8 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested for All Types of Dogs
Small, medium, or large dogs can all have comfy daily walks in a harness that lets them sniff and explore.
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For daily walks, a harness can be comfy and secure for a dog. "Harnesses are a fantastic tool that remove pressure from a dog's neck, which allows them to explore their surroundings," says Evan Doggett, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who also works with the SpotOn GPS fence. "My clients use harnesses when doing enrichment walks, also known as 'sniffari' walks."
Most harnesses are highly adjustable and hard for a dog to escape from. However, harnesses provide less disciplinary control than a neck collar, Doggett says. "You cannot control the dog's head movement with leash pressure if they're in a harness. A harness should not be used with any dog that can overpower their owner. When using a harness, spend a few minutes before every walk, and throughout a walk, working on direction-changing heeling drills to keep your dog's attention," Doggett says, adding that he uses a back harness for both his Lab and Cairn terrier when they are tracking or doing other dog sports.
To make our choices, Good Housekeeping Institute experts evaluated more than 20 harnesses from top-performing brands, both in our Lab and with consumer testers, considering ease of use and overall quality. We also consulted Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., an associate veterinarian at WellHaven Pet Health, and Lisa Lippman, D.V.M., veterinarian and director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet clinics.
Best Deal
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness
Pros
- Has front and back loops; use front loop to prevent pulling
- Affordable
- More than 20 colors
- Fairly escape-proof
Cons
- Needs to go on over your dog's head
✔️ BEST FOR: Everyday walks. This has four adjustable straps to keep your dog secure and comfortable and two leash connection points. Use the front loop to prevent your dog from pulling.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Easy-release side buckles help you get this on and off fairly quickly. Reflective strips for visibility are helpful for early-morning or late-night walks. A back handle helps you grab your pooch with your free hand if it tries to lunge.
This dog harness sold in more than 20 colors including popular ones like black, blue, red, purple, and pink. Sizes are from XS to XL, and Rabbitgoo is affordable.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: "This harness definitely prevents any extra pulling and enabled better control during our walks," said a tester. A Lab expert with a dog added, "The buckles are super sturdy and easy to use. Whenever my dog wears the harness, I feel comfortable knowing that she can’t slip out of it whether we’re walking, running, or traveling."
"The one con is that it’s a bit annoying to have to put it over my pup’s head. She hates that part," our Lab tester said. "Other that that, I absolutely love how it looks and performs."
Our sample arrived with sparse instructions but there's a video on the Amazon link. A look at Amazon reviews showed that many owners with large breeds did best with the large and extra-large sizes, even during puppyhood. The brand stresses the two-finger rule: You should be able to fit two fingers between your dog's body and any part of the harness.
RELATED: Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 11.4" chest girth to a 38" chest girth |
| Main material | Polyester and nylon |
Pros
- Soft fabric rubs less than a traditional harness
- Created for small dogs, but also in large sizes
- Can be good for any dog with sensitive skin
Cons
- Not advised for dogs that pull
✔️ BEST FOR: Small dogs. Puppia has earned an almost cult-like following for its soft, polyester mesh dog harness created for smaller breeds. It also come in large sizes, and sensitive-skinned dogs especially love the fit because polyester fabric rubs and chafes less than regular harness straps.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: It's affordable, and we've found it to be a great choice for dogs that have rejected other types of harnesses. Pet parents who are looking for flair appreciate the many pattern options, divided into spring and summer and fall and winter styles. (Get a matching leash to be really stylin'!)
✔️ TESTING NOTES: "This harness is easy to get a dog to step into if you don't have an overly wiggly one," a tester said. There's a straightforward video for putting on a Puppia using a small dog as the example.
While Puppia recommends hand-washing the vest, some reviewers say it also comes clean machine-washed in cold and hung to dry. Since it exclusively connects to a leash at the back, this design is best for dogs that don't pull.
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| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; from a 9-inch chest girth to a 41-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Polyester mesh |
Kurgo Dog Walking Harness
Pros
- Comes with a seat belt attachment for car rides
- Fairly escape-proof
- Prevents a dog from pulling
Cons
- Sizing runs a bit small
✔️ BEST FOR: Hard-to-fit dog bodies. Five adjustable points help create a secure fit even on large dogs. This is also great for families who are frequently in the car with their dog, since a seat belt tether is included with the purchase.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Our Lab analysts appreciate the thick and durable material; it's made with seat belt webbing. If you're unsure on size, we recommend erring on the larger side since we noticed it could be a bit tight.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: "It was very easy to adjust the harness to a comfortable fit and to put on and remove," said one tester. Another tester's "escape artist" pooch was unable to break free from this harness, unlike some of the smaller ones they've tried before.
Above all else, the harness did a great job of preventing our tester dogs from pulling their owners when using the front leash attachment. While our Lab experts haven't assessed the seat belt attachment personally, one of our consumer testers tried it and approved.
We also like the Kurgo Journey Air Harness which has an easy-grab back handle for holding a dog back if they lunge. A tester said of the Journey, "I also think this harness can be good for running if you connect the leash to the top clip."
