| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best for Puppies | BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness |
| Best for Training | BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness |
| Best Eco-Friendly | EcoBark Step-In Dog Harness |
The best thing to do before bringing home a new puppy is to make a list of what it needs. There are probably a few things on your list, including food, bowls, a bed, a brush, and toys. There’s also a good chance you’ll include a collar on your list. It’s possible that all the puppies you’ve owned in the past have always worn collars. However, there are other positive options to consider. Instead of using a collar, some puppy owners opt for a harness.
Puppies wear harnesses over their heads and around their chests and torsos. In most cases, it is made of breathable, washable fabric and has somewhere for the owner to attach a leash. There are even some that come with matching leashes!
Among the many benefits of a harness is that it gives an owner greater control over their puppy’s movements. When it comes to obedience training, this is particularly helpful. The harness also prevents pulling on the neck of a puppy because it fits over his chest, torso, and back. As an alternative, traditional collars concentrate all of a dog’s pressure on their necks or throats. Many owners appreciate harnesses for their no-pull feature.
Find out which puppy harness is right for your new pet by learning about the different types available.
Check Amazon- Breathable soft sports mesh dog harness great for puppies
- Adjustable straps, loop on back, paw print decoration
- Available in 6 colors
- Sizes XSmall-Large (neck girth 11"-18")
Check Amazon- Nylon webbing no pull dog harness
- Front and back clips, back handle for maximum control
- 2 easy-release buckles and adjustable straps
- Sizes S-XL in 13 colors/patterns
Check Amazon- Soft polyester dog harness with neoprene mesh
- Made of plant-friendly materials, extra padding
- Over 30 colors or patterns for 7-10 lb dogs
- No pull, no choke design
Top Picks: The Best Puppy Harnesses Today
#1. Best Overall: BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Walking Vest
Based on our key criteria, the BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Walking Vest is our overall best pick in puppy harnesses.Â
Puppy owners can choose a size that fits their puppy perfectly thanks to the variety of sizes available. BINGPET provides a list of sizes based on the chest and neck girths of puppies. Additionally, owners can find a diagram and instructions on how to measure their puppy for a perfect fit. BINGPET’s Soft Mesh Dog Harness has a quick-release clip, so owners can unfasten it without fumbling with buttons. In the event the harness needs to be removed quickly, this can be useful. With the design, a pup’s legs can move naturally without being restricted or rubbing against its skin. You can choose from several colors to match your favorite leash or the color scheme of your home.
As an added bonus, the light, cool polyester material of its air mesh design keeps puppies and dogs comfortable while walking around the neighborhood or playing at the dog park. Although this harness is overall a great one, there is one downside. This harness has a maximum neck size of 18 inches, so it is not suitable for dogs with larger necks.
Pros and Cons of the BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Walking Vest
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick-release fastenings allow pups to be easily and quickly released from their harnesses. | Larger dogs cannot wear this harness because it has a maximum neck size of 18 inches. |
| This puppy product is designed with breathable polyester and air mesh and will keep you cool and comfortable. | |
| There are a variety of sizes available, as well as instructions on how to measure your pup for a perfect fit. |
- Breathable soft sports mesh dog harness great for puppies
- Adjustable straps, loop on back, paw print decoration
- Available in 6 colors
- Sizes XSmall-Large (neck girth 11"-18")
2. The Best Puppy Harness for Training: BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness
BARKBAY’s No-Pull Dog Harness is our top pick when it comes to obedience training.
No-Pull Dog Harness by BARKBAY can be used to teach your dog basic obedience commands like heeling, staying, coming, and stopping barking. A BARKBAY training harness provides an owner with the most control compared to other types of training harnesses. A leash can be attached to the D-ring located on the chest section by an owner. The front connection guides the pup back to its owner when it tries to pull ahead. If you are teaching your dog or pup to heel when walking, this is particularly helpful.
With its lightweight, air mesh construction, this item is comfy for puppies and dogs and keeps them cool in hot weather. In addition, it is made of reflective material. This gives owners peace of mind knowing their pup is visible at night or in low light.
Having four points of adjustment makes it even easier for owners to find the right fit. Depending on the pup’s growth, it can be loosened in one area and tightened in another. You can also adjust the size of the harness when the pup grows its winter coat.
It is easy to pick up a smaller dog or move a larger one, thanks to the handle on the top of the harness (on the pup or dog’s back). Additionally, this item gives the owner more control over their pet’s movements. No product is perfect, of course. There have been some customer reviews that say sizing and adjusting the straps aren’t as intuitive as they thought they would be.
Pros and Cons of the BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| There is a chest D-ring on the harness to stop pulling and facilitate training. | It has been noted that sizing and adjusting the straps isn’t as intuitive as expected. |
| Designed with reflective material for safe nighttime dog walking. | |
| This harness is adjustable in four places so you can get the perfect fit for your pup or dog. | |
| Dogs or puppies can be controlled more easily with the top handle. |
- Nylon webbing no pull dog harness
- Front and back clips, back handle for maximum control
- 2 easy-release buckles and adjustable straps
- Sizes S-XL in 13 colors/patterns
3. The Best Eco-Friendly Puppy Harness: EcoBark Step-In Dog Harness
Dog and puppy owners who are committed to buying eco-friendly pet products will love the EcoBark Step-In Dog Harness. We discovered EcoBark makes harnesses and other pet products using recycled water bottles while researching eco-friendly products. An owner can keep their pup safe while making an eco-friendly choice.
