What to Know About Dog Harnesses
Harness vs. Collar
While a collar is great for keeping ID tags on your dog, a harness may be a better choice in some cases, especially for dogs who pull. You’ll still need to do some training to teach them how to walk on a leash, but it’s a useful tool for pet parents struggling with pullers. “Harnesses help pet parents keep control of their dogs and guide them the right way,” says Dr. Nelson.
Types of Harnesses
There’s no one-size-fits-all style that will work for every dog’s size, shape and how much they pull, says Dr. Nelson. The most common types include:
- Front clip: The leash attachment is in the center of the dog’s chest, so it’s great for dogs that need more guidance on a leash, says Dr. Nelson. It can reduce pulling and give the pet parent more control over the direction the dog is walking.
- Back clip: The leash attaches on top of the dog’s back. These are best for dogs that don’t pull and small breeds because they have smaller, more fragile necks and throats.
- Dual-clip: This harness gives you the option of either clipping the leash to the front or back of the harness and is comfortable for walking dogs whether or not they are pullers.
- Head collars: This is an option known also known as a “gentle leader” to help deter pulling, as it will turn your dog’s head back toward you when they try to pull and get further ahead. This type of harness often is used as a training tool.
Fit
No matter what type of harness you choose, proper fit is crucial, says Dr. Nelson. Each harness fits a little differently, so measure your dog, then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for choosing the right size. You’ll usually need two measurements: chest girth and neck. You may also need to know your dog’s weight.
To find chest girth, use a flexible measuring tape and place the end of the tape measure at the bottom of the rib cage, behind the front legs; loop it over the back to bring it back to the bottom of the rib cage. For neck size, measure the thickest part of the neck with the flexible measuring tape.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
We tested 23 different dog harnesses and further focused our criteria with the help of experts, including Katy Nelson, DVM, a senior veterinarian at Chewy. This roundup was written by Arricca SanSone, who has written numerous articles for websites such as The Spruce Pets, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living and more. In addition to insights gleaned from harness testing feedback, she also has first-hand experience using various types of harnesses with her two dogs (and one is not a fan of harnesses!).
Arricca has previously provided guidance and recommendations for the best dog ID tags, best mosquito repellents for dogs, and the best whisker fatigue bowls for cats. She can even help you pick your first beekeeping suit.