. The construction is great and the fabric feels light and breathable. Customers also appreciate the larger straps and stronger clasps. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and functionality of the product.

"...The fabric is top-notch , lightweight yet durable, and the multiple attachment points provide flexibility for various leash configurations and..." Read more

"...Lightweight and comfortable, check. Quality materials and construction, check. Multiple well-thought-out support options, check...." Read more

"...in it as well, it's lightweight and not too much coverage but super sturdy where it needs to be...." Read more

"...The harness is well made ...tough and durable. The fit was good...just follow the measurements listed...seems to be true to size...." Read more

Customers like the fit of the harness. For example, they say it fits well and comfortably, giving their pets room to move. They also appreciate the extra length and 2 additional back straps that make lifting easier.

"...Its quality, comfort , and versatility make it a fantastic choice for active pups, as long as you ensure it fits your dog's anatomy properly...." Read more

"...Lightweight and comfortable , check. Quality materials and construction, check. Multiple well-thought-out support options, check...." Read more

"...mode and isn't letting me get her leash on 😄 She seems perfectly comfortable in it as well, it's lightweight and not too much coverage but super..." Read more

"...The fit was good...just follow the measurements listed... seems to be true to size . I can honestly recommend this product. Quick shipping, too." Read more

Customers find the harness super easy to put on and comfortable. They say it's simple to wear and not at all confusing with straps. They also say it dries quickly, is easy to take on and take off, and that it makes lifting so much easier. They mention that it'll make walk time less worrisome and more enjoyable for both them and their pets.

"...Its quality, comfort, and versatility make it a fantastic choice for active pups , as long as you ensure it fits your dog's anatomy properly...." Read more

"...up via the quick-release straps on the sides makes it really easy to get it on and off him...." Read more

" Love the ease of using this harness ! It is sturdy and the handle at the top is helpful if you need to lift your pooch...." Read more

"...It is strong but light weight and allows for natural movement . It's easy to put on and she doesn't mind wearing it...." Read more

Customers like the weight of the pet supplies. They say it is lightweight but sturdy, and has a little bit of weight to it. The ripstop material does not make their older dog extra hot in the summer. It is a weight bearing harness for hiking, and the attachment points are great for a more even distribution of weight.

"...The fabric is top-notch, lightweight yet durable, and the multiple attachment points provide flexibility for various leash configurations and..." Read more

"... Lightweight and comfortable, check. Quality materials and construction, check. Multiple well-thought-out support options, check...." Read more

"...her leash on 😄 She seems perfectly comfortable in it as well, it's lightweight and not too much coverage but super sturdy where it needs to be...." Read more

"...The small size fits her well. It is strong but light weight and allows for natural movement. It's easy to put on and she doesn't mind wearing it...." Read more

Customers find the handle of the pet supply handy for helping with difficult terrain, maintaining control, and helping with going down stairs. They also say the handle on the top is a nice added feature.

"...Reflective trim for added safety Padded handle for easy lifting and assistingCons:Little long in loin area..." Read more

"...I love that it has a handle to lift her up because shes totally blind and needs to be carried down the spiral staircase in my house...." Read more

"Love the ease of using this harness! It is sturdy and the handle at the top is helpful if you need to lift your pooch...." Read more

"...The handle helps with going down stairs . It does twist some but isn't an issue." Read more

Customers like the safety of the pet supplies. They say it's really escape proof, lightweight, and secure on their dogs. They appreciate the extra security of the waist strap behind the chest strap. They also say it fits well and protects the underside of the dog. Customers also say that it provides a sense of security as well as independence.

