Having a dog that yanks you in every direction on a walk is no fun for you as an owner, and can be dangerous to the dog. Dogs who are pullers on walks can create all kinds of issues for themselves like:
- Injuries to their neck or chest.
- Destroying their collar, leash, or harness.
- Pulling themselves into a bad situation with an aggressive dog or another animal.
The right no-pull harness can help address each of these issues, but the wrong no-pull harness can leave you right where you started experiencing any or all of these issues.
To help you navigate all of that, we asked our veterinary advisor, Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, to review the efficacy, safety, fit, and comfort of a number of dog harnesses.
Dr. Coates chose the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness as the top overall choice because of its versatility, durability, and ease of use.
The 5 Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses
While this was Dr. Coates’ top pick, in this article she’s also shared her top tips for choosing the right no-pull harness, outlined who should avoid purchasing a no-pull harness for their dog, and has chosen her top pick across multiple specific use cases:
- Best Overall – 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
- Best Budget – PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
- Best for Large Dogs – Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
- Best for Small Dogs – Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
- Best Padded – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness No-Pull
The 5 Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses Compared
Below are the top picks from our veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Coates. Compare the ratings and key features of each of the harnesses to decide which one is the best dog harness no-pull choice for your dog.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Multiple Leash Attachments | Grab Handle | Metal Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness | ||||
| Best Budget | PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness | ||||
| Best for Large Dogs | Auroth Tactical Dog Harness | ||||
| Best for Small Dogs | Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness | on the back | |||
| Best Padded | rabbitgoo Dog Harness No-Pull |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a No-Pull Dog Harness
- Your dog pulls on the leash. If no amount of dog walk training has helped curb your pup’s desire to be the leader and simply continues to wear your arm out, consider a no-pull dog harness. The front leash attachment, coupled with walk training, can help your pooch ease up on the tugging.
- You’re training your puppy or dog to walk on a leash. A no-pull harness can be a great training tool if your pup is new to walking on a lead. With the lead attached to the front of the harness, the harness gently guides your dog back to you when he tries to pull himself forward.
- You have a very strong or large dog. Some dogs are just all muscle. Large, strong dogs also benefit from a no-pull harness. When dogs weighing upward of 100 pounds pull on a leash, injuries are bound to happen.
Who Should Not Buy a No-Pull Dog Harness
- Your dog would benefit from a different type of harness. While no-pull dog harnesses can benefit just about every dog, some dogs do better with other types of harnesses, such as escape-proof harnesses, lift harnesses or service harnesses.
Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian
It’s hard to enjoy a walk with a dog who pulls on its leash, and a leash attachment at the front of the harness (on the dog’s chest) is the most common way to prevent pulling. When a dog pulls, they are spun around to face away from where they want to go. Over time, dogs learn that pulling is counterproductive. A dog training no-pull harness also distributes the pressure from pulling across their body, not just around their neck, which can be dangerous. Here are some more research tips to consider when selecting a dog no-pull harness.
- Look for a well-designed and sturdy dog harness, no pull style – No-pull dog harnesses need to be well-designed, sturdy, sized appropriately, adjustable, and comfortable. The harnesses recommended here are all made from quality materials, have a wide range of sizes and good sizing guides, and can be adjusted for a precise fit. They’re also well-padded or have other measures to ensure your dog’s comfort.
- Talk with other pet parents about which no-pull harness they like best – Speak with other pet parents to learn what types of no-pull harnesses have worked well for them. Your veterinarian or dog trainer can also point to any features that might be ideal based on your dog’s age, size, behavior, and health status.
- Read customer reviews regarding the no-pull dog harnesses you’re looking at – Read product descriptions closely and look at customer reviews posted on trusted sources. This can give you an idea about how satisfied other pet parents are with the harness you’re looking at.
- Measure your dog correctly – To fit your dog in any type of harness, be sure to measure your dog accurately. Use the manufacturer’s measurement guide when sizing your dog to a specific harness. Dogs are typically measured around the widest part of the chest and around the neck just above the collar bone, but since styles of harnesses vary widely, always use the company’s suggested sizing guide.
No-pull dog harnesses also come in a variety of styles, and multiple sizes, and offer different functions, such as doubling as a dog lift harness or dog backpack harness.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $25 and $50
No-pull dog harnesses cost roughly $25 to $50, but you’ll find both cheaper and more expensive options, depending on the style of harness, what material they’re made from, and what other functions the harness may feature. Budget-friendly harnesses are a no-frills option that is typically effective and constructed well. A more expensive dog harness option often features tougher materials, pouches for storage, additional points of adjustment for a more customized fit, or maybe outfitted with a grab handle and extra leash attachments.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
I chose the top five no-pull dog harnesses using the knowledge I’ve gained from the veterinary profession, as well as from my personal experience with pet parents. Ask other dog owners and your veterinarian for suggestions in picking the right harness. Also, check out reviews from other customers that have purchased and used the no-pull dog harness you’re considering getting. – Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM
The Best No-Pull Dog Harness Reviews
1. Best Overall – 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness fits dogs weighing as little as 15 pounds with a chest girth of 15 inches to 20 inches up to large dogs over 125 pounds with a chest girth of 38 inches to 44 inches. Available in seven sizes with a wide range of colors to suit your dog’s personality, this no-pull dog harness features four adjustment points to customize the fit better for your dog. The harness is outfitted with two leash attachments – one on the front of the chest and a martingale loop on the back, which can be combined for enhanced no-pull training. However, the leash required – a single handle with two leash hook connection points – is not included and must be purchased separately.
