Getting a harness is probably the best thing for your pet, especially if your dog doesn’t like the uncomfortable feeling of being on a leash. Some breeds just don’t like walking or don’t know how to behave with a leash around their neck.
In addition, some have a tendency to pull on their leash during walks, which can be troublesome and dangerous for you or the person walking your pooch. More importantly, if you continue to let your pet pull its leash and you follow them, then they will think that pulling is okay.
For these reasons, a great alternative would be a dog harness that stops pulling, which is made for those that are constantly pulling on their leash.
Comfort is crucial since pets that pull on their leash end up irritating their skin at times. Always consider safety, such as reflective features, when looking through the various no-pull harnesses for canines on the market.
If you aren’t sure about which product would fit your dog the best, I can help you decide. I did some research, tested the following products, and narrowed the choices down to the best no pull dog harness in 2021.
| Product | Material | Size | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerLead | Nylon | Large and extra-large | Black |
| JUXZH | Sponge, mesh lining, nylon | Medium and large | Black |
| Paw Five Reflective No Pull Harness | Nylon | From small to extra-large | Red, green, blue |
| Friends Forever | Nylon | Large and extra-large | Black |
| My Busy Dog | Nylon, mesh lining, padding | Small, medium, large | Black, red |
Best No Pull Dog Harness
PowerLead No Pull
The PowerLead is one of the easiest to put on and use in 2021. It’s made of durable nylon material that’s attractive and comfortable. There are two sizes to choose from; both are made for larger breeds.
The no pull harness has a chest strap that you can adjust up or down a size, which is great if your pooch loses or gains some weight. The reason why most people like the PowerLead is because it doesn’t irritate their pet even after a few hours of pulling on a leash.
The only set back is the fact that it doesn’t fit small breeds and the sizes overall run a bit big. Make sure to measure your pet precisely before you decide on a certain size.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Ideal for big canines that pull on their leash
Cons:
- Only for larger breeds
- Sizes run big
Check Amazon to See Latest Pricing
JUXZH Front Dog Harness
If your pooch likes outdoor activities but isn’t very well behaved on a leash, this might be the best choice for you. It’s great for all kinds of activities from walking, to running, and hiking. It’s fully adjustable and comes in various colors to match your dog’s personality, and available from sizes extra-small to XL (chest size: 13 -42 inches).
The harness has an ergonomic design, and features a durable, scratch-resistant Oxford material, comfortable lightweight mesh lining with sponge padding around the chest and belly. Also, it securely fastens with a lightweight Draflex buckle.
This combination provides comfort as well as longevity. To add to this product’s versatility, it has a front attachment, back attachment, and close-grip handle.
So depending on your canine’s behavior or situation you’re in, it is easy to control your pet. The JUXZH has an outer nylon webbing and reflective material, to ensure your pet is safe and visible, especially at night.
Pros:
- Reflective
- Long-lasting
- Features a no pull handle
Cons:
- Material is stiff at first
Check Amazon to See Latest Pricing
Paw Five Dog Harness
This product is heavy-duty, waterproof and durable. Its buckles and D-ring guarantee quality and safety even during moments of extreme pulling by your pup. The chest and waist straps are adjustable so that you can find the best possible fit for your pooch.
The handle on this no-pull harness is padded, which allows you to have better control and grip over your pet. What’s great about the Paw Five is that it has a waste bag dispenser built-in. Also, the velcro side patches are interchangeable, and you can personalize them.
On the front, this no pull dog harness features a reflective strip for nighttime visibility. It might not be the best option for smaller breeds since the Paw Five can be quite heavy.
Pros:
- Reflective
- Built-in waste bag dispenser
- Padded for comfort
Cons:
- Heavy
Check Amazon to See Latest Pricing
Friends Forever No Pull
The Friends Forever is ideal to help prevent irritation if your pet is pulling on its leash. This product is lightweight and soft padding, so your dog’s skin is safe from irritation even after a long time of wearing it outside. The straps on this are adjustable, allowing you to find the best, secure fit for your pet.
Also, the handle on this product gives you the ultimate control over your pet during your walks. The buckles and the D-ring for a leash attachment are heavy-duty and durable.