RELATED: Best Running Leashes
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 44-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Polyester seat belt webbing |
Pros
- One of the original no-pull harnesses
- Great customer support
- Eight sizes
- Tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- There's a learning curve to getting it adjusted just right
✔️ BEST FOR: Dogs who pull. As one of the original anti-pulling harnesses, it's earned a following for its affordability and how immediately it can improve dog walking.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: "The Easy Walk Harness is a popular harness," says Dr. Lippman. With a front loop to prevent pulling (as shown in the picture) and easy-to-adjust style, this no-frills harness lives up to its name.
It comes with four adjustment points and a video tutorial to help you get the right fit, as well as phone and chat support if you still need help.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: Our testers loved how easy it was to put this harness on, making it perfect for excitable pets that can't sit still when they sense it's time for a W-A-L-K. Yet there is a learning curve to figuring out how to adjust it precisely for your dog. Once you get it, it's simple from there.
This is one of the most popular on Amazon, with tens of thousands of five-star reviews. The Easy Walk comes in eight sizes, more than any other harness on our list, helping you find a fit for nearly any dog.
| Sizes | Petite, Petite/S, S, S/M, M, M/L, L, XL; from a 12-inch chest girth to a 49-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Nylon |
Pros
- Great for medium-sized dogs
- Don't have to slip this over your dog's head
- Light but strong harness
- Pretty patterns
Cons
- Best for dogs who won't pull
✔️ BEST FOR: Medium-sized dogs that don't pull since it doesn't have a front leash clip. Squirmy dogs who don't want a harness pulled over their head will likely appreciate this step-in option.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Put the harness on the ground and direct your pooch's front two paws into the leg holes. Though small and light, we were impressed by its durability.
The rings are on the small side, which makes it difficult to attach a leash with a big clip. It's best for a medium-sized dog, which is reflected in it only coming in two sizes.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: "It was small but really strong, and I wasn't worried that my dog would break out of it or that I wouldn't be able to control him," one tester said.
Fans of the brand like that the harnesses come in beautiful patterns, not just bright colors. There's a blue called Rain Song, an orange called Go Go Gecko, and many more.
| Sizes | M, L; from a 15-inch chest girth to a 30-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Nylon |
Ruffwear Front Range
Pros
- Padded front and back panels for maximum comfort
- Front loop to discourage pulling
- Many colors, all with reflective trim
- Well-reviewed
Cons
- On the pricey side
✔️ BEST FOR: Maximum comfort on everyday walks and long outings, especially for medium-sized dogs.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: This harness has padded front and back panels. A sturdy front loop leash attachment discourages pulling, while a back metal loop works well for more easygoing dogs.
It comes in more than a dozen colors, all with reflective trim for visibility.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: "We've had this harness for years and it's held up really well even though we have a strong dog that pulls," said one tester with a greyhound/lab mix.
We appreciate that the harness is made with some recycled materials. Despite costing a bit more than others, this is a popular choice on Amazon with thousands of five-star reviews.
| Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL; from a 13-inch chest girth to a 42-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Polyester |
Pros
- Six points of adjustment
- Two rings, including a no-pull ring in front
- Testers say it's less restrictive than some others
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Puppies can chew it apart; keep out of reach between walks
✔️ BEST FOR: Dogs who are hard to fit. Wtih six points of adjustment, this is a very customizable, no-pull option.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: Choose between one ring on the back and the one on the front, which can help you manage pulling. There are nine available colors, and it's made in the USA. This is a hand-wash only choice.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: Testers say that this doesn't rub under a dog's legs like some other harnesses do, and it's less restrictive of their motion. It buckles around the neck, so there's nothing to work over your dog's head.
Some online reviewers say their puppy was able to chew through the straps when given the chance. The workaround is to keep the leash out of reach when not out for walks.
| Sizes | XS, S, M, M/L, L; from a 13.5-inch chest girth to a 43.5-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Nylon |
Pros
- Hard for your dog to escape from
- Great for training with dual-connection leash
- Soft, velvety liner for comfort
Cons
- Can twist when you take it off
✔️ BEST FOR: Dogs who slip out of collars and other harnesses.
✔️ WHAT TO KNOW: The name is funny because, in fact, the Freedom is among the hardest harnesses for a dog to escape. Use it with the brand's double-clip leash to connect to your dog at two points simultaneously for training and control.
The martingale loop connection on the back of the harness ensures that pressure is evenly distributed across your pup's body with no worries about pinch points, and the loop on the front helps you direct your furry friend.
The Freedom Harness comes in 19 colors and is made in the USA.
✔️ TESTING NOTES: "The velvet-like lining of the harness seems particularly soft and comfortable," a tester said. The nylon webbing is tested on up to 3,800 pounds so it's not likely to rip or fray without your dog actively chewing on it. Even then, you can purchase the chewing warranty to get a replacement harness. We checked with the brand and received word that "you can take advantage of the warranty even if you purchased through Amazon."
