The 10 Best Puppy Harnesses for Walks, Training, and New Adventures

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Leash training is one of the most important bonding and learning experiences for both you and your puppy—and the right harnesses can make a big difference.

Good puppy harnesses share a few common features, including safe, soft, and durable materials, plus adjustment points that can be lengthened as your puppy (quickly) grows. You’ll want options for control, such as multiple leash attachment points and handles.

It’s also important to prioritize lightweight designs that spread pressure from tugging across your puppy’s body instead of straining their necks. Reflective striping isn’t required, but it can be a blessing on late-night or early-morning potty trips.

To help your puppy’s harness training go as smoothly as possible, we’ve asked the experts and rounded up the best puppy harnesses for all sizes and situations.

Best All-Around: PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness

It can take time for a puppy to learn the ropes of loose-leash walking, and while they’re learning, most puppies pull. That’s why front clips are especially useful for training, since they gently redirect a dog to the side when they tug on leash. This lightweight nylon model from PetSafe pairs a metal front clip with a Martingale-style chest loop that offers gentle pressure to rogue pups.

Note that the PetSafe Easy Walk is an H-style harness that cuts across a dog’s chest, which means it’s extra important to have a good fit that places the chest strap well above your dog’s shoulders so it won’t impede movement.

Fortunately, the Easy Walk has a good range of adjustability, which according to Dr. Sabrina Kong, is an important quality in a puppy’s first harness: “Puppies grow fast, so it’s important to choose a harness that can be easily adjusted as they grow.” She advises pet parents to look for harnesses with multiple adjustment points to ensure a snug and secure fit at different stages of their puppy era.

Key Features:

• Quick-snap buckles make it easy to put on and take off
• Differently colored straps help align harness correctly every time
• Fits across the chest, so there’s no pressure on your dog’s neck

To Consider:

• Since puppies love to taste-test, keep this harness out of their reach when not in use (it’s especially vulnerable to sharp puppy teeth)

Most Versatile: Rover Gear Better Walk No-Pull Harness

Made with ergonomic padded straps and four adjustment points to accommodate a growing puppy, the Better Walk Harness is a strong multipurpose choice. Versatility is its strong suit: it has a D-ring at the front for loose-leash training, and another at the back for more casual outings or play time.

There are clear labels for fuss-free fitting for new pet parents, and a nylon webbing design helps pet parents make sure they have an even fit on each side.

We especially like the Y-shaped belly strap, which keeps any strain from pulling off a young dog’s shoulder joints—especially important in a growing puppy.

Features we like:

• Clear visual cues for an accurate fit
• Durable design that reduces shock from pulling or lunging
• The Y-shape front allows for a full range of motion
• Front and back ring to help dogs learn training/working mode vs. leisure/play mode
• Buckles are designed to reduce confusion or twisting of the belly strap

To consider:

• Pet parents with dogs between sizes found it better to size up

Best for Puppy Training: Copatchy Reflective Mesh Dog Harness

The Copatchy Adjustable Dog Harness is a quality dog harness that won’t break the bank and is easy to fit to your growing dog’s body. It’s made from lightweight, breathable mesh with an attached handle for extra control. This harness also offers a design that spreads the pressure across your pup’s body, which according to Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench, is particularly important: “Look for harnesses that distribute pressure evenly across the chest 
and shoulders, rather than solely around the neck or throat area.” 

If you are looking to introduce your puppy to walking, this harness features a comfy sponge design that softly deters pups from pulling. It is easy to take off and put on and comes in multiple colors. Best of all, if your pup takes to this design, Copatchy makes the same model in all sizes that suit all life stages.

Key Features:

• Affordable option with sizes for all stages of your dog’s growth
• Made from lightweight, breathable mesh
• Comfortable for pups of all ages

Best No-Pull Puppy Harness: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness

The Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness is an especially sturdy option for helping teach puppies to walk while spreading out all of that “let’s go!” enthusiasm across their bodies and avoiding strain on their necks. This no-pull harness is an “anti-choke” model, designed with two D-rings to help maintain good control over your pup. (If your puppy is a born puller, use the front D-ring, and once they’ve learned how to walk nicely, use the rear D-ring.)

