The 6 Best Dog Harnesses of 2020

Harnesses are great because they prevent choking in dogs who like to pull on the leash. They can also offer more control over large dogs who tend to forget their size. The only problem is that there are so many harnesses to choose from. How do you know what's best? This will vary depending on the breed and the personality of the individual dog, but below is a list of some of Modern Dog's favourites.

Before we get started, here are our criteria for a good harness:

• Safety: Our number one priority is pet safety. A good harness will take this into account and not choke, scratch, or injure your dog in any way.
• Quality and Durability: Dogs, especially larger breeds, need strong, long-lasting products that can withstand everyday wear and tear. 
• Comfort: There can be no argument here, your pup must be comfortable. Just like you wouldn't wear uncomfortable clothing, your dog doesn't want to wear an itchy, painful, or irritating harness.
• Cost: Usually a cheap product is also made with cheap materials, but we also don't want to spend more on our pets than we do on ourselves. A harness should be good quality, but also cost-effective.
• Style: All the other criteria are necessary, but we also want to make sure our doggies are stylish too! For us to love a harness it has to not only feel good, but look good.

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Our Top Pick for Best Dog Harness: Dogline's Unimax Multi-Purpose Harness

Key Features:

• This harness features a handle on the back, allowing for better control without injuring your pup.The breathable, fast-drying material is also super important because a wet harness can cause sores on your pup's skin. 

Overall Impressions:

This harness is a favorite for many reasons It comes with a removeable chest plate, reflective patches, and side utility bags, and is made from a breathable, fast drying material suitable for any Summer activity. It even comes with a customizable patch and is available in 8 different colours. Starting at just $36, this harness is extremely well made for the price.

Most Helpful Review:

"BEST service vest out there!!!!! BEST fit, BEST quality, easy to get on and off, front chest plate keeps vest secure and in place, comfortable for dog, and sizing is completely accurate. That center front removable chest plate is a must! Vests slide from side-to-side if vest doesn't have one. Highly recommend!" -BethAnn

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The Runner Up Dog Harness: Rabbitgoo's No Pull Dog Harness

Key Features:

The design of this harness ensures pulling pressure is evenly distributed to the body, preventing choking or more serious injuries. The heavy padding also makes it very comfortable for your poch.

Overall Impressions:

This harness comes in an array of colours and sizes, as well as adjustable straps for a custom fit. The heavy padding makes this harness super comfortable without irritating your dog's skin. The easy-on easy-off design is great for squirmy dogs, and starting at just $21 this harness is super affordable. 

Most helpful review:

"This was absolutely PERFECT, I had to cinch the straps down almost all the way but it is nice knowing that I will not have to buy another one in another month when he outgrows it! That all being said when I put it on him I could not believe the difference! I couldn't believe it was the same dog! We went on a 3 mile walk and it was pleasurable! We met other dogs all along the walk as well as kids and there was minor pulling initially but once he felt the tension he stopped. I was sold immediately!!! I wish that I would have brought this thing a few months ago! I do not have any negative things to say about it whatsoever and would gladly buy this product again! When this one wears out I will purchase another, it is worth its weight in gold! I did not realize something so cheap would make life so much easier when it came to walking the dog! We have been working on walking with a loose leash for over a month and this has made all the difference in the world in his training. If you have a dog that loves to pull, then this is what you need!" -Michael P. 

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The Best Large Dog Harness: Soft Leash Padded No Pull Dog Harness from PetLove

Key Features:

The chest band makes this harness perfect for bigger breeds with broader chests, such as Great Danes, Boxers, and Weimaraners. It's made with large dogs in mind so it's super durable and lasts a long time.

Overall Impressions:

Modern Dog's favourite large dog harness comes from PetLove. This Soft Leash Padded No Pull Dog Harness has sponge padding in both the chest and belly. It features a mesh material for breathability and reflective stitching for safety. It's made of a scratch resistant material that is super durable for larger breeds. Available in 5 colours with prices starting at $17.

Most helpful review:

"The product came on time. The harness is really good good quality material and sturdy . It's well padded so your dog will be comfortable and the stitching will withstand the pull of a large dog . Worth the money." -Daniel

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The Best Small Dog Harness: Best Pet Supplies' All Weather No Pull Step-In Mesh Harness

Key Features:

The step-in design makes this harness easy to put on and take off of small, squirmy pups. A lot of harnesses leave a gap in the chest area of small dogs, but this one fits snuggly and comfortably. 

Overall Impressions:

This is a super easy harness for small dogs, especially since they're harder to get ahold of! With 16 different colours to choose from, you're sure to find something that suits your doggie's style. It's made with an easy step-in design, breathable fabric, and has three different safety features: velcro, a clip, and double D-rings. For $17 all this can be yours!

Most helpful review: 

"I love this dog harness! It is so easy for me to put on my stubborn dog. It fits her body well and there is no strain on her body whatsoever when we take our walks in the park (and she wants to go one way while I want to go another). She even falls asleep with the harness on. That's how comfortable it is. This is the only harness I will ever buy for her. I have bought these harnesses in pink and red." -legaltechie

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Best No Pull Dog Harness: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness 

Key Features:

The velvet lining prevents rubbing, chaffing, and sores, while still allowing you full control with both a front and back clip. This harness is designed to reduce strain on you and your dog, while easily encouraging movement (and directions on where to go). 

Overall Impression:

No pull harnesses are very popular, but 2 Hounds Design offers a really simple and easy to use product. Designed to eliminate neck strain, this no pull dog harness has a dual connection feature so you can choose to clip the leash to the front or back. The front clip discourages pulling while the back clip encourages exercise. With a soft Swiss velvet lining, the starting price of $30 is well worth it. 

Most helpful review:

"This harness/leash set is "The Bomb"!! I have two 8 month old border collie/german shepherd mix pups that are around 50 lbs each right now. What a time I had before my pet trainer recommended these products! Unlike other harnesses these stay put!! No more wiggling out of them. I have much more control since they have the front clasp. This product makes walking so much easier and now I don't have to worry about them getting out of them and taking off on me. If you're looking for a product that is solid, well made and does what it says it does then buy this!! Thanks!!" -Vicki MacEachern

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The Best Dog Harness for Nighttime Walks: Noxgear Lighthound Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features: 

Neon lights! No more worrying during evening walks, this light-up dog harness has 8 different colours you can choose from while you walk. The harness is also comfortable, easy to put on your dog and great for everyday use as well. 

Overall Impressions:

This harness is about as stylish as they come. Plus, who wouldn't want to be decked out in neon lights? While it costs a bit more (starting at $78), it's well worth the cost to keep your pup safe in the dark. 

Most helpful review: 

"I use this in all weather for on and off leash walks/ hikes/ bike rides at night, and for night bathroom breaks in the case my dog gets out of the gate– at least drivers will see him! I've been complimented on it by commercial drivers because they could see us so well, and by other dog owners. 2 years strong, no issues." -Anonymous

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