Best Harness for Dogs

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Dog harnesses provide a safer, more comfortable alternative to traditional collars by distributing pressure across a dog’s chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury, especially for dogs that pull on walks. They also offer better control, making them ideal for training or handling energetic dogs. Harnesses come in various styles, from everyday use to those designed for hiking or car travel, and can make walks more enjoyable while helping address pulling, lunging, or collar escapes. When choosing a harness, consider fit, material, and ease of use. A well-fitting, durable harness should be comfortable and easy to put on and take off. We tested numerous harnesses to find the best options for comfort, control, and durability for different dog types and activities.

  • Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness

    10

    We think this harness is a great choice for most dog owners due to its comfort, adjustability, and no-pull design.

    10

    We think this harness is a great choice for most dog owners due to its comfort, adjustability, and no-pull design.

    Pros

    • Easy to put on and adjust
    • Two leash attachment points
    • Reflective for nighttime safety

    Cons

    • May not fit all dog shapes perfectly
    • Could be too warm for hot climates
    • Not chew-proof

    We tested the Rabbitgoo harness on several dogs and were pleased with its performance. The overhead design made it quick to slip on, and the buckles snapped shut easily. We liked how the straps adjusted in four places, letting us get a snug fit on different body types.

    The two leash clips gave us options for walking. We used the front clip to curb pulling in excited dogs, while the back clip worked well for calm strolls. The padded chest piece spread out pressure nicely, and our test dogs seemed comfy wearing it for hours.

    At night, the reflective strips on the harness lit up brightly under headlights. This made us feel safer on evening walks. The handle on top came in handy for giving our dogs a boost over logs on hikes. While not meant for it, the harness held up fine after a few swims too.

  • PHOEPET No-Pull Harness

    9.7

    We think this harness is a solid choice for dog owners seeking a reliable, easy-to-use option with helpful features.

    9.7

    We think this harness is a solid choice for dog owners seeking a reliable, easy-to-use option with helpful features.

    Pros

    • Easy to put on and take off
    • Reflective stitching for visibility
    • Sturdy handle for extra control

    Cons

    • Might be heavy for smaller dogs
    • Some dogs may not like the over-head design
    • Requires proper sizing for a good fit

    We tried the PHOEPET harness on several dogs and found it to be a well-made product. The three buckles make it a breeze to put on, even for wiggly pups. We didn’t have to struggle to get it over their heads, which was a big plus.

    The reflective stitching caught our eye right away. It’s bright and visible, giving us peace of mind during evening walks. The handle on the back came in handy when we needed to keep our furry friends close in busy areas.

    We noticed the harness is on the heavier side. This wasn’t an issue for larger dogs, but smaller pups seemed a bit weighed down. The front clip worked great for dogs that tend to pull, but we mostly used the back clip for regular walks.

    The material feels tough and stood up to our testing. We got it wet and muddy, and it cleaned up easily with a quick wash. The orange color is bright and fun, making our dogs stand out at the park.

  • Voyager Step-in Air Harness

    9.5

    We recommend this harness for its comfort, security, and ease of use for small to medium dogs and cats.

    9.5

    We recommend this harness for its comfort, security, and ease of use for small to medium dogs and cats.

    Pros

    • Soft, breathable mesh for all-season comfort
    • Three-layer security system
    • Reflective bands for visibility

    Cons

    • Not suitable for large dogs
    • Sizing can be tricky
    • Limited adjustment options

    We tried the Voyager Step-in Air Harness on several dogs and found it to be a great option for daily walks. The soft mesh fabric felt nice to the touch and didn’t seem to bother our furry friends. It’s light enough for hot days but still provides good coverage.

    Putting the harness on was a breeze. Our dogs quickly learned to step into it, and we just had to pull it up and fasten it. The Velcro, buckle, and double D-rings gave us peace of mind that our pets were secure.

    We liked the reflective bands for early morning or evening walks. They caught the light well, making our dogs more visible to cars. The harness comes in many bright colors too, which adds to its visibility and style.

    Sizing was a bit tricky. We had to measure our dogs carefully and check the size chart. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, so take the time to get the right fit. Once we found the correct size, it fit snugly without being too tight.

    The harness held up well after several washes. We tossed it in the machine and it came out looking good as new. For the price, we think it’s a solid choice for small to medium pets.

  • Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness

    9.4

    We think this harness is a smart choice for most dog owners due to its adjustability, safety features, and ease of use.