"...I haven't had an escape attempt yet but feels very sturdy and secure . For reference, pup is about 65lbs/30kg and the medium fit with room to adjust...." Read more

"...This is a great harness for a bully mix. It fits well and protects the underside of the dog . Love the three attachment points." Read more

"Easy on and off. So far it has been escape proof for my 23 lb , 15 month old escape artist. I have tried many harnesses and this is the best one." Read more

"Fit is great. Keeps our escape artist locked in . Great quality as usual from ruffwear." Read more

Customers are mixed about the adjustability of the animal harness. Some mention that the adjust ability is awesome, the adjustment straps are excellent, and the adjustments are easy to make. However, some customers say that the waist straps can be a little challenging to adjust and the fit could be better.

"...The level of adjustment is perfect for his body type and is comfortable enough for longer walks & hikes...." Read more

"...My only complaint, and it’s hardly that, is that the fit could be a bit better ...." Read more

"...And each area can be adjusted separately , which eliminates the oroblem we have had with neck areas being too loose and non-adjustable...." Read more

"I like the adjustability of this harness , and the 3-point options for attaching a leash or other restraint...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the pet supplies. Some mention it's well worth the money, while others say it'll cost you more than the peace of mind.

"This harness was well worth the money . It fits well and when my maltese bounced out of the crate she was not injured with this harness...." Read more

"...I don't think she could escape from this harness.It is an expensive harness but a good choice for our whippet." Read more

"...This one is a bit less expensive and less padded than the style she had before, so I think it will be even better for her in warm weather." Read more

"Product is well made. Good price ." Read more

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Best Pulling/Tracking Leather Dog Harness Created for Moscow Watchdog

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The Only Dog Harness for Tracking Work that Offers Great Performance and Maximal Comfort

You know, our dear guest, visiting hospitable online shop of ours you a lucky person as a fortune has smiled upon you since you opened this attractively designed page! Only this dog store has such enormous variety of dog goods that even dog market has not much to boast of!! Your dog’s training success depends on nobody but you! Get Excellent Dog Gear for him and most of your educative problems will be gradually solved!

It is high time for you to let your Moscow Watchdog wear Unique Equipment wherever he goes or whatever he does. Harness is a great means for dog teaching. This no pull dog harness is perfect for pulling/tracking work as it was designed for this purpose. By the way, you may use this working dog vest for daily walk with your dog as it is extremely lightweight because of its design.

Click on the pictures to see bigger image

Dependable Leather Dog Harness Offers Complete Control Over Your Pet

Fully leather dog harness looks extra ordinary! Have you been looking for an appropriate dog harness for long time? You have found it already, take it easy! This unique product will never disappoint you-but assist considerably during Moscow Watchdog ’s training. What a Superior Harness! This leather dog harness with handle is helpful when dealing with hyperactive dogs without discomforting them! Every pulling work of your Moscow Watchdog will be easily preformed as this harness facilitates this occupation considerably!

Do not be afraid of involving your Moscow Watchdog in strenuous work as the harness will promote his efforts! Wearing this service dog vest your dog will never feel bad as this equipment does not restrict the movements of any body part. Designed for simple productive operation and achievement of best training results this best anti pull dog harness is referred to as a Great Invention of Modernity ! Buy this harness today being that it has more than affordable price!!

How to size your Moscow Watchdog for this harness:

• around the neck of the dog ( green color on the picture ): 17.5-25.5 inch (44-64cm)
• around the chest behind the front legs ( red color on the picture ): 24.5-30 inch (62-77 cm)
• chest strap ( blue color on the picture ): 23.5 inch (60 cm)
• around the neck of the dog ( green color on the picture ): 26-34 inch (66-86 cm)
• around the chest behind the front legs (red color on the picture ): 30-35.5 inch (77-90 cm)
• chest strap ( blue color on the picture ): 26 inch (67 cm)
• around the neck of the dog ( green color on the picture ): 28-35 inch (71-89 cm)
• around the chest behind the front legs ( red color on the picture ): 31.5-40 inch (80-102 cm)
• chest strap ( blue color on the picture ): 28 3/4 inch (73 cm)

Extra Large:

• around the neck of the dog ( green color on the picture ): 28-35 inch (68-90 cm)
• around the chest behind the front legs ( red color on the picture ): 39-51 inch (99-130 cm)
• chest strap ( blue color on the picture ): 30 inch (77 cm)

Check the video how to take correct measurements of your Moscow Watchdog for this harness

Click on the picture to see bigger image

Complete Control Over Strong Dog Is Assured With A Matching Leash Attached to dee Ring

At last every dog owner has got the chance to engage his dog in pulling work adding loads of different degrees. This dog harness will do its work excellently if you want to benefit from the tracking work to the maximum !