Some online reviewers say that if you take the harness off carelessly, it can twist up. We recommend this video on straightening the harness if that happens.
| Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; from a 14-inch chest girth to a 44-inch chest girth |
| Main material | Nylon |
Specialized Dog Harnesses
OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness is designed for service dogs and is made to be extra durable, with added storage. Though, for instance, police dogs wear a tactical harness, one can be useful for your dog, too, if you have a large dog or you hike or camp. "I like how many ways there are to adjust this harness. Four quick-release buckles mean it only takes seconds to take off," said one tester. A handle on the top of lets you hold your dog back. Hook-and-loop strips let you add a patch, like "in training" or "therapy dog." It's for medium and large dogs, 20 to 90 pounds.
Help 'Em Up Harness is for injured, elderly or disabled dogs who need a mobility assist. There are 11 adjustment points and, most importantly, two handles for lifting your dog's body. "It's an amazing tool for dogs that need physical assistance whether due to an injury or old age," Doggett says. Use it to help your dog into a car or up stairs, as well as for your everyday walks.
How we test the best dog harnesses
To learn about the best dog harnesses we interviewed Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., an associate veterinarian at WellHaven Pet Health, Lisa Lippman, D.V.M., veterinarian and director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet clinics, and Evan Doggett, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who studied under Cesar Millan.
We read hundreds of reviews to discover which dog harnesses were worth considering, then tested more than 20 of them in our Lab and with consumer testers. We based our final recommendations on extensive research, assessments of brands and materials and real-life testing, considering:
✔️ Fit: We tried styles on active dogs to be sure they don't irritate or cause discomfort. We also assessed how easily the harnesses adjusted for a proper fit. "Fit is really important because otherwise a harness can interfere with a dog's movement," Dr. Lippman says.
✔️ Performance: We prioritized harnesses that prevent pulling and help you maintain control over your dog. To test, we took pups on walks with a variety of external stimuli like other dogs or squirrels to see how easy it was to control the dogs.
✔️ Ease of use: We considered how easy a harness was to secure and how simple it was to attach a leash, and looked for harnesses that are easy to clean.
✔️ Extra features: A plain harness will do the job, but we put some in the mix that offer features like reflective material or a soft lining.
What to look for when shopping for the best dog harness
Most harnesses have both a back clip and a front clip and you can choose which one to use. Here are the differences:
✔️ A back clip is best for dogs that are fairly well-mannered. It's a similar experience to walking with a simple collar, except the harness helps safely distribute the pressure away from your pet's neck to their chest. However, unless the harness is also a tightening harness, it won't do much to restrict your dog from pulling.
✔️ A front clip helps keep a dog from pulling, ensuring your daily walk is a relaxing experience. By clipping the leash to the front of their body at their chest, when your pet starts pulling, they'll simply turn themselves around (which won't encourage them to keep lunging for that squirrel).
✔️ A dual clip lets you use a dual connection leash to clip in both the front and back at once. That's ideal for training since you can lead them while restricting them from pulling.
For ease of use, think about how you'll get the harness on your dog and get it to fit properly:
✔️ Step-in or over the head: If you've got a wiggly dog, a step-in harness makes the process of getting your pet ready a bit easier. You place the harness on the ground and put your dog's legs in the designated spots, then clip the buckles in place. But if your dog is okay with you slipping a harness over their head, many of those types have added padding for maximum comfort.
✔️ Adjustability: Look for a harness that can be adjusted for security and comfort around your dog's body, allowing for room for growth. The more adjustable a harness is, the harder it can be to get the hang of, but on the other hand the more it adjusts, the more customized the fit.
Finally, be sure to measure your dog with a soft tape measure around their chest or ribcage, and check the brand's size chart. Most Amazon review complaints we read were from buyers who felt they misjudged the size they need.
Is a dog harness better than a collar?
While a collar can be great for discipline, a harness lets your dog explore more comfortably, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Collars can create strain on a dog's windpipe and in some cases, their spine. Using a harness can prevent that choking, hacking effect you may have seen when your dog tries to pull toward a squirrel or another dog.
"Harnesses distribute pressure across the body rather than just on the neck," Dr. Conrad explains. As a bonus, "some dogs respond better to walking on a harness rather than on a collar."
Some small breeds like Chihuahuas, toy poodles and Jack Russells find harnesses more comfortable on their small frame. "Some small dogs are prone to a condition called collapsing trachea and in general are more comfortable walking on a harness rather than with a collar," Dr. Conrad said.
That said, walking your dog with an old-fashioned collar and leash requires less physical strength from you, according to the AKC, so if your dog is a large breed or you are physically compromised, sticking with a collar is a good idea.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For more than a century, the Good Housekeeping Institute has provided Lab-tested reviews and advice on anything a family might buy. Our Good Housekeeping team has extensive information on how to care for your pet and reviews products such as orthopedic dog beds and dog strollers.
Many Lab insiders own pets, like Redford the dog, shown here, and regularly test pet products in the real world. Much of the research for this story and the initial choices for the best dog harnesses were made by our former Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain, a dog owner and pet-product expert who also covered pets for People. The most recent update, including new research, is from journalist Jessica Hartshorn, a contributing writer for GH, who shares a house with a 7-year-old spaniel.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
Jamie (she/her) is the former parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has also worked a BuzzFeed and People. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.
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