When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Walks are an essential aspect of caring for your pup, and whether you have a large or small dog, walking them with a properly fitted harness is the safest choice. Using one of the best dog harnesses ensures your dog is comfortable on walks and that no dangerous pressure is applied to their neck, something that may occur if you attach a leash to their collar. Tactical Dog Vest
With so many types of harnesses available, it can be challenging to figure out which one is best suited for your dog. We asked veterinarians and dog trainers to share their favorite harnesses for walking pups of all sizes and abilities. Our top pick is the Petsafe 3-in-1 Harness — it's easy to adjust, comes in four sizes, and works well for most dogs. However, if you have a small breed dog, the Puppia Rite Fit is an excellent vest-style harness that's soft and lightweight.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best overall: Petsafe 3-in-1 Harness - See at Chewy The Petsafe 3-in-1 Harness fits dogs of all sizes well, and with two places to clip the leash, it functions as both a traditional and no-pull dog harness.
Best for pulling: Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness - See at Amazon The cleverly designed Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness drastically reduces pulling without restricting a dog's natural movement.
Best for small dogs: Puppia Rite Fit Harness - See at Chewy The soft, flexible, and easy-to-fit Puppia Rite Fit Harness is an affordable option for small dogs.
Best for large dogs: Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness - See at Chewy The sturdy padded Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness has front and back leash clips for effortless walks with large dogs of all breeds.
Best for active dogs: Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness - See at Amazon The padded Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness holds up beautifully no matter how big (and dirty) the adventure.
Best for injured or senior dogs: Ruffwear Web Master Harness - See at Amazon The comfortable Ruffwear Web Master Harness has a padded handle for easy lifting when your dog needs extra support.
Best head collar for pulling: Petsafe Gentle Leader - See at Chewy Like a head halter worn by a horse, the Petsafe Gentle Leader slows down dogs that pull and encourages them to walk at your side.
Pros: Easy to fit, works for dogs of all sizes, good for dogs that pull, good for dogs that walk well on leash, allows freedom of movement, accommodates double-ended leash, reflective stitching
Cons: Limited colors and sizes, can be confusing to put on correctly
The reasonably priced Petsafe 3-in-1 is the best dog harness because it works well for both dogs that pull on leash and confident loose-leash walkers. The additional strap on the back is made for car rides — most seat belts will fit snugly through the loop to keep your dog restrained.
When the leash is clipped to the D-ring at the chest for use with dogs that pull, the 3-in-1's V-strap design won't restrict the movement of their front legs. When attached to the D-ring on the back, the harness is great for walking or jogging with dogs that do not pull on leash or for safely attaching a long line for recall practice. The built-in car safety restraint has not been crash-tested, so there is no evidence that this harness will protect your dog in a car crash. What it will do is keep your dog from moving around the vehicle while you are driving.
The 3-in-1 has five points of adjustment around the neck and chest. The martingale at the front D-ring also tightens slightly to keep the harness snug when walking a puller. Three buckles on the harness — one on the neck strap and two on the chest strap — mean you never have to slip a loop over your dog's head or lift their feet to put it on, a welcome feature for shy or handling-sensitive dogs. But be warned: All those buckles can make the harness somewhat confusing to put on the first few times.
While the 3-in-1 may not be as comfortable as a vest-style harness, its straps are lined with light neoprene padding, and the whole thing is stitched together with reflective thread for better visibility at night.
Available sizes: 5 sizes for chests from 13.5 to 43.5 inches
Pros: Multiple sizes and colors, can be used with double-ended leash, sturdy hardware, easy to fit to a wide variety of body shapes, allows freedom of movement
Cons: Not padded, may ride up on very small dogs
The Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness is part of a new generation of comfortable, secure no-pull harnesses that don't restrict a dog's movement. Front-clip, anti-pull harnesses like the Balance Harness work because they put your leash ahead of your dog instead of at the strongest part of their body. When your dog tries to pull ahead, the tension on the leash causes them to turn. To continue straight, your dog has to slow down.
The magic of the Balance Harness comes down to fit, and it's why it's our top pick for the best no-pull dog harnesses. Straps around the neck and chest are connected by straight webbing along the spine and chest. With five sizes and six places to adjust the length of the straps, it's easy to get the fit right on any dog — from a Boston terrier to a boxer — although the straps may ride up on the smallest of dogs. Thanks to a buckle on the strap that circles the neck, the harness doesn't need to be pulled over the head, a feature that shy or handling-sensitive dogs will appreciate.