Tracking work is a hardest job for even strongest dogs but this harness is just meant for making the job easier but more effective. Pulling into the harness the dog will not feel pain as this harness will not allow him to. This dog harness is most comfortable for this type of engagement as it is its destination! A lot of tasks assigned to your dog can be performed without difficulty now.

Perfect quality and strength leather was used for production of this harness. It means that utmost comfort will be felt by your animal, who deserves to wear best ammunition! Softness of this leather is well-known it is incredible indeed and by lapse of time increases more and more. Manually polished leather demonstrates silky smoothness. Stretchproof full grain leather was intentionally selected for being a major component of this harness. According to the pressures made by dog when pulling in the harness only this leather is capable of withstanding them.

No movement restriction is expected when harness is worn. Moscow Watchdog will have full freedom of movement when being in this harness. At that, his breathing will not be hindered, as the harness has nothing to do with similar problems: vertical shoulder straps divert the pressure away from throat onto shoulders! Moreover, the harness has front horizontal strap that is lined with heavy natural felt. This felt will prevent your dog’s skin from rubbing! Wide straps will never wear into the skin!

Heavy-duty harness will maintain its integrity for years to come. Best hardware of extreme durability was used for securement of the components. 2-side rings are fixed with cupped rivets to never come out under any conditions. D-ring on the top was reliably stitched onto the leather to stay there forever.

3 way adjustable harness is easy to fit snug to your dog’s figure! Just fit the buckles of chest straps to your dog’s size and complete the adjustment by click of side easy quick release buckle. You will spend little time for harnessing of your dog if it is this harness to be adjusted.

Check how our products look on the dogs / Pictures from Customers

Demandable Leather Dog Harness Follows the Dog's Body Contours Providing Snug Fit

See the video how this harness looks on dogs

This dog equipment is well-suitable for all big and giant dog breeds such as Amstaff, American Bulldog, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Caucasian Shepherd, Doberman, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Bulldog, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Belgian Malinois, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pitbull, Rottweiler, Saffordshire Terrier and other similar dog breeds. Below you can see how this accessory looks on different dog breeds. Please , When placing your order for this product, please, name your dog breed and we will be glad to help you in choosing the best size of the product for your pet

Wearresistant Leather Dog Harness for Cane Corso Simplifies Tracking Work

Weight Pulling Leather Bullmastiff Harness Features Padded Chest Plate

Special Pulling Leather Dog Harness for Great Danes Is Serviceable

* 1-5 business days on average once the order is shipped (not including holidays and weekends) ** 3-5 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)

* 9-20 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends) ** 3-7 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)

You can return all items (except close-outs and custom made products) within 21 days after delivery. Please, contact us before you send item/items back to receive a return/exchange authorization number.

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The 5 best no-pull dog harnesses of 2024, tested and reviewed

Posted: February 5, 2024 | Last updated: February 5, 2024

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Walking a dog who pulls on leash can be a frustrating experience. Thankfully, one of the best no-pull dog harnesses can help you train your pup to walk well on a leash. These harnesses designed to prevent pulling make outings safer and more enjoyable for you and your dog. 

To pick the best no-pull harnesses, we consulted veterinarians, dog trainers, and professional dog walkers who shared insights that helped inform our recommendations. We then tested 15 popular anti-pull harnesses with over two dozen small, medium, and large rescue dogs to see which harnesses helped stop leash pulling. Our top pick is the Blue-9 Balance Harness , a highly adjustable harness that significantly reduces pulling. If you're looking for a budget option, we like the Petsafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness , a durable harness that's around $30.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products .

