Best Dog Harnesses
Ranked #656 in Pets & Animals, #17,883 overall
Best "No-Pull" Dog Harnesses
Many dog owners prefer harnesses to certain types of collars (such as a choke chain or prong collar) because they are more humane. However, traditional harnesses that clip on the dog's back encourage the dog to pull. While an Iditarod musher might want that effect for his sled dogs, most non-mushing dog owners prefer not to be dragged around by their pet. To combat the "opposition reflex"--an automatic response in which a dog pulls back in response to something that is pulling them--many contemporary harnesses on the market are designed to clip in the front on the dog's chest to help minimize pulling. Other modern harnesses use alternative design modifications to help curb the opposition reflex.
Based on my personal experiences and the feedback I've read and heard from other dog owners, I've put together a list of some of the best dog harnesses available. Bear in mind that the "best" harness for you and your dog may depend on many factors. What works best on a 30-pound Beagle may not work as well on an 80-pound Lab. Every dog reacts differently to the feel of a new harness or halter, as well, so what is "best" for one may be a no-go for you because your dog doesn't tolerate it well. It's also important to remember that the right equipment will only help you so much - just like I'm still working on my own skills as a leader, every dog owner will maximize her results if she combines humane, effective equipment with daily training.
I'd love to hear your experiences and recommendations, so let me know what you think the best dog harness is in the comments!
SENSE-ation "No Pull" Harness
The Original, patented Front-Connection(TM) harness
I've been using this harness for a couple of years, and recently I started to wonder whether it was really doing that much. Ella had outgrown the one she was in, and I was debating whether to buy a new one. Surely by the ripe old age of 3 my dog would have naturally outgrown her pulling by now, right? In a rush one day, I clipped Ella's leash directly to her collar and walked out the door sans harness....or should I say, was yanked out the door so unexpectedly that I almost kissed the cement. That was all the reminder I needed. I swiftly re-entered the house (after correcting her and giving myself a slap on the wrist for not leading her properly) and put the SENSE-ation harness back where it belongs - on Ella!
I found the sizing guidelines provided for the SENSE-ation harness to be accurate, and I personally thought putting the harness on and fitting it to the dog was pretty straight-forward. The company provides detailed fitting instructions on their website, as well. If you're not used to harnesses, you may find it helpful to check with your vet or knowledgeable animal shelter or pet store associate to assist you to make sure you've got it on properly. As with any harness, if it's not adjusted properly, it's not going to work effectively. The SENSE-ation Harness comes in sizes "mini" to "extra-large", so no matter the breed, you should be able to find a harness that fits.
In terms of durability, I can vouch that the SENSE-ation No-Pull harness can take a beating. I was out daily, running around on the city streets of NYC and the wooded environment of Central Park through all kinds of weather, and it held up great. From personal experience, I can rate this harness highly.
Sporn(R) Mesh Non-Pull Harness(TM)
Designed for Moderate to Heavy pullers
The Sporn(R) Mesh Non-Pull Harness(TM) is easy to put on and adjust, and the company provides clear and simple instructions on their website. Like the SENSE-ation harness, this mesh harness may not completely eliminate pulling, but it is likely to noticeably reduce it and make your walks a lot more pleasant.
Sporn Pull-Stop Harness(R)
With unique fabric Sherpa Sleeves(TM)
When the dog pulls, the restraints tighten beneath the dog's legs. The softness of the sherpa sleeves helps to prevent discomfort and chafing. According to Sporn(R), this harness "stops pulling instantly". It is available in sizes small through extra-large, the Sporn Pull-Stop Harness(R) is suitable for a wide range of dog breeds. It can also be transformed to a standard collar if desired.
Premier Easy Walk Harness
With a front-chest leash attachment that discourages pulling
Having tried this harness on Ella, I can tell you that what actually happens when the dog pulls is that the leash pulls the chest strap at an awkward angle forward and to the side (to whichever side you are standing). This causes the dog's shoulders to hunch inward/forward, interfering with the dog's ability to keep walking. Of course, this stops the pulling since the dog can't really walk in that position; however, in my experience, Ella would literally lose her balance and tip over. I had people tell me this was what was supposed to happen. Hmm. Not sure about that. In fairness, although the harness did not work for my dog, it has proven effective for a lot of other dogs. And it brings up another important point - the importance of fit. Make sure your dog is wearing the right size, or the harness will not function as it was intended.
The harness is quite easy to put on and is even available in reflective and eco-friendly fabrics.
