Walking your dog is one of the essential aspects of being a dog owner. Even if you have a spacious backyard where your pup can roam freely, there are still many situations where you need to gain better control of your dog with a restricting device.
For many dog owners, the number one option for making the pup walk by your side is a collar with a leash. Unfortunately, some dogs are prone to pulling and other unwanted behavior that cannot be easily controlled. That is why more and more owners go for harnesses.
A no pull dog harness can effectively reduce or even completely remove the uncomfortable pulling from your walks, giving you the joy of exploring the world together with your furry friend. Here is a selection of the best no choke dog harnesses available today plus a detailed buying guide.
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
Editor’s choice
The Rabbitgoo harness is possibly the most comfortable dog harness we have ever reviewed. Its design features two metal leash rings and a chest attachment clip that helps you get rid of unwanted pulling and effectively train your dog.
The harness can be effortlessly put on and removed with two buckles. It comes in four sizes and six colors. The two neck straps and two chest straps can be adjusted for a perfect fit, and you can even accommodate your dog’s potential growth if he’s still a puppy.
BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness
Best reflective harness for large dogs
Reflective dog harnesses allow you to make your dog highly visible to drivers and passersby when you are walking during the dark time of the day, but this BABYLTRL harness also helps you solve the problem of never finding the right size for your bid dog.
Designed for pups with a 22-35 inch chest girth, this harness for dogs comes in four color options and can effectively prevent pulling and choking. Thanks to the buckle construction, it is both very easy to put on and off the dog and highly secure.
Copatchy No Pull Reflective Adjustable Dog Harness
Best for small dogs
Walking a small dog who is prone to pulling can feel as exhausting as taking several huge dogs for a walk at once. That is why Copatchy created the best dog harness for walking small pups weighing from 38 to 55lbs.
With five color options available at choice, you will easily find just the right color of harness for your taste. The harness is filled with sponge to prevent any uncomfortable sensations around the chest or neck. The breathable material will keep your pup sufficiently cool even on the hottest days.
WINSEE No Pull Dog Harness with Dog Collar
Best dog harness with handle
In some cases, a harness plus a leash is not enough to ensure your dog’s desired behavior is effectively controlled. You may need an additional method of managing the way your dog walks by your side, and this is where the WINSEE dog harness with handle comes in handy.
The handle gives you an extra way of making sure your dog behaves the way you want. The harness itself features a sturdy and comfortable design. With four sizes and five colors, you will always find the perfect option for your companion.
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
Best for puppies
Puppies can be even more prone to pulling than adult dogs, but they also require delicate care and may find standard dog harnesses to be too harsh. The Voyager puppy harness is one of the best options for young dogs who are still in the early stages of training.
The soft yet breathable mesh material used in the harness is both comfortable and safe for the pup. The range of 22 colors is very impressive, and with a choice between five sizes, you will find the best-fitted harness for your dog without any effort.
Kurgo Walking And Car Harness For Dogs
Best walk-to-car harness
If you not only regularly take your dog for a walk, but also frequently take him with you on car rides, the best dog harness in your situation is a multi-purpose device like this Kurgo harness that instantly transforms from a walking harness into a car restricting device with a special dog seat belt.
The Kurgo harness comes equipped with a no pull training clip, which helps you eliminate unwanted behavior while walking or jogging. The device is available in five sizes and four colors, and you can opt for an especially sturdy version of the harness with crash tested buckles.
PetSafe Deluxe Easy Walk Harness
Best for flat – faced dogs
If your dog is a pug, a French bulldog, or another breed known for its signature short snout, you are probably very familiar with the common health issues of these dogs, including trouble with breathing. That is why a harness is an absolute must-have for flat-faced dogs.
The PetSafe device is a soft dog harness that gently prevents your dog from aggressive pulling without restricting the breathing process. The pressure is applied around the chest, which is completely safe for any breed. The harness is available in four sizes and four color options.
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
Best halter for dogs who eat off the ground
The habit of eating off the ground may be even more dangerous than regular pulling behavior, as you never know what your dog can inhale next. The PetSafe Gentle Leader is a minimalistic harness that helps you control pulling, eating off the ground, lunging, and other unwanted behavior.
With pressure being applied only to the back of your dog’s neck, you can rest assured the headcollar will not do your dog any damage. You can choose from five sizes and eight colors to find just the right option for you and your pup.
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
Best for sensitive skin
If your dog has sensitive skin, you have likely already had experience with collars and harnesses that irritate your dog’s skin and made the existing skin conditions worse. A harness for dogs with skin issues should be both soft and durable.
You can find both of those qualities in the Puppia Soft dog harness. It is made from soft polyester mesh material and allows your dog’s skin to breathe freely underneath the harness. There are six sizes and fourteen colors available at choice.
Noxgear LightHound Illuminated and Reflective Harness
Best for night walks
Nighttime walks can be even more exciting for you and your pup, and sometimes they are the only time you can spend with your furry friend. However, a simple reflective harness may not be enough to ensure your dog’s safety.
The noxgear LightHound harness features reflective material, but its standout element is the LED illumination that goes all the way around the harness. It is available in four sizes and you can choose any of the eight colors and six lighting effect when you are using the device. Overall, it’s simply a cool dog harness that you are guaranteed to enjoy.