This harness is made from lightweight, padded mesh, which keeps the pup cool even when it’s hot.
Easily adjustable, the EcoBark harness fits puppies securely in all areas. In order to prevent rubbing and discomfort around the legs, chest, and stomach of the pup, the stitched fabric moves with them. Whether a puppy is running, walking, or anything in between, the buckles keep it in place. Specialized safety buckles are also included for additional safety.
There are a variety of bright colors available for this harness to match a leash, or a dog bowl, or fulfill an owner’s color preference. It’s common for pet owners to purchase different colors from time to time so that they can change the look of their pets. It has been reported that some dogs have a hard time fitting the vest because the size chart does not match their sizes.Â
Pros and Cons of the EcoBark Step-In Dog Harness
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The harness is made of recycled water bottles for an eco-friendly design. | It was most commonly reported that the size chart did not correspond to dog sizes, and some dogs had difficulty fitting into the vests. |
| A lightweight mesh design made with a breathable, padded interior helps the harness move with your pup as he runs. | |
| The product is available in a variety of bright colors. | |
| Your pup’s safety can be ensured by the durable safety buckles. |
- Soft polyester dog harness with neoprene mesh
- Made of plant-friendly materials, extra padding
- Over 30 colors or patterns for 7-10 lb dogs
- No pull, no choke design
How to Choose the Best Puppy HarnessÂ
In order to find the right size harness for a puppy, you must measure the puppy’s torso and lower neck. You should use a soft fabric tape measure that measures inches on one side. Make sure the measurements match the chart provided by the harness manufacturer. There is usually a range of measurements associated with specific sizes provided by manufacturers.
When making your final decision, you should consider the neck and torso measurements, not the weight range provided by some manufacturers. An adjustable harness allows an owner to customize the fit based on their pup’s measurements, especially if they fall between two specific sizes. By asking a manufacturer’s customer service department about size, owners can make sure their pup has exactly what they need.
As a final consideration, other factors must be considered besides choosing the right fit. If you want your dog to be able to easily remove the harness, you may want a harness that has a quick-release feature. The style and colors available are also important factors to consider. A comfortable, safe, and stylish environment are all important for your dog.
The 4 Different Types of Puppy Harnesses
When it comes to puppy harnesses there are several types. Each type of puppy harness has its own pros and cons and reasons for choosing them.Â
Consider a few examples:
- Front Clip — This type has what’s known as a D-ring on the front or chest section of the harness. Leashes attached to the front clip prevent pups from pulling their owners. This D-clip is popular with pet owners when training their pets.
- Back Clip — This type of clip is located on the dog’s back. The leash can be attached to the back clip to give the pup more control while walking. It’s a relaxed way for an owner to keep control of a pup while allowing him to be a little more independent.
- Step-In — A step-in style is just what it sounds like. The pup steps into the leg holes and the harness slips over its neck and torso. An owner then easily fastens the buckles into place.
- Dual Clip — A dual clip harness has a D-ring in the front and a second ring on the back of the harness. An owner can therefore choose how much control they want over their pet’s movements.
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| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best for Puppies | BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness |
| Best for Training | BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness |
| Best Eco-Friendly | EcoBark Step-In Dog Harness |
Check Out the Best Puppy Harness: Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are harnesses good for puppies?
Yes. When walking in the neighborhood or exploring different environments, they can keep a pup safe. All breeds of puppies are capable of slipping out of a traditional collar due to their flexibility. It can be a dangerous situation depending on whether the pet is indoors or outdoors. When a dog has not yet learned about the dangers of the road, owners can be more confident about staying in control with a harness.
Puppies can also benefit from them when they are being trained. During a walk, the owner can direct the pup where it needs to go due to its no-pull design.
Is it better for a puppy to wear a collar or harness?
It is better to use a harness than a leash when walking a puppy. Leashes attached to collars can cause unnecessary pressure on puppies’ necks when they are pulled by owners. Dogs may cough or hack when their owners pull too hard on their collars and leashes.
Harnesses help owners control their puppies without harming them inadvertently.
A harness is a great tool for teaching a puppy to heel, stay, sit, and not pull when walking the leash.
Can an eight-week-old puppy wear a harness?
An eight-week-old puppy can be introduced to one and wear it once it feels comfortable. It’s always advisable to observe a puppy’s reaction to a new item like this one. It should be introduced slowly so the puppy is at ease with wearing it and doesn’t feel anxious about having it put on.
What size harness do you buy for a puppy?
The size of this item depends a lot on the breed of the dog. For instance, a Golden retriever puppy is going to require a larger size than a chihuahua puppy!
A puppy’s neck, chest, and torso are measured to determine the best size. Some pet product manufacturers go into a lot of helpful detail regarding measurements for their products.
What is the best harness for a puppy?
Our criteria led us to conclude that the BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness is the best choice for a puppy harness. Puppy harnesses come in many different types, of course.
When considering an item, it is helpful to consider its purpose. Depending on the owner, he or she may want a harness for obedience training sessions or for everyday use around the house.
Another factor to consider is the ease of use. Are the buckles easy to release for the owner? Can the pup easily slip it on? In order to make an informed decision, these questions are helpful.
Another important factor to consider is the construction material. Whether the item is worn continuously or rarely, lightweight, breathable materials are best.
The product’s comfort is another important feature. It is important to choose one that is designed to allow movement without rubbing or chafing.
Your new pup will enjoy walking and playing more if you make sure the harness has the features he or she needs!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