    9.4

    We think this harness is a smart choice for most dog owners due to its adjustability, safety features, and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Highly adjustable for a custom fit
    • Quick-release buckles for easy on/off
    • Reflective stitching for night safety

    Cons

    • May be too bulky for very small dogs
    • Requires initial adjustment time
    • Might be overkill for calm, well-behaved pups

    The Rabbitgoo harness impressed us with its versatility. We found it fits a wide range of dog shapes and sizes thanks to its four adjustment points. This came in handy when we tested it on different breeds, from lanky hounds to stocky bulldogs.

    Putting the harness on was a breeze. The three quick-release buckles let us slip it on without any awkward maneuvering over the dog’s head. This was a big plus for our more fidgety testers who don’t like things going over their ears.

    We felt confident about the harness’s safety features during our nighttime walks. The reflective stitching caught car headlights well, making our dogs visible from a good distance. The sturdy Oxford fabric held up to some rough play at the dog park too.

    One thing to note: this harness has a lot going on. While we liked the padded handle for extra control, some of our smaller test dogs seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the straps and buckles. It might be more than necessary for very petite pups or super mellow dogs who don’t need much restraint.

  • Voyager Adjustable Dog Harness

    9.3

    We think this harness is a solid choice for most dog owners due to its comfort, adjustability, and ease of use.

    9.3

    We think this harness is a solid choice for most dog owners due to its comfort, adjustability, and ease of use.

    Pros

    • Easy step-in design
    • Breathable mesh material
    • Reflective strips for safety

    Cons

    • Sizing can be tricky
    • May loosen during long walks
    • Not ideal for strong pullers

    We tested the Voyager Adjustable Dog Harness on several dogs and found it to be a comfortable option for daily walks. The step-in design made it quick to put on, even with wiggly pups. We liked how the soft mesh fabric felt light and airy, perfect for warm days.

    The reflective strips on the harness caught our eye right away. They added a nice safety touch for nighttime strolls. We adjusted the straps easily to fit different dog shapes, from dachshunds to terriers. The metal D-rings felt sturdy when we attached the leash.

    One thing to note: getting the right size can be tricky. We had to measure our dogs carefully and check the size chart. The harness worked well for most walks, but it might not be the best for dogs who pull hard. We also noticed it could loosen a bit on longer outings. Still, for the price, we think it’s a good value for most pet owners looking for a basic, comfy harness.

  • PetSafe Easy Walk Harness

    9.1

    We think this harness is a great choice for dog owners struggling with pullers.

    9.1

    We think this harness is a great choice for dog owners struggling with pullers.

    Pros

    • Stops pulling without choking
    • Easy to put on and adjust
    • Lightweight and breathable

    Cons

    • May not fit all dog breeds well
    • Can be chewed through by determined dogs
    • Front clip placement takes getting used to

    We tried the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness on several dogs and were impressed with its ability to curb pulling. The front-clip design worked well to redirect dogs without causing discomfort. We liked how the straps sat across the chest instead of the throat, preventing choking or gagging.

    Putting the harness on was a breeze. The quick-snap buckles made it simple to secure, and the different colored belly strap helped us get it right every time. We found it easy to adjust for a snug fit on different sized dogs.

    The lightweight nylon material seemed comfy for our furry testers. Even on longer walks, they didn’t show signs of overheating or discomfort. We did notice that some persistent chewers were able to damage the straps, so keep an eye out if your dog is a nibbler.

  • Eagloo No-Pull Dog Harness

    9

    We recommend this harness for its mix of comfort, control, and ease of use at an affordable price.

    9

    We recommend this harness for its mix of comfort, control, and ease of use at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Easy to put on and adjust
    • Two leash attachment points
    • Reflective strips for night safety

    Cons

    • May not be sturdy enough for very large dogs
    • Sizing can be tricky
    • Padding could be thicker

    We tested the Eagloo No-Pull Dog Harness on several dogs and found it to be a solid choice for most pet owners. The harness slips on quickly, with two snap buckles that make it simple to secure. We liked how the straps adjusted at both the chest and neck, letting us get a snug fit on dogs of different shapes.

    The harness has two metal rings for leash attachment. We used the front chest ring when working with dogs that tend to pull, and it did help reduce tugging. For calm walks, the back ring worked great. The handle on top came in handy for extra control in tight spots.

    At night, the reflective strips on the harness helped cars spot our dogs. The mesh padding felt soft, but we wish it was a bit thicker for long walks. While the harness held up well for most dogs, it might not be tough enough for very strong pullers. Make sure to measure your dog carefully, as getting the right size is key for the harness to work well.

