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May 11, 2024

11 Best Dog Harnesses of 2023

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process. Pups big and small will love

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Pups big and small will love these harnesses for walks, car rides and more.

We updated this article in January 2023 to add more information based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute. In addition to our original top-rated picks, we've included three additional picks.

When it's time to take your beloved pooch on a W-A-L-K, having the right gear will make all the difference. Whether you've got a dog that can't help but pull you all the way around the block, or a new pup that hasn't seemed to master their training just yet, the right dog harness can help make your trips outside fun for everyone involved. Pet parents who need a little help while training, or those who just want a secure harness to keep their teacup pooch comfy while walking, will know that sometimes, walking with a simple leash and collar isn't the best system for you and your family. Our favorite harnesses come in a range of sizes, colors and styles to suit every need and price range for the largest pups or the smallest Chihuahuas. Whether you're looking for a soft vest harness, one that clips in the back, a basic training harness or something easy to step into, a harness can help turn your daily walk from a fight for control to a relaxing experience.

When it comes to picking the right harness for you and your pets, The Good Housekeeping Institute has a century-plus long history of testing products, including pet favorites like dog beds, pet GPS trackers and dog sunscreen. Our experts have evaluated fourteen harnesses in our Lab and with consumer testers to consider a variety of factors like ease of use, control of the dog, additional features like leash clips and overall satisfaction, and spoken with Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., a veterinarian at Hello Ralphie and associate vet at WellHaven Pet Health. We've tested these harnesses both in the Lab and out in the world with dogs of all shapes and sizes. We ultimately took over 670 measurements to find the best harness for your pup.

This roundup of the best dog harnesses is based on Lab-tested picks, top-performing brands, category expertise and real-life consumer feedback. You can read more about what to consider in a dog harness, what makes a harness "no-pull" and how we test at the end of this guide. Looking for the perfect dog leash (or running leash) for your new harness? We've got you covered.

These are the best harnesses of 2023, according to experts and reviewers.

Pet parents can choose from a variety of colors and sizes to personalize the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness for their pooch. "This harness definitely prevented any extra pulling and enabled better control during our walks," said one of our testers. The Good Housekeeping Institute gave this harness top marks for fit since it has a total of four adjustable straps to keep your dog secure. It also comes with two leash-connection points which makes it great for training — and you can choose the front clip to prevent your dog from pulling.

The easy-release side buckles and reflective strips for visibility are helpful for those early-morning or late-night walks. Our testers particularly loved the cushioned panels and durability of this harness. One even noted that the harness felt particularly heavy-duty and would likely last many long walks. The back handle makes it easy to grab your pooch quickly if necessary to keep them from lunging toward other pups or distractions. While testing, we noticed that it was a bit difficult to adjust the straps and it arrived with sparse instructions, but for regular dog owners and walkers, there isn't too much of a learning curve.

This easy-on harness is a particular favorite of testers of the Good Housekeeping Institute due to its five adjustable points, which help create a secure fit on dogs of all body shapes. The front leash attachment helps prevent stronger dogs from pulling you down, while the back leash attachment is just fine for smaller pets. "It was very easy to adjust the harness to a comfortable fit and to put on and to remove," notes one tester. Our lab analysts appreciated how thick and durable the material felt. 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 all the way around the block. If you're unsure on the size, get one that's larger than you need since we noticed it could be a bit tight for pups on the higher end of the sizing scale. While our Lab experts haven't assessed the seatbelt attachment for safety measures, the harness comes with a seatbelt attachment that one of our consumer testers tried and enjoyed. However, according to the Center for Pet Safety, unrestrained pets can cause harm to both you and themselves if in a crash so while this option is great as a harness, it's not third-party certified for car safety like the Sleepypod Clickit Terrain.

Squirmy pets will adore this step-in style harness (as will their parents) which makes it easy to secure them without fiddling with straps or put anything over their head (which can be especially difficult for some dogs). This non-restrictive harness keeps pressure off your dog's throat to keep their windpipe free and clear while walking. A step-in design makes it easy to use for pets that can be a bit squirmy when trying to get them ready for a walk. Simply put the harness on the ground and direct your pooch's front two paws into the designated spots.

Our testers loved the range of colors and patterns to suit any style. Though small and light, we were impressed by its durability. One tester said, "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." This harness might work best for smaller dog breeds or those that don't pull since it doesn't have a front leash clip. We also found that it was a little difficult to adjust the straps at first and even noticed that the rings you attach the leash to are too small for some leash types.

The Journey Air Harness by Kurgo is great for pet parents that are looking to take their pup off the beaten path. Our testers loved the soft mesh panels that chafed less than strappier harnesses, as well as the back handle for lifting your dog up when necessary and controlling them when in close quarters with fellow furry friends. "I liked the option to attach a leash on either the top or bottom side of the harness," says one tester. "I think this harness could be good for running with the dog if you connect the leash to the top clip." Its sturdier construction makes it worth the extra price and we appreciate the versatility of the two leash attachment points. Pick from three colors and four sizes to customize it for your pooch. One thing to keep in mind is that our testers have found that the harness runs a bit big and is, therefore, better for slightly larger dogs as the smallest size can still be too large for tiny breeds.

