Features to Look For in the Best Dog Harness

Whether you're a new dog parent with a puppy to train or a seasoned pet parent looking to make walks better, finding the best dog harness can be a bit puzzling. Start by focusing on these nine qualities and you can easily reign in the perfect harness for leading your pup to a better outing.

1. Connects Correctly

Narrow down your dog harness choices by deciding where you plan to connect your leash to the harness. Keep in mind, according to VetStreet, there are two main types: front clip and back clip. Which one you use depends on your dog.

Front-clip, back-clip, or leash?

Front-clip harnesses afford you more control over his behavior, but it doesn't always tame aggressive dogs by itself. It can also tangle underneath his front legs. Back-clip harnesses are very comfortable, easy to put on, and protect his neck. Unlike front-clip, however, they offer limited control over his trajectory. Both types are still preferable over leashes for training purposes, because you need to be gentler on his neck when guiding him. If your dog has more training, he may not need the extra guidance of a harness, but a leash will help ensure he stays close just in case. Unsure what's best for your dog? Check with your veterinarian who can help talk you through the options and find the best fit for your dog.

If and when you choose a harness, know that side attachments have become very popular for dogs in training because they gently and continuously keep him heading in the right direction while walking. Harnesses that attach the leash to the middle of the dog's back can often encourage pulling, and although they may help control your dog better than a typical leash, they may put more strain on you.

2. Measures Up

With both back- and side-clip harnesses, the thickness of the harness needs to be assessed. Be sure to measure your dog and determine the proper thickness and size based on his age and breed. And check the fit constantly, especially for young dogs that can quickly grow out of a design that fit perfectly yesterday.

3. Is Padding Necessary?

Breeds with short hair often benefit from padding to avoid rubbing and skin irritation. Padded harnesses also add extra flair and can make your dog look stylish, encouraging you to go out for invigorating walks more often.

4. It Meets Your Needs

One of the best ways to find the right harness is to go to a pet store that allows you to try different fits on your dog before you buy it. Most stores boast distractions that peak your dog's interest, so this is a perfect environment for testing out whether the harness will keep him well-behaved. Also, if your dog is excited when trying on different harnesses, you'll also be able to gauge the ease of getting the harness on and off.

5. In for the Long Haul

It's important to assess how well the harness will grow and adjust with your dog as he moves. Once you get the harness on your dog, make some adjustments and pay close attention to your dog's reactions and movements as you walk him around. Also, look at the material that the harness is made of; if the material seems cheap, there is a good chance that it will start to wear and deteriorate over time.

6. Reflects on What's Best

If you and your dog take walks early in the morning or later in the evening, a harness with reflective material may be worth the extra cost to ensure you're visible to traffic to help keep you and your dog safe.

7. A Perfect Match

Everyone has a leash they like to use for certain outings, but be sure the harness works well with your leash of choice. You may also need to reassess your leash length based on how much control the harness affords you when clipped to the leash.

8. Multiple Dogs

If you walk multiple dogs, you may need a harness that works better with split leashes. Some pet parents will purchase one harness with the clip on the left and another with a clip on the right, then use one Y-shaped leash to walk two dogs of the same size with the same leash. Still other pet parents may have a small dog and large dog, and choose two very different harnesses and leashes depending on their individual walking habits.

9. Masters the Material

Although the harness may lead to more controlled walks, and your dog may get into fewer messes, harnesses still need to be cleaned, especially cloth ones with padding. Some dog parents like leather for its feeling after being polished; leather is less likely to cause skin irritation because you can treat it this way over and over. Other dog parents prefer nylon for quick and easy washing. Your dog's size, allergies, and skin quality can help you decide which material is best.

Adapt to Both of Your Needs

After you've assessed all of these values in a dog harness, look for something that matches your style. Are you trendy and want something bright and colorful? Or are you more practical and want something that matches your dog and won't get dirty easily?

Once you find the best dog harness for your pup, be sure he gets the proper nutrition to keep up with an active lifestyle. As your dog ages and you continue to use a harness, you want to be sure their joints are healthy and strong to avoid injuries from longer treks. If you do notice your dog slowing down, or if he seems to be uncomfortable at any point, always be willing to reevaluate with your veterinarian whether a different food or a harness may be needed so he can continue to enjoy his time outside with you.