Most dogs adore going for a walk, but some of our four-legged friends can pull the whole way round, or worse, choke themselves on a collar in their haste to get to a particularly nice smell.
Over the years, harnesses have become a more popular option for most dogs, big and small, as they can sometimes help to make walks easier.
There are so many on the market that it can be difficult to choose. There’s everything from high fashion designs and glow-in-the-dark numbers for dawn and dusk walks, to those super-strong makes for super-strong dogs.
Louise Glazebrook is a behaviourist and dog expert, and author of The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read. She says: “For me, harnesses can be great for many dogs but they won’t magically solve your issues with a dog who is pulling on the lead. A harness must be comfortable, well-fitting and allow freedom of the shoulders to move, I can’t bear the harnesses where it covers all the top of the legs and the dog has to walk like it’s in the army!”
She explains: “A harness should be easy to put on, the buckle should be strong and it should be comfortable and not heavy.” There’s something else to bear in mind too for your dog’s safety. “Even if your dog wears a harness, by law your dog MUST wear a collar and tag when in a public place - if they were to slip out of a harness, there would be no way of identifying who they belong to if they are not wearing a collar.”
To find the right fit, most brands have a tailored size chart on the website, but grab your tape measure and check the sizing around your pet’s neck and chest just behind their front legs.
Check below for the must-have items to welcome your new best friend home.
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rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
This harness has received a whopping 80,000+ reviews on Amazon, most of them glowing. Shoppers love the front clip attachment to discourage pulling, with many praising the fit saying it doesn’t rub. Made from sturdy fabrics, this will keep even the most determined dog safe, with an added handle on top for reassurance and security. It comes in a range of sizes and won’t break the bank either. The reflective threads also help to make you more visible when the sun goes down.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Barbour Classic Harness
If you prefer to keep things traditional, then you’ll love this Barbour classic. As you would expect from the name, it features the label’s signature attention to detail and a chic tartan style. With a metal D-ring for security for your lead, this harness proves items can be functional as well as fashionable. It has a cushioned front, with adjustable straps to ensure the perfect fit for your best friend. It also comes with a seatbelt attachment for added safety in the car.
Buy now £32.95, John Lewis
Petsafe Easy Sport
The EasySport Harness receives rave reviews for being fully adjustable and padded throughout. Made from nylon, it’s sturdy for even the rough and tumble pups out there, and has an elasticised neckline. At the back there are two quick-snap buckles, as well as a handle to give you an extra safety measure.
The large size is one of the biggest in this selection, suitable for even the most statuesque dogs, and the design is one for the minimalists who want a plain and sleek style in black, blue, red, pink or green instead of prints.
However, it only has one D-ring at the back as opposed to one on the front too, which may be a dealbreaker if you’re looking to attach a lead there as part of your training.
Buy now £16.99, Petsafe
Halti No Pull Harness
One of the biggest names in dog leads and harnesses, this range of gear is used by many owners at their wits end with a dog who loves to pull on walks. The famous Halti No Pull Harness features two different functions that aims to make walking more pleasurable.
The stop-pull lifting feature kicks in when the dog begins to pull, and there’s a front D-ring to attach a lead to for stronger dogs to provide added security. The padded chest panel also helps to ensure it won’t rub, even for the most doggedly determined hound. The shape and style is different from many others, so there are educational videos on the Halti website to show you how to ensure a safe and secure fit.
Buy now £15.36, Amazon
Voyager Harness
Voyager specialise in step-in harnesses, which many dogs prefer to the over-the-head styles. There is a range of models available, with straps at the back and mesh webbing at the front, or ones offering fuller coverage. A whole range of colours are on offer to match your wardrobe (as well as your four-legged-friend’s other accessories). The harnesses also include reflective stitching to ensure safety.
The straps and buckles are adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes, and the US brand is highly popular for good reason. An excellent starter harness to help rescue dogs get used to wearing one, or good for smaller puppies too to adapt.
Buy now £17.00, Amazon
Noxgear Lighthound
If you’re a fan of walks at sunset or sunrise, this Lighthound harness is a must-have. It can either be worn alone, or added over the top of an existing harness to make sure your furry friend stands out in the shadows. With a range of light displays, from a solid single colour to a veritable disco light show, there’s something for every occasion.
The company promises 360 degree visibility from a quarter of a mile away, that’s how bright this harness it. It’s also machine washable and durable, with a rechargeable battery that lasts 12 hours. There are six multi-colour light sequences, and eight solid-colour displays. Even long-haired or fluffy dogs will still be visible with this harness, such is the brightness. Not one for the wallflowers, but a must for safety during dark walks.
Also available at Amazon
Buy now £48.96, Noxgear
Hounds Of Eden Supaw Strong harness
One of the most stylish names on this list, Hounds Of Eden has clocked up more than 55k Instagram followers due to the cute designs that are just begging to be Instagrammed. As well as looking adorable, they’re also highly practical too.
There’s a standard range with the usual over-the-head harness style, from a size XXS-Large, but the star of the show is the more rugged ‘Supaw Strong’ that’s available in small to XL. It features multiple clips so the harness can be stepped into and adjusted, and also has a handle on the back (useful for a pup that likes to jump up).
It has D-rings to the front and back, with a lockable neck buckle and fully padded inner. A reflective trim adds night-time safety, as well as a webbing core for extra strength. Prints include floral, leopard print and paint-brush camo.
Also available at Oliver Bonas
Buy now £34.99, Hounds Of Eden
Dog Snug Dog Harness for Running
Dog Snug made its name creating jumpers and clothing for dogs with unusual proportions or longer bodies, but the harnesses are suitable for all breeds. They took onboard extensive feedback from shoppers to create a harness that is safe but comfortable.
The brand has multiple styles, including one that is perfect for runners. The mesh harness was originally designed for deep-chested dogs such as greyhounds, lurchers and whippets but now fits all types. It has a narrower waist making it ideal for slimmer dogs or sighthounds. The mesh means it’s cooling and breathable, but be sure to check the size chart to ensure the best fit for your pup.
Buy now £49.00, Dog Snug
BullyBillows
Designed with the biggest dogs in mind, the BullyBillows range is super sturdy. It’s aimed at strong dogs that like to pull, and as such they are lined with a soft neoprene fabric to prevent irritation and rubbing. Example breeds given include Staffies, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Bullies, Cane Corsos and more.
The Tri-harness has three key points of contact for a lead, two on the back and one on the chest. It aims to avoid rubbing on sensitive areas like the under arms. If your dog is comfortable they will be happier to walk. There are also other styles with more coverage if you’d like a bigger harness.
Buy now £49.99, BullyBillows
Poppy & Ted
Another stylish brand, this harness has one of the smallest sizes available, with an XXS measuring 18cm at the neck and 28cm for the chest. Poppy & Ted aim to make stylish designs without breaking the bank, and there are plenty of fashion influences with smiley face designs, marble, flowers and lightning bolts.
They’ve received rave reviews from happy dog owners, particularly from small breeds like sausage dogs and chihuahuas. These harnesses blend neoprene and polyester for a durable and comfortable fit - and they’re machine washable at 30 degrees too.
Buy now £24.99, Poppy & Ted