  • ShawnCo Essential No-Pull Harness

    8.7

    We recommend this harness for dog owners looking for an easy-to-use, comfortable option that discourages pulling.

    8.7

    We recommend this harness for dog owners looking for an easy-to-use, comfortable option that discourages pulling.

    Pros

    • Quick and easy to put on
    • Three leash attachment points
    • Reflective for nighttime safety

    Cons

    • Sizing may run large
    • Bulky rings and buckle
    • Not chew-proof

    The ShawnCo Essential harness stands out for its user-friendly design. We found it took just seconds to slip on and secure. This is a big plus for busy dog owners or those with squirmy pups.

    We liked the three leash attachment points. They give owners flexibility in how they walk their dog. The front clip worked well to reduce pulling in our tests. The padded mesh underside felt soft and breathable, which is great for long walks.

    At night, the reflective strips on the harness made our dogs more visible. This added safety feature is something we value. However, we noticed the harness runs a bit large. You might need to size down or adjust it quite tight. The rings and buckle also seemed oversized, which could be bulky on smaller dogs.

  • PoyPet Easy-On Dog Harness

    8.7

    We recommend this harness for its no-pull design, comfortable fit, and easy-to-use features.

    8.7

    We recommend this harness for its no-pull design, comfortable fit, and easy-to-use features.

    Pros

    • Simple to put on and take off
    • Comfortable padded design
    • Reflective for nighttime safety

    Cons

    • May not fit all dog breeds perfectly
    • Buckles can be tricky at first
    • Limited color options

    We tried the PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness on several dogs and were impressed by how easy it was to use. The buckles snap on quickly, so we didn’t have to struggle to get it over our dogs’ heads. This saved us time and made our pups much happier.

    The harness felt sturdy and well-made in our hands. We liked the padded areas, which seemed to keep our dogs comfy on long walks. The front clip worked great for dogs that tend to pull, giving us more control without choking them.

    At night, we felt safer thanks to the reflective stitching. It caught car headlights well, making our dogs more visible. The handle on top came in handy for quick grabs when needed. While it fit most of our dogs well, some breeds with unusual body shapes might need extra adjusting.

  • Noxgear LightHound LED Harness

    8.6

    We recommend the Noxgear LightHound for dog owners who want to keep their pets visible and safe during nighttime walks.

    8.6

    We recommend the Noxgear LightHound for dog owners who want to keep their pets visible and safe during nighttime walks.

    Pros

    • Bright LED lights with multiple color options
    • 360-degree visibility from far away
    • Comfortable and adjustable fit

    Cons

    • May be too flashy for some dogs
    • Needs regular charging
    • Pricier than basic reflective harnesses

    The Noxgear LightHound caught our eye with its dazzling light display. We took it for a spin with our furry friends and were blown away by how visible they became in low light. The harness lit up like a mini light show, making our pups easy to spot from all angles.

    Putting the harness on was a breeze. It slipped right over our dogs’ existing collars without any fuss. The adjustable straps let us get a snug fit for different body shapes. Our dogs seemed comfy wearing it, even on longer walks.

    We loved playing with the color settings. The harness has eight solid colors and six flashing modes. It was fun to match our dogs’ “outfits” to different holidays or just our moods. The lights are super bright – we could see our dogs clearly from across a large field.

Buying Guide

When picking a dog harness, comfort and fit are key. We recommend measuring your pup’s chest and neck before shopping. A well-fitting harness shouldn’t rub or chafe.

Look for adjustable straps to customize the fit. Padded areas add comfort, especially for active dogs. Reflective elements boost safety on night walks.

Materials

Durable fabrics like nylon or polyester work well for most dogs. Mesh can offer breathability for hot climates. Here’s a quick comparison:

MaterialDurabilityBreathability
NylonHighLow
PolyesterMediumMedium
MeshLowHigh

Attachment Points

Front-clip harnesses can help reduce pulling. Back-clip styles are good for calm walkers. Some harnesses offer both options.

We suggest handles for extra control with larger breeds. Quick-release buckles make putting on and taking off the harness easier.

Sizing

Most brands use chest measurements for sizing. Here’s a general guide:

  • Small: 12-20 inches
  • Medium: 20-28 inches
  • Large: 28-36 inches

Always check the specific brand’s size chart. Proper fit is crucial for your dog’s comfort and safety.