Our top picks for the best no-pull dog harnesses

Best overall: Blue-9 Balance Harness - See at Amazon   The Balance Harness significantly reduces pulling without impeding a dog's movement, sagging, or twisting.

Best budget: Petsafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness - See at Chewy The 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness is a durable, no-pull harness with a price that won't break the bank.  

Best for small dogs: Wild One Harness - See at Chewy The Wild One Harness is sized well for small dogs and has extra padding to prevent chafing.

Best padded: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness - See at Amazon The Front Range is a comfortable harness for active dogs that will hold up to years of use.

Best with handle: PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness - See at Amazon This no-pull harness has a wide handle at the base and impressive safety features like a locking buckle and reflective strips along the side.

Best overall: Blue-9 Balance Harness

Available sizes: 5 sizes for chests from 13.5 to 43.5 inches

• Color options: 9 colors
• Warranty: 90-day chew warranty

Pros: Deters pulling better than other harnesses, six points of adjustment for appropriate fit, good for dogs that dislike putting their head through a harness, machine washable, 90-day chew replacement policy

Cons: More expensive than most other harnesses, no padding, can be confusing to put on at first

Among the best no-pull dog harnesses, the Blue-9 Balance Harness is a favorite among dog walkers and trainers, including Nicole Ellis , a professional dog trainer and owner of Tails With Nicole. We were impressed by how much easier it was to walk our untrained shelter dogs when they were wearing this harness. The dogs pulled less and were easier to control when we used the harness with a leash attached to the front D-ring.

Unlike the popular Easy Walk Harness , the Balance Harness's Y-neck design doesn't cross the dog's shoulders or pinch under the armpits. "It is great for daily performance, and it doesn't interfere with the dog's shoulder movement," says Robyn Socarro , a professional dog trainer. Like the other harnesses in this guide, you can also attach the leash to the back of the harness for dogs that don't pull.

If you've had trouble finding a harness that fits, this is an excellent option. The harness has six places to adjust for wide necks, barrel chests, chunky bellies, and straps that clip around the torso and neck. While the neck strap is ideal for dogs that resist putting their head through a harness, this design can make it confusing to put the harness on. The colored top strap on the back helps you keep straight what goes where.

The soft nylon has a 3,500-pound test strength. I toss mine into the washer and let it air-dry, and it's still in great shape.

Read our full review of Blue-9 Balance Harness .

Best budget: Petsafe 3-in-1 Harness

• Available sizes: 4 sizes for chests from 13 to 42.5 inches 
• Color options: 3 colors
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty, first chew replacement free within 1-year warranty, $14.95 for each additional chew replacement

Pros: Five points of adjustment for a good fit, reflective stitching, some padding

Cons: Limited color options, heavy plastic buckles may be uncomfortable

With the Petsafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness, you can attach the leash to the front of the harness to reduce pulling or secure it to the back ring for casual walks or running with your dog. At around $30, it's also a good starting point if you have a smaller budget.

Shelter volunteer Beth DiMeccio tested this harness on shelter dogs at Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco and was impressed with how well it worked for serious pullers. "There's little chance a dog can wriggle out of this harness, which is a big concern with shelter dogs," she says.

The Y-shaped nylon 3-in-1 does not restrict a dog's movement. It has five different adjustment points to allow for a comfortable and snug fit, and with a buckle at the neck, you don't need to pull it over a dog's head. The light neoprene padding and reflective stitching are a nice touch.

With 1-inch wide straps, this harness is heavier than similar styles and creates too much bulk for smaller dogs. The wider straps help prevent chafing, but the plastic clasps do not have any padding, which may cause discomfort with all-day wear. Petsafe recommends hand-washing the 3-in-1, so it may be difficult to remove odors.

