How to Choose the Best Dog Harness for Walking

The best dog harness for walking should be comfortable for your dog and easy to put on. Consider also how durable and washable the harness is.

Front-clip harnesses distribute pressure to the chest and discourage pulling. They can work well for dogs with good leash manners. However, they may not be as effective for reactive dogs.

Comfort

The best harnesses distribute pressure across your dog’s body instead of putting a lot of strain on the neck and throat. This can make walks more comfortable for dogs who get excited and lunge, as well as help you control pulling dogs. You’ll also want to consider how breathable the material is and whether it’s machine-washable, which is important for a harness that will likely be worn every day.

Ideally, the harness will be made of materials that are sturdy and comfortable enough for extended wear and frequent use. Some dogs can chafe with nylon and other materials, so look for models made of more durable and comfortable materials like canvas or biothane. A padded chest plate or handle can also help keep your dog comfortable.

One of the most comfortable harnesses in our tests was this step-in style that buckles around the back and closes with a heavy-duty clip around the neck. It’s easy to put on and take off over the head, and four adjustment points give you a customized fit. This model also has a patented martingale control loop on the back that prevents strong pullers from breaking free and discourages them from continuing to yank as you walk.

Another option is this breathable mesh harness from Ruffwear, which features a padded front to keep your dog comfortable even as it discourages pulling. It clips in the back, and the X-shaped front of this design tightens when your dog pulls to distribute the force around their chest so you can stop them quickly.

Durability

The material used to create a dog harness is important because it must be able to withstand vigorous use and pulling. It must also be resistant to sun exposure, salt water, cleaning products and pesticides. Nylon and thick padded polyester are excellent durable options. These materials also minimize skin chafing and ensure a secure fit for your dog.

Harnesses come in a variety of styles and price points to suit every pet parent’s budget. Some are even designed to be chew-proof. The best dog harness for walking should also be easy to clean. If you’re going to be using it for walks in the rain, consider choosing a harness made of waterproof material.

If you have a puller, it may be helpful to choose a back-clip harness. These harnesses connect to a leash at the back of your dog and prevent pulling by distributing the pressure on their chest. They work well with dogs that are already well-mannered and only need a little bit of correction.

For a no-pull harness, try the Rabbitgoo Step-in Harness. This well-reviewed harness is comfortable for your pet, has multiple leash connection points and a control handle. It features front and back leash attachments to help correct pulling, as well as built-in reflective piping for low-light adventures. It’s also affordable, with an excellent rating and a variety of colors to choose from.

Visibility

A harness with a back leash attachment helps you keep your dog close to you for safety and control, but if you want maximum visibility in low light conditions, opt for a vest-like harness with reflective strips. This Rabbitgoo harness, which is also water-resistant, offers a padded design that’s comfortable on small dogs and a step-in style that makes it easy to put on. The ring for the leash is in the front for more control options, and it comes in 14 colors and sizes.

If your pup’s a puller, look for a harness with a chest loop that connects the leash to the dog’s front. This helps you redirect them to the side rather than pulling them forward, which is a common problem for many pet parents. This lightweight nylon model from PetSafe pairs a metal front clip with a Martingale leash, which can help discourage pulling by applying gentle pressure.

This popular harness is a top-rated option that’s easily adjustable in multiple spots to fit barrel-chested breeds as well as more svelte pups. It’s also water-resistant and has 360-degree reflective stitching, which improves your dog’s visibility for safety on walks in low light conditions. It’s also available in a range of sizes and features a sturdy handle for increased control in tight spaces. A 90-day chew warranty is a nice perk for those who know their pups like to chomp on things!

Safety

Many dog owners prefer harnesses over collars for everyday walks because collars can put too much pressure on a small dog’s neck and cause a choking sensation, which can lead to a collapsed trachea or even paralysis. Harnesses help prevent this by distributing the leash’s tension evenly around your dog’s body, and many have added safety features like reflective trim or extra handle for control. If you and your dog regularly go running, hiking or car rides, you should also consider a harness that is crash-rated for dogs, such as the Kurgo Tru-Fit.

This padded everyday harness is easy to slip on and comfortable for dogs of all sizes to wear. Its front-clip webbing helps redirect pullers and has an ID pocket and light loop for attaching a visibility light. Reviewers say it’s a great value, and it’s machine washable, which is essential for dogs who love to roll in mud or take stinky mud baths after long walks.