Help Your Dog Stop Pulling With These No-Pull Dog Harnesses

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One of the greatest joys of being a dog owner is being able to share a daily walk with your furry friend, but those walks can quickly become miserable if they're constantly yanking you forward or pulling off the path. To help keep your pup on course without causing any strain to their neck, many dog trainers and vets recommend investing in a no pull dog harness. Similar to traditional dog harnesses, these harnesses are fitted over a dog’s body but designed specifically to address (and reduce) pulling.

The pet owners and experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test everything from dog running leashes to dog leashes, indestructible dog toys, dog beds and much more. When narrowing down the best no pull dog harnesses, our experts evaluated more than 20 harnesses from top-performing brands for features such as overall quality, ease of use and style. We also consulted our panel of consumer testers for firsthand feedback and interviewed Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., an associate veterinarian at WellHaven Pet Health, and Lisa Lippman, D.V.M., veterinarian and director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet clinics. Below you'll find the best no pull dog harnesses of 2024.

Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness

Affordable and featuring more than 42,000 reviews on Amazon with an average 4.3-start rating, the Easy Walk makes walks to the park and outings with your pup easier thanks to a martingale loop situated on the front of the harness to help prevent dogs from pulling. Should they lunge ahead or try to sniff something without warning, the gradual pressure on their shoulders helps redirect their focus without putting any stress on their neck. “It hooks at the front so the dog can't steer you; if they pull, it tightens and makes it hard to walk,” one tester explains.

Not only do our pet experts appreciate the Easy Walk’s lightweight, breathable design so pets don’t overheat on hotter days, but our testers rave about its durability that’s held up over the years as well as its ease of use. “It’s super easy to get on and take off with two buckles,” one tester says. Plus, it's available in a variety of colors and sizes so you can find the best pick for your pooch.

Dog Harness

Featuring nearly 200,000 reviews and an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon, Rabbitgoo's harness lives up to the hype. Not only does it come in a variety of colors so you can customize it to your pet's style, but it's easy to slip on over their head (just keep in mind that some dogs might not like over-the-head harnesses). "This harness definitely prevented any extra pulling, and enabled better control during our walks," said one of our testers. It got top marks for fit, given its total of four adjustable straps to keep your dog secure. We also love that it comes with two leash-connection points at the front and on the back, which makes it great for training and reduced pulling.

Easy-release side buckles and reflective strips made for visibility are helpful on early-morning or late-night walks in low lighting. Our testers particularly liked the harness's cushioned panels and durability, and one GH product analyst claims it has held up for more than two years through travel, hikes, walks and machine washes. Also notable is the back handle that makes it easy to grab your pup quickly if they leap toward another dog or distraction.

Mesh No-Pull Dog Harness

With sherpa-covered straps that go under the dog's front legs, this mesh harness works well for pups with short or fine hair because the gentler fabric won't feel scratchy or irritating on their skin. Instead of buckles or clips, this harness is secured using a cord lock which makes it easy to fit to your pet's correct size, too. Although it clips in the back, it's a tightening harness, so still works well for dogs that pull.

When your pet starts to pull, the harness tightens around the front of their chest, applying pressure to get them to stop. Plus, the mesh panel stretches with your dog's body to reduce friction. But while testing, our pros found that the harness can be tough to put on squirmy pets since it doesn't unclip to come apart. It comes in four different sizes and three colors, but keep in mind that if you want the harness to fit properly, always measure your dog first with a measuring tape.

Quick-Release Dog Harness

A tester favorite thanks to its five adjustable points, this harness helps enable a secure fit on even the biggest barrel chests. But if you're unsure of the right size, our pet experts recommend gettting one that's larger than you need since it can get a little tight for dogs on the bigger end of the sizing scale.

The front leash attachment helps prevent strong pups from pulling you down the block, while the back leash attachment works fine for smaller pets. "It was very easy to adjust the harness to a comfortable fit and to put on and to remove," noted one tester. We also appreciated how thick and durable the material felt. Another tester's "escape artist" pooch was unable to break free from this harness, unlike some of the smaller ones they've tried before.

Front Range Dog Harness

Long walks and hikes will be more comfortable for your pup with this harness that's built with padded front and back panels. A sturdy front loop leash attachment reminds them not to pull your arm out, while a back metal loop works well for gentler walkers. It comes in a variety of colors, too.

We found this harness to be made of pretty thick material but noted that the location of the buckles means it can be a bit tough to unclip. However, four adjustment points make it easy to fit it to your dog's body. Just note that it may not fit dogs with a broad chest and narrow waists or stockier breeds.