This product features 3M material that’s reflective to keep your pooch safe and visible during nighttime walks. There are two sizes to choose from, in which both are for large canines.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty
- Fully adjustable
- Reflective
Cons:
- Only for large breeds
Check Amazon to See Latest Pricing
My Busy Dog No Dog Pull Harness
The My Busy Dog is one of the most comfortable no pull harnesses on the market. It features wide straps made out of mesh fabric to ensure ultimate comfort for your pet.
You won’t have to always readjust it since it features metal clips that keep everything in place. Plus, the product features an extra buckle, which allows you to put it on and pull it off easily while keeping the adjusted size in place.
This product is easy to put on by just slipping it over your pup’s head. Secure it on both sides, and that’s all. To pull it off, simply release the buckles. To prevent pulling, use the front leash attachment made of aluminum.
The belt is reinforced with nylon webbing, with a sponge interior. Also, it’s reflective which means you can safely enjoy outdoor activities with your pup, even when it’s dark. Some people say that this product runs a bit big, but you can find the right fit by adjusting the straps.
Pros:
- Durable
- Aluminum leash attachment
- Nylon webbing
- Reflective
Cons:
- Sizes run big
Check Amazon to See Latest Pricing
Buyer’s Guide
How to choose one of these harnesses? Looking at this many products can be a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be.
The best way to choose one is to first think about some buying factors. For example, do you know the difference between a no-pull harness and a traditional one?
Are you familiar with how it stops your dog from pulling the leash? We’ll explain all that in the guide below, so hopefully, it helps you make the right decision.
No Pull vs. Traditional Harnesses
No pull and traditional harness are two different things. They might appear similar at first glance, but they perform differently.
A regular harness has a leash attachment at the top on your dog’s back. Although it can work well, it more often encourages your dog to pull on the leash.
The design itself triggers the animal’s opposition reflex. This is where a no-pull harness comes in, as it’s designed to prevent this from happening.
A no-pull harness has the leash attachment fixed lower on the dog’s chest. This makes it harder for your dog to pull the leash. On top of that, the design reduces choking.
So, the difference is in the leash’s point of leverage. With a no-pull harness, a dog can try pulling the leash, but the harness will turn them to the side, preventing them from moving forward.
Sooner than later, your dog will understand that pulling on a leash is pointless.
Back clip vs. front clip harness
The primary difference between harnesses is the position of the clip. It’s the metal ring sewn into the harness for you to attach the leash. And, depending on its placement, it’s where your dog will feel the pull force.
Some harnesses have a clip on the back where they come together. Others have one on the chest. Trainers often favor front-clip models because they make it trickier for dogs to pull the leash.
This type gives you lots of control over how your dog moves, which is useful when training headstrong dogs.
The Back-clip harness is somewhat more versatile. It has a clip on the back, so it’s more difficult for the dog to chew on the leash. Plus, it’s also harder for the leash to wrap around your dog’s legs.
Durability & Strength
The harness is meant to handle your dog’s weight and strength. For this reason, it’s crucial to choose a durable and strong one that can withstand frequent use.
The best way to ensure durability and longevity is to go for quality materials. This doesn’t only apply to the harness itself, but all its components like the rings, adjustments, and even stitching.
A singly-ply harness has a single layer of material like nylon webbing or leather. However, a two-ply harness is more durable as it has two layers of materials that can also be nylon or leather.
Also, you might want a double-stitched one if you have a large and strong dog.
First, you should think about your dog’s size, strength, and weight to determine the type of harness you need. You might also want to think about their behavior when walking.
All these details will help you determine the durability level you need.
Handling a Strong Puller
Strong pullers are a lot of work, so make sure to approach this with patience and tactics. The best way to handle it is by teaching your dog how to walk on a loose leash instead of pulling it.
Your dog has to learn how to stand by your side as you walk forward. They’re not supposed to pull on the leash and get ahead of you.
Achieving this takes training and the correct type of no-pull harness. Most dogs respond well to a front-clip harness as it prevents them from pulling. It connects to the chest and makes it easier for you to establish control.
