Best Types of Dog Harnesses: Comparison & Trainer Favorite | Pupford

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience, but without training it can quickly become frustrating - and to train, you need the right tools!

The best dog harnesses can make all the difference, providing greater control, improved comfort for your pup, and even addressing specific training challenges like pulling. With so many harness styles available—dual-clip, back-clip, front-clip, step-in, and Y-shaped—it can be difficult to know which option is best for your furry friend.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular types of dog harnesses, their pros and cons, and the importance of choosing the right fit, so you can make an informed choice for your canine companion.

Table of Contents:

1. Why Choose a Harness Over a Collar?
2. Dual-Clip Harness
3. Back-Clip Harness
4. Front-Clip Harness
5. Step-In Harness
6. Y-Shaped Harness
7. The Importance of Proper Harness Fit

Why Choose a Harness Over a Collar?

Before diving into specific harness types, it’s important to understand why harnesses are often the preferred choice over collars for walking your dog.

Collars are a traditional option, but they place direct pressure on your dog’s neck and trachea, which can lead to discomfort or even injury if your dog pulls or lunges. Dogs with certain medical conditions, such as tracheal collapse or spinal issues, are particularly vulnerable to the strain caused by collars.

Additionally, collars don’t provide the same level of control, making them less effective for training dogs with poor leash manners.

Harnesses, on the other hand, distribute pressure more evenly across your dog’s chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury and offering greater comfort. They also give you more control over your dog’s movements, which is especially useful for training and managing pulling behavior.

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of harnesses versus collars head here. It covers everything from safety to training considerations, helping you make the best choice for your pup.

Dual-Clip Harness - Dog Trainer's Recommendation

The dual-clip harness is a versatile option with leash attachment points on both the front (chest) and the back. This design provides flexibility, allowing you to use the back clip for casual walks and the front clip for training or discouraging pulling. The Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness with Leash is an excellent example of a dual-clip harness, offering an effective solution for dogs that pull or need a combination of training and comfort.

The main advantage of a dual-clip harness is its adaptability. The front clip discourages pulling by redirecting your dog’s motion, making it ideal for leash training, while the back clip provides a more relaxed walking experience. This versatility makes it suitable for dogs transitioning from training to everyday walks.

However, the dual-clip design can be slightly bulkier than single-clip harnesses, and some pet parents may find managing two attachment points less intuitive at first.

If your dog pulls on the leash or needs training but also enjoys leisurely strolls, a dual-clip harness offers the best of both worlds.

As a professional dog trainer, this is my go to harness! As it can easily be transitioned based on your pups needs. Get one here! 

Back-Clip Harness

The back-clip harness is a popular choice for its simplicity and comfort. With a single attachment point on the back, it’s easy to use and minimizes pressure on your dog’s neck and throat. This makes it particularly suitable for dogs with respiratory issues or neck sensitivities.

Back-clip harnesses excel at providing a relaxed and comfortable walking experience, especially for dogs that are already leash-trained. They don’t encourage pulling but also don’t actively discourage it, so they may not be the best choice for dogs still learning proper leash behavior. The straightforward design makes these harnesses a favorite among pet parents looking for an everyday walking solution.

However, one downside is that back-clip harnesses may offer less control for dogs prone to lunging or pulling, as the leash attachment doesn’t redirect their forward motion. Despite this, they remain a reliable and user-friendly option for well-behaved dogs.

Front-Clip Harness

Front-clip harnesses feature a leash attachment point on the dog’s chest, making them a go-to option for managing pulling. When a dog pulls, the front clip redirects their forward momentum to the side, encouraging them to focus on their handler instead of pulling ahead.

This harness type is a powerful tool for training dogs with poor leash manners, as it promotes better behavior without relying on force. It’s especially effective for large or strong dogs that need additional control. However, the chest strap of a front-clip harness must be adjusted correctly to avoid shifting or causing discomfort during walks.

While front-clip harnesses are excellent for training, they may not be as convenient for everyday use once your dog has mastered leash manners. Some dogs may also find the chest strap slightly restrictive if not fitted properly. Despite these considerations, front-clip harnesses are a great choice for pet parents prioritizing training and behavior improvement.

Step-In Harness

Step-in harnesses are designed for ease of use, especially for dogs that dislike having a harness slipped over their head. To put it on, you simply lay the harness flat, have your dog step into it, and then secure it with straps that fasten on their back. This design makes the process quick and stress-free, particularly for smaller dogs or those sensitive to handling.

Is your pup sensitive to handling? Learn about cooperative care techniques!

The lightweight design of step-in harnesses ensures comfort and reduces the risk of chafing. These harnesses are great for small or medium-sized dogs that are already leash-trained and don’t require additional control. However, they may not provide the same level of security as other harness types, especially for strong pullers or larger dogs.

Another consideration is that step-in harnesses require precise adjustments to ensure they fit snugly without being too tight. Improperly adjusted step-in harnesses can slip off or shift during walks, so it’s important to take the time to get the fit just right.

Y-Shaped Harness

The Y-shaped harness gets its name from the distinctive “Y” pattern it forms across the dog’s chest. This ergonomic design allows for full shoulder movement, making it a top choice for active dogs or those involved in high-energy activities like hiking, running, or agility training.

One of the key benefits of a Y-shaped harness is its ability to evenly distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders. This reduces the risk of discomfort or chafing, even during long walks or strenuous activities. It also provides a secure fit that minimizes shifting or sliding. Many people believe the y-shaped harness is the most comfortable harness option for dogs.

However, Y-shaped harnesses often require more adjustments than other styles to achieve the ideal fit. For some pet parents, this can be a bit of a hassle, but the benefits of comfort and freedom of movement make it worth the effort. This harness type is particularly well-suited to dogs with an active lifestyle.

The Importance of Proper Harness Fit

No matter the style of harness you choose, ensuring a proper fit is essential for your dog’s comfort, safety, and overall walking experience. A harness that is too tight can cause chafing, restrict movement, and make your dog uncomfortable. On the other hand, a harness that is too loose can shift, slip off, or fail to provide adequate control.

Here are some key tips for achieving the perfect fit:

• Measure Your Dog Correctly: Use a soft measuring tape to measure around your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs, and around their neck if the harness requires it. Most harnesses provide sizing charts to guide your selection.
• Check Adjustments: Look for harnesses with multiple adjustment points. These allow you to fine-tune the fit to your dog’s unique shape.
• Conduct a Two-Finger Test: After fitting the harness, you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog’s body.
• Observe Movement: Once the harness is on, take your dog for a short walk and observe their movements. The harness should stay in place without restricting your dog’s natural gait.

Harnesses that restrict movement can cause long term joint problems.

• Inspect for Chafing or Irritation: After use, check your dog’s fur and skin for signs of chafing, particularly under the arms and around the chest straps.

Proper fit ensures your dog stays secure and comfortable while preventing potential injuries or escape attempts during walks.

Types of Dog Harnesses Recap

Choosing the right type of harness can transform your walking experience, fostering a stronger bond and ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety. From training-focused front-clip designs to versatile dual-clip options, there’s a harness to meet every need.

Remember to prioritize a proper fit and consider your dog’s specific behavior and activity level when making your selection. Our go-to choice is the Freedom No-Pull Harness. It utilizes two clips, soft padding for under your dog's arms, and is great for leash training. Get a no-pull harness here!

Happy walking! 🐾

Is your pup struggling with leash skills? Check out our Leash Walking Course!