Dogs are lovely, and the last thing you want is to lose them in road accidents or wandering off. At the same time, your furry friend needs exercise and adventurous walks. Using a harness is the best way to secure and control him during these outdoor adventures.
However, not all harnesses are the same. Some are meant for training, others for hiking and adventures, and others for everyday use. Let's dive into the 10 types of dog harnesses and explore which type of harness works in which situation.
10 Types of Dog Harnesses and When to Use Them
| Harness Type | Materials | Relevant Features | Best For | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Lightweight, easy on/off | Small/medium dogs, not ideal for deep-chested breeds | Uncomfortable for dogs with deep chest girth (e.g., Dobermans, Great Danes) | |
| Nylon | Multiple clips on back and chest | Medium/large breeds, not for small dogs | Sizing geared towards medium/large breeds, not for dogs under 30 lbs | |
| Back-Clip Harness | Nylon, Plastic | Extended back length, wide size range | Preventing slipping out, various sizes | Plastic hardware and lower grade nylon may not be suitable for larger breeds |
| Front-Clip Harness | Nylon | Front clip aids in leash training | Certain breeds, not all dogs | May offset a dog’s gait if walked incorrectly |
| No-Pull Harness | Nylon, Metal | Assists in heel training, prevents pulling | Stubborn pullers, controversial method | Linked to potential shoulder damage with improper use |
| Padded Harness | Nylon, Padding | Padded with cooling feature | Keeping body heat temperate | Limited color options, elongated fit not suitable for all wide-girthed breeds |
| Overhead Harness | Nylon | Slips over head, no shoulder strap adjustments | Excitable dogs, hiking adventures | Some dogs dislike slipping their head into a harness |
| Safety Harness | Nylon, Metal | Crash-tested, connects to seatbelt | Safe car travel | Crates are safer than harnesses for live animal transport |
| Hiking/Adventure Harness | Nylon, Plastic | Add-on options, padding as floatation, wide range of colors | Long trips, specific sizing needs | Very costly, mostly plastic hardware |
Dogs are natural explorers. One minute, they're trotting happily beside you; the next, they've spotted a squirrel and given chase. Without a way to secure and control them during walks and hikes, they can easily wander off. In fact, statistics show that around 30% of dogs will get lost in their lifetime.
Even more shocking news is that 30% of the lost dogs don't get back home. That means there are chances of your furry friend getting lost and never to be found if you don't secure him with a harness during walks and adventures.
The good news is that harnesses come in all sorts of designs, build qualities, and materials meant to cater to the different dog breeds, sizes, levels of training, and temperament. The only secret you need is to know which type suits your dog best. Here are the 10 types of dog harnesses and when to use them.
Back-Clip Harness
As the name suggests, a back-clip harness has a leash attachment on the dog's back, between the shoulder blades. But instead of the leash attaching to their neck like a collar, it clips onto the ring. These are the old-school harnesses. They've been around forever and are super easy to find.
That's why these harnesses became the industry standard for a long time, and you'll find many dog owners calling them standard harnesses or traditional harnesses.
Benefits
A back-clip harness distributes pressure evenly across the dog's chest and back, allowing the dog to breathe freely on walks—no more coughing and choking. Unlike a front-clip harness that steers your dog, the back-clip harness frees up the legs for a more natural stride.
Another thing is that the leash placement on the back keeps it out of the way. This serves two things: you and your pup can both see clearly, so no more accidental tangles and tripping hazards that can result in a faceplant. Secondly, the dog can't reach the leash to chew it.
Best For
A back-clip harness is a good option for well-behaved dogs who don't pull on a leash. It allows the dog to focus on learning cues without the constant redirection of a front clip. It's also great for small dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers or dogs with sensitive necks and tracheas, like Pugs and French bulldogs.
However, if your dog is a champion puller, a back-clip harness is not the best option. You won't be able to redirect your dog's pulling force. So, if you are trying to steer a Husky who's discovered the joy of sledding you down the street, it won't be a relaxing walk.
Front-Clip Harness
Unlike a back-clip harness, which attaches the leash between the shoulder blades, a front-clip harness has a leash attachment ring located on the dog's chest near the sternum. This seemingly small change in location has a big impact on your walks.
When your dog pulls, the pressure guides it back towards you, like having a built-in steering wheel. It's like trying to pull a shopping cart that keeps veering left—it's way easier to manage. That's why a front-clip harness is a popular tool for correcting leash-pulling behavior.
Benefits
More control over your dog during walks prevents safety risks, especially in crowded areas and near traffic. The main benefit of front-clip harnesses is that they discourage pulling behavior. When your dog pulls, the leash pressure on the chest naturally guides them back towards you.
The gentle redirection helps them learn that pulling doesn't get them where they want to go, encouraging them to walk calmly beside you. Since the harness distributes pressure across the chest, it's a safer training tool than a collar, which can cause breathing difficulties.
