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Ren Volpe; Elizabeth Holbrook/Business Insider
Walks can be stressful if you have a dog that pulls on leash, but the best no-pull dog harnesses can help you train a determined puller to walk calmly on a loose leash. The harnesses in this guide have a front-clip design, meaning there's a ring at the chest where you attach the leash. When your dog pulls or lunges forward, the added tension at the chest naturally deters them from pulling.
For this guide, we've tested 19 popular no-pull harnesses with over two dozen dogs of various sizes — from pint-sized pups to large German shepherds. We also consulted dog trainers, professional dog walkers, and veterinarians for their advice on how to safely and humanely stop leash pulling. Our best overall pick is the Blue-9 Balance Harness, a highly adjustable harness that significantly reduces pulling. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness is a durable and budget-friendly option, though it is less adjustable.
Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Our top picks for the best no-pull dog harnesses
Best overall: Blue-9 Balance Harness - See at Chewy
Best padded: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness - See at Chewy
Best budget: PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness - See at Chewy
Best for small dogs: Wild One Dog Harness - See at Chewy
Best with handle: PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness - See at Amazon
Best overall
The Blue-9 Balance Harness is our top pick for the best no-pull dog harnesses, earning high marks from dog walkers and trainers, such as Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer and owner of Tails With Nicole. At Family Dog Rescue, an animal shelter in San Francisco, our testers were impressed by how much easier it was to walk untrained shelter dogs with this harness. With the leash clipped to the front D-ring, the dogs pulled less and were easier to control.
Unlike the popular PetSafe Easy Walk Harness, the Balance Harness features a Y-neck design that prevents the straps from crossing over the dog's shoulders or pinching under their armpits. "It is great for daily performance, and it doesn't interfere with the dog's shoulder movement," says Robyn Socarro, a professional dog trainer. Like the other options in this guide, you also have the option to attach the leash to a D-ring on the back of the harness for dogs that don't pull.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
The Balance Harness is a great option if you've had trouble finding a harness that fits well. With six adjustment points, it can be adjusted to fit wide necks and round bellies. It features straps that clip around both the neck and torso. However, the harness may sit too far back on dogs with shorter torsos, leading to gaping of the back strap and sagging of the belly strap. For those dogs, the similarly designed PetSafe 3-in-1 is a good alternative since the straps are significantly shorter in length.
The buckle on the neck strap is helpful for dogs that resist putting their head through a harness, but this design can make it tricky to put it on. To simplify things, the harness has a colored top strap on the back to help you easily identify the correct placement, and the top strap of the all-black harness includes a printed logo for easy identification.
Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider
The soft nylon material is rated to withstand up to 3,500 pounds of force. I toss my harness into the washer and let it air-dry, and it's still in great shape.
Read our full Blue-9 Balance Harness review.
Best padded
Designed for outdoor adventures, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness is made to withstand heavy use while keeping your dog comfortable. After seven years of use, this is the only intact harness reporter Ren Volpe's dog still wears from his younger days. Foam padding on the chest and belly helps prevent rubbing and chafing, and the built-in clasps are covered with fabric to ensure they don't touch any part of a dog's body.
"The padding is nice because it doesn't rub on my thin-coated dog," says Scarlett Cermak, a professional dog trainer and owner of Embark Today. "I also really like that there is a back-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 simple to put on and take off, with two clasps and adjustable buckles. It also features two leash attachments: an aluminum V-ring on the back and a reinforced webbing loop on the chest plate.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
The Front Range doesn't curb pulling as effectively as the other best no-pull dog harnesses in this guide. While it's typical for a front-clip harness to shift when your dog pulls, this one twists more than our other picks, causing it to slide to the side with repeated pulling. And for broad-chested dogs, the similarly designed Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness may work better. However, the straps require frequent tightening as they loosen easily.
The harness features reflective stitching for better visibility at night, and its polyester shell holds up well to wear and tear. While the brand recommends hand-washing the harness, Volpe has run it through the washer and dryer many times. It's still in good shape, though the edges have slightly curled over time.
Best budget
The PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness offers versatile leash attachment options — you can attach it to the front to reduce pulling or secure it to the back ring for casual walks or runs with your dog. At around $30, it's also a great starting point if you're working with a tighter budget.
