The Best Dog Harnesses of 2024 – GWC Mag

Find the perfect dog harness for your canine companion — whether for daily strolls around town, intensive training sessions or adventurous hiking excursions. 

The best dog harness can safely restrain your pooch and allow for better control in a myriad of situations. It also allows for a great connection between the human and canine. We put some of the top dog harnesses of the year to the test.

Going on walks, runs, and even rides together can form a joy-filled relationship between you and your furry friend. Exploring the world with your dog is one of the greatest gifts of dog ownership.

While out on walks, not only is the emotional bond between you and your canine companion strengthened, the physical bond of the leash also joins you together as a unit. For both you and your dog, a harness can be a helpful and comfortable difference-maker.

While necessary for some circumstances, collars can cause uncomfortable pressure on your dog’s spine and trachea. And they can be especially harmful to dogs with a tendency to pull while on a leash. Compared to a traditional collar, a well-fitted harness provides improved comfort and safety for your dog and much better control for you.

When selecting the best harness for your pup, there are many factors to consider. Dog harnesses vary by adjustability, leash attachment options, visibility, size, style, material, and durability.

Of all the available options, we carefully selected our picks for the best dog harness in several different categories. With a new high-quality harness for you and your beloved pup, your walks together will be more enjoyable and safer than ever before. Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or read our inclusive buyer’s guide and FAQs to learn more about what differentiates dog harnesses from each other:

Editor’s Note: We updated this Buyer’s Guide on March 29, 2024, by adding a new review of our top pick, the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness, which got a solid update for spring. We also ensured our product list was up-to-date with current models, colors, and designs.

The Best Dog Harnesses of 2024

Dog Harness Comparison Table

How We Tested Dog Harnesses

As they say, dogs truly are a person’s best friend, which is why we at GearJunkie want to ensure they are well-equipped with the best gear for all our walks, excursions, and adventures. Lead-tester and lifelong dog owner Meghan LaHatte understands the importance of properly outfitting your dog with a harness that is comfortable, secure, and well-suited for its given purpose. 

No two dog harnesses are made the same. We took the time to curate a list of harnesses that are made for anything from daily walks to full-on skijoring adventures. While testing these harnesses, we made note of all the important details — materials, adjustability, and overall functionality. We paid especially close attention to the leash attachment points, fabric type, and maneuverability while in use. 

From alpine hikes to daily walks in the park, these harnesses have been through extensive testing processes. We can assure you that this list of products includes the best on the market and will continue to be updated as new contenders hit the scene.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Dog Harness

Harnesses are available in a wide array of sizes and styles. They work by limiting pressure by dispersing the force across the entire front half of a dog’s body. Because the leash attaches to a harness at fixed attachment points instead of around the neck, your dog experiences less potentially damaging leash pressure.

As dog owners ourselves, we realize that sometimes dogs will take advantage of that and pull even harder. The only real solution to pulling is good training.

But for those dogs who are prone to pull or dart, some harnesses have second attachment points that discourage pulling.

The perfect harness for one dog may not be the right choice for another. When shopping for a harness for your pup, there are many factors to consider.

How will you be using it? If you are looking for something to help with training and pulling, be sure to snag one with a frontal leash attachment. Or, if you’re heading out for a hunting weekend, you may want one with a more tactical design like the Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness. 

Be sure to consider your dog’s activity level and preference when choosing a harness. Smaller dogs may need a smaller, lightweight one, whereas larger dogs require more durable and strengthened designs.

Regardless of which harness you choose for your canine companion, we can assure you that any of the options listed in this guide are of superb quality and application.

Measure for the Right Fit

First, the proper fit should be your primary consideration no matter what style or function you’re seeking in a harness. Before ordering any harness, we recommend carefully measuring your pup to ensure a good fit.

We suggest using a measuring tape to measure your dog down to the inch or centimeter properly. Doing so will ensure your numbers are correct and the harness will fit perfectly. Most harnesses come with adjustable straps that assist with fit and mobility for your pup.

Girth and Back Length

Many harnesses are sized according to girth, which is measured at a dog’s widest area, just behind the front legs. Use a tape measure to fully wrap around your dog’s ribcage and note the girth in inches.

Some are also sized according to the length of a dog’s back. Back length should be measured starting at the base of a dog’s neck and ending at the base of its tail. Back length is an especially important sizing concern for harnesses that double as insulating, rain-repelling coats or vests, such as the Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse and SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness.

Neck Size and Coat Thickness

Another measurement you’ll want to have on hand is neck circumference. Neck girth varies a lot in dogs, so if your best friend has an especially thick neck like some pit bulls, or a thin neck like many Dobermans and poodles, search for a harness designed to work for their body type.

A thick coat can add lots of circumference to girth measurements. If your dog has lots of hair, it may be wise to order one size up to get the best fit. The same goes for overweight and deep-chested pups.

If you’ve got an especially fluffy pooch, make sure the buckles, zippers, and other hardware don’t have any of their fur tangled up in them as this could cause some uncomfortable pinching, itching, or an unwarranted haircut. We suggest using one hand to push their fur out of the way when buckling and adjusting your dog’s harness. 

