We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 5 Best Harnesses for Dogs That Pull, According to a Certified Dog Trainer By Alisa Healy Alisa Healy Alisa Healy is a multi-certified professional dog trainer who has worked with hundreds of dogs and their humans for over 10 years. Her experience as a trainer includes shelter dogs, pet dogs, and competitive dog sports. She is also a writer, contributing to several online pet publications on the topics of dog training, behavior, and the products that help dogs and humans live their best lives. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 03/10/25 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews Why I’m the Expert What to Look For FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Using a harness, which distributes weight from the leash across your dog’s body rather than against the throat, can be a more positive experience for both you and your dog, especially when leash training. “If your dog is wearing only a collar and lunges, tries to get ahead of you, or if you grip the leash too firmly, it can put tension on your dog’s throat and neck,” says Katy Nelson, DVM, associate director of veterinary relations at Chewy. “Harnesses are helpful for all sizes of dogs because they create less strain on your dog’s neck and are helpful for training your dog to walk alongside you, rather than in any direction of their choosing.” The Spruce Pets has tested a wide range of dog harnesses in real-world conditions, and found the best harness for hiking and other specialized scenarios. The search for the best harnesses for dogs who pull involved comprehensive testing of more than 20 harnesses, expert advice from Dr. Nelson, and my own experience as a certified professional dog trainer. We looked for ease of fit, adjustability, and features that help with pulling. Our favorite for most dogs is the Blue-9 Balance Harness, which features a front leash connection ring to reduce pulling, six adjustment points for an optimal fit, and a nonrestrictive design for comfort. Top Picks Best Overall: Blue-9 Balance Harness at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Budget Option: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness at Amazon $46 Jump to Review Best for Escape Artists: Huntboo Escape Proof Dog Harness at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best for Outdoor Adventures: Non-Stop Dogwear Rock Harness at Amazon $70 Jump to Review Best for Puppies: Red Dingo Dog Harness at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best Overall Blue-9 Balance Harness Credit: Amazon $50 at Amazon View on Blue-9.com What We Like Front and back leash attachment rings offer more control Six adjustment points for a customizable fit Non-restrictive, minimalistic design Durable even for strong pullers What We Don’t Like Takes time to understand how to put it on initially Combining comfort with control, the Blue-9 Balance Harness is my top pick for dogs who pull. With two leash attachment points, you can use either the front or back rings or both simultaneously with a dual-connection leash. The front clip makes it harder for the dog to pull while reducing the force you feel if they pull or lunge. Many of my training clients are surprised by how much of a difference the Blue-9 Balance Harness’ front ring makes in their dog’s pulling behavior. The non-restrictive design also sets this harness apart, which allows for freedom of movement, making it comfortable and safe. Many harnesses cut lower across the dog’s shoulders, which impedes their natural gait. The Blue-9 Balance Harness sits higher up, giving the shoulders a normal range of motion. If the dog pulls, pressure is applied to the sternum instead of the neck or shoulders, which is safer. The Blue-9 Balance Harness has six adjustment points so that you can customize the fit for your dog. I’ve successfully fit this harness to dogs of all sizes and shapes, from stocky bulldogs to narrow whippets and tiny poodles. Blue-9 provides helpful videos and resources on their website on properly fitting the Balance Harness to your dog. The design is lightweight, yet very sturdy, even for strong dogs. The non-bulky design permits good airflow to keep dogs cool. I also appreciate that the neck loop has a buckle, so you don’t have to slip it over the dog’s head, a feature many harnesses do not have. Understanding how to put the Blue-9 Balance Harness on your dog can take a little time. That extra neck buckle can be visually confusing initially. But once you’ve figured it out, it’s quick and easy. Sizes: Extra Small to Large | Materials: Nylon, plastic, metal Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Best Budget Option 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness Credit: Amazon $46 at Amazon View on Chewy What We Like Affordable price Two leash connection points for increased control Velvet lining for added comfort Comes in many colors and patterns What We Don’t Like Shoulder strap is a bit restrictive For a more affordable option, the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness is a great choice for pups who pull on walks. The design features front and back rings, which can be used separately or together with a dual-connection leash for various levels of control. While a dog can still pull in a front clip harness, it’s easier to manage them, and the force is less than that of the traditional back ring. The Freedom No-Pull Harness also features a martingale-style loop at the back, which tightens gently around the chest when they pull. Compared