Beth DiMeccio, a volunteer at Family Dog Rescue, tested this harness with shelter dogs and was impressed with how well it managed strong pullers. "There's little chance a dog can wriggle out of this harness, which is a big concern with shelter dogs," she says.
The Y-shaped nylon harness allows a full range of motion without restricting a dog's movement. It offers five adjustment points for a comfortable, snug fit, and the neck buckle eliminates the need to pull the harness over a dog's head. Light neoprene padding adds comfort, while reflective stitching enhances nighttime visibility.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
This harness is heavier than similar styles, which can make it too bulky for smaller dogs. While the lightly padded straps help prevent chafing, the plastic clasps aren't padded and may cause discomfort when worn for long periods of time.
Once you get the hang of it, the harness is easy to put on. It includes a built-in adjustable strap to attach to a seat belt if you'd like to limit your dog's movement in the car. However, it hasn't been crash-tested and may not protect your dog in an accident.
Best for small dogs
Pulling is mostly associated with large dogs, but smaller dogs can tug hard on a leash, too. As with their larger counterparts, a no-pull dog harness can help lessen pulling with pint-sized pups. The Wild One Harness performed the best of the three harnesses freelance reporter Alex Rennie tested with his 12-pound terrier mix. When the leash was attached to the front D-ring, the harness redirected the small dog each time he attempted to pull.
Thanks to its snug fit, the harness remained secure and didn't shift when the dog lunged. Rennie achieved the correct fit with three easy-to-use adjustment points, each connected to a buckle (one at the neck and two at the back). The buckles could also be fastened without lifting the harness over the dog's head — Ellis says this is a great feature for dogs who are uncomfortable with anything being placed over or around their head.
Alex Rennie/Business Insider
No matter how snug the harness was after adjustment, Rennie's dog didn't experience any chafing, thanks to extra padding around high-friction areas, particularly the armpits. A layer of stretchy polyester covers the inside of the harness, which also reduces the possibility of discomfort and chafing. However, the material sometimes caused the harness to shift, even after adjusting the straps to get a perfect fit.
On its website, Wild One warns that some richer colors may bleed onto lighter-colored dogs. To prevent this, it recommends handwashing the harness before using it. Rennie washed the harness and found it dried quickly.
Best with handle
The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is former reporting fellow Sophia Carlisle's favorite no-pull harness with a handle. The versatile harness has several features common in the best no-pull dog harnesses, including a front leash attachment to prevent pulling, reflective strips, and a locking buckle at the neck. Even more, it has a handle on the back.
The wide handle that runs horizontally across the back of the harness is especially useful when Carlisle needs to quickly grab her lunging 50-pound dog. Her dog has a habit of rolling in burrs during forest walks, and she frequently uses the handle to pull her away from spiky plants. It can also be tough for Carlisle to see her black-coated dog during evening hikes since she blends in with the surrounding trees. The reflective strips on this harness are an excellent safety feature that makes it easy for other hikers, dogs, and even people in cars to see her at any time of day.
Sophia Carlisle/Business Insider
The harness also has a locking buckle on the neck strap, an excellent safety feature for dogs prone to bolting. When the lock is engaged, the buckle cannot be unlatched. This feature kept Carlisle's dog secure even when she was startled by a charging dog and tried to back out of the harness.
While the three separate attachment points eliminate the need to place the harness over your dog's head, this design can make it confusing to put on at first. Another drawback is the lack of padding. The underside is reinforced with a webbed mesh material, which helps the harness move with the dog but doesn't provide protection against chafing. For thin-coated dogs, we recommend a more heavily padded harness.
What else we like
Elizabeth Holbrook/Business Insider
PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort Harness: Last year, PetSafe released the Easy Walk Comfort Harness. The key difference between this design and the brand's original Easy Walk harness is in the positioning of the straps. The original design has a strap that runs horizontally across the chest and shoulders, which can restrict movement and place strain on a dog's shoulders. The Comfort has a Y-shape when viewed from the front, with the straps sitting above the shoulders. When a dog pulls, there's no risk of the straps tightening across a dog's shoulders.
