With so many dog harnesses on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The truth is, the best harness for your dog depends on three things: their size, their behavior on walks, and your lifestyle. This guide breaks it all down so you can find the perfect fit — and actually enjoy your walks again.
Why a Harness Is Better Than a Collar for Most Dogs
Collars are great for carrying ID tags, but for dogs that pull, lunge, or have delicate tracheas (hello, small breeds), a harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck. Vets consistently recommend harnesses for daily walks because they're safer and more comfortable — especially for puppies still learning leash manners.
The 3 Main Types of Dog Harnesses
1. No-Pull Harnesses
Designed for dogs that pull hard on the leash, no-pull harnesses have a front clip on the chest that redirects your dog toward you when they lunge forward. This is the most effective option for training dogs to walk calmly. If your dog constantly drags you down the street, start here.
Best for: Strong pullers, dogs in leash training, high-energy breeds.
2. Back-Clip Harnesses
The most common style — the leash attaches to a D-ring on your dog's back. These are comfortable, easy to put on, and great for dogs that already walk well on a leash. They give dogs more freedom of movement, making them ideal for casual walks and well-trained dogs.
Best for: Calm walkers, small dogs, dogs with good leash manners.
3. Sherpa (Padded) Harnesses
Sherpa harnesses prioritize comfort above all else. The soft fleece lining prevents chafing and irritation, making them perfect for dogs with sensitive skin, older dogs, or breeds prone to skin issues. Our Sherpa Dog Harness is one of our most popular products for exactly this reason — it's the harness dogs don't mind wearing.
Best for: Sensitive dogs, small breeds, older dogs, dogs new to harnesses.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
Getting the right fit is everything. A too-tight harness causes discomfort and chafing; a too-loose harness can slip off. Here's how to measure:
- Chest girth: Measure the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement.
- Neck girth: Measure loosely around the base of your dog's neck.
- Weight: Use weight as a secondary reference when comparing size charts.
As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under any strap. If you can't, it's too tight. If your hand slides through easily, it's too loose.
Signs Your Dog's Harness Doesn't Fit
- Red marks or bald patches behind the front legs (chafing)
- Your dog can slip out of it (Houdini move)
- Restricted movement — your dog's stride looks shortened
- Your dog resists putting it on or shows discomfort while wearing it
Harness vs. Collar: When to Use Each
A good rule: use the harness for walks, use the collar for ID tags. Many dog moms keep a collar on their dog at all times (for ID purposes) and clip the leash to the harness for walks. This gives you the best of both worlds — security and comfort.
The Lunique Pets Recommendation
For most dogs, we recommend starting with a back-clip harness if they walk well, or a no-pull harness if they don't. If your dog has sensitive skin or is new to harnesses entirely, the Sherpa Harness is worth every penny — that soft lining makes the whole experience more pleasant for dogs and pet moms alike.
Browse our full harness collection at luniquepets.com/collections/walks-and-outdoor.