to my top choice, the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness’ shoulder strap cuts lower than I would prefer. This makes it more restrictive, though still not as much as some other popular harness designs. Made from tough nylon webbing, this harness is very durable and will not tear or break despite your dog’s pulling. The chest strap is lined with soft velvet to prevent rubbing or chafing. You can adapt the fit to your pup’s shape with four adjustment points. As a fun bonus, the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness comes in 19 solid colors and dozens of patterns. Sizes: XS to XXL | Materials: Nylon, Velvet, Plastic, Metal Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Best for Escape Artists Huntboo Escape Proof Dog Harness Credit: Huntboo $32 $29 at Amazon View on Huntboo.com What We Like Three-strap design prevents the dog from slipping out Front and back leash connection options for more control Five points of adjustment for an ideal fit Padded handle What We Don’t Like Some dogs may take time to acclimate to the design If you’ve got a puller who also slips out of their harness, or you’re worried they might consider the Huntboo Escape Proof Dog Harness. The design features front and back leash connection rings, which can help reduce the intensity of pulling, as well as a third strap to prevent backing out of the harness. Most harnesses have a shoulder strap around the front of the dog’s body and a chest strap around the ribs. The Huntboo Escape Proof Dog Harness incorporates an additional strap around the belly, which keeps it in place even if the dog attempts to wiggle or back out. It has five adjustment points so that you can customize a secure fit. Escape-proof dog harnesses tend to be bulky and cover quite a bit of the dog’s body. I appreciate that Huntboo Escape Proof Dog Harness includes some padding for comfort but is more minimal than other designs, allowing for more airflow and freedom. The Huntboo Escape Proof Dog Harness has a padded handle for moments where you may need extra control with pulling. Made from reflective nylon, this harness helps keep your dog safe while out and about. Some pups may find the extra belly strap a bit strange at first. In my experience, most dogs will acclimate to it quickly and are happy to wear it for a walk. Sizes: X-Small to X-Large | Materials: Nylon, polyester webbing, plastic, metal Best for Outdoor Adventures Non-Stop Dogwear Rock Harness Credit: Non-Stop Dogwear $70 at Amazon View on Nonstopdogwear.com $88 at Backcountry What We Like Breathable material keeps the dog cool Fast-drying Adjustable neck and chest straps for optimal fit Handle for quick control Three leash connection options What We Don’t Like Pricey The Non-Stop Dogwear Rock Harness is a splurge, but its features make it well-suited for outdoor adventures with dogs who pull. This harness has front and back leash connection rings like my other top picks. The front clip can reduce pulling and make it easier to manage the dog. It also includes a handle, which is helpful in navigating obstacles outdoors or for quick control. Made from highly breathable HexiVent, the Non-Stop Dogwear Rock Harness helps keep dogs cool during warm weather or activities that heat up the body. The material also dries very quickly, perfect for swimming or wet adventures. This harness is designed with your dog’s comfort in mind, making outdoor experiences more enjoyable. The straps are all adjustable for personalized sizing and are padded without being overly bulky. With a nonrestrictive fit, the Non-Stop Dogwear Rock Harness allows for a natural gait and range of motion at the shoulders. Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Nylon, plastic, metal Best for Puppies Red Dingo Dog Harness Credit: Amazon $26 at Amazon $19 at Chewy View on Reddingo.com What We Like Affordable price Non-restrictive fit for growing puppies Four adjustment points Soft, durable nylon What We Don’t Like Must go on over the head Pulling is to be expected with an excitable new puppy, and a harness can take the pressure off their sensitive necks. However, they grow so quickly, and buying multiple harnesses can get pricey. The Red Dingo Dog Harness offers a solution to this problem often faced by puppy owners, offering a comfortable fit at an affordable price point. Many harnesses small enough for puppies are bulky and ill-fitting, but the Red Dingo Dog Harness has a lightweight, highly adjustable design. It also allows for a nice range of motion, as the front strap doesn’t cut across the shoulders. Personally, I’m always cautious about putting restrictive gear onto growing puppy bodies, so I like that this harness allows for more freedom of movement than many others. Although this harness only has one D-ring on the back, I have used the O-ring at the chest as a front connection point for a leash. The Red Dingo Dog Harness is made from soft, sturdy nylon that can tossed in the washing machine to clean up those inevitable puppy messes. It comes in 18 solid colors and a variety of fun patterns. Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: Nylon, plastic, metal Final Verdict I like the Blue-9 Balance Harness because of the two leash connection rings, six adjustment points, nonrestrictive fit, and durable construction. In my experience as a professional trainer, the Balance Harness has fit a range of shapes and sizes and consistently impresses owners with the control it offers. For another great option at a lower price, consider the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness. Why I’m the Expert I’m a freelance writer for The Spruce Pets and a certified professional dog trainer with over a decade of experience. Pulling on the leash is one of the most common concerns I help dog owners address. Every week, I teach people how to use a harness as an aid for training their dogs. This includes selecting the proper harness for their unique dog, adjusting the harness to fit appropriately, and instructing them on how various features can help reduce pulling. I have tested many harnesses over the years and understand what makes a harness comfortable and effective for a wide variety of pups. The Blue-9 Balance Harness is what I recommend to most of my training clients, and it’s also what I use personally for my two whippets. What to Look For Leash Connection Our top picks feature two leash attachment rings. Understanding how they work can help you choose the best harness for your dog. Front clip: The leash attachment is in the center of the dog’s chest, so it’s great for dogs that need more guidance on a leash, says Dr. Nelson. It can reduce pulling and give the pet parent more control over the direction the dog is walking. Back clip: The leash attaches on top of the dog’s back. These are best for dogs that don’t pull and small breeds because they have smaller, more fragile necks and throats. Dual-clip: This harness gives you the option of either clipping the leash to the front or back of the harness and is comfortable for walking dogs whether or not they are pullers. You can also use a dual-connection leash to use both rings simultaneously for increased control. Adjustability A harness that offers multiple adjustment points can help customize the fit for your dog. All of my top picks can be adjusted around the chest and neck; however, not all harnesses can. Some harnesses on this list have more adjustment options than others. If your dog is hard to fit, look for a harness that allows for more adjustments, such as the Blue-9 Balance Harness, which has six. No matter what type of harness you choose, proper fit is crucial, says Dr. Nelson. Each harness fits a little differently, so measure your dog, then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for choosing the right size. You’ll usually need two measurements: chest girth and neck. You may also need to know your dog’s weight. Harness Design I always prefer a minimalistic, non-restrictive harness design that frees up a dog’s shoulders for a normal range of motion. These are sometimes called “Y-shaped” harnesses. Some harnesses cut lower across the shoulders, impeding a dog’s natural gait. Walking in a harness should be comfortable for your dog, so consider a design that cuts above the shoulders. FAQ Are harnesses better for dogs that pull than collars? In many cases, they can be. For example, harnesses are better for dogs that have had neck or throat injuries because a harness can decrease the risk of reinjury or worsening of the problem, says Dr. Nelson. They also may help with training your dog to walk alongside you instead of dragging you along or tripping you up.The cons of a harness are usually due to human error, such as a harness that is too loose, (allowing the pet to wriggle out and escape), or too tight (causing chafing or breathing restriction). Or it may be that you put it on incorrectly so that it’s not as safe as it should be, says Dr. Nelson.Generally, a harness takes the pressure off a dog’s neck and can provide better leverage to the person walking the dog than a collar, especially when a front clip is used. However, in most cases, a harness alone will not teach a dog how to walk nicely on a leash. The right gear plus training is the solution. How do you know a dog harness fits right? Always measure your pet and consult the manufacturer’s size guide because every harness fits a little differently. Choose the closest measurement to your dog’s; you also can size up if your pup is in between sizes because you don’t want a harness that is too snug and uncomfortable.Follow the “two finger” rule to tell if it’s a good fit on your dog. “You should be able to easily slide two fingers between your pet’s skin and the harness without having to shove, and without extra wiggle room,” Dr. Nelson told The Spruce Pets. A harness that is too tight or improperly fitted can lead to chafing of the skin, restriction of breathing, and potential injury to your dog. What is the easiest no-pull dog harness to put on? Any harness may seem confusing the first time you try to put it on your dog. However, once you have it properly adjusted to fit your dog, you should be able to use the quick-release buckles for easy off-and-on.A harness with a buckle on the neck, such as the Blue-9 Balance Harness, may be easier to put on dogs sensitive to things being put over their heads. A neck buckle allows it to go on like a collar. Why Trust The Spruce Pets This article was written by Alisa Healy, a writer for The Spruce Pets and a certified professional dog trainer. She has tested many harnesses while helping people train their dogs to walk without pulling on the leash. Selected products combine both the safety and comfort of dogs and owners. The durability of the harness, ease of use, and its ability to reduce pulling were considered. Additionally, harnesses were assessed by the Spruce Pets’ panel of product testers to help determine the winners. The 9 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested By Going On Walks With Real Dogs Explore more: What to Buy Dog Products Dog Accessories