Freelance reporter Elizabeth Holbrook tested the Comfort harness with her 45-pound dog and credits its effectiveness to the martingale loop that is connected to the front D-ring. "When clipped in the front, Roo walked on a perfect loose leash," she says. "The slight pressure on her chest also stopped her from pulling without affecting her gait or even turning her too much to the side, which I appreciated." We are trying this harness with small and large dogs next, but we can confidently recommend it for medium-sized dogs. At $35, it's an excellent budget-friendly option if you're shopping for a well-fitting, padded no-pull harness.
What to look for in a no-pull harness
The following considerations will help you choose the best harness to stop your dog from pulling on leash.
Design: A dog harness should not impede or restrict movement. Look for one that doesn't sag, and make sure the straps don't lay over the dog's front legs and shoulders, which can interfere with movement. Y-shaped no-pull harnesses are less likely to restrict movement than T-shaped harnesses. Additionally, harnesses with leash attachments on both the front and back offer more versatility.
Ellis says a proper fit is essential regardless of the style of harness you choose. If you can comfortably fit two fingers underneath the harness without being able to tug it forward, it's likely to be both comfortable and secure for your dog.
Ease of use: A harness that's easy to put on and take off leaves less room for error. Look for one with multiple adjustment points to ensure the best fit for your dog.
Padding: Extra padding provides comfort and helps prevent chafing and rubbing, which is especially important for dogs that tend to pull.
Machine washable: A harness that's easy to clean will help prevent odors and look good for years to come.
Warranty: No-pull harnesses are a bit pricey, so having the option to return a defective one or get a replacement is a valuable perk.
How we tested the best no-pull dog harnesses
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
We published this guide in 2020 after freelance reporter Shoshi Parks interviewed professional dog walkers and trainers to learn about their favorite no-pull dog harnesses. She also consulted veterinarians and dog behaviorists to gather insights on what to look for in a harness.
The following year, freelance reporter Ren Volpe tested our top picks with untrained shelter dogs at Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco over an eight-week period. Three shelter staff members and two volunteer shelter walkers used the harnesses during walks with more than two dozen medium and large-sized rescue dogs, all of whom were challenging to walk due to overexcitability, lack of training, or reactivity. The dogs were walked for 30 to 60 minutes on city streets and in local parks.
In 2024, former reporting fellow Sophia Carlisle tested handle harnesses with her 50-pound pitbull mix, while freelance reporter Alex Rennie tested small harnesses with his 12-pound terrier mix. They both walked their dogs for at least 30 minutes on city streets and in local parks. Now, in 2025, Rennie, freelance reporter Elizabeth Holbrook, and editor Lisa Sabatini have continued to test harnesses with their small and medium-sized dogs.
Here are the key factors we considered when evaluating the best no-pull dog harnesses.
Prevents pulling: We evaluated how effectively each harness prevented dogs from pulling on leash during walks. We walked for a minimum of 30 minutes on 4-foot leashes.
Does not impede or restrict movement: We tested the harnesses on dogs of various sizes and shapes to ensure they didn't sag or have straps that obstructed the dog's front legs or shoulders. The PetSafe Easy Walk and Wonder Walker harnesses were disqualified due to significant sagging during testing.
Does not chafe or rub: We tested harnesses on both long-haired and short-haired dogs to check for any chafing or rubbing.
Dog cannot slip or back out of the harness: This was a key factor in our testing, as the shelter dogs we walked were more likely to be flight risks.
Easy to put on and take off/ease of adjustment: Putting on or adjusting a dog's harness should be simple. Our shelter volunteers and testers recorded their experiences fitting the harnesses on our tester dogs.
Durability and washability: We asked professional dog walkers for their opinions on how well these harnesses hold up over time and after multiple washes.
Initial cost and replacement cost: We evaluated whether the price of a harness is reasonable and how easily it can be replaced if it gets chewed.
We did not test head halters, as most dogs initially find them uncomfortable and may resist wearing them. The no-pull harnesses in this guide are a better option for those choosing the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach to dog training and behavior modification. For more information about head halters, check out our guide to the best dog harnesses.
No-pull dog harness FAQs
What is the best harness to stop a dog from pulling?
We recommend a front-clip no-pull harness when training a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. It removes dangerous pressure from a dog's neck while reducing their ability to pull.
Are no-pull harnesses good for dogs?
Yes, the best no-pull dog harnesses are designed to minimize pressure on a dog's neck and joints when they pull.
Is a harness or collar better to stop pulling?
