Who a dog harness suits
A dog harness suits the owner of a dog who pulls on the lead, a small dog with a delicate neck, or a dog who goes on long walks and runs. It is a practical gift for a new puppy owner, and one that gets used every day.
A harness spreads the pull across the dog's chest, not their neck. The ones here include no-pull and front-control styles, mesh harnesses, reflective harnesses and harnesses with a handle.
What to look for in a dog harness
- Fit. Measure the dog's chest, and check the sizing on the listing. A harness that fits well sits snugly without rubbing.
- Pulling. A front-clip or no-pull harness helps with a dog who pulls. A back-clip harness suits a dog who walks nicely.
- Reflective trim. Reflective strips help the dog be seen on an evening walk.
- Handle. A top handle helps the owner steady a dog on steps, stairs or a car ride.
- Padding and mesh. Padding is comfortable for a dog who walks a lot, and mesh is cooler in the heat. Check the listing for what the harness is made of.
When a dog harness is the wrong gift
It is hard to choose without the dog's measurements, so ask the owner for their dog's chest size, or choose a different gift. A dog may also already have a harness they like. And a harness is not a training fix for a dog who needs help from a trainer.