Best For
A front-clip harness works great for energetic pups who love pulling like the Huskies or dogs with a strong prey drive like the Greyhounds.
For example, if you're walking a Greyhound who lunges excitedly towards a squirrel with a back-clip harness, they might pull you along, but with a front-clip harness, the force is redirected.
The harness is also a great option for distracting dogs that bark excessively. For instance,if your dog turns into a barking machine every time it sees another furry friend, you can gently redirect its focus back to you when it gets excited.
Dual-Clip Harness
Dual-clip harnesses have two leash attachment points—one on the dog's back and another on its chest. They combine the comfort and freedom of a back-clip harness with the steering and control of a front-clip harness.
They are like the Swiss Army knife of dog harnesses – featuring all the bells and whistles for maximum walking versatility. You can choose which clip to use depending on your dog's mood and the situation. A perfect example of a dual-clip harness is the HNTR 3.0 Harness.
Benefits
Dual-clip harnesses are the best for leash training because you can gradually transition your dog. Start with the front clip to discourage pulling, then slowly progress to the back clip as they master their walking manners.
Need a relaxed walk with your well-behaved dog? Clip the leash to the back for a comfortable and unrestricted experience. Encountering a busy street or a distracting squirrel? Switch the leash to the front clip for gentle redirection and control.
Best For
As you can tell, dual-clip harnesses are versatile and can suit all activities and dogs, regardless of the breed and level of training. For example, you can use the back-clip option during hikes and leisurely walks to allow the dog to sniff and explore.
Then, switch to front-clip during runs and jogs to have more control. The only issue is that dual-clip harnesses are more complex and have more attachment points. This makes them a little more bulky for smaller dog breeds like the Chihuahuas.
No-Pull Harness
As the name suggests, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage pulling. The leash attachment ring is near the sternum, like the front-clip harness. Most people confuse front-clip and no-pull harnesses because the design is the same.
The slight difference between front-clip harnesses and no-pull harnesses is that no-pull harnesses are specifically designed to train heavy pullers. That means it has all the features needed to discourage pulling, such as additional straps.
Think of a front-clip harness as a regular bicycle and a no-pull harness as a bicycle with training wheels. Both will get you where you need to go, but the training wheels on the no-pull harness provide extra guidance to keep you and your dog from going wonky.
Benefits
The main benefit of a no-pull harness is that it makes it almost impossible for the dog to pull. No more feeling like you're arm wrestling with your dog on walks. When a dog pulls with a no-pull harness on, and you put pressure on the leash, it ends up doing a little spin or a comical backward shuffle as the leash pressure redirects it.
Keeping in mind that dogs are intelligent, these unexpected and unpleasant redirections will stick in their mind. So, over time, the dog avoids pulling.
Another thing is that regular harnesses put pressure on your dog's neck when they pull, which can cause irritations. No-pull harnesses distribute the pressure across their chest, making the redirection harmless and painless.
Best For
No-pull harnesses are best for heavy pullers like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Saint Bernards. Keep in mind that these gentle giants were bred to pull sleds and do rescue work. As a result, they have a strong pulling instinct that might come out on walks.
It's not because the dog is aggressive or ill-mannered, but it's something deeply ingrained in its bloodstream. No-pull harnesses generally give you control over their pulling power without punishing them for their natural pulling instinct.
Step-In Harness
Unlike traditional harnesses that require you to maneuver them over your dog's head and legs, a step-in harness functions more like a vest, with two large openings for the legs and a wider section for the chest and back. Simply slip your dog's legs through the openings and secure the buckles around their chest.
Benefits
The biggest advantage of a step-in harness is its user-friendliness. There is no frustration of trying to wrangle your dog's legs through multiple straps. If you have a tight schedule and you take your dog for short walks in the early mornings and late evenings, this is the best option.
You won't waste precious time preparing the dog for the walk. It just walks into the harness; you fasten the straps and hit the road. The design distributes pressure evenly across the chest and back, reducing strain on the neck compared to a collar.
Best For
These harnesses are ideal for smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers, who might get weighed down by bulkier options. They're lightweight and comfortable.
Also, some dogs feel a sense of restriction when a harness goes over their head. They feel like they are trapped, especially for nervous dogs. Territorial dogs like the German Shepherds and the American Pit Bull Terriers intercept this as a breach of their dominance.
For such dogs, a step-in harness is the best option as it doesn't trigger these feelings. However, most step-in harnesses are flimsy, so we recommend using them in large dog breeds during short walks where the dog won't encounter situations that can trigger heavy pulling.
Vest Harness
As the name suggests, vest harnesses wrap around the dog's body like a vest, with straps going around the chest, shoulders, and belly.
Although the design of vest harnesses might seem to overlap that of the step-in harnesses, most vest harnesses go over the dog's head first, and then you secure the straps around their body with buckles or clips.
Benefits
The vest design distributes pressure evenly across the chest and back, reducing strain on the neck compared to a collar. Most vest harnesses are well-padded and feel more like a cozy garment than a restrictive harness.