When a harness is fitted comfortably and properly, there will be a healthy bit of wiggle room in between the material and your dog’s skin. A good fit usually allows the owner to fit two of their fingers underneath the harness. If a harness is overly snug, rashes and hot spots can cause discomfort for your dog.

With this consideration in mind, we recommend sizing up one size if your pooch happens to sit in between two sizes according to the sizing chart of the harness manufacturer.

Material

When choosing a harness for your furry companion, be sure to consider the material type and design. Most of the harnesses in this guide are made of nylon and polyester with added plastic or metal buckles and hardware. 

Fabrics like nylon are typically lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. For example, the Stunt Puppy Go Dog Glo Harness is made with durable nylon that has reflective and water-resistant elements. It’s also machine washable, which is a major plus if your canine likes to take stinky mud baths or roll in dirt.

When considering hardware materials, we recommend sticking with metals like steel or reinforced plastic. It is important that the leash rings are durable enough to withstand your dog’s pulling without tearing away or putting too much strain on you. We especially loved the anti-rust brass hardware and loops on the Filson Dog Harness.

Overall, be sure your pup’s harness is made with a comfortable, breathable fabric that works with his or her coat. Dogs with thicker coats can withstand more durable, rugged materials, while pups with sensitive skin or less hair may need something softer and less abrasive.

How Will You (and Your Pup) Use the Harness?

Once you have your dog’s measurements figured out, it’s time to decide what you and your dog want and need in a harness. Different harnesses are designed with different applications in mind. For example, a training harness will provide certain features that make it a useful tool for improving your dog’s behavior.

Training

For training to pull less while on leash, owners will want to purchase a harness with a front-end leash attachment point. A front-clip harness will turn a dog’s body to the side if they pull too hard, which helps them to establish new behaviors.

A good no-pull harness will distribute the force of the pull and keep your dog’s throat and neck safe to eliminate gagging and discomfort. Our pick for a training-oriented harness is the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness thanks to its front-clip no-pull technology.

Car Ride Safety

If you’re seeking a harness that can double as a seatbelt for your dog during long car rides, search for an option that easily attaches to your car’s seatbelt system. The Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness is crash-tested for dogs up to 75 pounds and offers an easy way to attach your dog to the seatbelt safely.

Boating and Swimming

If you want your dog to accompany you on all of your summer boating, fishing, or swimming excursions, be sure to choose a harness with floatation engineering. Even if your pup is a competent swimmer, having the extra peace of mind that your dog will stay afloat should they fall into a lake or a swift current is key. 

The NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket is our pick for a dog-oriented PFD. Designed like any other life jacket, this harness will keep your pup on top of the water so they can swim all day without any fear of drowning. We love this option for elderly or disabled pooches that enjoy swimming, but can’t exert themselves too much. 

The added rear handle makes lifting your dog in and out of your boat and or kayak easy peasy. And the metal leash loop means the CFD also serves as a functional harness. Be sure to grab one if you think your dog needs the extra help swimming — or if you’re whitewater rafting.

For the Active Pup

For the active and outdoorsy pup, a comfortable harness should be made from materials meant to withstand the conditions of adventuring outside.

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is hardy and breathable while also offering extra handy features like a place to mount a beacon light and dual attachment points. Others, like the Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness prioritize durability in their design and make good long-term options for everyday use.

If you’re taking your pup out on those hot summer days, be sure to consider a cooling harness like the SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness. This harness works by evaporating cool air directly onto your dog’s body, thus keeping them at a comfortable temperature while walking, playing, and hiking in the heat. 

Some harnesses are easier to put on than others. While some dogs don’t mind having a harness slipped on over their head, for other dogs, this process can be a battle.

When putting on a dog harness, consider your pet’s personality and preferences. Some harnesses can be laid flat on the ground for your dog to simply step into without much hassle. If you are looking one that provides storage for backpacking or longer day hikes, be sure to check out our guide for the Best Dog Backpacks of 2024.

Price

When considering the prices of dog harnesses, be sure to make note of your personal budget and your pooch’s needs. We believe you don’t need to break the bank to get a great dog harness, but don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on one that checks all the boxes for your pup. 

At the lower cost end of our guide is the Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness ($9), the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness ($17), and the Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness ($27). All at under 30 bucks, these harnesses are superb, budget-friendly options that won’t empty your wallet. 

At the mid-range price range are the SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness ($36), Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness ($50), Kurgo Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness ($43), Stunt Puppy Go Dog Glo Harness ($53), and NRS CFD Dog Life Jacket ($60). These harnesses ranked as some of our favorites in the guide while being well-designed and reasonably priced. 

Higher in price, but still fantastic options are the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness ($84), Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse ($90), and the Filson Dog Harness ($115). 

The steeply-priced Omnijore Dog Joring System ($176), includes a multi-leash and harness system made for skijoring. Because it includes multiple accessories and additions for specialized use, it is priced much higher than the rest of the harnesses listed.

When selecting a dog harness, make sure you compare not only the price options, but also the fit, materials, purpose, and style that best serve your pup.

FAQ