7 Things to Check Before You Buy a Dog Harness
Harnesses look alike in photos, but they don't all work the same on the sidewalk. Here's what to check before you buy, whichever brand you choose.
1Where the pressure goes.
When your dog pulls, something takes the force. You want it spread across the chest, not pressed into the throat.
A wide strap across the chest spreads the load better than a thin one.
2How it goes on.
Step-in harnesses mean lifting paws and threading legs, which is hard with a wriggly dog or a stiff back.
Over-the-head designs with a single buckle are quicker: slip it on, clip it shut.
3Padding where it touches the dog.
Check the inside of the chest strap and the parts that sit behind the front legs.
Padding keeps straps from rubbing and digging in, especially on long walks.
4A handle.
A handle on top lets you hold your dog close at a crossing or next to another dog, without reeling in the leash.
With big, strong dogs it's the feature you'll use most.
5Fit and adjustment: measure the chest, don't guess from weight.
Two dogs of the same weight can need different sizes: one is deep-chested, the other stocky.
Measure the chest at its widest point, just behind the front legs, and check the brand's chart. Straps that adjust by several inches give you room if your dog is between sizes.
6Visibility in low light.
Early mornings and dark evenings are part of dog life. Reflective strips on the straps catch headlights and street lights, so your dog is easier for drivers to see.
7ID on the harness itself.
Tags fall off and are hard to read on a moving dog. A harness with your dog's name and your phone number printed on it means whoever finds a loose dog can call you straight away.
How to measure your dog
Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Keep it snug, not tight.
Our sizes by chest: XS 16–21", S 21–25", M 24–30", L 27–34", XL 29–38", XXL 33–44". Between sizes? Slim dogs take the smaller size, broad dogs the bigger one.
How the NoPullDog harness measures up
We designed ours to meet every point on this list: a wide padded chest strap, a built-in front D-ring that turns pulling back toward you, over the head with one buckle, a top handle, sizes from XS to XXL with adjustable straps, reflective edging, and your dog's name and number printed on the side patch.
Personalized No-Pull Dog Harness
$39.99
- Your dog's name and your phone number printed on
- Padded chest strap
- On in seconds: over the head, one buckle
Made to order. Arrives in around 2 weeks.
Free US shipping over $55
90-day money-back guarantee
Questions
What sizes are there?
XS to XXL. Measure your dog's chest at its widest point, just behind the front legs: XS 16–21", S 21–25", M 24–30", L 27–34", XL 29–38", XXL 33–44". Between sizes? Slim dogs take the smaller size, broad dogs the bigger one.
How long does it take?
Each harness is made to order with your dog's name. Orders are processed within 1–3 business days and most arrive 5–12 business days after you order, so allow around 2 weeks. We ship within the United States.
What if it doesn't fit?
Size exchanges are free: contact us with the size you need. And if the harness doesn't work for your dog at all, there's a 90-day money-back guarantee.