Once you get the hang of it, the harness is easy to put on. It also has a built-in adjustable strap for attaching to a seat belt if you'd like to limit your dog's movement in the car. However, the harness has not been crash-tested and may not protect your dog in a crash.

Best for small dogs: Wild One Harness

• Available sizes: 4 sizes for chests from 12 to 38 inches
• Color options: 12 colors
• Warranty: 1-year limited replacement or repair warranty

Pros: Extra padding to prevent chafing, resistant to damage, handle

Cons: Higher price, some shifting, dye may bleed with some colors

Pulling is mostly associated with large dogs, but smaller dogs can also tug hard on a leash. And like with their larger counterparts, a no-pull dog harness can help lessen pulling. Of the three harnesses we tested with small dogs, the Wild One Harness performed the best. When the leash was attached to the front D-ring, the harness redirected our small dog each time he attempted to pull.

The snug fit we achieved kept the harness secure on our 12-pound terrier mix, and it didn't budge when he lunged. We got the correct fit with three easy-to-use adjustment points, each connected to a buckle (one at the neck and two at the back). The three buckles could be secured without lifting the harness over the dog's head — Ellis says this is a bonus feature for dogs who don't like having anything placed over or around their head. 

No matter how snug the harness was after adjusting the fit, our dog didn't experience any chafing thanks to extra padding around high-friction points, particularly the armpits. A layer of stretchy polyester covers the interior of the harness. While this reduced the possibility of discomfort and chafing, it sometimes caused the harness to shift on our dog, even after we adjusted the straps to get a perfect fit. 

On its website, Wild One cautions that some richer colors may bleed onto lighter-colored dogs. To prevent this, it recommends handwashing the harness before using it. We washed the harness ourselves and found it dried quickly.

Best padded: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness

• Available sizes: 5 sizes for chests from 13 to 42 inches 
• Color options: 8 colors
• Warranty: Limited warranty for manufacturing defects

Pros: Padded, wide straps that won't chafe, can be worn all day, comes in 13 different colors and 5 sizes, easy to put on and take off, durable

Cons: Chest piece twists and gaps with serious pullers, not quick-drying

Designed for outdoor adventures, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness can take a lot of punishment while keeping your dog comfortable. The foam padding on the chest and belly prevents rubbing and chafing, and the built-in clasps are covered with fabric so they don't touch any part of a dog's body.

"The padding is nice because it doesn't rub on my thin-coated dog," says Scarlett Cermak, a professional dog trainer and owner of Embark Today . "I also really like that there is a back-clip option because there are times, believe it or not, when I want my dogs to pull, like in sports like canicross or joring."

The harness is easy to put on and remove, with two clasps and two adjustment buckles. There are two leash attachments: an aluminum V-ring on the back and a reinforced webbing attachment on the chest plate.

The Front Range doesn't reduce pulling as well as the other best no-pull dog harnesses we recommend. Although it is normal for a front-clip harness to move when your dog pulls, this harness twists more than our other top picks, causing it to shift to the side with consistent pulling. If you have a barrel-chested dog, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness has a similar design that may be effective. However, the straps require frequent tightening as they loosen too easily. 

After seven years, this is the only intact harness my dog still wears from his younger days. The harness has reflective stitching for nighttime visibility, and the polyester shell fabric is highly durable. Although the brand recommends hand-washing the harness, I've put it in the washer and dryer numerous times. It's still in good condition, but the edges are slightly curled.

Best with handle: PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness

• Available sizes: 5 sizes for chests from 10 to 39 inches
• Color options: 25 colors
• Warranty:  None

Pros: Handle and locking buckle, wide selection of colors, reflective

Cons: No warranty, tricky to clip on, may cause chafing in thin-coated dogs

The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is our favorite no-pull harness with a handle. The versatile harness has a variety of features that make it easier to walk a puller, including an essential D-ring at the front to prevent pulling, a handle on the back, reflective strips, and a locking buckle at the neck.

