Getting pulled on the street can turn a relaxing walk into a frustrating battle. As a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, more than half of my clients ask for help in training their dog to walk nicely on a leash. I typically recommend that dog owners purchase a quality, no-pull front clip harness to help them teach their dog to walk on a leash without pulling. Not only does it remove the dangerous pressure on the dog’s neck, but it also reduces his ability to pull on the leash.
For this guide, I teamed up with five staff and volunteers from San Francisco’s Family Dog Rescue to test nine of the most popular harnesses. We tested the harnesses on walks with over two dozen medium and large, untrained dogs. I also interviewed professional dog walkers, trainers, and professional veterinarians for their preferences. For each harness, we evaluated how well it prevented dogs from pulling, whether it was uncomfortable or interfered with the dog’s movement, overall fit, adjustability, durability, and washability. We can find more information on our testing method at the end of this guide.
1. Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness
The Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness is a favorite of dog trainers and dog walkers. It impressed us with the ease with which we walked our untrained shelter dogs while wearing this harness. The dogs pulled less and were easier to control when the harness was used with a leash attached to the front D-ring.
The Y-neck design of the harness does not cross the dog’s shoulders or pinch under the armpits, providing a level of comfort not found with other harnesses. Robyn Socarro, professional dog trainer at Beyond the Biscuit in Bentonville, Arkansas, swears by the Balance harness. “It’s great for everyday performance, and it doesn’t interfere with the dog’s shoulder movement,” she said. Like all harnesses in this guide, the leash can also be attached to the back of the harness for dogs that don’t pull.
If you’re having trouble finding a harness that works for you, this is a great option. There are six different places on the harness to make adjustments for wide necks, barrel chests, and bulky bellies. Besides the six change points, this harness has straps that attach around the torso and neck. While the neck strap is ideal for dogs that resist putting their head in a harness, this design can make the harness difficult to put on. The colored top strap on the back helps you know what goes where.
The soft nylon has a test of strength of 3,500 pounds. I threw mine in the washing machine and let it air dry with no ill effects.
Pros: Prevents dogs from pulling better than other harnesses, six points of change for proper fit, great for dogs who don’t like to put their head in a harness, machine washable, 90-day jaw replacement policy.
Cons: More expensive than most other harnesses, no padding, can be difficult to put on at first.
Sizes: Extra small (13.5 to 18 inches chest) to large (29 to 43.5 inches chest)
Colors: Black, blue, camouflage, hot pink, orange, purple, red, light blue.
Warranty: 90-day warranty against chewing
Buy: Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness
2. 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness
The Freedom No-Pull Harness from 2 Hounds Design has a cult following among dog trainers. With a D-ring in the front and back, it is comfortable for walking both pulling and non pulling dogs.
It often amazed users at how quickly the Freedom Harness reduces leash tension for pulling dogs, especially when paired with the included dual connection leash. By connecting the leash to the D-rings at the chest and back, the harness distributes pressure evenly, preventing the dog from experiencing discomfort at anyone point on his body and giving him better control. The martingale at the back tightens when the dog is pulled to prevent him from wriggling out of the harness.
Diane Livoti Perlman, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Metro Dog in Richmond, California, recommends this harness to all her clients. Although many of our testers found it difficult to put on the first few times, it became easier once properly adjusted. There’s a buckle at the neck, so the harness doesn’t need to be pulled over the dog’s head, and the velvet lining on the strap behind the legs is a delicate touch for dogs with sensitive skin.
The Freedom Harness fits dogs of all shapes and sizes. It is the only one in this guide with straps available in two different widths: 5/8 inch and 1 inch. It can be machine washed on the gentle cycle and air dried. I accidentally put it in the dryer, but it came out fine.
Pros: works well for dogs that pull a lot, straps don’t loosen or sag, velvet lined straps prevent rubbing, machine washable, available in 7 sizes and 14 colors and patterns, dual connection leash included.
Cons: Can be difficult to put on, straps are difficult to adjust.
Sizes: XS (15 to 20 inch chest) to XXL (34 to 44 inch chest)
Colors: 14 options including black, blue, red, green and orange.
Warranty: Jaw replacement warranty for $12.99.
Buy: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness
3. Petsafe 3-in-1 No Pull Dog Harness
With the Petsafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness, you can either attach the leash to the front of the harness to reduce pulls or attach it to the back ring for casual walks or running with your dog.
Beth DiMeccio, who tested the harness on shelter dogs from Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco, was impressed with its effectiveness on dogs that pull a lot. “There is little chance of a dog escaping from this harness, which is a major concern for shelter dogs,” she said.
The Y-shaped nylon 3-in-1 does not restrict the dog’s movement. It has five different change points to allow for a comfortable fit, and with a neck loop, there’s no need to pull it over the dog’s head. The lightweight neoprene padding and reflective stitching are a delicate touch.
With 1 inch wide straps, this harness is heavier than similar models, making it too bulky for small dogs. While the wider straps reduce chafing, there is no padding to cover the plastic clasps, which can lead to discomfort when worn continuously. Petsafe recommends washing the 3-in-1 by hand, which can make it difficult to remove odors.