Even the best dog collars should not be used to restrain or control your dog because they can put unnecessary stress and tension on their neck. "Dogs that pull on leash are at an increased risk of choking," says Dr. Lillian Baker, veterinarian and owner of Baker's Mobile Veterinary Services in Texas. She explains that tracheal collapse is another potential consequence. A 2020 study using canine neck models with pressure sensors confirmed the danger, concluding that all types of dog collars can potentially injure a dog's neck. A flat neck collar should only be used for attaching an identification tag or for decoration. A body harness is a much safer and more effective option for walking a dog that pulls.
How does a no-pull harness stop a dog from pulling?
Front-clip no-pull dog harnesses discourage pulling by turning the dog toward you whenever the leash tightens. No-pull harnesses come in two basic designs: a Y-shaped chest strap or a strap that runs horizontally across the chest. Y-shaped harnesses offer better freedom of movement. "Any product that forms a Y shape around the dog's neck and under the chest is non-restrictive," says Dr. Chris Zink, a veterinarian specializing in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Why do dogs pull on leash?
"Dogs may pull on a leash due to hypersensitivity to all that is going on around them as well as a lack of proper leash training as a puppy," Baker says. No dog is born innately understanding how to walk on a leash. They pull because they naturally walk faster than we do and want to get to the park, greet another dog, or sniff something interesting. Usually, they keep pulling because they've learned that doing so allows them to move forward.
How do I fit a no-pull harness to my dog?
Choosing the best harness for your dog is like picking the perfect pair of running shoes: A good fit is crucial. There's nothing scarier than your dog wriggling or backing out of a loose-fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness will also be uncomfortable, and if it's too tight, it can cause chafing. A sagging harness can restrict a dog's full range of shoulder or leg movement. A properly fitted harness will be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two to three fingers under each strap. Be sure to check the size chart and follow the instructions for measuring your dog. When shopping online, measure carefully and check the return policy before placing your order.
Will a no-pull harness teach my dog to stop pulling?
Front-clip no-pull harnesses aren't a quick fix that will instantly stop your dog from pulling, but they serve as a useful management tool. The most effective way to prevent pulling is to train your dog to walk on a loose leash using positive reinforcement with some of the best dog treats for training. If your dog is a longtime puller, no piece of equipment alone will teach them to stop, but a good harness can help you control and manage your dog while working on leash manners. If you continue walking whenever your dog pulls, you not only miss the opportunity to train loose leash walking but also reinforce the pulling behavior.
What's the best leash for a dog who pulls?
Baker prefers a standard 4- to 6-foot-long leather leash for dog walking. She recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which present a variety of safety risks for both dogs and their walkers. You can find excellent leather and fabric designs in our guide to the best dog leashes.
Why don't we recommend prong, choke, and e-collars?
We only considered no-pull equipment that ensures a dog's comfort and doesn't cause pain. Prong, choke, and shock collars are designed to punish a dog by inflicting pain around the neck when they pull. Prong collars and choke chains can also cause damage to a dog's neck. "As a general rule, I don't like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck," says Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "Definitely no prong or shock collars," he says. "Even a martingale-type collar, which I do like, will not prevent the dog from pulling [and] will apply pressure on the neck."
Is there a humane alternative to no-pull harnesses?
Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses, and Baker recommends them for dogs that pull. "If you lead the head, the body follows," she says. However, head halters may not be suitable for every dog. Siracusa says they can cause whiplash or neck or spine pain if a dog is easily over-aroused or highly reactive on leash.
Is there such a thing as a "chew-proof" harness?
There is no such thing as a chew-proof harness. A chewed-up harness is not a manufacturer defect or the result of poor design or materials. A determined dog or teething puppy can easily destroy a harness in less than 30 seconds, so always remove the harness when your dog is unsupervised. Additionally, take it off when dogs are roughhousing to prevent injury, as their teeth and limbs can become entangled.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
Pros: Deters pulling better than other harnesses, six points of adjustment for appropriate fit, good for dogs that dislike putting their head through a harness, machine washable, 90-day chew replacement policy
Cons: More expensive than most other harnesses, no padding, can be confusing to put on at first
Among the best no-pull dog harnesses, the Blue-9 Balance Harness is a favorite among dog walkers and trainers, including Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer and owner of Tails With Nicole. We were impressed by how much easier it was to walk our untrained shelter dogs when they were wearing this harness. The dogs pulled less and were easier to control when we used the harness with a leash attached to the front D-ring.