One of the reasons we like the Balance Harness is its contrasting colors. Because the spine strap is a different color than the others, it is easy to figure out which side is up with just a glance.
This harness is well-made and durable with sturdy rings at both the chest and the spine to accommodate a double-ended leash. Because it has no padding, it's always best to remove this harness when your walk is over.
Read our full review of the Balance Harness.
Pros: Soft, breathable, flexible, easy to adjust for size, easy to clean, nine colors
Cons: Only four sizes, dogs may be able to wiggle out of the harness, no warranty
A soft, vest-style harness is a good option for small dogs that don't pull on leash. Puppia's Rite Fit design is comfortable and more adjustable than many other vest harnesses, making it easier to get the right fit.
The Rite Fit is made from cushioned polyester covered in tiny pinholes for breathability. It's a handsome harness, and while it's only offered in four sizes, you can adjust the fit around the neck and chest at three different points. The leash clips to two metal D-rings at the back for added peace of mind. The whole thing can be thrown in the washing machine when it gets dirty.
The biggest flaw with this harness is that a highly determined dog can slip out of it. If you have a dog that tends to dart on leash or is a known escape artist, you will do better with the more secure Gooby Escape Free Sport Harness.
Pros: Durable materials, four points of adjustment, two places to connect the leash, crash tested and comes with a seatbelt, padded, five sizes, fits dogs up to 110 pounds, reflective trim
Cons: Only one color, vest may ride up when leash is attached to front D-ring
Two of the biggest concerns when choosing a harness for a large dog are strength and durability. Lightweight harnesses that work well for 10-pound dogs could prove dangerous when an 80-pounder gets to pulling. The last thing you want to worry about on a walk is whether the harness will withstand the journey.
Kurgo approaches this problem right: Its vest-style Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness is constructed with rip-stop fabric, heavy-duty stitching, and strong D-rings at the chest and back for connecting the leash. It also has a padded chest plate that can be fit snugly at four different adjustment points, two at the neck and two at the chest.
Kurgo added a loop at the spine to connect a seatbelt, and the harness is crash tested for dogs up to 75 pounds. It also comes with a 10-inch strap to connect the harness to the seatbelt.
The Kurgo Tru-Fit is easy to put on. Just slip the front loop over the head, then clip either side of the chest loop to the strap along the spine — no leg lifting is needed. Although the Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness has a front leash clip, this isn't our first choice as an anti-pull harness because the vest is prone to shifting and riding up on some dogs.
If you're looking for a no-pull harness for a large breed, stick with the Blue-9 Balance Harness or the Petsafe 3-in-1 recommended in our best no-pull and best overall harness categories.
Pros: Super durable, padded, five sizes, six colors, strong hardware, easy to clean, good for intensive activity, reflective material
If you're doing a lot of strenuous outdoor activities with your pup, you need a harness that fits comfortably on all-day adventures and won't fall apart with repeated rock scrambling and ocean swims. Enter the Hurtta Weekend Warrior. It's one of the best dog harnesses thanks to its durability and comfort. The soft, padded straps have four points of adjustment, two on the neck strap and two on the chest strap, to help you get a snug fit on a wide range of body types. Two buckles on the chest strap mean you don't have to lift your dog's legs to get them into the harness.
The brand is a favorite of Erika Slovikoski, a professional dog trainer and owner of Stardog. "I like Hurtta harnesses because they are extremely well made [with] durable material and buckles that look like new for years," she says. "[The design] allows for full range of motion of forelimbs, too, which is so important to me."
The Weekend Warrior is fashioned out of soft, lightweight polyester and covered with a weatherproof material sturdy enough to keep the harness from soaking through in low to moderate rain. The harness is accented with reflective prints and piping for safety in low light. A stainless steel ring connects to the leash at the back, and a handle allows you to lend your dog a hand on steep trails without compromising your balance.
Plus, it will last for years without looking shabby. "Even if dogs roll in mud and swim in saltwater, these materials just rinse and dry and look like new again," says Slovikoski.
Pros: Padded handle, comfortable, five sizes, durable material and hardware, reflective trim
It's never more apparent that not all dog harnesses are created equal than when you have an injured or aging pet. Regular activities like going up the stairs or climbing into the car may require an enormous effort. If your dog needs a little extra support to live their best life, Ruffwear's Web Master Harness can make all the difference.
