The definition of a pet harness is pretty simple – it is gear consisting of fastenings that loop fully around the back of a companion animal and fasten together using snap-fit buckles.
It can be used to restrict or restrain your pet by attaching a leash. A guide dog will also wear a harness to lead and assist a disabled person.
Why invest in a dog harness?
Research shows that using a dog harness, or a body strap is actually much safer for your dog than a dog collar. This is because, in cases where the dog gets too excited or anxious over something, the harness protects them from snapping the leash off and harming themselves.
Comfort
A dog harness is also more comfortable compared to a collar, and it gives a dog owner much more control over the movements of their dogs during walks – just in case the dog decides to dash off or pull on the leash.
Security
The harness should also help you feel that the dog is much nearer to you compared to having them far away as is the case with a collar attached to a leash. This is because the harness is more secure and safe, and you can be able to pull up your dog without harming him in the process.
Reduction of injury
A collar may cause damage the tissues in your dog’s neck area [3] in the event that you pull too hard, but as a harness is normally looped all around your dog, the likelihood of hurting your pet is limited.
When you pull on a leash that is connected to a harness, you pull the whole dog closer and are not just tugging on his neck area.
Convenience
Some harnesses are also normally fitted with a handle at the top, which allows you to grab him easily in case he gets agitated or wants to get into a fight. When a dog goes swimming, this handle will also come in handy when trying to get him out of the water.
Good training tool
They are good training tools, especially for puppies that have not yet learned how to walk on a leash. The harness should help prevent them from getting tangled up by a leash, which could hurt them. Plus, for old dogs that are having trouble walking or getting up when they sit down, a dog owner can use a harness to help them out.
Popular dog harnesses examined
These are some of the many benefits that a dog harness has, and after extensive research, we have come up with the following five harnesses that we believe are the best choice when purchasing one for your beloved dog.
Chai’s Choice | 3M Reflective Vest Adventure Dog Harness
This dog harness is stylish and highly durable because the outer layer is constructed of a scratch-resistant oxford material. It has a lightweight duraflex buckle that is able to handle very heavy loads.
The harness has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to put on and take off. There is also a lightweight mesh padding plus a soft sponge on the inside that makes it extremely comfortable for your precious pooch.
The straps are made in such a way that they can easily be pulled and adjusted for a custom fit. There are two specific leash attaching points, a zinc-alloy O ring on the chest, and another zinc-alloy D ring at the back.
It also comes with impressive safety features such as the nylon webbing with 3M reflective material that makes for easy visibility at night, plus a very sturdy handle which allows easy attachment of a seatbelt when riding in the car.
As Chai’s Choice harness company is owned by a retired navy seal, you will have peace of mind that you are dealing with one of the most reputable companies when it comes to the make of dog harnesses.
Pros
- Helps to protect your dog
- Reflective material
- Adjustable straps
- Ergonomic design
- Stylish and durable
Cons
- May be too heavy for a smaller dog
Customers feedback
With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, you can be sure that this is no ordinary product. It has been tried and tested, and most customers are very happy with it. They testify that it was able to completely restrain their dog safely from moving around and getting away from them. It comes highly recommended.
RUFFWEAR | Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness
With RUFFWEAR being a well-established company when it comes to dog products, you should be confident in their front range harnesses for dogs.
This product is made from soft nylon padding that is comfortable and covers the chest and a small area in the back. It also has a small pouch where you to store your dog’s ID tag for identification in case he gets lost.
It has aluminum attachment rings which are reinforced with a strong webbing that provides a strong and durable connection to your leash. It slips on easily over your dog’s head and remains secure and in place.
The side release buckles are also important because they make it easy to gear up quickly and leave without any hassle. The padded chest and belly areas also offer great comfort to your dog and allow you to take long walks effortlessly.
Available in a variety of colors, this harness is a good choice for most dog owners that love to associate with bright colors in their lives. They also have a reflective trim that ensures night time visibility.