This harness fits over the top of their head and can be attached or detached with two quick buckle snaps, which is a style that Dr. Kong particularly recommends. She notes that harnesses should have adjustable straps that make it easy to put on and take off, secure fastenings that keep the harness in place while your puppy is running or playing.

In keeping with this advice, the Rabbitgoo harness is fully adjustable, which helps you keep the right size for your growing puppy. As an added bonus, this harness features reflective strips for better visibility at night.

Key Features:

• No-Choke design
• Features reflective strips
• Fully adjustable
• Features two D-Ring attachment options

Top Harness for Maximum Control: Eagloo No-Pull Soft Dog Harness

The Eagloo No-Pull Harness is a good option for larger breed puppies who need a harness that offers good control: it comes with a sturdy handle and attachment points at both the front (maximum control) and the back (for more casual walks.

It’s always important to consider your puppy’s size and breed, and to make sure that the harness isn’t putting unnecessary pressure on your puppy. As Dr. Dench explains, because puppies’ bodies are still developing, good harness options will provide support and will not restrict their movement or put pressure on their growing joints.

This harness offers control without stressing your puppy’s growing frame. It’s easy to take on and off and uses two plastic buckles for closure. It has four adjustable straps to help find a good fit for a growing puppy.

This harness uses soft breathable mesh and is available at a reasonable price point—it won’t break the bank if you have a fast growing pup and need to size-up. It is available in multiple colors and sizes.

Key Features:

• Offers back handle for control
• Features two leash attachment points
• Uses breathable mesh material
• Easy on and off
• Available in multiple colors and sizes
• Affordable price point

Best for Large Breed Puppies: BarkBay No-Pull Harness

The BarkBay No-Pull Harness is a good option for large breed puppies who need room to grow and also may need a more durable harness option to help redirect their puppy enthusiasm. This harness features no-rip nylon and anti-chafe padding and includes four points of adjustment for a precision fit.

Like many harnesses, the BarkBay features two metal ring attachments for maximum flexibility. This harness also has reflective strips to aid with visibility. If your large breed puppy has a short snout (think Bulldog), this vest design can help to keep the pressure away from your puppy’s neck and throat, which according to Dr. Dench, is a critical quality for these breeds.

Key Features:

• Features no-rip nylon
• Includes reflective strips for visibility
• Has 2 metal rings for leash attachments: one in the front and one on the back
• Stands up to strong pullers and larger breeds

Best for Small Breed Puppies: Voyager Mesh Dog Harness

The popular Voyager harness is a good option for smaller breeds whose size won’t change quite as dramatically. Made from soft, padded, and lightweight mesh, this harness won’t chafe or rub against your puppy’s skin. The convenient slip-on design is easy to don and doff and is secured with Velcro. It features two D-rings for different control options and has reflective strips for increased visibility.

The Velcro allows for some adjustability, but you will need to change sizes frequently if your puppy has a lot of growing to do. While some dogs may be sensitive to the sound that Velcro makes, Dr. Kong recommends it as a safe and functional material for puppy harnesses, particularly for closures or points of adjustment.

Key Features:

• Uses soft, padded, and lightweight mesh
• Easy to put on and take off
• Comfortable for long walks
• Features two D-rings for different control options

To Consider:

• Velcro closure may not work for dogs with noise sensitivities
• Each size can be adjusted in only small increments: if your puppy will grow fast you may need to replace often

Best Harness for Hot Weather: AIITLE Step-In Dog Harness and Leash Set

The AIITLE Step-In Dog Harness is an especially breathable mesh harness that is easy to get on and off. The step-in vest design is easy to use and spreads any pressure across your puppy’s shoulders to limit the strain on their neck. This escape-resistant harness features a combination of Velcro (a recommended puppy-friendly material) and D-rings, which allows pet parents to adjust to their growing puppy. If your puppy outgrows this harness, AIITLE offers the same design in larger sizes.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and breathable mesh for warm weather walks
• Easy step-in design takes only seconds to put on
• Escape resistant design
• Available in many sizes

