Find the best dog harness for your canine companion — whether for daily strolls around town, intensive training sessions or adventurous hiking excursions. A dog harness can safely restrain your pooch and give you better control. It also allows for a great connection between you and your canine buddy.
While necessary for some circumstances, collars can cause uncomfortable pressure on your dog’s spine and trachea. They can also be especially harmful to dogs who tend to pull while on a leash. Compared to a traditional collar, a well-fitted harness provides improved comfort and safety for your dog.
We tested some of the top dog harnesses of the year to help guide your decision. Whether you’re looking for the performance and durability of our overall pick, the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness, or a budget-friendly option like the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness, we have you covered.
Many factors must be considered when selecting the best harness for your pup. Dog harnesses vary in adjustability, leash attachment options, visibility, size, style, material, and durability. Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, or read our inclusive buyer’s guide, price & value section, and comparison chart to learn more about what differentiates dog harnesses from each other.
Editor’s Note: We updated this Buyer’s Guide on October 10, 2024, by including more helpful specs for all products, a price & value section, and by adding 3 new products, including the Ruffwear Flag Line Dog Harness, the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness, and the Fable Signature Harness.
The Best Dog Harnesses of 2025
- Best Overall: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
- Best Budget: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
- Best for Skijoring: Ruffwear Omnijore Dog Joring System
- Best for Small Dogs: Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
- Tactical Dog Harness: Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness
- Best No-Pull Dog Harness: Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness
- Most Versatile Dog Harness: Ruffwear Flag Line Dog Harness
- Materials: 300-denier ripstop polyester/closed-cell foam/nylon webbing
- Leash attachment points: Two
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Best for: Daily walks and hikes
Pros
- Four points of adjustment for easy fitting
- Fully padded for maximum comfort
- Light, breathable mesh lining prevents overheating
- Dual attachment points offer good options for training and everyday use
- Heavy-duty and easy to wash
Cons
- Must be put on over dog’s head
- Neck and chest straps may be loose on dogs with small necks
- Materials: Breathable and padded mesh, Durable nylon Oxford
- Leash attachment points: Two
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Best for: Strong pullers
Pros
- Nicely padded air mesh keeps your dog cool during exercise and warm days
- Four adjustable straps allow a customized fit
- Abrasion-resistant nylon stands up to wear and weather
- Dual attachment points offer an effective opportunity for no-pull training
- Sturdy top handle allows for instant control of your dog
- Affordable
Cons
- Must go over dog’s head to put on or take off
- Materials: 150-denier polyester ripstop with PU coating and PFAS-free DWR finish (Bluesign-approved), closed-cell PE foam, 75 denier polyester lining with PU coating, heat emboss and PFAS-free DWR finish (Bluesign-approved)
- Leash attachment points: One
- Sizes available: S-XL
- Best for: Skijoring
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable, yet durable materials
- Pulling-specific design doesn’t impede the dog’s movement
- Reflective trim and Ruffwear Beacon capability allow you to see your dog in the dark
- Easily customizable fit
Cons
- Dogs can potentially escape the harness by backing out of it
- Expensive
- Materials: Breathable mesh fabric with a Velcro closure and heavy duty metal D-rings
- Leash attachment points: One
- Sizes available: XXXS-XL
- Best for: Small dogs
Pros
- Lightweight mesh for all-weather comfort
- Simple construction allows for quick fitting
- Double D-ring clip-in point offers secure and redundant attachment
- Can double as a harness for some cats
Cons
- Lack of front attachment point
- Has been known to irritate some dogs in the chest area
- Materials: 900D Nylon, plastic, durable metal ring, cotton
- Leash attachment points: Two
- Sizes available: S-XL
- Best for: Training and outdoor adventuring
Pros
- Durable materials throughout
- Sturdy harness holds up to use from large, strong dogs
- Front-end attachment point for no-pull training
- Included Velcro patch system for customizable appearance
Cons
- Small dogs may trip over front attachment point, which sits low
- Materials: Heavy duty 1" reflective nylon webbing, reinforced outward-facing seams using Gore Tenara thread
- Leash attachment points: Two
- Sizes available: S-L
- Best for: No-pull training
Pros
- Lightweight and quick-drying
- Effective chest attachment point with anti-pulling in mind
- Durable, double-reinforced nylon straps
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Hardware can be heavy for very small dogs
- Expensive
- Materials: 50-denier polyester ripstop (Bluesign® approved) shell, 75-denier polyester lining with heat emboss, one aluminum V-ring and two reinforced webbing attachment points
- Leash attachment points: Three
- Sizes available: XXS-XXL
- Best for: Hiking or other outdoor excursions
Pros
- Three leash attachment points help customize applicability
- Padding on both the topside and underside for comfort
