There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as going out for a walk with your furry friend. That is until they spot a squirrel and suddenly try to chase it up the nearest tree! To keep good boys or girls on their best behaviour, we recommend ditching the collar and lead and choosing a dog harness instead.
But with so many options it can be hard to decide which one is right for your pooch. In this article, we're here to help you find the safest, secure and comfortable harnesses in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a no-pull harness, front ring vest or one for the car we've found the top 10 best dog harnesses available from Amazon and Argos.
Quick List - Top Dog Harnesses
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These are the most common style of dog harness. Tightening dog harnesses are designed to apply a small amount of pressure whenever they jump or pull, to discourage bad behaviours.
Be aware that these harnesses are not suitable for dogs with a history of abuse, such as rescue dogs. This is because, no matter how slight the discomfort, it can trigger the dog and cause them to regress or act out.
Head harnesses secure around the dog's muzzle and head instead of the torso. They work in the same fashion as tightening harnesses to discourage barking or biting, making them a useful training tool for dogs that are aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
However, we would recommend these harnesses only for the most patient and experienced trainers as they can cause damage to your dog's neck if not used correctly.
Mobility harnesses, or dog sling harnesses, are designed to assist pups with limited mobility. These can be fitted in a wide variety of ways to provide support specific to your pup's particular needs, such as if they're elderly, disabled, injured, or if your pal is recovering from surgery.
Step-in harnesses feature straps sewn in a figure of eight, that are secured by feeding your dog's legs through the holes in the front and are generally made for smaller dog breeds that don't need heavy restraint. Though, you may also consider a step-in harness for doggos that are getting on and don’t have much oomph in them anymore.
Don't forget your biodegradable dog poop bags when taking your dog for walkies!
These harnesses have a D-ring attachment on the back, positioned between the shoulder blades of your dog. They’re similar to a collar and lead, but offer more control. These are best for small dogs and puppies, dogs with respiratory issues or those with neck injuries.
However, for owners of larger dogs, this clip positioning may be less than ideal. Stronger and more powerful breeds will be able to pull with excessive force, taking you for a walk instead of the other way around.
Front clip harnesses position the D-ring on the front and centre of the chest. This allows for greater control over your dog’s speed and direction. These make a solid choice for dogs that like to pull or jump, as well as those that easily become distracted when walking.
But these too can have their downsides. You could find you and your furry friend become tangled as they can easily step over the lead. Further, you'll want to avoid picking front-clip harnesses for aggressive dogs and those with a high prey drive as they won’t provide quite enough control.
This style has D-rings on both the front and the back of the harness, with some styles even offering more than two attachments! Sometimes referred to as no-pull harnesses, this style is popular among dog trainers as they allow for the most control.
That said, these harnesses should ideally only be used while training or in situations where your dog may be more likely to want to jump or bolt. It's important to discourage pulling and aggressive behaviours rather than becoming reliant on the harness for control.
Check out our puppy training treats article to aid you in your training sessions.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Julius-K9 IDC Power Harness | ![]() | A Durable, Heavy-Duty Harness For Even the Strongest Dogs | |
2 | Best Pet Supplies, Inc. Voyager Step-In Flex Dog Harness | ![]() | A Best Selling Adjustable Step-in Harness | |
3 | MOKCCI Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness | ![]() | A Durable Harness for Dogs That Like to Scratch and Chew | |
4 | Kurgo Car Harness | ![]() | A Secure Car Harness For Dogs on the Go | |
5 | The Company of Animals Halti Front Control Dog Harness | ![]() | A Harness That Will Grow With Your Pup | |
6 | Ownpets Dog Support Harness Set | ![]() | Mobility Support for Dogs With Orthopaedic Conditions | |
7 | PAWTITAS Reflective Mesh Dog Harness | ![]() | A Step-In Harness for Dogs of All Sizes | |
8 | The Company of Animals Halti Head Collar | ![]() | A Comfortable Head Harness for Dogs | |
9 | PetSafe Care Lift Support Harness | ![]() | Easily Assist and Support Your Four Legged Friend | |
10 | Anlitent Soft Jacket Step-In Harness | ![]() | A Breathable, Fully Adjustable Dog Harness |
With 8 different adjustable sizes available, there is no dog that Julius-K9 have not catered for. Our top pick for both dogs and their humans, it features a heavy-duty safety buckle for security, a scratch- and water-resistant outer layer and a fully breathable inner layer for optimum practicality and comfort.
