Harnesses are a must-have piece of equipment for dogs.
They provide safety and comfort during walks and can be helpful for handling and travel.
Every expert we spoke to agreed that harnesses are safer than collars because they don’t put strain directly on the neck, and they contain your pet more securely.
But for experienced dog people and new pet parents alike, it can be hard to make heads or tails of all the product options.
Young dog energy requires something sturdier than the harness you’d choose for an elderly couch potato.
A fragile Chihuahua might be more comfortable in a mesh vest-style harness, while a ridgeback that pulls will be better handled in a strap-style harness with a control loop.
A French bulldog should have something that doesn’t constrict their chest or throat, like a soft step-in harness that distributes their weight.
After extensive testing on different types of dogs, our overall picks for most dogs are the head-in Ruffwear Front Range harness and the step-in Coastal Pet K9 Explorer Reflective Dog Harness. The Front Range is a sturdy yet comfortable product that includes convenient features. If you’re looking for a simpler option, the Coastal Pet K9 Explorer step-in strap harness is a quality piece of gear that’s easy to use.