The 2 Hounds no-pull dog harness is made from a lightweight material with a soft velvet inner lining for your dog’s comfort. The hardware is constructed from stainless steel and the harness features strong nylon webbing reinforcement, which adds more strength and durability to the harness. This product is made in the USA and comes with a chewing replacement warranty.
- Two leash attachment options
- Stainless steel hardware
- Sturdy and durable construction
- No padding
- No additional features
2. Best Budget – PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
When you’re on a budget but need a no-pull option, our vet suggests the PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness as the best budget pick. Available in five sizes for dogs with chest girths from 10 inches to 39 inches, this harness is lightweight and features two leash attachments – a metal ring in the front for no-pull control and an aluminum leash hook on the back of the harness for regular walking. Choose from a wide variety of colors, all of which have reflective stitching for better visibility.
The PoyPet no-pull dog harness is padded for your dog’s comfort, featuring breathable mesh that’s also water resistant. Beneficial to both you and your pup, the straps of the harness stretch to help absorb the force and shock from tugging and pulling. Customize the fit of the harness using the four adjustment points, featuring quick-release buckles. There’s also a top grab handle for extra control, which is padded with neoprene for additional comfort.
- Two leash attachment options
- Stretch in the straps
- Grab handle
- Not suitable for all dogs
3. Best for Large Dogs – Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
The best no-pull dog harness for large dogs is the Auroth Tactical Dog Harness, which is available in four sizes for dogs weighing up to 135 pounds. From a 20-inch chest girth up to a 42-inch chest girth, this no-pull harness features four points of adjustment for a more customized fit. The harness is made from sturdy and strong 900D nylon material with reinforced stitching and is outfitted with two metal rings for leash attachment, suitable for large, strong dogs. You can also choose from no-pull training or traditional walking.
The Auroth no-pull dog harness features extra wide padding on the harness straps to help protect your dog’s skin from irritation. The durable, but soft, grab handle on the top of the harness helps gives you more control when you need to have your dog close by. And the harness features reflective trim for those times you need to be visible. As a tactical dog harness, it includes the Molle system – a versatile carrying system that allows you to customize the harness for your particular carrying or storing needs. It’s also compatible with a Molle or PALs pouch, enabling you to hook pet items for carrying. (This pouch is sold separately.)
- Strong, durable construction
- Multiple leash attachments
- Top grab handle
- Extra wide padded straps
- Not suitable for all dogs
4. Best for Small Dogs – Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
The best no-pull small dog harness is the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness, (read our review of Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness) according to our vet advisor. This harness is available in multiple sizes from extra, extra small, with a chest girth of at least 13 inches, up to extra large, with a chest girth up to 42 inches. Easy to put on and take off, the lightweight material makes it ideal for smaller dogs. The harness is foam padded for ultimate comfort and features reflective trim for better visibility.
The Ruffwear no-pull dog harness for small dogs is available in multiple colors to match your little dog’s spunky personality and there are four points of adjustment on the straps to create a better fit for your pup. Two leash attachments – a metal ring on the back and a webbing loop on the front, allow you to use the no-pull training method or the traditional method of walking on a harness.
- Foam padded straps
- Easy to use
- Two leash attachments
- The no-pull leash attachment loop is a fabric
5. Best Padded – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness No-Pull
When comfort is your top priority, the best padded no-pull dog harness is the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness No-Pull. There are four sizes available – small to extra large – making it suitable for dogs with chest girths from 13 inches to 38 inches. Constructed from a soft, breathable mesh, the no-pull harness dog chest and back panels are also thickly padded for extra comfort. The harness features four buckled points of adjustment for customizing the fit to your dog, and the buckles make it easy to put on and take off.
The Rabbitgoo harness is available in a wide range of colors, and though the harness panels are padded, it’s lightweight enough to keep your dog cool. You can also walk your pup using either of the two leash attachments – a metal ring on the chest for no-pull, or one on the back for traditional walking. The straps are outfitted with reflective stitching for better visibility. This no-pull dog harness also features a top grab handle, giving you better control and keeping your dog close to your side.
- Thick cushioned padding
- Lightweight and breathable
- Two leash attachments
- Top grab handle
- Might be bulky for some dogs
- Not sized for all breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Sources & Resources
For more on dog harnesses, including everything from how to measure your dog for a harness and how a dog harness should fit the best escape-proof dog harnesses, check out our series of posts:
- The best dog lift harness
- The best no-pull dog harness
- The best harnesses for huskies
- The best step-in dog harness
- The best front clip dog harnesses
- The best puppy harnesses
- The best dog car harnesses
- The Best Service Dog Harness
And our individual harness reviews:
- The Ruffwear Webmaster Dog Harness review
- The Icefang Tactical Dog Harness review
- The Gooby Dog Harness (escape free sport) review
- The Ruffwear front-range dog harness review
- The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Dog Harness review
And our breed-specific harness guides:
- The best harness for German Shepherds
- The best Husky Harness
- The best Dachshund harness
- The best Chihuahua harness
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