There's no struggle to get the harness on and off, with a simple hook, loop and buckle fittings you'll be off on your walk in no time! Not to mention there is a handle on the back for easy lifting as and when required.
One of Amazon's best sellers, this step-in harness from Best Pet Supplies Inc. is one of our top picks for pups in the UK. The mesh material is comfortable, breathable and won't restrict mobility, making it ideal for walks all year round.
The fit is easy to adjust to accommodate various dog breeds and sizes. Simply step-in, clip in place and you're off! Moreover, it has reflective strips and a double D-ring on the back for that added bit of safety and security.
This dual clip harness is great for puppies and dogs that still require a bit of training. It's lightweight, durable, and scratch-resistant for those pooches that are always trying to wriggle their way out!
It's available in 5 different sizes and has reflective strips to enhance nighttime visibility. It also comes in a wide range of colours, so you can get one that truly matches your dog's personality.
If you're often bundling them into the boot of your car, because having them on the backseat is just a bit too much trouble, then this car harness from Kurgo could be the solution. Finally, they can ride both comfortably and securely in the car, giving you peace of mind.
This crash-tested harness is put through the same rigorous safety testing as child car seats, with enhanced durability for dogs up to 34 kg. Additionally, it's comfortable enough that your best pal won't mind wearing for extended walks when you reach your destination.
This dual clip harness is designed to help when training, to discourage and prevent pulling from your pooch. Once your dog begins to learn, you can slowly transition it to either the front or back attachment, without having to buy a new one.
It has plenty of adjustment options and is made from neoprene fabric, so you know you'll be getting security and comfort for both you and your dog. It's also water-resistant, should they get tempted by a quick dip.
If you have a four-legged friend that struggles to get up the stairs, then this mobility harness can help them. This harness has a chest strap and assisted strap which can not only be used together but also separately. The pad inside the assisted strap is also pressed with small grids to reduce physical pressure.
Due to its design, it should help with other actions such as getting into cars and standing up. Therefore, it's highly recommended for dogs with arthritis, leg pain, back pain, and other orthopaedic conditions.
While we recommend checking the measurements, especially if you have a particularly large pup; this step-in harness bucks the common trend by providing a range of sizes to fit most dogs, from Shi Tzus to St Bernards!
It offers superb functionality with small reflective strips and the option of bright and fluorescent colours to help improve visibility when you're walking at night. Be aware that there have been some complaints about sizing with a few people saying they had to size up for the harness to fit their dog.
If your dog is quite a 'puller' then picking up a head harness can be a great way to train away bad behaviours. Unlike other similar designs, the Halti head collar won't impede your dog's ability to pant, drink or eat.
Moreover, it has a fully padded noseband to make sure your pooch is comfortable. However, you will want to keep in mind that these harnesses are not suitable for dogs with short muzzles as they either won't fit or will be able to slip their noses out easily.
If you're looking for a product that is going to provide full-body support for elderly or injured dogs, then this harness should help you to safely assist them however you need to. It even has convenient support handles, in case you need to lift your dog.
The material is quick-drying and machine washable, for easy cleaning between wears and it has extra padding to support your dog and reduce lifting strain. The only downside is that the sizing available is somewhat limited.
Getting us underway is this ultra-soft step-in harness from Anlitent. The harness is made from a breathable mesh and comes with a large reflective strap that wraps around your dog's torso.
Further, it's fully adjustable with a sturdy and durable D-ring for the lead attachment. Unfortunately, some buyers have noticed issues with the sizing. So, you may want to double-check the sizing guide and be prepared to exchange it in case it comes too small or large.
It's important for both safety and comfort that whichever harness you choose fits. Check out this video starring Frankie the puggle for tips on how to measure your pooch and properly fit their harness. All you'll need is a tape measure - and your dog!
Yes, they give the opportunity to teach your dog how to 'walk in balance' naturally, which in turn, will reduce the amount of pulling and provide you with more control.
Yes, especially when training puppies to behave on a lead. They not only offer more control and discourage pulling, but they also allow owners to stop their dogs from jumping up on strangers without worrying about choking.
No. 1: Julius-K9|IDC Power Harness
No. 2: Best Pet Supplies, Inc.|Voyager Step-In Flex Dog Harness
No. 3: MOKCCI|Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness
No. 4: Kurgo |Car Harness
No. 5: The Company of Animals|Halti Front Control Dog Harness
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