Wild One's lightweight, stretchy harness comes in a variety of bright, rich colors that will have your pet strutting in style. While testing, our lab analysts liked that the materials felt high quality and exceptionally soft and cushiony, making it a perfect fit for small dogs with short hair or fragile bodies. "This harness is definitely one of the softest, most luxurious feeling one we've tested," said one. However, since the materials are so soft we noticed that it can show more signs of wear and tear than some other heavier duty options. Pet parents can purchase the harness on its own, snag the walk kit which includes a leash and poop bag carrier, or go for the harness walk and play kit which includes everything from the walk kit along with three rubber toys. With three leash attachment points and sizing small enough for some of the tiniest teacup breeds, this harness won't disappoint.

Sensitive pups rejoice! This ultra-soft, affordable harness is great for those dogs that can't help but reject every other harness type they've been put in. Small dog owners may already know Puppia, which has earned an almost cult-like following for its soft, breathable dog harnesses. They also come in large dog sizes, but small or sensitive-skinned dogs love them because the softer polyester fabric rubs and chafes less than more textured or rougher straps. It's also easy to get on and off, making it wonderful for wriggly pups.

According to the brand, the harness is made of lightweight, breathable mesh. Available in 14 colors, pet parents who are looking for a more stylish vest-like harness will appreciate the wide variety of options, and while they recommend hand-washing, the brand says that you can machine wash the harness if you so desire, which makes it a breeze to clean. Since it exclusively connects to a leash at the back, this design is best for dogs that don't pull too much.

Made for long use, the front range harness has padded front and back panels for your dog's comfort over extended walks or hikes. A sturdy front loop leash attachment discourages pulling, while a back metal loop works well for more easygoing dogs. It comes in a variety of colors so you can pick the perfect one for you and your pooch. While testing, our experts found this harness to be made of fairly thick, padded material but note that the location of the buckles mean it can be a bit tricky to unclip. The four adjustment points make it easy to fit it to your dog's body and it won't hinder their mobility so they can still run around.

It also includes reflective trim for added safety when you brave those night walks, and check out the little pouch for storing ID tags in case your pet gets lost. If you like to take your dog on epic hiking journeys, this harness will work for you — though be aware that the style can be a hard fit for dogs with a broad chest and narrow waist. "We've had this harness for years and it's held up really well even though we have a strong dog that pulls," says one tester with a greyhound/lab mix.

Take your pup on that long-awaited road trip with this crash-tested dog harness by Sleepypod. As one of our favorite dog restraint systems for car rides, our experts appreciate that this harness accommodates a huge weight range from dogs 18 to 110 pounds. We also like that it was crash tested by both Sleepypod and the independent organization, The Center for Pet Safety. It passed the CPS Certification Testing in July of 2017 and again in October 2020 with a five-star rating on a 25-pound test dog for size small, 45- to 90-pound test dogs for size medium, 75- to 90-pound test dogs for size large and 90- to 110-pound test dogs for size extra large.

While testing in our Lab, we found the buckles easy to manipulate and the harness design simple to put on. "I like how secure and heavy-duty this harness feels. I definitely understand how it could protect your dog in the car," says one expert. For less broad dogs, Sleepypod's other crash-tested model, the Clickit Sport, has a slightly smaller weight range (18 to 90 pounds) that can also be used as both a car harness and walking harness.

With sherpa-covered straps that go under the dog's front legs, this mesh harness won't dig into your dog's sensitive spots. That also makes it more appropriate for dogs with short or fine hair than models that may be scratchier on their skin. Instead of using buckles or clips, this harness is secured using a cord lock which makes it easy to fit to your pet's correct size and won't irritate their body. Although it clips in the back, it's a tightening harness, so still works well for dogs that pull. When your pet starts pulling, the harness tightens around the front of their chest distributing pressure to quickly get them to stop. Plus, the mesh panel stretches with your dog's body to reduce friction. However, while testing, our experts found that since this harness cannot unclip apart, it can be difficult to put on your pup if they're particularly squirmy.

Pick from five different sizes and three colors to customize your harness, and keep in mind that if you want the harness to fit best, measure your dog with a measuring tape; don't just go by their weight! "I like the addition of the sherpa-covered straps and the mesh panel," says one expert. "These extra elements make it a particularly comfortable option for pets."

With four different buckles that make it wildly easy to strap your dog in and out in a variety of ways, this tactical vest from OneTigris uses nylon to create a tough yet lightweight protective harness for pets that walk, hike or camp. While testing, our experts noted that this harness felt very sturdy without being heavy enough to weigh your pup down. "I like how many ways there are to adjust this harness and the four quick-release buckles that mean it only takes seconds to put the harness on and off," says one expert.

