The Best Puppy Harness For Maintaining Full Control
Tired of having to control your puppy every time it gets into an exciting spell and decide for itself the way it wants to go? Then you should consider getting the best dog harnesses in 2024. A dog harness gives you better control over your canine and is safer than a collar. Why's it this so? While a collar on a docile dog is excellent, one on a dog that likes to pull during walks or a small dog or puppy may pose a threat to their health. It could cause strains and sprains to their delicate necks. A harness is the best option for controlling and training your dog safely and comfortably. There are a lot of essential features and factors to consider when buying the best dog harness. We have prepared this product review and buyer's guide to help you make the right option for you and your pooch.
A Buyer's Guide to Finding the Perfect Puppy Harness
Walking your dog is probably one of the best ways to bond with it. If they could speak, they’d tell you so. However, you’ll find that walking a zigzagging puppy or an energetic dog is not an easy feat, especially when it sees a squirrel or anything that fascinates it- all hell breaks loose! It takes an unyielding grip to restrain it. A collar and leash may not be the best option when trying to control your pooch during jogs and walks. It applies pressure to their neck and could increase the blood flow to their eyes, strain, or sprain their neck.
A dog harness helps to take the weight off its neck and balances your dog’s pulling force. Some dogs hate to wear a collar around their neck; a harness comes in handy in situations like this, as it wraps around the body of your dog comfortably, making it feel confident and less resistant to it.
Choosing a dog harness should not be based on a whim. There are important factors to consider, such as; type, size, material, amongst others. We’ve made this buying guide to provide you with all the necessary information to choose the best dog harness for you and your furry baby.
How Do I Choose the Best Dog Harness?
Dog size and temperament
Before choosing a dog harness, you need to factor in your dog’s breed, temperament, and weight. There are different styles of harness in the market, each fitting a specific need. Harnesses that are too tight could cause pain and injury, and one that is too loose might be easy for your dog to slip out off.
In other to get the perfect size for your canine, slip two fingers under all the straps and ensure that you can move them freely. This would indicate that it isn’t too tight. Take measurements of your dog to ensure that you get the exact size. Dog harnesses can be too long, short, tight, loose, heavy, or light, depending on the size and breed of your pooch.
Youthful dogs grow every other minute; ensure that you often check that they’ve not outgrown the harness. It is important to make certain that the harness isn’t loosening or rubbing comfortably against their skin. If you have a dog that is energetic or aggressive, you may want to buy a harness that is sturdy and made of durable material.
Types of Harness Design
The best harness for your dog is one that perfectly suits its temperament. The design of harnesses varies. Some are designed for dogs that enjoy walks and do so side by side with their owner, while others are designed for dogs who try to pull their owners when one walks.
Front clip harness
These are harnesses with a leash placement placed in the center of a dog’s chest. They are often used by dog trainers because they stop dogs from pulling too much and provide a lot of control over the antics of the dog. The front-clip harness provides the most control due to the position of the clip.
Back clip harness
This type of harness has a ring located on the dog’s back from which the leash can be clipped onto. This is the most popular type of harness among dog owners. They are easy to put on, and dogs adjust to them better than other types of harnesses. This harness is more suitable for small breeds; they protect the delicate throats of tiny dogs and puppies but may not be the best choice for untrained dogs who like to pull on the leash.
Multi-clip harness
These are harnesses that come with clip attachments on both the front and back of the harness. The back clip guides the dog on normal walks, and the front clip comes in handy when more control and direction are needed. Some multi-clip harnesses come with three to six attachment points and are one of the most popular among dog owners and trainers.
Material
This is an important factor to consider when choosing the best dog harness. If the material of a harness looks cheap, there is a good chance that it would deteriorate over time. The best materials for a dog harness are; nylon, polypropylene, or polyester.
The constant pressure and friction of a harness made with a poor material against the skin of your dog may cause rashes, sores, balding, and even skin infections. It is important that you get a harness made of good quality.