Once you get the hang of it, the harness is easy to put on. It also has a built-in adjustable strap for attaching to a car seatbelt, but it’s important to note that this harness has not been crash tested.
Pros: five change points for a good fit, reflective stitching, some padding.
Cons: Limited color options, heavy plastic buckles can be uncomfortable.
Sizes: Extra small (13 to 19 inches chest) to large (29.5 to 34 inches chest)
Colors: Teal, plum, black
Warranty: One year limited warranty, guaranteed replacement of the bit for $14.90.
Buy: Petsafe 3-in-1 No Pull Dog Harness
4. Ruffwear Front Range Harness
Designed for outdoor adventures, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness can take a lot of punishment while keeping your dog comfortable. The foam padding on the chest and belly prevents chafing and irritation, and the built-in clasps are fabric-covered so they don’t touch any part of the dog’s body.
“The padding is nice because it doesn’t rub on my thin-coated dog,” says Scarlett Cermak, a San Francisco-based dog educator and owner of Embark Today. “I also really like that it has a rear clip option because there are times, believe it or not, when I want my dogs to pull, like in sports like canicross or joring.”
The harness is easy to put on and take off, with two clasps and two change buckles. There are two leash attachments: an aluminum V-ring on the back and a reinforced webbing attachment on the chest plate.
The Front Range does not reduce pull and other harnesses we recommend. While it is normal for a front clip harness to move when your dog pulls, the Front Range has more twist than other harnesses we recommend, so it moves to the side when the dog pulls.
But its polyester fabric is very durable. After seven years, the Front Range is the only intact harness my dog still wears from his childhood.
The harness has reflective stitching for better visibility at night. Hand washing is recommended, but I had to put my dog’s harness in the washer and dryer several times. It held up, but the edges are now slightly curled.
Pros: wide, padded straps that don’t chafe, can be worn all day, comes in 13 different colors and 5 sizes, easy to put on and off, durable.
Cons: The chest piece twists and opens with serious pulling, does not dry quickly.
Sizes: XXS (13 to 17 inch chest) to L/XL (32 to 42 inch chest)
Colors: 8 options including gray, red, teal and orange.
Warranty: Limited warranty on manufacturing defects
Buy: Ruffwear Front Range Harness
Other products considered
What we recommend and why:
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness: This is an affordable harness with a padded chest plate and front and rear leash attachments. It’s a solid choice as a daily walking harness for large dogs that pull moderately.
What we don’t recommend and why:
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness: This is a fairly effective anti-pull harness, with a vest-like design similar to the Ruffwear Front Range. Unless your dog has a barrel chest, the front of the harness twists to the side as soon as the dog pulls. The straps also need to be tightened all the time as they loosen too easily.
Pet safe Easy Walk: This popular front clip harness is inexpensive and easy to put on and adjust. However, the front chest strap sags more than any other harness we tested, causing it to hang over the dog’s front legs and impede movement. Without padding and with thin straps, the Easy Walk can also rub and create abrasions. The buckle ends under the armpit of many dogs, which can be uncomfortable.
Bolux Dog Harness: One of the least expensive harnesses on the market, this harness does nothing to prevent your dog from pulling, as it has only one leash attachment in the back. Wiggling dogs can easily get out of this harness and escape.
Our method for testing no-tug dog harnesses
We reviewed the most popular harnesses on the market and sought input from professional dog walkers and trainers who were already using the brands we reviewed.
Three shelter staff and two volunteer walkers then tested the harnesses on walks with over two dozen rescue dogs at Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco over an eight-week period. The dogs were all medium to large (over 50 pounds) and were chosen because they were difficult to walk because of overexcitability, lack of training, or reactivity. We walked the dogs with the tester’s harnesses for 30 to 60 minutes on city streets and in local parks.
Pulling on the leash is usually a problem for owners of large dogs, so we did not test these harnesses on dogs under 25 pounds. Many small dogs tense up when on leash, but owners don’t struggle when pulled by the legs.
We also did not test head halters, as most dogs initially find them uncomfortable and resist wearing them. The no-pull harnesses in this guide are a better choice for anyone looking for the least intrusive and least aversive approach (LIMA) to dog training and behavior modification. If you want to learn more about halters, check out our guide to the best dog harnesses.
We rated each harness on the following criteria:
Prevents dogs from pulling: We evaluated how well it prevented dogs from pulling on the leash while walking. We walked dogs for at least 30 minutes on 4-foot leashes.
Does not impede or restrict movement: we tested harnesses on dogs of different sizes and shapes to ensure that they do not sag and that the straps do not cover the dog’s front legs and shoulders.
Does not cause chafing or rubbing: we tested the harnesses on both long- and short-haired dogs to make sure there was no chafing or rubbing.
Dog cannot slip or pull out of the harness: Since we tested these harnesses on shelter dogs that are often escape risks, this was a key criterion.