The Ruffwear Web Master is one of the best dog harnesses, and it's made for comfortable everyday wear for dogs of all abilities. Foam padding is sewn into the panel that rests on your dog's spine and on two of the adjustable straps. Reflective material lines the edges of the harness, and the leash clips to a sturdy aluminum ring on top.
The flexible and lightweight harness can be easily adjusted in five places to accommodate all ranges of mobility. But it's the reinforced, padded handle at the top that really makes a difference for pups with special needs. "It's an excellent harness for rehab from injuries," says Slovikoski. "It fits so well and has that great support handle on the back."
Comfort and fit also make this the best dog harness for dogs that, due to pain or handling sensitivity, can't tolerate being touched frequently to put on and remove a harness. "I love these harnesses for shy dogs, especially my sight hounds," says Michelle Sanchez, a professional dog walker and owner of The Art of Dog.
Pros: Affordable, simple design, padded nose band, five sizes, eight colors
Cons: Dangerous for over-aroused dogs, dog must be desensitized to head collar before use, won't work on flat-faced dogs, no safety tether
Most no-pull harnesses are worn on the body of a dog. But the Petsafe Gentle Leader is worn on the head, putting the walker's control in front of the animal like a head halter puts a walker in front of a horse. A head collar can sometimes be more effective than a body harness because a dog's head is more sensitive than its chest and back.
The Gentle Leader is not for every dog that pulls, however. Reactive dogs, those that are prone to high arousal or a lot of jumping around on walks, and those that are uncomfortable in a head collar shouldn't use the Gentle Leader, according to Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "What I'm mostly concerned about when a dog struggles is the possible injury to the neck and the spine," he says. "In some cases, [a head collar] is good and in other cases it is not."
The simple Gentle Leader couldn't be much easier to use for dogs that are good candidates for a head collar. It has two straps: a padded slip-loop nose band that fits snugly to the snout and an adjustable headband that clips behind the ears. The leash attaches to a ring at the end of the neoprene-padded nose band that dangles beneath the chin. There is no safety tether on the Gentle Leader, unlike its main competitor, the Halti, and it can't be used on flat-faced (brachiocephalic) dogs like pugs and French bulldogs. They don't have enough snout to hang the nose band securely.
While the Gentle Leader shouldn't cause your dog pain or severe discomfort, it isn't exactly cozy either. To use it, you must first desensitize your dog to the halter.
Choosing the right harness can make life much easier for you and your dog, but not all harnesses are equal. While a traditional harness that clips to a leash at the spine is an excellent option for dogs that stay close while they walk, it'll make your job harder if you have a dog that pulls. And if you've got a dog that already walks nicely on leash, a harness that clips at the chest may not be the ideal fit for your outdoor adventures.
Dog harnesses generally fall into three major categories:
Front-clip harness: Harnesses that clip to a leash at the front of the chest are best for dogs that pull. Unlike a traditional harness that attaches to a leash at a dog's powerful back, a front-clip harness puts the walker ahead of the dog. When the dog tries to pull, they feel the pressure from the leash leading them in a different direction. To continue forward, they must slow down. While some dogs can still pull with a front-clip harness, it should, at the very least, decrease their force, making walks more enjoyable for both of you. And while this harness can vastly improve your everyday walks with almost no effort, it's not teaching your dog what you want. You'll need to use tried-and-tested positive reinforcement training methods rooted in science.
Back-clip harness: These harnesses traditionally clip at the back, either close to the shoulders or farther down the spine. This is what you'll find with most harnesses on the market. Walking a dog in a back-clip harness doesn't just remove pressure from around the neck. It distributes it more evenly around the dog's body for a more comfortable walk. But if you have a dog that pulls, you'll want to avoid using a back-clip harness. It's likely to cause discomfort for both you and your dog because the pressure on the leash activates their opposition reflex, causing them to pull harder instead of slow down.
Harnesses in the back-clip category come in a wider variety of design options than front-clip harnesses. What works best for your dog depends on their body type and the adventures they prefer. For example, a dog that goes hiking or backpacking with you will need the best gear, such as the best dog boots, and will appreciate a comfortable, padded harness that doesn't chafe. In contrast, a slow-moving senior may do better in a lightweight vest that's easy to slip on and off.