The harness also includes a reflective trim for added safety when you brave those night walks, along with a little pouch for storing ID tags or pet GPS trackers. "We've had this harness for years, and it's held up really well even though we have a strong dog that pulls," said one tester with a greyhound/lab mix.

Dog Harness

Wild One's lightweight, stretchy harness comes in a variety of vibrant colors that will give your walks a stylish flare. In testing, we liked that the materials felt high quality and exceptionally soft and cushiony, making it a perfect fit for small dogs with short hair or bony bodies. "This harness is definitely one of the softest, most luxurious feeling one we've tested," said one GH analyst. It also has three leash attachment points and comes in sizing small enough for even the tiniest teacup breeds.

However, since the materials are so soft, our pros warn that it can show signs of wear more quickly than some other utilitarian options. It's available for purchase on its own, as part of the walk kit, which includes a leash and poop bag carrier.

How we test dog harnesses

The team of reviews analysts and pet experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test pet gear of all kinds, including everything from everyday essentials like dog food to on-the-go gear like dog strollers.

When selecting the best dog harnesses, including no-pull dog harnesses, we read hundreds of reviews and evaluated 20 styles both in our Lab and in the real world with dogs of all shapes and sizes to ensure they work with all types of pups. When narrowing down our favorites, we considered a variety of factors, such as ease of use, materials, style, the owner's control over the dog, additional features like leash clips and overall satisfaction.

We also interviewed Megan Conrad, M.B.B.S., an associate veterinarian at WellHaven Pet Health, and Lisa Lippman, D.V.M., veterinarian and director of virtual medicine for Bond Vet clinics for more tips on using a harness.

What to look for in a no-pull harness

✔️ Size: It's crucial to use the correct size for your pet's harness so that it isn't too big or loose enough for them to slip out or so small that it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Before purchasing, our pros advise following the manufacturer's sizing guide and measuring your pet accordingly.

✔️ Attachment points: Each harness must attach to a leash at the attachment point. While you'll most commonly see attachment points either on the front (under the dog's neck) or on the back of the harness, some harnesses offer even more flexibility. Dog owners who want to prevent pulling should consider front attachment points, while gentler walkers will likely be OK with a back attachment point. Harnesses that come with both (or even more options) allow you to experiment with your pet's walking style.

✔️Style: Most no-pull harnesses come in two styles: over-the-head or head-in and step-in. Some pups may object to over-the-head styles that must pass their head, while others may squirm too much for step-in styles. The best style for your pup is a question of personal preference, though over-the-head styles are considered more difficult to slip out of.

✔️Durability: Your harness should be made from a durable material that is not only comfortable but also one that can withstand several walks in all weather conditions. Machine washable harnesses are easier to maintain.

✔️ Features: In addition to deciding whether you want clips, buckles or cords to secure your pet's harness, you'll want to check the size of the straps, whether it has cushioning or padding and if it comes with a warranty.

Do no-pull dog harnesses really work?

Because no-pull harnesses don't put as much pressure on the dog's neck, they don't restrict their breathing when they pull like a leash and collar would. This makes them generally safer to use with serious pullers. "Harnesses distribute pressure across the body rather than just on the neck," Dr. Conrad explains. As a bonus, "some dogs respond better to walking on a harness rather than on a collar."

No pull harnesses enable the owner to have more control over their dog on walks, which can be helpful for large or exuberant pups. If used properly, they can be an excellent training tool that helps remind your pup to not pull as they walk.

What is the difference between a dog harness and no-pull harness?

Many standard dog harnesses have a leash attachment at the back of the harness, which works fine for dogs who walk calmly on a leash. On the contrary, no-pull harnesses typically have a leash attachment on the chest, which puts pressure on the chest and discourages the dog from pulling.

What are the cons of a no-pull harness?

If the harness isn't fitted properly, it can rub underneath the dog's armpits and at other seams. That can cause irritation, pain and may even lead to longer-term issues if not addressed. That's why measuring your pet is so important before purchasing a new harness so it fits properly. If your pet's harness starts to chafe, discontinue use.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs.

This story was originally written by former senior editor, Lizz Schumer and later updated by former Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain, who brought years of journalism experience to the Institute. It was most recently updated by GH writer and product analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from tech to travel, pets, fitness, home and more. As a dog owner, she's tested all sorts of pet essentials, including dog harnesses, dog food and more.

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