Easy to put on and take off/easy to adjust: Putting on or adjusting your dog’s harness should not be frustrating. We asked our shelter volunteers and testers to write their impressions when they first put the harnesses on their dogs.
Durability and washability: We asked professional dog walkers for their opinion on the durability of these harnesses and how they hold up after several washes.
Initial cost and replacement cost: We looked at whether the harness is justifiably priced and easy to replace in the event of a bite.
Dog Harness FAQs for off-leash dogs
Why do dogs pull on the leash?
“Dogs may pull on leash because of hypersensitivity to everything around them and a lack of leashes training when they are puppies,” says Lillian Baker, veterinarian and owner of Baker’s Mobile Veterinary Services in Houston, Texas. No dog is born with an innate knowledge of leash walking. They pull because they naturally walk faster than we do and because they want to go to the park, greet another dog or sniff something interesting. They usually continue to pull because they have discovered that when they do, they can move forward.
Can my dog hurt his neck by pulling on the leash?
Traditional collars should never restrain or control your dog, as they can cause tension and stress in the dog’s neck. “Dogs that pull on the leash are at increased risk of choking,” Baker said. Tracheal collapse is another potential consequence of pressure around the neck, she explained. A 2020 study published in the journal “Vet Record” using canine neck models with pressure sensors confirmed the danger, concluding that many dog collars have the potential to cause damage to a dog’s neck. A flat collar is only for attaching your dog’s ID tag or for decoration. A clipless body harness is a much safer and more effective way to walk a pulling dog.
How do front clip pull harnesses work?
Front clip harnesses prevent the dog from pulling by swinging the dog toward you when the leash is extended. There are two types of front clip harnesses: a Y-shaped chest strap or a strap that sits horizontally on the chest. Y-shaped harnesses allow for greater freedom of movement. “Any product that forms a Y shape around the dog’s neck and under the chest is nonrestrictive,” said veterinarian Chris Zink, a canine sports medicine consultant and researcher at Johns Hopkins University.
How do I fit a no-pull harness into my dog?
Finding the right harness for your dog is like choosing the perfect running shoes: Fit is crucial. There is nothing more frightening than seeing your dog squirm or back up in an ill-fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness will also be uncomfortable, and if it is too tight, it can cause chafing. Sagging harnesses may prevent the dog from moving his shoulders or legs fully.
A well-fitting harness should be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two or three fingers under all straps. Check the size charts and read the instructions on how to measure your dog. If you are buying online, measure carefully and check the return policy before ordering.
Will a no-pull harness teach my dog to stop pulling?
Front clip anti-pulling harnesses are not a quick fix that will instantly stop your dog from pulling, but they are a management tool. The best way to stop your dog from pulling is to train him to walk off-leash using positive reinforcement. If your dog is a regular puller, there is no human equipment that will teach him to stop pulling, but a good harness will help you manage and control your dog while teaching him good leash manners. If you continue to walk as soon as your dog pulls, not only are you missing the opportunity to learn loose leash walking, but you are also reinforcing the pulling.
What is the best leash for a pulling dog?
Baker prefers a standard leather leash that is 4 to 6 feet long for walking dogs. She recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which pose many safety concerns for both dogs and walkers.
Why don’t we recommend prong collars, choke collars, and e-collars?
We have only considered non-pulling equipment that does not cause pain or discomfort to the dog. Prong collars, choke collars, and shock collars are all designed to punish a dog by inflicting pain around the neck every time it pulls. Spike collars and choke collars can also damage a dog’s neck. “As a general rule, I like nothing that puts too much pressure on the neck,” said veterinary behaviorist Carlo Siracusa, associate professor of clinical behavior and animal welfare at the University of the Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “There is absolutely no prong or shock collars. Even a martingale-type collar, which I like, won’t stop the dog from pulling [and] will put pressure on the neck.”
Besides being dangerous, punishment and pain breed fear, stress and anxiety in dogs. A study published in the journal “PLOS One” shows that electronic collars, also known as shock collars, produce behavioral and physiological signs of stress when used on pet dogs. As of October 2020, Petco, the second largest pet retailer in the U.S., has stopped selling all shock collars online and in stores. Shock collars are banned and illegal in many countries, including England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. To train your dog more humanely, more effectively and more successfully, use scientific methods of positive reinforcement and reward-based training and handling.
Is there a humane alternative to non-traction harnesses?
Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses. Baker recommends their use for dogs that pull. “If you direct the head, the body follows,” she explains. Head halters may not be right for every dog. If your pup is easily aroused or highly reactive on a leash, Siracusa explains that using a head halter can lead to whiplash or neck or spinal pain.
Is there a “bite-proof” harness?
There is no such thing as a bite-proof harness. A chewed harness is not a manufacturing defect or the result of poor design or materials. It takes less than 30 seconds for a determined dog or teething puppy to destroy a brand new harness, so remove the harness when they are not supervised. Also, be sure to remove harnesses to avoid injury when dogs squabble, as teeth and limbs can become entangled.