Unlike the popular Easy Walk Harness, the Balance Harness's Y-neck design doesn't cross the dog's shoulders or pinch under the armpits. "It is great for daily performance, and it doesn't interfere with the dog's shoulder movement," says Robyn Socarro, a professional dog trainer. Like the other harnesses in this guide, you can also attach the leash to the back of the harness for dogs that don't pull.
If you've had trouble finding a harness that fits, this is an excellent option. The harness has six places to adjust for wide necks, barrel chests, chunky bellies, and straps that clip around the torso and neck. While the neck strap is ideal for dogs that resist putting their head through a harness, this design can make it confusing to put the harness on. The colored top strap on the back helps you keep straight what goes where.
The soft nylon has a 3,500-pound test strength. I toss mine into the washer and let it air-dry, and it's still in great shape.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
Pros: Five points of adjustment for a good fit, reflective stitching, some padding
Cons: Limited color options, heavy plastic buckles may be uncomfortable
With the Petsafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness, you can attach the leash to the front of the harness to reduce pulling or secure it to the back ring for casual walks or running with your dog. At around $30, it's also a good starting point if you have a smaller budget.
Shelter volunteer Beth DiMeccio tested this harness on shelter dogs at Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco and was impressed with how well it worked for serious pullers. "There's little chance a dog can wriggle out of this harness, which is a big concern with shelter dogs," she says.
The Y-shaped nylon 3-in-1 does not restrict a dog's movement. It has five different adjustment points to allow for a comfortable and snug fit, and with a buckle at the neck, you don't need to pull it over a dog's head. The light neoprene padding and reflective stitching are a nice touch.
With 1-inch wide straps, this harness is heavier than similar styles and creates too much bulk for smaller dogs. The wider straps help prevent chafing, but the plastic clasps do not have any padding, which may cause discomfort with all-day wear. Petsafe recommends hand-washing the 3-in-1, so it may be 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 seat belt if you'd like to limit your dog's movement in the car. However, the harness has not been crash-tested and may not protect your dog in a crash.
Alex Rennie/Business Insider
Pros: Extra padding to prevent chafing, resistant to damage, handle
Cons: Higher price, some shifting, dye may bleed with some colors
Pulling is mostly associated with large dogs, but smaller dogs can also tug hard on a leash. And like with their larger counterparts, a no-pull dog harness can help lessen pulling. Of the three harnesses we tested with small dogs, the Wild One Harness performed the best. When the leash was attached to the front D-ring, the harness redirected our small dog each time he attempted to pull.
The snug fit we achieved kept the harness secure on our 12-pound terrier mix, and it didn't budge when he lunged. We got the correct fit with three easy-to-use adjustment points, each connected to a buckle (one at the neck and two at the back). The three buckles could be secured without lifting the harness over the dog's head — Ellis says this is a bonus feature for dogs who don't like having anything placed over or around their head.
No matter how snug the harness was after adjusting the fit, our dog didn't experience any chafing thanks to extra padding around high-friction points, particularly the armpits. A layer of stretchy polyester covers the interior of the harness. While this reduced the possibility of discomfort and chafing, it sometimes caused the harness to shift on our dog, even after we adjusted the straps to get a perfect fit.
On its website, Wild One cautions that some richer colors may bleed onto lighter-colored dogs. To prevent this, it recommends handwashing the harness before using it. We washed the harness ourselves and found it dried quickly.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
Pros: Padded, wide straps that won't chafe, can be worn all day, comes in 13 different colors and 5 sizes, easy to put on and take off, durable
Cons: Chest piece twists and gaps with serious pullers, not quick-drying
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 rubbing and chafing, and the built-in clasps are covered with fabric so they don't touch any part of a dog's body.
"The padding is nice because it doesn't rub on my thin-coated dog," says Scarlett Cermak, a professional dog trainer and owner of Embark Today. "I also really like that there is a back-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 remove, with two clasps and two adjustment 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 doesn't reduce pulling as well as the other best no-pull dog harnesses we recommend. Although it is normal for a front-clip harness to move when your dog pulls, this harness twists more than our other top picks, causing it to shift to the side with consistent pulling. If you have a barrel-chested dog, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness has a similar design that may be effective. However, the straps require frequent tightening as they loosen too easily.