Pros
- Makes it easy to train dogs
- Has a strong aluminum connection
- Highly durable and long-lasting
- Hassle-free
- Available in a variety of colors
- Reflective trim for night time visibility
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
Customers feedback
The RUFFWEAR – Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, with a majority of customers calling it a good harness that was able to protect their dogs from wandering off, plus they felt more control when it came to walking their precious pooches.
RABBITGOO | Adjustable Dog Harness
This no-pull dog harness is available in a variety of colors, and it also has a 3M reflective piece that’s made of a highly durable oxford material for easy control of all dog sizes.
This harness has benefits such as easy walking experience, stops pulling, a front and back ring that allows you to attach the leash, a hassle-free way of putting it on and taking it off, reflective material for night visibility, a breathable and comfortable padding, and a beautiful and classy look.
You can use it while walking your dog in the park, during training sessions or even while hunting. The straps are also adjustable enough to fit your dog comfortably.
Pros
- Available in a variety of colors
- Has a reflective piece
- Can be used in a variety of situations – such as walking and training
- Breathable and comfortable material
Cons
- Not ideal for very small dogs
Customers feedback
Customers gave it a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, and they were extremely happy using it. Most of them claimed that it kept their dogs within easy reach, plus it was safe and comfortable as well. Their precious dogs did not wander off too far, and even in the dark, they could still see them.
Best Pet Supplies | Voyager All-Weather No Pull Step-in Mesh Dog Harness
This harness is made from super soft fabric and is also lined with plush fleece that ensures optimal comfort for your dog. The super plus mesh on the inside also adds to the extra comfort that is needed by your dog while walking with him.
It is easy to set up and attach on your dog, as it simply requires you to clip and go, as it comes with a Velcro clip that is easy to use. This Velcro ensures a quick fastening and a comfortable fit on your precious dog.
In summary, there are three safety features that you shall find with this harness; a Velcro clip that is quick and easy, a double D-ring for attaching your leash, and a reflective piece that allows you to see your dog easily in the dark.
Pros
- Non-irritating material
- Comfortable for long walks
- Secure enough to hold your pet in place
- A variety of beautiful colors to choose from
- Reflective pieces for visibility
Cons
- Measurements need to be accurate to ensure the best fit
Customers feedback
Customers that reviewed this harness gave it a good rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, and most of them were very happy with the results. One customer said that they use it every day and that it was perfect for both dogs and cats. The others called it a miracle harness that made walking their dogs extremely enjoyable.
EcoBark Pet Supplies | The Original EcoBark Control Dog Harness
The EcoBark harness comes in a wide variety of colors, has a no-choke design, plus, it is luxuriously padded to ensure maximum comfort while on long walks.
It is ultra-soft and highly durable and made of eco-friendly materials. The straps are made of recycled water bottles, so if you are environmentally conscious, then this should be a good product for the environment and your dog as well.
Before purchasing this harness, ensure to have measured your dog well, especially around the neck, so the head can pass through the neck opening, and do not buy a new harness based on previously bought products. The manufacturer insists that you should measure again in order to get the perfect fit and avoid disappointments.
It is manufactured from a light-weight polyester material that is non-toxic and ultra-padded for comfort. The non-choke design will protect your dog from trachea and throat injuries. You can walk your dog comfortably, and the air mesh assists in maintaining natural movement for your dog.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Has reflective pieces
- Ultra-soft and very comfortable
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Non-choke design
Cons
- Most people have trouble with the sizes, so measure your dog well
Customers feedback
This harness received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and many customers gave feedback that it worked perfectly. One customer called it the best harness ever, while another simply said they “absolutely loved it!” The wide variety of available colors, its ultra-softness and comfort made this one of the most loved harnesses on the market, and it comes highly recommended.
Final say on choosing a good dog harness
One of the most important points you should always bear in mind when buying a harness for your dog is the size. There isn’t a one size fits all kind of harness, and therefore, for that perfect fit, you must measure your dog accurately everywhere:
- head
- neck
- chest
- and back areas.
If the harness is too tight, it may not be comfortable for your dog, and if it is too lose it may not work as well as it should. When using the harness, walking your dog should be natural and not forced at all. You should also be able to pull your dog up easily without harming her in any way.