As a dog owner, taking your dog for walks is part of the routine, but have you considered the different types of dog harnesses available?
Sure, while the leash attached to the collar is the classic look, this is not the best option since this has been associated with spinal cord injury, paralysis, and prolapsed eyeballs, to name a few.
Instead, the most comfortable and humane dog accessory for walkies that you can invest in is a dog harness. It’s another reason to have this if your canine is a puller since the harness distributes the pressure over a large body surface unlike dog collars, which can injure the neck.
Yet, if you’re in the middle of assessing which of these types of dog harnesses is the most suitable, the process can be overwhelming. That’s where we guide you about each dog harness type, pros and cons, and more, so stick to the end.
Table of Contents
What Are the Different Types of Dog Harnesses?
Harnesses come in different shapes and sizes. But the most important thing is to figure out the right shape for you. For that reason, we went ahead and outlined each harness family with their pros and cons.
Y-Shaped Harness Family
As the name suggests, the Y-shaped harness is characterized by the “Y” shape displayed across the dog’s neck.
Like all other popular shapes out there, this comes with its pros and cons, which are shown on the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers more shoulder movement when put on properly. | Y-shaped harnesses can be difficult to put on, especially if they come with several adjustment points. |
| Avoids sensitive areas like armpits, therefore reducing chafing. | Improper fitting can cause the harness to rub against the dog’s skin over time. |
| It comes in an adjustable design for dogs of any breed and size. | Dogs that are escape artists may still find a way to wiggle out of the harness. |
Admittingly, the Y-shaped harness isn’t designed to prevent dogs from pulling, but there are several reasons why it’s better than no-pull harnesses in many cases. This includes promoting natural movement.
Yet while this is a shared characteristic among Y harnesses, beware that not all of them are created equally and will differ in some ways. An example would be the neck strap angles.
Here’s an image comparison of Y-shape harnesses with very different neck strap angles:
The image on the left is the ideal Y harness structure, while the one on the left is a variety where the padding reaches the chest level. While this may initially appear comfortable, a padding that rests too high on the neck can put unnecessary pressure on the trachea, which may lead to choking.
Halti Harness Family
The Halti harness is known for its association with the Halti brand, hence the name. It all started when Dr. Roger Mugford invented a head collar designed to gently control dogs without causing discomfort or using force.
For many dog trainers, the Halti harness is helpful in teaching dogs leash manners.
Yet before you go on about purchasing this type of accessory, take a quick glance of its pros and cons first:
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimizes your dog’s movement through the strap that hugs around the neck. | Dogs may need time before they eventually get accustomed to Halti harnesses. |
| Its design varieties can gently guide where the dog looks or goes. | If it’s not put on your dog correctly, there’s a possibility of them wriggling out of the harness. |
| The strap across the shoulder of a Halti harness evenly distributes pressure across the body. | The head halter may put your dog at risk of neck issues or injuries due to sudden movements. |
With applied innovation, several harness designs referencing the original have emerged from Dr. Mugford’s head collar.
The first one is the standard Halti harness, which showcases a horizontal “T” shape from the dog’s side view with a back clip, while the second one is the Halti no-pull harness. It has the same structure but it features both the front and back clip in the harness.
To better visualize the Halti harness, here’s an image of a dog wearing this type:
Image credit: Amazon
The last subtype of the Halti harness is the head halter harness. This fits around the dog’s muzzle, strapped securely underneath around the neck to the back of the head to keep the harness from slipping off.
Below is an image of a dog wearing a head halter harness:
As you’d see, the leash attachment is located at the front. This maneuvers your dog’s head in a direction—this is positively impactful for your canine buddy during dog leash training.
Step-in Harness
Step-in harnesses are straightforward—they’re a harness that is put on by making a dog step on them, then you pull the straps up through the dog’s legs at the front and buckle them in your dog’s back.
Here’s a table showing the advantages as well as disadvantages you may encounter when using a step-in harness:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to put on and easy to remove. | It may slip off if not fitted properly. |
| Offers good weight distribution across your dog’s body. | It is challenging for most dogs who are used to wearing a harness over their heads. |
| Adjustable for a custom fit, perfect for small dogs as well as large dogs. | It’s not ideal for dogs that pull, particularly sled dogs, like Siberian Huskies and Chinooks. |
For many, especially new dog owners, the step-in harness is a top choice due to how time-saving and uncomplicated it is. Dogs that don’t like harnesses put over their heads will also favor its design and convenience it entails.
Take a good look at the image below to see how a step-in harness looks in a dog:
As you would observe, the step-in harness has two loops where each front leg goes in. There is then a point of intersection from each loop leading to one single strap on each side where both are buckled up in a piece in a dog’s back.
Although in some designs, you might confuse the step-in back clip dog harnesses for Y-shaped ones due to how they look from the front view when worn, the general difference would be that they can only be put on through the dog’s front legs and not in any other way as a Y-shaped harness would.
Features to Look for in a Dog Harness
Now that you have determined the gear’s shape for your dog, it’s time to check out which features a harness should have while taking into account your dog’s needs.