To Consider:

• This design uses Velcro, which may not be suitable for puppies with sound aversions but is a safe material for puppy harnesses

Top Waterproof Puppy Harness: AIITLE Durable Waterproof Dog Harness

If you have a water lover on your hands, this AIITLE harness is a good option for growing puppies. This waterproof harness is made from durable and breathable materials with reflective strips. Like many of the waterproof options, the Oxford fabric has a PV waterproof coating that helps prevent odor buildup. The lining of this harness is a breathable and comfortable mesh, giving this harness an all-weather versatility.

Easy to don and doff (just two quick snaps), pet parents can also get a more precise fit for their growing puppies by using the two shoulder and two back adjusters. This vest features plastic hardware and two attachment points—one at the front (more control for dogs learning not to pull) and one at the rear (great for puppies who are ready to graduate to casual walks).

Key Features:

• Durable and comfortable for longer walks
• Features four sliding adjustments for a precise fit
• Front and back leash attachment options
• Waterproof and odor resistant

Best Foul-Weather Puppy Harness: Chai’s Choice Foul Weather Jacket

While puppies’ personalities can vary, some are absolutely up for all-weather adventures. If you need a foul-weather jacket that doubles as a harness, the Chai’s Choice jacket is a great option to keep your pup dry and comfortable in inclement conditions.

Made from military-grade Dupont Cordura waterproof fabric, this harness has a durable exterior and a soft interior. This is a high-visibility harness that features 3M reflective material throughout to ensure visibility in all weather. The vest uses an aluminum-alloy D-ring for leash attachment.

Key Features:

• Uses military-grade Dupont Cordura waterproof fabric with a a soft interior lining
• Features 3M reflective material to aid in visibility
• Keeps your puppy’s coat dry in foul weather
• Available in seven sizes and three colors (optimal if you need to size-up)
• Chai’s Choice is a US veteran-owned company

Best Harness for Adventure Pups: Ruffwear Hi & Light Everyday Dog Harness (Verified Review)

The Ruffwear Hi and Light Everyday Dog Harness is light enough to be comfortable for older puppies who are ready for hikes and adventures. With two tough plastic side-release buckles, this harness is easy to put on and take off, even for longhaired breeds. Dr. Kong in particular recommends these plastic buckle enclosures because they are secure, safe, and easy to use.

This harness has one attachment point: an anodized aluminum V-ring located on the back that allows for gentle guidance and control when your puppy needs a reminder. (While some more mature puppies may walk well with a rear attachment, our experts recommend a front attachment for puppies who are new to walking on a leash.)

Like many harnesses, this harness has four points of adjustment to ensure the perfect fit for growing pups, but also boasts small side pockets for storage (note: lightweight storage only!). The inner lining is debris-resistant, which means that it can help to shed dirt and fur to keep the harness cleaner longer. Our testers found it a high-performance everyday harness that is ideal for maturing puppies.

Key Features:

• Lightweight but tough construction
• Easy side release buckles and four points of adjustment
• Includes small pockets for light storage
• Debris-resistant liner
• One anodized aluminum attachment point
• Available in multiple sizes and colors

To Consider:

• Appropriate for older puppies who already walk well on a leash
• If you use the storage pocket, take care to only add lightweight puppy-appropriate cargo (think poop bags)

How We Chose

We selected the products here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized safety, comfort, versatility, durability, and adjustability for growing puppies. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• We Review the Best Dog Harnesses for Every Kind of Dog
• The Best Puppy Collars for Quality, Fit, and Training
• The Most Popular Dog Collars and How to Use Them
• Dogs 101: Your Starter Guide for Getting a Dog
• The First 5 Things to Teach Your New Puppy (and When to Start)