Sometimes, I envy people with smaller dogs. They are easier to control when out for walks.
But if you have a big tough dog, like my Rottweiler, you might find yourself being tugged along unless you have the upper body strength to reign a beast like that in. Fortunately, dog harnesses have made keeping your dog under control when out for walks easier. You have better control over your companion, and you don’t have to worry about choking or hurting them.
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The RUFFWEAR Front Range Harness is my top pick for the best dog harness for walks because it makes handling a breeze and your dog can wear it for hours without chafing or other problems.
To help you with finding the best dog harness for your dog, we’ve put together a list of the best products currently on the market. By the end of our list, you’ll know which harness is the best for your small, medium, or large-sized dog.
Here are some other great options:
The Front Range Harness is designed to keep you and your dog happy when you are out on a walk—no matter how long. It’s easy to wear, easy to manage, and fits snugly on your dog thanks to its adjustable straps.
My favorite thing about this product is its versatility and style. It's suitable for a variety of outings, terrains, and weather. It also comes in a range of colors and even has pockets!
However, while you’ll find options suitable for all dog sizes, it is best for medium to large-sized dogs. If you have a small-sized dog—no worries, we've got something better for you later on in this list.
The Front Range is also almost twice as much as most of its competition, but I guess that’s the price you pay for quality.
The RUFFWEAR Front Range is the best dog harness if you have a medium or large-sized dog and want greater control when out on walks. Just as long as you don’t mind the price.
4.8 stars out of 5 stars
The RUFFWEAR Front Range may be a good product for medium to large-sized dogs, but if your dog is a real giant, it’s probably best you go for the Babyltrl Big Dog Harness.
The Babyltrl Big Dog Harness is the best dog harness for large dogs because it is specifically built with deep-chested, broad-shouldered dogs in mind. The harness is padded to protect your big dog when he/she strains. Its triangular connected back straps are also adjustable so that your dog gets the perfect fit.
Its two D-ring leash attachments are heavy-duty to prevent accidental breaks. One at the back and one at the front, make sure to use the front one if your big gal/guy is a puller. The harness also has reflective bits to make sure oncoming pedestrians see your big buddy coming and know to steer clear.
Of course, while adjustment is easy, you do have to make sure you adjust the straps properly. If not, your dog may escape from this harness.
If you’ve got a big dog who likes to pull, this harness is a great solution at an affordable price.
4.7 stars out of 5 stars
If you’ve got a little guy, this is the harness you need. It’s available in the smallest sizes to fit even the littlest breeds.
The Puppia Soft Dog Harness is comfortable for your dog to wear thanks to its soft material, which protects from chafing or pinching.
If you have a large dog with sensitive skin, this model is available for bigger dogs as well. Its material makes it super-easy to clean. Wiping it with a wet cloth will be enough most times, and for deeper dirt, a quick dunk in soapy water will suffice.
On the downside, the neck might be too wide for certain breeds of small dogs, and sadly, it is not adjustable.
If your dog has delicate skin or is really small, this harness is a great buy.
4.6 stars out of 5 stars
This harness’ simple design and front clip will stop your dog from pulling, giving your arms and back a rest from being towed.
The Freedom No-Pull Harness is the best front clip dog harness on the market hands down. It features a double-connection training leash design that gives you optimal control of your dog from multiple points at the front. Reeling in your dog won’t be a problem with this harness.
And if your dog is the stubborn type that tries escaping when it can’t pull, the harness’ patented control loop design restricts twisting and straining without hurting your dog.
In spite of all of this, your dog will still have complete mobility and comfort when wearing this harness. It can take a while to figure out how to adjust the straps, though. Also, putting it on isn’t very straightforward.
If you need better control of your dog when out on walks, this may be the perfect harness for you.
4.6 stars out of 5 stars
This harness might not come with fancy bells and whistles, but it’s nonetheless a super-effective no-pull harness.
Its simple and non-bulky design makes it ideal for dogs with flat faces because it protects their neck from excess pressure. Taking it off and putting it on is also easy and fast. Its many adjustable straps make it possible to adjust the harness to perfectly fit your dog, too.
In short, it’s strong, adjustable, and can be worn in seconds, which means less prep time when going for walks. However, if style matters to you, this might not be an ideal choice. It’s not that pretty to look at.
If aesthetics aren’t a priority for you, and you just need something simple and sturdy that gives you full control when out on walks with your dog, this is it.