The wide handle that runs horizontally across the back of the harness was especially helpful when we needed to grab our lunging dog quickly. Our tester dog has a habit of rolling in burrs during forest walks, and we regularly used the handle to pull her away from spiky plants. Beyond burrs, it can be tough to see our dog when hiking in the forest since her black coat blends in with the surrounding trees during evening walks. The reflective strips on this harness are a fantastic safety feature that makes it easy for other hikers, dogs, and even people in cars to see her at any time of day.

The harness also has an excellent safety feature for dogs prone to bolting: a locking buckle on the neck strap. When the lock is engaged, the buckle can't be unlatched. This feature kept our jumpy dog secured in the harness even when she was startled by a charging dog and attempted to back out of the harness.

While the three separate attachment points mean you don't have to place the harness over your dog's head, this design can make it confusing to put it on at first. Another downside is the harness's lack of padding. The underside is reinforced with a webbed mesh material, which helps the harness move with the dog, but it doesn't protect against chafing. We recommend a more heavily padded harness for dogs with thinner coats.

How we tested the best no-pull dog harnesses

We considered the most popular no-pull dog harnesses and collected opinions from professional dog walkers and trainers already using them. We also consulted veterinarians and canine behaviorists, including Dr. Lillian Baker , veterinarian and owner of Baker's Mobile Veterinary Services in Texas; Anne Carter , an expert in canine behavior and welfare and a senior lecturer in veterinary and animal sciences at Scotland's Rural College; Dr. Carlo Siracusa , a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Chris Zink , a veterinarian specializing in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.

For eight weeks, three shelter staff members and two volunteer shelter walkers tested the harnesses on walks with more than two dozen rescue dogs at Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco. The dogs were all medium and large-size (over 50 pounds) and chosen because they were difficult to walk due to over-excitability, lack of training, or reactivity. Dogs were walked with the tester harnesses for 30 to 60 minutes on city streets and in local parks. We also tested the small dog and handle harnesses with our reporters' two rescue dogs who were walked for a minimum of 30 minutes on city streets and in local parks

Unmanageable leash pulling is typically a problem for dog owners with larger dogs, so we tested most of the harnesses with dogs over 25 pounds. However, for our small dog category, we tested harnesses with a 12-pound terrier mix. Many small dogs strain while on leash, but most walkers do not struggle with being pulled off their feet by these dogs.

We also did not test head halters, as most dogs initially find them uncomfortable and will resist wearing them. The no-pull harnesses in this guide are a better choice for anyone looking for the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach to dog training and behavior modification. If you'd like to learn more about head halters, read about them in our guide to the best dog harnesses .

 We rated the best no-pull dog harnesses according to the following criteria:

• Prevents pulling: We assessed how well it prevented dogs from pulling on leash while walking. We walked for a minimum of 30 minutes on 4-foot leashes.
• Does not impede or restrict movement: Harnesses were tested on dogs of different sizes and shapes to check for sagging and straps that lay over the dog's front legs and shoulders. We disqualified the Petsafe Easy Walk and Wonder Walker harnesses due to significant sagging during testing.
• Does not chafe or rub : We tested harnesses on both long- and short-haired dogs to check for chafing or rubbing.
• Dog cannot slip or back out of the harness : This was a crucial consideration because we tested these harnesses with shelter dogs who tend to be flight risks.
• Easy to put on and take off/ease of adjusting : Putting on or adjusting your dog's harness shouldn't be frustrating. Our shelter volunteers and testers recorded their impressions when putting the harnesses on dogs.
• Durability and washability: We asked professional dog walkers for their opinions on how well these wear over time and whether they hold up after multiple washes.
• Initial cost and replacement cost : We considered whether the price of the harness is justified and how easy it is to replace if chewed.

No-pull dog harness FAQs

What is the best harness to stop pulling.

We recommend a front-clip no-pull harness when training a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. It removes dangerous pressure from a dog's neck while reducing its ability to pull.

Are no-pull harnesses good for dogs?