We also appreciate that you can attach a leash to either the front or back, and like the handle on the top of the harness that lets you quickly get ahold of your dog in any situation. The crisscross bungee cords on the back of the harness are great for some light storage and the vest is available in a variety of sizes and colors for all different types of dogs.

The Freedom harness comes in a wide array of colors so Fido can look stylish while preventing pulling. While testing, our experts appreciate that this harness comes with a double leash that connects to two points, and note "the velvet liner of the leash seems particularly soft and comfortable." Those dual clips on the front and back are great for training new pets, especially when you purchase the training package that comes with a dual connection leash. 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 or pain, and the power steering loop on the front helps you direct and steer your furry friend.

If that doesn't have you clicking "add to cart," according to the brand, the nylon webbing in the harness 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 sent to you. But, be careful because online reviewers say that if you take the harness off of your pet carelessly, it can twist up and be difficult to straighten back out.

Our team at the Good Housekeeping Institute reviews pet gear of all kinds, from supplements for dogs to cat litter. We've read hundreds of reviews to discover which harnesses were worth considering, then tested over a dozen of them in our Lab and with consumer testers. We based our recommendations on extensive research of the market, assessments of brands and materials and real-life testing. We considering the following factors:

✔️ Fit: We make sure that each pick comfortably fits on our tester dogs and doesn't rub, chafe or otherwise bother them. We try these styles on active dogs to see if they irritate their necks or otherwise cause any discomfort while engaging in activity. We also assess how easily the harnesses adjust to the right fit for the dog.

✔️ Performance: One of the most important things about a dog harness is how well it performs, so we look for harnesses that prevent pulling and help you maintain control over your pet. To test, we took these pups on walks with a variety of external stimuli like other dogs or squirrels to see how easy it was to handle the harness and control the dogs.

✔️ Ease of use: We consider many different aspects of each harness before recommending it, including how easy it is to secure onto your pet, adjust the straps, attach a leash and clean.

✔️ Extra features: While having a plain harness will do the job, some brands offer additional features like a handle or reflective material perfect for those who take their pups on walks early in the morning or late at night.

There are a few different types of harnesses to consider based on your lifestyle and pup.

✔️ Back-clip harness: A back-clip harness is better 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.

✔️ Front-clip harness: For dogs that tend to pull, front-clip harnesses can help ensure 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 pulling or lunging forward at that squirrel).

✔️ Dual-clip harness: Dual-clip harnesses can clip in both the front and back of the harness. They're ideal for training pets since you can use a dual connection leash to help lead them while restricting them from pulling. With a dual-clip harness, you can choose whether you need a stronger no-pull option or just a simple back clip option.

✔️ Step-in harness: If you've got a wiggly dog, a step-in harness makes the process of getting your pet ready a bit easier. You simply place the harness on the ground and put your dog's legs in the designated spots. This is ideal for pets that don't like putting things over their head.

✔️ Tightening harness: Tightening harnesses help keep your pet from pulling by constricting around their body when they lunge forward. You'll want to make sure you use a tightening harness with gentle fabric and hardware that isn't too close to their throat to keep them safe when pulling adds additional pressure.

Simply put, yes. Collars can create strain on your dog's windpipe and in some cases, their spine. Using a harness instead of a collar can prevent that choking, hacking effect you may have seen when your dog tries to pull toward a squirrel or another dog. And if you like to hike, run or bring your dog in the car, some harnesses have special features to make those activities easier, more enjoyable and safer for all involved.

"Harnesses distribute pressure across the body rather than just on the neck," Dr. Conrad explains. They can be beneficial for a few reasons, and as a bonus, "some dogs respond better to walking on a harness rather than on a collar."

• Large or strong breeds like pit bulls, German shepherds and Labradors do well walking on a harness because it puts pressure on their chest instead of their neck. Not only does that remind the dog not to pull and help deter them from doing so, it's also safer for their body. By distributing the pressure across the body rather than just on the neck, sometimes harnesses make it easier to control large dogs, explains Dr. Conrad.

• Some smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, toy poodles or other toy dogs find harnesses more comfortable on their tinier frames, and a harness with a handle can make it easier to pick up your pocket-sized pooch if they get tired or you need to lift them out of danger. "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 says.

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs, including dog harnesses. As Senior Editor, Lizz Schumer covers everything from pets to entertainment. In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of journalism experience to the Institute, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping, as well as BuzzFeed, while also previously working in the parenting and pets sphere at People.

Lizz (she/her) is a senior editor at Good Housekeeping, where she runs the GH Book Club, edits essays and long-form features and writes about pets, books and lifestyle topics. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. She also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at New York University's School of Professional Studies and creative nonfiction at the Muse Writing Center, and coaches with the New York Writing Room.

Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People, covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. 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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