Since the harness offers more coverage, it's more secure than regular harnesses. This makes it difficult for Houdini-like pups who love to wiggle out of harnesses. Also, the multiple straps and buckles reduce the strain on the dog's neck it pulls.
Best For
Vest harnesses are a great option for smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. Their smaller size and calmer demeanor make them less likely to escape or pull excessively. The paddings also make the harness great for well-trained, adventurous pups who love to hike, jog, and explore.
Since the dog is already well-behaved, the harness is all about security, support, and control. The paddings prevent skin irritations even if the dog has sensitive skin.
Padded Harness
Unlike regular harnesses that consist mainly of straps and webbing, padded harnesses incorporate an extra layer of cushioning material for added comfort and support. It's basically a doggy upgrade on the classic harness design.
That means a padded harness can be back-clip, front-clip, vest, dual-clip and no-pull. In most cases, the paddings are a breathable and lightweight mesh that allows for air circulation. However, the classic higher-quality harnesses like the Alpine Dog Terrain Harnesses come with neoprene paddings.
The advantage of neoprene paddings over mesh paddings is that neoprene is more soft and provides better shock absorption and comfort. It's water-resistant, too, making it a good choice for wet conditions. The material resists sweat, which prevents bad odors after long walks.
Benefits
The extra cushioning prevents irritation and chafing for dogs with sensitive skin or those recovering from injuries. The paddings also protect the dog from scrapes and bumps during walks, especially for dogs who love to explore off-leash in bushy areas during hikes.
Best For
These harnesses are best for dogs that love hikes, jogs, or adventures where they might be wearing the harness for prolonged times. The dog stays with the harness all day long without discomfort. It's like the difference between wearing a stiff backpack and a comfy one with cushy shoulder straps.
Overhead Harness
An overhead harness is designed to support dogs with mobility issues or injuries, and its design and build quality differs from the typical walking harnesses. Unlike a walking harness that secures around the chest and back, an overhead harness looks like a sling that lifts and supports the dog's hindquarters or entire body.
Benefits
Since the harness allows you to lift the dog upwards, it gives you more control in situations that the dog is hell-bent on running away from, such as during vet visits. These harnesses also work great during physical therapy and rehabilitation for dogs recovering from surgery and hip dysplasia.
Best For
These harnesses are great for offering support to dogs with weak hind legs, injuries, and leg diseases. For instance, you can use this harness to help your furry friend walk or climb stairs with stability and confidence when recovering from surgery.
Also, if bath time is a war zone, an overhead harness can help you gently lift and support your furry friend, making the process less stressful
Safety Harness
Safety dog harnesses go beyond the typical walking harness by incorporating additional features designed to keep your adventurous canine companion safe in specific situations. Usually, these harnesses have additional security features like reinforced straps, multiple buckles, escape-proof closures, and seat belt attachments.
Benefits
The harness works like a doggy prison jumpsuit that prevents the dog from escaping during car rides. This prevents the risk of the dog trying to jump out of the car when windows are lowered, or the dog suddenly standing up when you're cruising, losing its balance, getting tossed around and ending up with injuries.
Best For
There's no specific dog breed that needs this harness. It depends on your road trip conditions and your dog's behavior. If your dog has a history of trying to escape crates or jumping out of windows, a harness with a seat belt attachment keeps them secure during car rides.
You can also use it on large dog breeds that love to stand on their hind legs and look out of the window. In fact, a study by AAA and Kurgo products shows that 20% of dog owners take their hands off the wheel to stop their furry friends from getting to the front seat. A safety harness prevents these risks.
Hiking/Adventure Harness
Hiking and adventure harnesses are built for exactly that – adventure! They prioritize safety, comfort, and functionality for your canine companion when hitting the trails. These harnesses are constructed with tough, weather-resistant materials to withstand the rigors of outdoor exploration.
They can handle sharp rocks, branches, and exposure to the elements.
Benefits
The main advantage of hiking and adventure harnesses is security and safety, regardless of how large the dog is. Usually, these harnesses feature reinforced stitching, multiple buckles, and escape-proof closures. For example, the Alpine Dog HNTR harnesses uses 1050D nylon webbing, which is the same quality used in mountain climbing.
They also come with a neoprene lining that keeps the harness comfortable and odorless even after long hours of hiking. No worries of chafing and irritation, even if the dog has sensitive skin.
Best For
Adventure harnesses are a must-have for large dogs during hikes and outdoor adventures. The sturdy design means the harness can withstand abuse and heavy pulling without breaking or irritating your dog. Most of these harnesses are also dual-clip, which gives better control of your dog depending on the situation.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-fits-all solution to dog harnesses. The best harness depends on the size of your furry friend, his level of training, and the kind of adventure you're planning to undertake. All in all, we recommend hiking dual-clip harnesses made of strong nylon webbing and lined with neoprene.