Yes. The best no-pull dog harnesses are well-designed and reduce pressure on a dog's joints and neck when they pull.

Is a harness or collar better to stop pulling?

Even the best dog collars should not be used for restraining or controlling your dog because they can cause tension and stress on the dog's neck. "Dogs that pull on leash are at an increased risk of choking," says veterinarian Baker. She explains that tracheal collapse is another potential consequence. A 2020 study using canine neck models with pressure sensors confirmed the danger, concluding that all types of dog collars have the potential to cause harm to a dog's neck. A flat neck collar's only purpose is for attaching one of the best dog ID tags or for decoration. A body harness is a much safer and more effective way of walking a dog that pulls.

How does a no-pull harness stop a dog from pulling?

Front-clip no-pull dog harnesses discourage pulling by pivoting the dog toward you whenever the leash is taut. No-pull harnesses come in two basic designs: A Y-shaped chest strap or a strap that lays horizontally across the chest. Y-shaped harnesses better allow for total freedom of movement. "Any product that forms a Y shape around the dog's neck and under the chest is non-restrictive," says Zink.

Why do dogs pull on leash?

"Dogs may pull on a leash due to hypersensitivity to all that is going on around them as well as a lack of proper leash training as a puppy," says Baker. No dog is born innately understanding how to walk on a leash. They pull because they naturally walk faster than we do and want to get to the park, greet another dog, or sniff something interesting. Typically they continue to pull because they've discovered that, when they do, they get to move forward.

How do I fit a no-pull harness to my dog?

Finding the best harness for your dog is like choosing the perfect running sneakers: Fit is crucial. There's nothing scarier than your dog wriggling or backing out of a loose-fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness will also be uncomfortable, and if it is too tight, it can cause chafing. Sagging harnesses can impede a dog's full range of shoulder or leg movement. A well-fitting harness should be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two to three fingers under all the straps. Check the sizing charts and read the instructions for measuring your dog. When buying online, measure carefully and check the return policy before ordering.

Will a no-pull harness teach my dog to stop pulling?

Front-clip no-pull harnesses are not a magic bullet that will instantly stop your dog from pulling, but they are a management tool. The best way to stop your dog from pulling is to train loose leash walking using positive reinforcement with one of the best dog leashes and some of the best dog training treats . If your dog is a veteran puller, no humane piece of equipment will teach them to stop pulling, but a good harness will help you manage and control your dog while teaching them leash manners. If you keep walking whenever your dog pulls, you are not only missing out on the chance to train loose leash walking, but you are also reinforcing pulling.

What's the best leash for a dog who pulls?

Baker prefers a standard 4- to 6-foot-long leather leash for dog walking. She recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which present a variety of safety concerns for both dogs and their walkers.

Why don't we recommend prong, choke, and e-collars?

We only considered no-pull equipment that does not cause pain or discomfort for a dog. Prong, choke, and shock collars are all designed to punish a dog by inflicting pain around the neck whenever they pull. Prong collars and choke chains can also cause damage to a dog's neck. "As a general rule, I don't like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck," says Siracusa. "Definitely no prong or shock collars. Even a martingale-type collar, which I do like, will not prevent the dog from pulling [and] will apply pressure on the neck."

Is there a humane alternative to no-pull harnesses?

Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses. Baker recommends their use on dogs that pull. "If you lead the head, the body follows," she explains. Head halters may not be appropriate for every dog. Siracusa says that using a head halter can result in whiplash or neck or spine pain if your pup is easily over-aroused or highly reactive on leash.

Is there such a thing as a "chew-proof" harness?

There is no such thing as a chew-proof harness. A chewed-up harness is not a manufacturer defect or the result of poor design or materials. A determined dog or teething puppy can destroy a brand-new harness in less than 30 seconds, so take the harness off them when unsupervised. Be sure to remove a harness to prevent injury when dogs roughhouse, as teeth and limbs can get entangled.

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