Teaching a dog to heel is an important skill that can protect you and your pet from injury. However, some pups will instinctually lunge toward rabbits and squirrels, and others need time to develop “heel” skills. Using a harness can alleviate stress on pets’ necks and owners’ bodies, making walks safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Many options are available, but finding the perfect fit for your pet can get confusing. Unlike with leashes, you can’t just clip a harness on and go, and powerful and/or headstrong pets may not take to a harness right away. The best dog harness for your pet will depend on their size, leash-pulling tendencies, and personal preferences. We tested each option on this list on real dogs, using factors including fit, durability, and ease of use, to bring you an objective list of the best dog harnesses for your one-of-a-kind pet.
Best dog harness, overall: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness with 2 Leash Clips
Best for older dogs: Kurgo Dog Lifter Support Harness
Best for night walks: Blueberry Soft & Comfy Dog Harness Vest
Best for small dogs: PUPTECK Soft Mesh Cat Vest Harness and Leash Set
Best for multi-pet homes: RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness
Best for style: Blueberry Pet Step-in Velvety Polka Dot Baby Pink Flocking Dog Harness
Best for everyday walks: Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Smart Harness
How to choose a dog harness
Fit is essential for dog harnesses. One that’s too small will be uncomfortable and impossible to get on, and a size or two too big will allow the pet to escape. Chest and neck girths are usually needed, but measuring your dog can be difficult. Try these tips.
- Be sweet. Call your dog over and treat them to make them feel comfortable. Use positive reinforcement to help your dog get accustomed to their harness.
- Measure the chest girth. The chest girth measures the entire circumference of your dog’s chest. Praise them as you wrap them in an embrace with a tape measure in hand.
- Measure the neck girth. The neck girth measures your pet’s neck circumference at the collar. If it’s needed for your dog harness, put the tape measure at the base of the neck, right above the shoulders. Wrap the tape measure around the neck. Stroke their ears and praise them to make it more manageable.
Once you’ve found the perfect fit, you’ll want to consider a few other factors into consideration, including:
- Durability. Are you going to take your dog on hikes, swims, and runs? You’ll want a sturdy and potentially water-proof collar.
- Time of use. If you’ll be doing a ton of walks without daylight, opt for one with reflective strips for added visibility.
- Style. Not all harnesses are simply practical. Some have designs or come in multiple colors you can mix and match with a leash.
How we chose the best dog harnesses
The betterpet lab developed a set of criteria and then put them to the test in real-world situations. Those factors included:
- Fit. We matched manufacturer sizing charts to dogs and then judged whether the sizing ran too small, too large, or fit as advertised.
- Features. We also looked at each dog harness’ particular features. Was it a challenge to put on the pet? Adjustable? Our testers evaluated how well the harness performed with those features in mind.
- Durability. We know pet parents expect gear that lasts. We determine how durable a harness is so that you can make an informed decision.
- Maintenance. Our testers also considered how easy it was to clean the dog harness. A simple matter of throwing it in the wash or permanently discolored after a splash in a mud puddle? While our testers may not be able to say if a stain will fade years later, we can let you know if this is a harness that your dog can only wear for show.
Why trust betterpet?
The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. Because of this, the content we create is reviewed and approved by our vets. We tested these dog harnesses so that when we say a harness is best, it comes from firsthand experience.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of harness is best for a dog?
The best harness depends on the dog. Strong dogs that pull or instinctually chase after small animals need a sturdy harness. Older or injured dogs may do best with an ergonomic design with added cushioning for comfort and support. Be sure to measure your dog’s chest and neck girth for the best fit.
Are dog harnesses better than leashes?
Dog harnesses and leashes actually team up to keep you and your pet safe on a walk. Harnesses make it more challenging for a dog to pull. Both products keep the pet owner in control of the walk and restrain the dog from putting themselves in an unsafe situation, such as bolting into a street.
Is it better to walk a dog using a collar or harness?
Dog harnesses provide more control and restraint than collars and are great tools for pullers and pets still learning to heel. They also reduce the stress on a dog’s trachea and sternum, making walks more comfortable for everyone.