If your dog is extremely stubborn and doesn’t respond well to a no-pull harness, you’ll need something else to help the problem. In many cases, a head-halter and a professional trainer do the job.
Fitment
Different types and sizes fit differently, depending on your pet’s build. Some will fit better than others, so it’s important to consider this before buying.
Think about which type of no-pull harness would fit your dog the best. Some are easier to put on, which is essential for stubborn and playful dogs.
Also, you should measure your dog to ensure you’re getting the right size. Different models can be too heavy and long for your dog, but some can also be too short and loose.
It also depends on the age of your dog. Puppies need a smaller harness than an adult dog of the same breed.
Most brands offer a sizing chart that can help you decide on a certain size. It also helps to check customer reviews where people often mention if the harness is true to size.
No chafing
Chafing often happens due to an improperly sized harness. When and if it happens, you should take a little break from walking your dog.
Allow the chafing sore to heal before trying to use any harness. This will also give you time to come up with a plan or order a new one.
Check if the harness fits well, especially in the armpit area. The girth strap should be a few inches back from the armpits to prevent chafing.
This is also when you can glance at the fitting instructions you received with the harness if you still have them.
You should also make sure the leash matches the harness you’re using. In other words, a front-clip harness requires a leash less than 6’ long, especially if the dog is running.
You can try padding the harness a bit before going out and buying a new one.
Wider Straps
Wider straps are always better than thin and flimsy ones. A wide strap is unlikely to cause chafing, even if your dog pulls the leash.
It does a better job of distributing the pressure so that it doesn’t cut into your pet’s skin. As a result, these harnesses are more comfortable, especially for long walks or running.
Some models have wide straps combined with cushioning. These are even more comfortable to use and are especially suitable for breeds that don’t have so much fur.
Sadly, not every no-pull harness has wide straps, so make sure to double-check this before buying.
What is a No-Pull Harness?
Even though it’s similar to other quality standard harnesses, a no pull harness is made especially for canines that pull on a leash, especially when you’re dealing with a large or strong one. There are many different types you can choose from based on their breed, size, and weight.
Overall, if your pup often pulls on a leash, making walks uncomfortable, then the right no pull harness can help prevent that. These types of harnesses are a great alternative to training tools that cause pain since pain usually results in acts of aggression such as biting.
Also, having a traditional harness may cause your dog to be afraid of you. But keep in mind, this specific strap is to assist in training canines to not pull, and not an actual replacement for training.
Different Types
Back attachment
These aren’t as great to use on for canines that like to pull on a leash since it can encourage it to do so. You can use it if your pet has suffered neck trauma or is recovering from an operation and you need to take the pressure off of their collar area.
You can find a rear attachment on many harnesses, even on ones for running.
Front attachment
This type of strap is designed strictly for walking. Many straps like ones for hiking, feature a front attachment. It’s best for walking and hiking because when your canine pulls on its leash, the leash turns he or she towards you, making it impossible for it to move on.
Head Harnesses or Collars
After reading some reviews and debate with other pet owners, some actually do not prefer any pull harnesses. However, I feel like they are effective in preventing from pulling on their leash.
Head harnesses, or collars, fit around your dog’s head and have an attachment for the leash under the chin area. So when the hound pulls, the head harness forces the hound to turn its head and it will eventually stop.
Furthermore, head harnesses teach our pets to stop pulling. But before anything else, you also want to make sure you learn how to put these harnesses on, and more importantly, be patient with your pooch as it gets used to wearing a head harness.
So if you’re tired of your pooch always pulling on its leash while you walk, then we strongly suggest looking into a no-pull dog harness. Hopefully you find one of the product reviews mentioned in this article helpful in your decision-making process. Make sure you consider all of the important factors and then think about whether you want a no pull harness for walking or running.
Step-in Harness
A step-in harness looks like a figure eight when you lay it flat on the floor. Your dog simply steps into it, after which you clip it at the back.
It’s a simple design but might be tricky to use with stubborn dogs. In other words, some dogs might not want to step into it, making it hard for you to clip it around them.
