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How to choose the perfect harness for your dog?

How to choose the perfect harness for your dog?

Written by Milou | May 22, 2025

A relaxing walk with your dog starts with the right gear. And a harness is definitely part of that. A dog harness offers many benefits for both you and your dog. In addition to comfort, it also provides a level of safety during your walks. There are many different types of harnesses available in various models, colours, and sizes. That’s great – but which one is the most suitable, and what should you look for when choosing? We’ll walk you through the most common types!

Dog walking harness

When buying a dog harness, it’s important to look at what fits your dog best and what material is used. Take your dog’s weight and build into consideration. The look and purpose of the harness may also influence your choice, but your dog’s comfort should always come first. That way, both of you can enjoy your walks to the fullest!

Unlike a collar, a harness distributes pressure evenly across your dog’s back, chest, and neck. This helps to prevent back and neck issues and increases overall comfort. When choosing a dog harness, it’s best to define your intended use beforehand in order to make the right choice.

Reasons to choose a dog harness:

Relaxed walks together with your dog
Preventing escapes
Injury prevention
Your dog has a sensitive back, neck and/or shoulders
Comfort and safety
Control
Sports
Car travel

Once you’ve determined the purpose, you can more easily find a harness that fits that specific need.

What should you consider when buying a dog harness?

There are several important points to keep in mind when choosing a suitable harness for your dog.

A proper fit
Every dog is different, and so is the fit. Which fit is best for your dog depends on their build and your personal preferences. A well-fitting harness:

Fits snugly around your dog’s chest, with space for one finger between the harness and the skin on both sides.
Distributes pulling force across the dog’s body during walks.
Puts no pressure on the windpipe.
Should not chafe under the armpits.
Leaves the shoulders free. This prevents overloading the muscles and tendons in the neck and shoulders and reduces rubbing or pressure marks on the skin.
Has a leash attachment on the back that doesn’t extend past the ribs. A properly fitting dog harness leaves the ribcage free so the lungs can expand fully.

The material
The material of your ideal harness may influence your decision. There are many types to choose from: padded or unpadded, with or without fleece lining. Made of leather, nylon, neoprene, 3D mesh, or polyester. If you want a harness that’s weather-resistant and suitable for swimming, it’s best to choose a washable material. If your dog has a thin coat, a thicker lining is especially important.

Harnesses with a good fit

What is the best dog harness?

There are many different types of harnesses for dogs. The most common ones are the Y-harness and the H-harness, both named after the shape they form. In addition, the chest harness and step-in harness are also well known among dog owners.

Y-harnesses

These have a back panel that is secured with two straps around the belly and two straps that run from the back along both sides of the neck toward the front. This Y-shaped section then continues toward the belly. A Y-harness fits snugly against the body and leaves the chest and shoulder joints free. This gives your dog plenty of freedom of movement in the front legs and keeps muscles and tendons unstrained. A proper Y-harness doesn’t sit directly in the armpits and is easily adjustable with buckles at both the neck and the belly — such as with the Hunter dog harness.

H-harnesses

These resemble Y-harnesses but are slightly less flexible at the shoulders, since the front and back sections are connected without buckles.

Chest harnesses

These feature a horizontal strap that goes around the chest. They are easy to put on over your dog’s head. The harness is secured with a belly strap and buckle. The horizontal strap runs over your dog’s chest and shoulder joints. When your dog moves its front legs, this creates pressure on the chest strap — and therefore also on the shoulders and chest. This can restrict freedom of movement and potentially cause injuries. If your dog doesn’t pull, this is less of a concern. But if you have a dog that tends to pull during walks, this might not be the best option for you!

Step-in harnesses

These usually consist of one piece that your dog can easily step into. There is no strap running from the neck to the belly. The front strap runs across the breastbone and can put pressure on the windpipe. The leash attachment on the back often sits farther forward, reducing shoulder mobility and increasing the chance of the straps rubbing in the armpits.

Which harness is best for a dog that pulls?

Does your dog pull a lot on the lead during walks? Then an anti-pull harness can be a helpful solution — though it’s not a miracle cure. This type of harness encourages reduced pulling, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog. An anti-pull harness gently redirects your dog toward you when they pull.

Popular options include the Easywalk Dog Harness. You could also opt for a Y-harness with a front attachment point, such as the Hunter Divo Harness. This can also be effective in reducing pulling.

Still, a good harness alone is not enough. You’ll need to train your dog consistently to teach them to walk properly on the lead. Reward positive behaviour and be patient. When you combine consistent training with a suitable harness, you’ll notice your walks become much more enjoyable!

Curious why yo ur dog pulls on the lead? Check out our blog for more information and helpful tips!

Other types
In addition to standard dog harnesses, there are also escape-proof harnesses and harnesses specially designed for dog sports.

How do I choose the right size for my dog?

Even with a Y-harness, it’s important to find the best fit for your dog. A good harness is:

Easy to put on your dog
Adjustable at both the belly and the neck, so it can always be tailored to your dog’s body
Wide enough at the chest (you should be able to fit a fist in between)
Long enough along the back so it doesn’t pinch the armpits

Getting your dog used to a harness

If your dog has never worn a harness before, it’s a good idea to introduce it gradually. You can do this through daily practice. Start with a fun exercise near the harness, then let your dog stick their head through the opening, and continue step by step at your dog’s pace. Only move to the next step when you see your dog is fully relaxed. Forcing your dog can create negative associations that are harder to undo later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my dog stop pulling if I use a harness?

Neither a collar nor a harness is designed to correct pulling. However, many dogs walk more calmly and comfortably when wearing a harness. If your dog pulls on the lead, it’s important to work on training to address this behaviour.

Can I buy a harness if my dog is still a puppy?

Absolutely – in fact, it’s especially important to start off right with a puppy. Puppies are still exploring the world, and it’s your job to guide them. Walking with a harness from a young age allows for comfortable training. Keep in mind that your puppy is still growing, so you may need to switch sizes a few times until they are fully grown.

When should I consider buying a safety harness?

If your dog is anxious or prone to escaping, a safety harness is a smart choice. This type of harness features a Y-front design for comfort and includes an extra belly or hip strap with a handle on the back. It has multiple adjustable straps and prevents your dog from slipping out. Most safety harnesses allow the back section to be removed once it’s no longer needed.