After seven years, this is the only intact harness my dog still wears from his younger days. The harness has reflective stitching for nighttime visibility, and the polyester shell fabric is highly durable. Although the brand recommends hand-washing the harness, I've put it in the washer and dryer numerous times. It's still in good condition, but the edges are slightly curled.
Sophia Carlisle/Business Insider
Pros: Handle and locking buckle, wide selection of colors, reflective
Cons: No warranty, tricky to clip on, may cause chafing in thin-coated dogs
The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is our favorite no-pull harness with a handle. The versatile harness has a variety of features that make it easier to walk a puller, including an essential D-ring at the front to prevent pulling, a handle on the back, reflective strips, and a locking buckle at the neck.
The wide handle that runs horizontally across the back of the harness was especially helpful when we needed to grab our lunging dog quickly. Our tester dog has a habit of rolling in burrs during forest walks, and we regularly used the handle to pull her away from spiky plants. Beyond burrs, it can be tough to see our dog when hiking in the forest since her black coat blends in with the surrounding trees during evening walks. The reflective strips on this harness are a fantastic safety feature that makes it easy for other hikers, dogs, and even people in cars to see her at any time of day.
The harness also has an excellent safety feature for dogs prone to bolting: a locking buckle on the neck strap. When the lock is engaged, the buckle can't be unlatched. This feature kept our jumpy dog secured in the harness even when she was startled by a charging dog and attempted to back out of the harness.
While the three separate attachment points mean you don't have to place the harness over your dog's head, this design can make it confusing to put it on at first. Another downside is the harness's lack of padding. The underside is reinforced with a webbed mesh material, which helps the harness move with the dog, but it doesn't protect against chafing. We recommend a more heavily padded harness for dogs with thinner coats.
Ren Volpe/Business Insider
We considered the most popular no-pull dog harnesses and collected opinions from professional dog walkers and trainers already using them. We also consulted veterinarians and canine behaviorists, including Dr. Lillian Baker, veterinarian and owner of Baker's Mobile Veterinary Services in Texas; Anne Carter, an expert in canine behavior and welfare and a senior lecturer in veterinary and animal sciences at Scotland's Rural College; Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and associate professor of clinical behavior medicine at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Chris Zink, a veterinarian specializing in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation.
For eight weeks, three shelter staff members and two volunteer shelter walkers tested the harnesses on walks with more than two dozen rescue dogs at Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco. The dogs were all medium and large-size (over 50 pounds) and chosen because they were difficult to walk due to over-excitability, lack of training, or reactivity. Dogs were walked with the tester harnesses for 30 to 60 minutes on city streets and in local parks. We also tested the small dog and handle harnesses with our reporters' two rescue dogs who were walked for a minimum of 30 minutes on city streets and in local parks
Unmanageable leash pulling is typically a problem for dog owners with larger dogs, so we tested most of the harnesses with dogs over 25 pounds. However, for our small dog category, we tested harnesses with a 12-pound terrier mix. Many small dogs strain while on leash, but most walkers do not struggle with being pulled off their feet by these dogs.
We also did not test head halters, as most dogs initially find them uncomfortable and will resist wearing them. The no-pull harnesses in this guide are a better choice for anyone looking for the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach to dog training and behavior modification. If you'd like to learn more about head halters, read about them in our guide to the best dog harnesses.
We rated the best no-pull dog harnesses according to the following criteria:
- Prevents pulling: We assessed how well it prevented dogs from pulling on leash while walking. We walked for a minimum of 30 minutes on 4-foot leashes.
- Does not impede or restrict movement: Harnesses were tested on dogs of different sizes and shapes to check for sagging and straps that lay over the dog's front legs and shoulders. We disqualified the Petsafe Easy Walk and Wonder Walker harnesses due to significant sagging during testing.
- Does not chafe or rub: We tested harnesses on both long- and short-haired dogs to check for chafing or rubbing.
- Dog cannot slip or back out of the harness: This was a crucial consideration because we tested these harnesses with shelter dogs who tend to be flight risks.
- Easy to put on and take off/ease of adjusting: Putting on or adjusting your dog's harness shouldn't be frustrating. Our shelter volunteers and testers recorded their impressions when putting the harnesses on dogs.