Is Padding Necessary?
Some dog owners don’t like a padded harness because of how heavy it can be. However, breeds with short hair often benefit from the padded harness to avoid rubbing and skin irritation. A padded harness is stylish and adds extra flair to your dog’s looks during walks.
Durability
Not only should a dog harness be comfortable, but it should also be durable. Buying a harness that you have to change every other month is not something you want to do. The best dog harness is one that has a long life span and overall durability of its supporting components such as; rings, fabrics, adjustments, buckles, and stitching.
Maintenance
A dog harness leads to a more controlled walk. This prevents your dog from getting into messy situations. However, a harness still needs to be cleaned. The best dog harness is one that is washable; materials such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester are quick and easy to wash.
How Much Does a Dog Harness Cost?
The price of the best dog harness depends on the size, features, design, and materials. The larger and fancier the dog harness, the more expensive it’d be. The price of the most basic dog harness for small dogs ranges between $9-$30. While larger and fancier ones range between $35-$50 or even more.
Leading Puppy Harnesses of 2024 Reviewed in Detail
Snazzy Pet Harness
– Best Puppy Harnesses Overall
This product is a vest harness made specifically for small dogs that weigh between 2-16 lbs. It is easy to put on, take off, and is washable.
- It has a breathable material
- It is available in attractive colors
- It is comfortable and easy to put on
- It is best suited for small dogs
Poipet Store Harness
– Runner-Up
This product has two sturdy metal leash attachment points with a front clip to prevent pulling and a back clip for a more relaxed walk. The harness is soft, breathable, and comfortable.
- It is lightweight and durable
- It is specifically designed for comfort
- It has soft padded handles that can serve as a seatbelt loop
- It may not be suitable for dogs with long fur
Dociote Store Harness
– Honorable Mention
This item is made of soft, breathable, high-dense mesh that allows sufficient airflow within your dog’s skin. It has a vest-style design that evenly distributes leash pressure across the shoulder and chest to prevent neck strain.
- It is visible in the dark
- It is very comfortable
- It is suitable for all sizes of dogs
- It is only available in five sizes
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
– Also Consider
This product is available in seven sizes; xx-small, xx-small, x-small, small, medium, large and x-large. It is suitable for small, medium, and large dogs.
- It is available in seven sizes
- It has a reflective material
- It is easy to clean
- Tiny dogs may be able to wiggle out of the harness
This product is a step-in breathable harness that is ideal for small to medium dogs. It can be machine washed. However, bleach should not be added to it, and it should not be tumble-dried.
- It is excellent value for money
- It is machine washable
- It is lightweight and comfortable
- It comes in only four sizes
This product is a military vest explicitly made for training small dogs. It comes in three colors; black, green and brown.
- It is military-grade
- It is made of high-quality materials
- It has adjustable straps
- It may be too pricey
This product is a no-pull harness that is suitable for training. This harness is great for walking dogs that do not pull on the leash.
- It is suitable for dogs that both pull and work well on a leash
- It works for dogs of all sizes
- It is comfortable
- It may be confusing to put on
People Also Asked
A: This is possible but not advisable. A harness is a safer and more comfortable option than a collar. However, it is not the best option for your dog to wear it for an extended period more than is necessary. Harnesses get dirty and need to be cleaned and, more importantly, your dog's air to remain healthy. Harnesses should be removed immediately after walks and aired out to dry.
A: Yes, they are. Collars are safe enough for docile dogs but are harmful to dogs that like to pull during walks. No matter the type of collar, they can cause physical damage. Hence, a fitted harness is safer, better, and offers more control and direction over your furry baby during walks.
A: You can tell if your dog's harness is too tight by squeezing two or three fingers under the neck and chest straps. If it is hard to do this, then it is too tight. You may want to widen the strap as the harness is too tight. However, ensure that it is not too loose either else; your dog would easily get out of it.