RUFFWEAR Web Master Support Dog Harness
Best for adventures
In case you and your dog are lucky enough to enjoy frequent hikes and outdoor trips together, you need a particularly heavy duty dog harness to maintain your dog’s safety in any situation. Our suggestion is the UFFWEAR Web Master harness.
The anatomical design of the harness helps the owner and the dog maneuver through the obstacles with no risks. You can attach a leash through the secure attachment points or use the handle for immediate control. The UFFWEAR harness comes in five sizes and a single colour option.
RUFFWEAR – Web Master Pro Dog Harness
Best professional dog harness
This RUFFWEAR Web Master Pro harness was designed for use on search and rescue teams, which is why it’s one of the sturdiest and most functional dog harnesses you can buy today. It was designed with the most challenging conditions in mind and is perfect for heavy duty application.
There are four points of adjustment for the most comfortable fit. The metal hardware can withstand the elements and active play. The handle will help you instantly lift and transport your pup whenever needed. There are four sizes and one colour option of Web Master Pro available.
Dog Harness Buying Guide
Types of dog harnesses
The variety of dog harnesses available on the market today is getting bigger and bigger, but most of the harnesses belong to one of the following four types of dog harnesses.
- Back-clip harness
These harnesses are connected to the leash with a D-ring that is attached to the back of the device. This is the most common type of dog harnesses you can find today. When the dog pulls forward, the pressure is only applied to the chest, which makes the harness safe even for small and delicate dogs. However, back-clip harnesses are not particularly effective at training your dog not to pull.
- Front-clip harness
A front-clip harness is far less common, but many front-clip devices have been designed specifically for controlling the unwanted behavior of dogs who often pull. The leash is attached to the harness in the front, which automatically makes the dog walk closer to the owner, not away from him. At the same time, you should watch the harness especially closely, since the leash can get easily tangled between the front legs.
- Dual-clip harness
A dual-clip harness is the best option for dogs who are not very good at controlling their own behavior. By attaching the leash both to the front and the back clip, you can effectively manage your dog’s pulling habits in any situation. The downside of this type of harness is that can often create an uncomfortable sensation due to the chafing.
- Head halter
A head halter is probably the most unusual looking type of dog harness you have ever seen. Most head halters feature two straps, one around the neck and another one around the snout. Whenever the dog tries to pull in a head halter, his nose is moved down, which makes him automatically return to the owner. They don’t prevent the dog from opening his mouth and never cause pain or physical discomfort.
Features to consider
Back clip/Front clip/Double clip
Now that you know the difference between the three most popular types of dog harnesses available right now, you can easily pick the one to meet your requirements and your dog’s pulling habits during walks.
Measurements
A harness should fit your dog perfectly in order to feel comfortable in any situation. A harness that is too loose is also very easy to get out of, and a harness that is too snug will cause chafing and painful sensations while the dog is walking. In most cases, you will need to know the chest measurement to make the right pick. You can also get an adjustable harness, but they still come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you go for the right option.
Durability
Most dog harnesses you can buy today are made from polyester, which is generally a durable material. However, if your dog is prone to chewing or you plan to use the harness in extreme conditions, you may want to look for a heavy duty dog harness.
Step-in vs. buckle-on
A step-in dog harness is a popular variety of harnesses. Instead of putting the harness over the dog’s head, you simply put the pup’s feet through the two holes of the device and then close the buckles. Many dogs find this method of putting on the harness less stressful than the regular buckle-on harness attachment process.
Handles
A handle is not a mandatory element of a dog harness, but it can be very helpful in a variety of situations. With a handle, you can help your pup jump over an obstacle, quickly restrain him in case of a safety hazard in front of him, or effectively train your dog to walk by your side on a leash.
Pressure on neck/throat
You should never choose a dog harness that applies direct pressure on the dog’s throat: it can do serious damage to the dog’s trachea and cause your pup to be scared of any harnesses. Devices with pressure on the back of the neck or chest are usually fine for most dogs.
Padding
A dog harness that consists only of thin straps can feel rather harsh on your dog’s skin and even cause irritation in case of sensitive skin. If your dog is prone to skin problems or chafing, go for a harness with additional padding.
Additional features
If you often take your dog out at night, choose a dog harness with reflective strips to make your pup more visible for drivers. A harness with LED illumination is an even safer option that will help you locate your dog in any lighting.
FAQ
A no pull dog harness is a device consisting of straps around the dog’s chest, torso, and neck that is designed to gently but assertively prevent the unwanted pulling behavior without any painful sensations for the dog.
In terms of safely controlling the unwanted behavior from your dog, a harness is a better option than a collar since it does not choke your dog or make it feel pain in case of pulling. However, a harness does not work for every dog, so you’ll need to try both options to find out what works best for you.
When your dog is at home, it’s best to take off the harness to let your dog’s skin breathe. This is especially true if you are using a padded harness, which can cause excessive moisture and subsequent irritation.
The only time when a harness can seriously hurt your dog is when you picked the wrong size of the device for your pup. If a harness is too tight, it can cause skin irritation and pain from pulling.
A dog harness should be tight enough for the dog to not be able to get out of it, but it shouldn’t be so tight that you can’t slip a single finger underneath it. In general, a harness should be snug but still be able to move freely around the dog’s body.