A walk with determined pullers like the Alaskan Huskies, Canadian Eskimos and Alaskan Malamutes, with their strength to pull sleds, can feel like a losing battle in a tug-of-war competition. The secret weapon is the no-pull harnesses. These harnesses apply gentle pressure across the dog's chest and back so it can't leverage its pulling strength.
The leash attachment point on the front chest naturally redirects the dog back toward you when you apply pressure on the leash. The best no-pull harnesses achieve this redirection without causing discomfort and pain to your dog. It's all about gentle guidance, not forceful restraint.
However, there are many no-pull harnesses on the market, and finding the perfect match can be challenging. Luckily, this guide explores the best no-pull harness for dogs and gives you buying tips on adjustability, comfort, and durability.
Quick Summary of the Best No-Pull Dog Harness 2024
| Harness | Price | Dog Size | Materials | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$79.99 | All sizes |
Nylon webbing, metal, neoprene lining |
Four attachment points, 4 dual release buckles, front and back attachment points | Durable, sweat-resistant, adjustable, no choking, customizable fit, comfortable, luxury brand | Higher price |
 |
$29.99 | Small to medium breeds | Elasticized mesh, nylon | Moves with shoulders and gait | Maximum control without choking, good for brachycephalic breeds | Limited to small and medium breeds |
 |
$29.99 | Large breeds | Nylon polyester | Two metal rings | Versatile, strong, flexible attachment points | Not machine-washable |
 |
$29.99 | Medium to large breeds | Padded breathable mesh, reflective material | Four sliders for adjustability, reflective materials for visibility | Even pressure distribution, good for night walks | Limited adjustability for certain sizes |
|
Rover Gear Better Walk No-Pull Harness  |
$30.99 | All sizes | Padded Y-shaped strap, durable fabric | Four easy-to-adjust points, two D-rings | Comfortable padding, customizable fit, good for casual strolls and training | Limited availability in some regions |
The 5 Best No-Pull Harness for Dogs 2024
A good no-pull harness should gently remind the dog to walk nicely by your side. The fabric should be sturdy to resist tearing and ripping. Note that some of these pullers are also chewers.
The stitching should be able to withstand all sorts of abuse. Here are some sturdy and comfortable no-pull harnesses that work great for both small and large dog breeds.
HNTR 3.0 Dog Harness
The HNTR 3.0 Dog Harness is the clear leader in its category, thanks to the sturdy construction of nylon webbing. The quality of the nylon used in this harness is the same ultra-tough webbing that mountain climbers trust with their lives.
Plus, there are added reinforcements at all the key pulling points, so even the most enthusiastic tug-of-war champion like the Huskies won't break it. The HNTR 3.0 goes the extra mile with a soft, neoprene lining. Neoprene is the material used in swimsuits. If you have ever worn a swimsuit, you can agree the material is extra comfortable.
That is the same feel your furry friend will enjoy. The material is sweat-resistant, preventing odors and chafing. So, no more post-walk stink bombs, even after the most energetic adventures. The harness features four rock-solid attachment points, which are welded and double-toughened to handle energetic pullers without snapping.
When it comes to adjustability, again this harness is a clear winner. It features 4 dual release buckles, and back and front attachment points. This adjustability gives you maximum control over your dog's pulling force. Although this harness has a higher price tag compared to its competitors, the features, durability, reliability, and value is unmatched.
Sporn Mesh No-Pull Harness
The Sporn Mesh No-Pull Harness is designed to give you maximum control over your furry friend without posing a choking hazard. It features elasticized mesh around the chest, a humane way to discourage the dog from pulling without exerting excessive pressure on the windpipe.
As a result, this harness is great for brachycephalic dog breeds like the pugs, French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. The patented system design allows the harness to move with your companion's shoulders and gait. There are no restrictions that can cause strain.
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
If you are looking for a no-pull harness for large breeds like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Huskies, consider the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness. It is made of strong nylon polyester fabric that can withstand the force of heavy pullers without breaking.
The harness comes with two metal rings that give you flexibility. For instance, when going for casual hikes, walks, or jogging, you attach the leash to the back ring. That way, the harness works like any other standard harness.
On the other hand, when you want to train the dog and stop the pulling behavior, you attach the leash to the chest ring. The harness changes to a no-pull, and you have full control over your furry friend. The only issue is that the harness is not machine-washable.
Eagloo No-Pull Dog Harness
The Eagloo No-Pull Harness comes with breathable padded mesh. This mesh distributes pressure evenly across the dog's chest. As a result, no chafing, skin irritations and hair loss. The breathable design allows air to flow freely, keeping your furry friend cooler and comfortable.
The harness has four sliders you can adjust at the neck and chest. This adjustability allows you to fine-tune the fit of the harness to suit your dog's shape and size. No worries if the dog loses or gains weight. However, the adjustability is limited to girths between 15 to 35.4 inches.