It’s best for small and lightweight breeds and older dog owners. Sadly, these are almost always made exclusively for small breeds.
You can find some made for larger breeds, but the selection isn’t as broad.
Roman Harness
A Roman harness has two straps. One is around the dog’s chest, while the other is around their shoulder blades.
The two straps join at the back and under the chest. It’s similar to a back-clip harness, so it’s suitable for about the same category of dogs.
But, it can be tricky to use for dog owners with arthritis or confusion. It’s often challenging to untangle it, after which you also have to put it around your dog.
Dogs that aren’t as well-behaved will easily make this hard for you. So a Roman harness takes some patience and technique.
FAQ
My dog pulls really hard on the leash. What can I do to stop him?
Your first option is to get a no-pull harness. As we said, these are designed specifically to stop dogs from pulling the leash, so it might fix your problem.
The harness makes it difficult for your dog to pull the leash due to a clip placement. If you still notice your dog misbehaving, you might want to look for some professional advice.
Read our and other guides on the internet. You can find useful information on how to stop your dog from pulling and other tricks and methods.
Also, you might want to get a professional trainer if you can afford one. Professionals know how to handle the situation, teaching your dog how to walk without pulling the leash in no time.
How does a no-pull harness work?
A no-pull harness has a leash attachment placed at the front. The design changes how your dog feels the leash since the pull force is at the front instead of the back.
When in a no-pull harness, your dog won’t find it so easy to pull the leash. It’s designed to turn the dog to the side, which makes pulling uncomfortable.
Some no-pull harnesses are more efficient than others, depending on where the clip is. Those with a clip on the back work differently and might not be as efficient as those with a front clip.
Is a no-pull dog harness cruel?
A no-pull harness isn’t hurting your dog, so it’s not considered cruel. It can make your dog uncomfortable, but it’s not causing any pain.
As long as the size and fit are right for your dog, the animal should be fine. Make sure that you can fit two fingers under all the straps to prevent chafing.
A proper fit ensures comfort since it won’t choke your dog or rub against their skin. Also, one that’s too tight can pinch the skin and cause soreness under the straps.
With that said, a harness can be cruel if it’s not fitted correctly. It’s entirely safe for use when the size and fit are right.
Will a head-halter cure my dog of pulling on the leash?
A head-halter is meant to stop your dog from pulling on the leash. When used correctly, it can stop pretty much any dog from pulling. However, it does take time and training to see some results.
Plus, it can be distressing to some pets.
For this reason, you’re only supposed to use it under the supervision of a trainer or veterinarian. You’re not supposed to use it for casual walking. Instead, use it only when training.
On top of that, you should only use it with a short leash. Using a long leash can cause serious chafing and irritation.
Will a dog harness make my dog pull more?
A traditional dog harness is not the best for dogs that pull their leash. With these, the clip is usually on the back, making it easy for the animals to pull.
Your dog will still pull as much as when you used a collar and leash. For this reason, you might want to consider using a no-pull harness instead.
Is a head-halter the same as a muzzle?
A head-halter isn’t the same as a muzzle. A muzzle is designed to prevent your dog from biting. It’s typically used for aggressive dogs.
A head-halter is meant to prevent your dog from pulling. We already explained how it works, so you can see how that’s different from a muzzle.
Can a choke collar stop my dog from pulling?
Many people believe a choke collar will stop their dog from pulling. But, this often isn’t the case. What happens is that a choke collar causes pain and physical injury if a dog pulls.
As a result, animals often pull even more to get away from the source of the pain. This means the entire problem of pulling might get even worse.
How to Get Your Pet Used to a No-Pull Dog Harness
The process is simple, but you still want to be careful how you do it. The trick is to make your dog see a harness as something positive.
The first thing you should do is adjust the straps before you put the harness on the dog. This will ensure there’s no pinching once you put it on. Any accidental pinch might cause your dog to see it as a harmful thing.
Another thing you can do is get your dog used to the clipping sounds. Introduce the harness before you start walking by having it around the animal.
Once you get it on, make sure to reward your pup with some treats. This way, your pup will make a connection between putting on a harness and eating treats.