Dual-clip harness: In recent years, manufacturers have begun offering more versatile harnesses that can clip to a leash at both the chest and the back. These dual-option harnesses are ideal for pet owners who may need more control in some environments or who are actively training their dog to walk without pulling on leash. A high-quality front-and-back clip harness should be able to keep up with your dog from adolescence through old age without skipping a beat.
For this guide to the best dog harnesses, I relied on my experience using various harnesses as a professional dog trainer. I also consulted the following veterinary experts and dog professionals.
Lillian Baker is the veterinarian and owner of Baker's Mobile Veterinary Services in Houston, Texas. She specializes in wellness services and minor injuries and illnesses in the Houston area.
Michelle Sanchez is a professional dog trainer and owner of The Art of Dog in Pacifica, California. She owns and operates The Art of Dog in Pacifica, California, with partner Cynthia Evans. She is a graduate of the Dog*Tec Dog Walking Academy and the Sirius Dog Training Academy and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Dr. Carlo Siracusa is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Siracusa is the chief of animal behavior service and primary care education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and European College of Animal Welfare and Behavior Medicine and earned his doctorate from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona.
Erika Slovikoski is a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Stardog in San Francisco, California. She graduated from the Canine Behavior Academy and the San Francisco SPCA Dog Training Internship Program. Slovikoski also teaches classes in agility, tricks, and other subjects.
Yes. In many cases, the best dog harnesses are safer than traditional collars, says Dr. Leticia Fanucchi, a veterinarian and clinical assistant professor at Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. When used for exercise, dog collars can cause damage to the neck and spine. A dog harness can significantly lessen the potential risk of injury to the neck, but only if the harness does not obstruct the neck in any way, she says. Instead, we recommend opting for a harness in a Y-shape that doesn't put any pressure on the neck and lays over the shoulders instead.
There are many types of harnesses available, but we recommend styles that don't obstruct the neck and provide enough mobility for your pup to move their shoulders and upper chest. A Y-shaped harness that goes underneath the belly and crosses over the chest is a great option that will allow your dog to move while still staying safe.
Dogs should have both a harness and one of the best dog collars, but each serves a distinct purpose. A harness is used to attach a leash during exercise while a collar is for identification purposes. Fanucchi says a good way to think about your pup's collar is like a piece of jewelry. She likens it to a necklace; its purpose is to hold ID and rabies vaccination tags. Nothing else should be attached to a collar.
Walking a dog with a leash attached to a harness is the safest option. Collars can put dangerous pressure on a dog's neck. "As a general rule, I don't like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck," says Siracusa. "Pressure to the neck can cause problems to the trachea and to the bone structure of the neck, itself." A study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association also suggests that too much pressure on the neck can exacerbate eye problems, including glaucoma.
Fanucchi says that dogs may pull less on a harness. She typically recommends a no-pull harness for pups that tend to tug hard on walks. Regardless of the type of harness, using a harness over a collar can give you more control over your dog during walks, which can keep you and your pup safe.
While we don't recommend having your dog in a harness 24/7, Fanucchi says that there is no time limit for how long a dog can stay in a harness, as most harnesses are very comfortable. A properly fitted harness is key to this comfort, so make sure to measure your pup before buying a harness.
Baker likes using a standard leather leash that's 4 to 6 feet long for walking a dog with a harness. A nylon leash of the same length is also a good option. See some of our favorites in our collection of the best cute dog leashes. Baker recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which make it challenging to keep a dog safe from cars and unfriendly dogs.
No two dogs are alike, so adjusting their harness correctly is essential to get the right fit. Start by selecting the correct size. Most harnesses are sized according to a dog's chest circumference or girth. To figure out your dog's chest circumference, have them stand in a relaxed position, then wrap a flexible cloth tape measure around the broadest part of their chest, just behind the armpits. Compare their girth to the available sizes and choose the harness that will fit them best.
Once you have the correct size harness, you can fit it to your dog's proportions. Begin by putting the harness loosely on their body. Adjust the straps around the chest, leaving two-fingers-width of space between their body and the strap. When secure, adjust the strap around the neck and any other straps on the harness, following the two-finger rule.
Allow your dog to move around in the harness, both off-leash and on, watching for any gaping or rubbing against the body. Loosen or tighten the straps as needed.
Matching Dog And Owner Shirts You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@insider.com.