Premier Gentle Leader Headcollar
This harness is intended for dogs who are at least 2 months of age and 60 pounds. When the dog pulls, pressure is applied at the back of the neck and the front of the throat. The dog responds to the pressure by easing up, allowing the dog walker to "steer" the dog in the direction she chooses.
I used the Gentle Leader for several weeks on Ella. Without question, it eased her pulling immediately. But there were some drawbacks that made this headcollar the wrong choice for me. First, Premier makes it clear that this is not a muzzle. However, I can tell you from personal experience that it is surprising how many people mistake it for a muzzle. It was stigmatizing. I have the goofiest, friendliest dog; yet, strangers were suddenly hesitant to approach her because they thought I had her muzzled. Even dog owners misjudged it. Surprising, but true. Second, Ella bucked like a bronco to get the headcollar off of her. She almost bucked herself off the sidewalk and into traffic several times (we lived in New York City). She also rubbed her nose on the cement, and could seriously have injured herself on several occasions. I was told this behavior would stop, but after a month or so, she persisted. Finally, although Premier says your dog can wear the headcollar for up to 18 hours per day, I found that just wearing it a couple hours a day on walks was producing an indentation on her nose from the straps. I made sure to check the fit - that wasn't the problem. In the end, this was definitely not the right choice for me. But, again, this headcollar has been extremely effective for other dogs. For example, my neighbors have two Wheaton Terriers, and their dogs adjusted to it right away with no major problems.
Softouch Concepts Dog Harnesses on eBay
Sporn Dog Harnesses available on eBay
Premier Dog Harnesses on eBay
Train your dog to walk on a leash
More Harnesses
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The revolutionary Walk In Sync Sport Harness & Leash Training System is the easiest and most effective training system on the market. Designed for superior comfort with soft but sturdy webbing, fully adjustable girth and neck straps, and reflective tabs for night walks. The expertly designed harness has a training clip at the front and a walking clip at the back to assist you in eliminating the pulling habit in minutes, without ever pulling, choking or damaging your dog or puppy's neck, trachea and throat. The exclusive Accu-grip leash design gives you the confidence and control to be the leader your dog has been begging you to be.
One of the main reasons the Walk in Sync Harness is so effective at stopping the pulling habit is the position of the pressure placed at the chest. When the pressure is applied at the center of the chest the dog becomes aware that they are creating it as you stand still and allow them to create the pressure they will back off. If the harness is too big and the pressure is applied to the size of the chest then the harness will be less effective at stopping your dog from pulling.
The Mercedes of Humane Dog Walking and Training tools. Stops pulling in minutes, without ever choking your dog or pup, so it's comfortable for you as well.
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The Wagging Green Solid Color Organic Bamboo Double Layer Harness is made with super soft 100% organic Bamboo fiber. We love bamboo because it's naturally organic, anti-bacterial, odor resistant, more absorbent and fast drying, hypoallergenic, breathable, and 100% biodegradable! It's good for the Earth and great for your pet! Wagging Green supports organizations working to care for the planet by dedicating 5% of our profits to fund green projects.
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The Red Dingo Reflective Dog Safety Harness is made of webbing-high density nylon woven tightly for maximum durability.Features:
- Soft yet durable webbing
- Splice cut for improve pet confort
- Seams-all seams are sewn (not welded) for maximum strength
- Adjustable for perfect fit
- Reflective for safety
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The Puppia Soft Mesh Harness is one of the best-selling harnesses for dogs of all sizes. Made out of 100% Polyester soft mesh, this harness is comfortable, safe and stylish. This harness was designed with the dog's comfort and safety in mind.
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The DoubleBack Harness is a strength-rated harness with a performance fit contoured athletic cut. When strength-rated safety is a requirement, reach for the DoubleBack Harness. This strength-rated belay harness will open up areas that were previously difficult for dogs to access, while providing an increased level of safety, comfort, and convenience.
- Strength-rated to 2,000lbf or 8.9kN
- Four strength-rated, anodized aluminum lace-back buckles
- Strength-rated webbing throughout
- Strength-rated, adjustable martingale for a customized fit
- Strength-rated tie-in point for easy rope attachment
- Padded belly support, adjustable frame, and leg loops for steady weight dispersion
- Leg loops tuck away for increased mobility during approach
Intended Use:
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Canyoneering
- Belaying
- Helping dogs up and down steep and rocky terrain
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paultheprogrammer
May 22, 2012 @ 7:20 pm | delete
- Really nice lens, lots of great information
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by Ellaswag
I am a life-long dog parent who is currently furmommy to a 3 year-old Golden Retriever named Ella. I have volunteered for animal shelters, assisted a local... more »
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