We’re listing out a bunch of these harness features below:
- Back clip: A back clip harness feature exhibits a back “D” ring positioned in the center of the dog’s back where a leash can be attached, which is excellent for daily walks.
- Dual clip: The dual clip harness characteristic has a leash ring in the back and in the front. This is nothing short of versatile, as the front clip can be used for training while the back clip can be utilized for regular walks.
- Front clip: The front clip harness feature is characterized by its D-shaped ring where the leash is attached to the neck area. This leash attachment slides to the side, thus guiding the dog back to realign, promoting side-by-side walking. Due to its leverage point, this type of harness is the best when dealing with dogs that pull.
- Crash-tested: If you’re traveling with your dog, the best gear to use would be the crash-tested harness. This safety harness installed in a seat belt is primarily designed to restrain your dog while in the car, preventing them from distracting you as you drive.
Watch the video below to see how a crash-tested harness can keep your dog from severe injuries during a car collision:
- Backpack: A functional harness with a backpack provides your dog compartments where their gear can be stored. Note that an average canine can carry items that are 10% to 15% of their body weight, but athletic ones may lift up to 25%.
- Reflective: A dog harness with reflective stitching, nylon webbing, or fabric strips is great for early-morning dog walks or nighttime jogs with your puppy.
- Mobility: For canines with mobility issues due to arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other physical limitations, a harness with mobility features, like handles would be the most ideal. Its design allows dog owners to conveniently lift or assist their dogs in climbing the stairs, walking, or getting into the car.
- Tightening: Like choke collars, harnesses with tightening features work by causing contraction around the torso every time the dog pulls. This is great for correcting undesirable behaviors, but improper fits can cause pain, which may lead to injury or aggressive tendencies.
The listed features serve specific purposes that can help your dog improve their leash manners. Depending on your goals for using a harness, ensure you weigh each extra feature’s benefits and drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Harness Shape is the Best for Dogs?
The harness shape considered the best for dogs varies according to your dog’s behavior and specific needs. If your dog has tracheal issues, the Y-shaped harness would be the best pick. It’s all the more so if you want to give your dog more freedom in their movement.
Meanwhile, the Halti harness is the way to go for dog trainers who conduct dog leash training. Its design allows you to effectively discourage pulling. It’s also available in a head halter harness, which controls your dog’s direction. However, note that it takes time for your dog to get used to this.
As for easy dogs or those that dislike wearing a harness that’s put on over the head, the step in harness is the best choice.
Which Harness Feature Should You Consider for Your Dog?
If you want anti-pull harnesses, you can choose among the front clip harnesses or the tightening ones, while well-trained canines will do nicely with the back clip harnesses.
On the other hand, dual clip harnesses give you more leash versatility. Meanwhile, the crash-proof harness is ideal for car rides, so dogs are secure and protected inside the vehicle. Speaking of safety, a reflective harness may be something you may also have to consider if you and your dog like to do outdoor activities in low-light conditions.
As for those with physical issues, the mobility harness is their ideal accessory, and the backpacking gear is great for canines who love outdoor adventures.
How Do You Measure a Dog for a Harness?
After deciding which harness to use, you must determine the right size for your dog. Do not always base it on your dog’s weight since a 30-pound Saluki will require a different fit than a 30-pound Rottweiler.
However, should it be based on weight, ensure the gear is specifically designed for your dog breed. You may then figure out whether they fall under small, medium, large, or extra-large and then pick the manufacturer’s suggested dog’s harness size.
You may also accurately determine the proportions by assessing your dog’s chest circumference and the thickest part of their neck near their shoulders. Pit these measurements against the manufacturer’s harness size guide if they use lengths instead of weights.
Why Is a Dog Harness Better Than a Flat Collar?
A comfortable dog harness is better than a flat collar mainly because it’s more pleasant for your dog. Since it hugs a wider region of the body than the collar does, which is worn around the neck, any pressure is equally distributed, thus reducing potential strain.
A good-fitting harness also provides pet owners with better control, plus it’s harder for a dog to slip out of the accessory regardless of how energetic they are.
Moreover, harnesses are much safer than the dog collar since they don’t apply pressure to the throat. This is beneficial for brachycephalic breeds or dogs with tracheal or respiratory problems.
Final Thoughts
Consider your canine’s breed, size, behavior, and specific needs before choosing among the types of harnesses for dogs.
Apart from that, if it’s your dog’s first time wearing such gear, allow them some time to become familiar with how the harness works and feel around their body. Observe how they react when it’s put on and assure them everything’s fine when using a harness.
You may reinforce positive experiences with treats or praises to create a positive association with the dog harness. Over time, dogs will adapt well to these accessories. They may even see it as a signal of upcoming outdoor escapades.
Have you tried any of the harnesses listed in this article? Let us know which types of dog harnesses you’ve used for your canine before and your experience with it through the comment section below.
Key Takeaways:
- The three families of harnesses are Y-shaped, Halti, and step-in harnesses.
- A harness may include features like back clips for daily walks, dual clips for versatility, and reflective stitchings for visibility.
- Dog harnesses are preferred over collars since they disperse pressure across a larger region of the body, effectively reducing the risk of neck injuries.