- Durability and washability: We asked professional dog walkers for their opinions on how well these wear over time and whether they hold up after multiple washes.
- Initial cost and replacement cost: We considered whether the price of the harness is justified and how easy it is to replace if chewed.
2 Hounds Design
What is the best harness to stop pulling?
We recommend a front-clip no-pull harness when training a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. It removes dangerous pressure from a dog's neck while reducing its ability to pull.
Are no-pull harnesses good for dogs?
Yes. The best no-pull dog harnesses are well-designed and reduce pressure on a dog's joints and neck when they pull.
Is a harness or collar better to stop pulling?
Even the best dog collars should not be used for restraining or controlling your dog because they can cause tension and stress on the dog's neck. "Dogs that pull on leash are at an increased risk of choking," says veterinarian Baker. She explains that tracheal collapse is another potential consequence. A 2020 study using canine neck models with pressure sensors confirmed the danger, concluding that all types of dog collars have the potential to cause harm to a dog's neck. A flat neck collar's only purpose is for attaching one of the best dog ID tags or for decoration. A body harness is a much safer and more effective way of walking a dog that pulls.
How does a no-pull harness stop a dog from pulling?
Front-clip no-pull dog harnesses discourage pulling by pivoting the dog toward you whenever the leash is taut. No-pull harnesses come in two basic designs: A Y-shaped chest strap or a strap that lays horizontally across the chest. Y-shaped harnesses better allow for total freedom of movement. "Any product that forms a Y shape around the dog's neck and under the chest is non-restrictive," says Zink.
Why do dogs pull on leash?
"Dogs may pull on a leash due to hypersensitivity to all that is going on around them as well as a lack of proper leash training as a puppy," says Baker. No dog is born innately understanding how to walk on a leash. They pull because they naturally walk faster than we do and want to get to the park, greet another dog, or sniff something interesting. Typically they continue to pull because they've discovered that, when they do, they get to move forward.
How do I fit a no-pull harness to my dog?
Finding the best harness for your dog is like choosing the perfect running sneakers: Fit is crucial. There's nothing scarier than your dog wriggling or backing out of a loose-fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness will also be uncomfortable, and if it is too tight, it can cause chafing. Sagging harnesses can impede a dog's full range of shoulder or leg movement. A well-fitting harness should be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two to three fingers under all the straps. Check the sizing charts and read the instructions for measuring your dog. When buying online, measure carefully and check the return policy before ordering.
Will a no-pull harness teach my dog to stop pulling?
Front-clip no-pull harnesses are not a magic bullet 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 loose leash walking using positive reinforcement with one of the best dog leashes and some of the best dog training treats. If your dog is a veteran puller, no humane piece of equipment will teach them to stop pulling, but a good harness will help you manage and control your dog while teaching them leash manners. If you keep walking whenever your dog pulls, you are not only missing out on the chance to train loose leash walking, but you are also reinforcing pulling.
What's the best leash for a dog who pulls?
Baker prefers a standard 4- to 6-foot-long leather leash for dog walking. She recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which present a variety of safety concerns for both dogs and their walkers.
Why don't we recommend prong, choke, and e-collars?
We only considered no-pull equipment that does not cause pain or discomfort for a dog. Prong, choke, and shock collars are all designed to punish a dog by inflicting pain around the neck whenever they pull. Prong collars and choke chains can also cause damage to a dog's neck. "As a general rule, I don't like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck," says Siracusa. "Definitely no prong or shock collars. Even a martingale-type collar, which I do like, will not prevent the dog from pulling [and] will apply pressure on the neck."
Is there a humane alternative to no-pull harnesses?
Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses. Baker recommends their use on dogs that pull. "If you lead the head, the body follows," she explains. Head halters may not be appropriate for every dog. Siracusa says that using a head halter can result in whiplash or neck or spine pain if your pup is easily over-aroused or highly reactive on leash.
Is there such a thing as a "chew-proof" harness?
There is no such thing as a chew-proof harness. A chewed-up harness is not a manufacturer defect or the result of poor design or materials. A determined dog or teething puppy can destroy a brand-new harness in less than 30 seconds, so take the harness off them when unsupervised. Be sure to remove a harness to prevent injury when dogs roughhouse, as teeth and limbs can get entangled.
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