4.6 stars out of 5 stars
Is your dog a fan of car rides? If yes, the Kurgo Tru-Fit may be the perfect harness for you. It works both on walks and in the car.
I love that, aside from being a great harness for car rides, this harness is also ideal for strolls, which means your dog is walk-ready once a car ride is over. The harness is attached to a car's seatbelts via its back-leash attachment. It’s easy to attach and detach, and also comfortable for long trips. Definitely a top contender on the list of best dog harness 2019.
On the other hand, there aren’t that many color options to choose from, and if your dog is an aggressive puller, the material may over time begin to slack around the neck and chest over time.
If you and your buddy frequently go on drives, this is the best dog harness for you. It also makes for a great walking harness.
4.7 stars out of 5 stars
If your dog recently had an injury or requires support for any other reason, GingerLead is the best dog lift harness to go for. This harness helps your dog stay mobile as he/she recovers. It’s also ideal for older dogs that require assistance with going up and down the stairs and other everyday activities.
With this harness, getting your injured dog the exercise they need is less of a chore. I really appreciate the level of comfort and support the sling provides. It’s generously padded and has a soft lining to prevent any chafing—not to mention the whole thing is machine washable.
My only complaint is that it doesn’t come with a chest harness.
I highly recommended this support harness for your injured or aging dog, especially if you already have a chest harness.
4.5 stars out of 5 stars
If what you want is a low cost but top-quality dog harness, the Copatchy is a great choice. Even though it’s affordable, it’s made with high-grade materials and is available in a variety of sizes for different dog breeds.
Its low price in no way compromises its quality, making it a very affordable all-purpose harness. It’s made of breathable mesh coupled with thick padding to ensure your dog is as comfortable as possible. While it’s no-pull design is sure to keep you happy. It even features a handle on the back for direct handling of stubborn dogs.
This option’s biggest downside is that the harness material may slack over time if your dog is an aggressive puller, though.
If you are looking to save money on a dog harness, this may be the best choice for you. Its quality means you’ll get all the benefits of using an all-purpose harness and save some money. But if your dog is an unrepentant puller, you might need a harness made with a much more resilient material.
4.4 stars out of 5 stars
If you’ve been using a collar and leash for your dog on walks, you might think that’s good enough, but is it?
With a collar, you have less control over your dog while out on walks. There’s also the risk of choking or hurting your dog when you pull back on his/her collar. This is an even bigger problem if your dog is an aggressive puller.
With a dog harness, you’ll have better control over your dog and won’t have to worry about hurting him/her. Unlike a collar that’s worn around the neck, a dog harness is worn around the dog’s upper body.
It has leash attachment points at the front and/or back that let you pull back and control the dog's entire body, unlike a collar that gives control over only the neck.
By using the best dog harness, you can minimize your dog’s pulling, have greater security and control, and avoid injuries to your bud’s neck.
Below are other reasons to consider using a harness instead of a collar when taking your dog on walks:
What counts as the best dog harness for your buddy will depend on a variety of factors. For instance, a harness for a small dog who’s an unrepentant puller will be different from that of a larger dog that doesn’t pull.
First, the best harness for your dog is one that fits perfectly. A wrong fit and your dog can pull out of it, or the harness could hurt your dog.
Once you have the right size, you can then pick a harness based on what you need one for. The following dog harness styles are unique for what they can help you accomplish.
This is a type of no-pull harness with a front leash attachment. With it, you have better control and can help your dog behave when out on walks.
The design of this harness makes it easy to put on your dog. Just lay the harness on the floor, have your dog step in it, pull up the harness, clip it, and that’s it. The harness usually comes with a back and/or front leash attachment for controlling your dog during walks. A front leash attachment offers greater control over a pulling dog.
This harness has a support feature in the form of a lift handle that allows you to comfortably assist your dog that’s mobility challenged.
Other features
Aside from the functionality and size, the best dog harness will also possess the following features as standard:
There are a variety of harnesses to choose from for your best friend, but if you want one that delivers the most comfort and security when out on walks with your dog, be sure to pick one from our above list of best dog harnesses.
Just remember that the best harness for your dog will depend on his/her size, temperament, and what you need the harness for. Regardless of if you need a harness for long walks or better control, you can’t go wrong with the RUFFWEAR Front Range Harness. It's ideal for dogs of all sizes, and its price offers great value.
If you haven't yet found what you’re looking for, we’ve got more great dog harness reviews. Read more of our top picks here.
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