The harness also comes with shiny materials that reflect light from car headlights, bike lights and flashlights. This reflection allows drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to spot the dog easily during nighttime, foggy, or early morning walks.
Rover Gear Better Walk No-Pull Harness
The Rover Gear Better Walk No-Pull Harness is another great no-pull harness with comfortable paddings that allow you to redirect the dog without straining the neck, shoulders and back. This harness boasts of a padded Y-shaped strap. It's like a cozy hug that spreads the leash pressure evenly across your dog's chest.
This harness has four easy-to-adjust points that give you a customizable fit for all dog shapes and sizes. It also has two D-rings. The one on the back is for casual strolls or playtime in the park, and the one on the front is for discouraging pulling. A gentle tug on the leash redirects the dog back to your side while keeping pressure off its sensitive neck.
Features to Consider in a No-Pull Harness
Like collars and leashes, no-pull harnesses come in different sizes, materials, styles and build qualities. A no-pull harness for a Newfoundland won't work for a Jack Russell Terrier. So, when buying the harness, consider the following features to make sure it meets your dog's requirements.
Size
In the same way, it's uncomfortable to try to squeeze into a child's shirt, and it's uncomfortable for a dog to wear the wrong harness size. A no-pull harness that works wonders for a tiny Yorkie will restrict or fail to fit your giant Saint Bernard. So, before hitting the buy button, measure your dog's chest girth and neck circumference first.
Go for a harness that leaves space to slip two fingers under the straps. After taking the measurements, double-check the manufacturer's size chart to find the perfect match. Another thing to consider is adjustability.
You want a harness that offers a snug yet comfortable fit as your pup grows or slims down. Look for harnesses with multiple adjustment points around the chest and neck, such as the Eagloo No-Pull Harness.
Paddings
Dogs are intelligent. They know when something hurts or restricts their movements and try to avoid it. So, when the harness is uncomfortable and causes skin irritations, the dog notices it and refuses to wear it. The dog might start walking stiffly or with a hunched back when the straps dig into the chest and shoulders.
On the other hand, if the harness causes rubbing and chafing, the dog constantly tries to chew and paw the harness to remove it. The dog coughs and gags if the harness is undersized and exerts excessive pressure on the neck.
Over time, the dog will start fighting you every time you try on the harness. To prevent irritation, go for harnesses with good padding on the shoulder straps and chest plates. It is also advisable to use the normal back clip when not training the dog.
Durability
A no-pull harness is about fit, comfort, reliability, and durability. Dogs, like huskies, exert significant force when pulling. Remember, sometimes you'll use the back clip, leveraging the dog's pulling power. A flimsy harness simply won't cut it. Get a sturdy harness that won't snap when your husky gives a mighty tug.
Compared to constant replacements, a well-made harness also saves you money in the long run. Go for harnesses made of sturdy nylon that can resist tearing and ripping. Confirm that the stitching is strong and secure at all connection points. Finally, make sure the D-rings are made of strong, non-corrosive metal.
How to Fit a Harness Properly
Fitting the harness the right way is as important as the harness itself. Your dog might wriggle out and run away if the harness is loose. Also, a loose harness can't effectively redirect your dog's pulling force. An overly tight harness can restrict your dog's breathing and cause coughing and gagging. Here are tips to fit a harness properly.
- Loosen all the straps to make the initial slip-on process smoother and less stressful.
- Slide the harness over your dog's head
- Let the chest plate of the harness rest comfortably on the body.
- Locate and fasten the two buckles on the chest piece, typically positioned on the sides of your dog, just behind their front legs.
- Tighten the side straps to fit snugly around your dog's body. Remember to use the two-finger test.
Training Techniques to Stop the Pulling Behaviour
No-pull harnesses are great tools but aren't magic wands. Although they help discourage pulling by redirecting your dog, true loose-leash walking requires a winning combination of the right harness and consistent training. Here's how you can train your companion to stop the pulling behavior without making it a frustrating tug-of-war.
- Let your dog sniff and paw the harness during playtime to get familiar with it. Give your dog treats to create a positive association when using the harness.
- Gradually increase the wear time around the house before venturing outside.
- Reward your dog for loose leash behavior, especially when walking nicely by your side or focusing on you instead of distractions. This positive reinforcement strengthens the loose leash walking behavior and makes walks a fun, treat-filled adventure for your furry friend.
- Keep initial walks short and positive. This helps prevent frustration and lets your dog focus on learning the new routine.
- Always remember that retraining ingrained pulling behavior takes time and consistency. So, gradually increase walk duration as your dog gets comfortable with the harness and leash.
- The moment your dog starts pulling, stop walking immediately. Wait for all tension to disappear from the leash, then calmly start walking again.
Final Thoughts
No-pull harnesses are a game-changer for walks with enthusiastic pullers. Go for a no-pull harness made of sturdy materials that won't snap when the dog pulls. Make sure the harness is comfortable so the dog doesn't start backing off in future. The above harnesses are high-quality, and specifically designed to correct the pulling behaviour.