- Broad range of sizes and maximum adjustability
Cons
- May not fit dogs with larger chests or waists as well
- Rear D-ring is smaller and may not accommodate larger leash clips
- Materials: Durable ripstop, metal D-rings
- Leash attachment points: Two
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Best for: Pullers and in vehicles
Pros
- Easy on and off, does not require stepping in
- Included seat belt attachment strap for car rides
- Five adjustment points for perfect fit
Cons
- Threading on chest pad became undone after a few uses
- Lack of padding on underbelly straps may be uncomfortable for some dogs
- Materials: 100% polyester performance knit mesh, nylon webbing, plastic buckles, and iron D-rings
- Leash attachment points: Three
- Sizes available: XS-L
- Best for: Walking and training, sensitive dogs
Pros
- Completely unbuckles so you don’t need to put over your dog’s head or through the legs
- Durable
- Multiple attachment points — one with shock-absorbing technology
Cons
- Lacks extended sizes
- Tends to loosen up after walking for awhile
- Materials: Durable and water-repellant X-Pac fabric, reflective webbing
- Leash attachment points: One
- Sizes available: S-L
- Best for: Nighttime use and hiking
Pros
- High visibility
- Ample chest padding
- Easy to put on
- Water-repellent materials
Cons
- New wet webbing can leave scuff marks with excessive rubbing. Recommend washing before first use.
- Materials: Polyester fleece lining, metal D-ring
- Leash attachment points: Two
- Sizes available: XXS-XL
- Best for: Cold or rainy weather use
Pros
- Outer fabric is durable and resistant to abrasions and weather
- Reflective trim helps you to see your dog in low light
- Water-repellent finish keeps moisture out
- Side buckles are easy to release for quick on and off
Cons
- Dogs with longer torsos may not be fully covered depending on sizing
- Coat can sometimes flip up in the wind
- Materials: Leather and rustproof brass hardware
- Leash attachment points: One
- Sizes available: S-XL
- Best for: Dogs without pulling issues and daily walks
Pros
- Elegant look and handmade feel
- High-quality saddle-grade bridle leather and brass hardware
- Easy-fitting system with straightforward buckles
Cons
- No chest leash attachment point
- Expensive compared to other harness options
- Material: Zinc-alloy double D-ring, 3-layer cooling fabric
- Leash attachment points: One
- Sizes available: XXS-XXL
- Best for: Hot weather
Pros
- Cooling technology keeps your pooch cool on the hottest days
- Easy take-on and take-off thanks to velcro/zipper combo
- Neon details keep your dog visible
- Double d-ring makes for redundant leash attachment
Cons
- Not super adjustable
- Easily stains
- Drips water so most suitable for outdoor use
- No frontal attachment point
- Material: 420-denier ripstop nylon, foam, reflective accents, metal leash loop
- Leash attachment points: One
- Sizes available: XS-XL
- Best for: Boating and swimming
Pros
- Life-jacket style harness will keep your pup afloat in lakes, rivers and the ocean
- Handle makes it easy to lift dog
- Reflective elements keep your pup visible
Cons
- Hard to adjust due to multiple strap system
- Bulkier than a normal harness
Dog Harness Comparison Table
Dog Harness | Price | Materials | Leash Attachment Points | Sizes Available | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness | $50 | 300-denier ripstop polyester/closed-cell foam/nylon webbing | Two | XS-XL | Daily walks and hikes |
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness | $17 | Breathable and padded mesh, Durable nylon Oxford | Two | XS-XL | Strong pullers |
Ruffwear Omnijore | $170 | Breathable mesh fabric with a Velcro closure and heavy-duty metal D-rings | One | S-XL | Skijoring |
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness | $9 | Breathable mesh fabric with a Velcro closure and heavy-duty metal D-rings | One | XXXS-XL | Small dogs |
Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness | $27 | 900D Nylon, Plastic, Durable Metal Ring, Cotton | Two | S-XL | Training and outdoor adventuring |
Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness | $84 | Heavy duty 1″ reflective nylon webbing, Reinforced outward-facing seams using Gore® Tenara thread | Two | S-L | No-pull training |
Ruffwear Flag Line Front-Clip Dog Harness | $60 | 50-denier polyester ripstop (Bluesign® approved) shell, 75-denier polyester lining with heat emboss, one aluminum V-ring and two reinforced webbing attachment points | Three | XXS-XXL | Hiking or other outdoor excursions |
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness | $27 | Durable ripstop, metal D-rings | Two | XS-XL | Pullers and in vehicles |
Fable Signature Harness | $60 | 100% polyester performance knit mesh, nylon webbing, plastic buckles, and iron D-rings | Three | XS-L | Walking and training, sensitive dogs |
Stunt Puppy Go Dog Glo Harness | $55 | Durable and water-repellant X-Pac fabric, reflective webbing | One | S-L | Nighttime use and hiking |
Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse | $90 | Polyester fleece lining, metal D-ring | Two | XXS-XL | Cold or rainy weather use |
Filson Dog Harness | $115 | Leather and rustproof brass hardware | One | S-XL | Dogs without pulling issues and daily walks |
SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness | $36 | Zinc-alloy double D-ring, 3-layer cooling fabric | One | XXS-XXL | Hot weather |
NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket | $60 | 420-denier ripstop nylon, foam, reflective accents, metal leash loop | One | XS-XL | Boating and swimming |
How We Tested Dog Harnesses


Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Dog Harness

Measure for the Right Fit

Girth and Back Length
Neck Size and Coat Thickness


Material
How Will You (and Your Dog) Use the Harness?

Training
Car Ride Safety
Boating and Swimming

For the Active Pup


Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
Pulling on the leash can be difficult behavior for an owner to manage, and it can also be potentially unsafe for the dog. Strong pulling on a leash attached to an around-the-neck dog collar can potentially injure a dog’s neck, spine, and trachea. The right harness can offer dog safety and effective no-pull training.
First, it’s important to find a harness that has a front-end leash clip, such as the Ruffwear Front Range. By clipping a leash into an attachment point near a dog’s chest, pulling will cause the dog to turn from side to side as the force of the pull is redirected laterally.
Combined with other training methods, a front-end leash attachment point can help a dog to form new behaviors and begin to stop pulling while on a leash.
A sturdy harness will not put unsafe pressure on a dog’s neck and spine, even while pulling on a leash. Instead, the force of the pulling will be safely distributed across the front of the dog’s body. Certain products, like the Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness, have additional training-focused features, like a large, strong grab handle located along the dog’s back for quick control.
While a dog can pull on the leash with either a harness or collar, a well-fitting harness is a much safer option. A harness with front-end leash clips can be effective for training your dog to stop pulling.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to wash our dog harness. While some are made to be machine washable (like the Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness), others (like the Filson Dog Harness) should be washed gently by hand.
Different dog harnesses are made to fit differently depending on their style and application. Measure around the widest area of your dog’s midsection to determine their girth.
Also, measure their back length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail as well as the circumference of their neck. If your dog has lots of thick fur or is overweight, account for this while measuring.
Once you’ve got your dog’s measurements, look for a harness in a size that aligns closely with the dimensions of your dog. When actually fitting a harness, follow the provided directions carefully and be sure not to pinch your dog’s skin or fur while securing it in place. If your dog happens to be in between two sizes, we recommend opting for the larger size.
Harnesses should generally fit snugly but not be so tight that they are causing discomfort or friction hot spots. Owners should be able to fit two fingers underneath the harness straps. If this isn’t possible, we recommend slightly loosening the harness.
Different styles of dog harnesses go on in different ways. Some of the more common styles include over-the-head and step-in.
For a step-in harness, begin by unbuckling the harness and laying it flat on the ground. Next, have your dog stand over the harness. Place your dog’s paws into the corresponding loops.
If the harness indicates which paw should go in each loop, be sure to follow these directions. Finally, clip any buckles together and use any straps to customize the fit to your dog.
For an overhead harness, begin by sliding your dog’s head through the neck loop. The top strap will sit on their back, and the bottom straps will go across their belly.
If your harness is pre-connected on one side, have your dog step into the loop and buckle the straps together on the other side of the harness. If not, be sure to secure all buckles and straps on all sides.
Finally, double-check that it fits well and that none of the straps sit on the dog’s throat. If everything looks good, let the walk begin!

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