How to choose the right dog harness for your pup

Choosing the right dog harness isn’t just about colour or patterns. It’s really about comfort, safety, and helping your dog feel relaxed and happy every time you head out the door. 

Whether it’s a quick lap around the block, a slow sniff around the park, or a big weekend adventure, the harness your dog wears can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident they feel during exercise. 

So how do you choose the right dog harness for your pup? 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of dog harnesses, how to find the right fit, and what features to look for to help keep your dog comfortable and supported on every walk. 

Table of contents 

1. Collars vs. harnesses

2. The best dog harnesses for leash training

3. How a dog harness should fit

4. How pet insurance can help support your dog’s wellbeing

Collars vs. harnesses 

For many dogs, a harness can be a safer and more comfortable option than a collar, particularly during training or if they’re prone to pulling on a lead. 

Here’s why: 

• A collar sits around the neck, so when a dog pulls, lunges, or suddenly stops, the pressure goes directly onto the throat and spine. Over time, that repeated strain can cause discomfort, especially for excitable dogs who are still learning how to walk calmly on a lead. 

• A harness spreads pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders. This improves your dog’s comfort, gives them better physical support, and often gives you more control as well. Instead of pulling against their neck, you’re guiding their whole body more gently. 

The RSPCA notes that front-attaching harnesses can be particularly helpful for loose-lead training, because they gently redirect a dog who pulls, rather than causing pain or discomfort. 

Of course, every dog is different. Small breeds, brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, dogs whose heads are narrower than their necks (like whippets or greyhounds), and energetic dogs often benefit most from a well-fitted harness. Meanwhile, calm or older dogs who already walk nicely on a lead may be perfectly comfortable in a collar. 

If you’re using a collar, it’s important to make sure it fits comfortably. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to slide two fingers easily underneath it. Puppies grow quickly, so it’s a good idea to check the fit regularly and adjust or replace the collar as needed. With medium or large breed puppies, you’ll usually start with a smaller collar and move up in size as they grow. 

Avoid using check chains (also known as choker or slip collars), as well as pronged or pinch collars. These can cause pain, distress, and potential injury to the neck. 

The goal isn’t control at all costs. It’s choosing equipment that helps your dog learn and exercise in a calm, comfortable way. Walks should feel like teamwork, not a tug-of-war. 

Head collars vs. harnesses 

Head collars were commonly used in the past to manage pulling, but they’ve largely been replaced by front-attaching harnesses, which are effective and usually much more comfortable for dogs. 

When used incorrectly, head collars can cause discomfort or even injury, as a sudden pull may jerk the dog’s head to the side. They also require careful training, as many dogs find them uncomfortable or distressing and may struggle to tolerate wearing one. 

For these reasons, head collars shouldn’t be considered as a first option. It’s best to start with loose-lead training and a well-fitted front-attaching harness before exploring other tools. 

If your dog continues to pull despite these steps, seek advice from a registered animal behaviourist or reputable dog trainer who uses reward-based methods. In some cases, they  may recommend a head collar after other options have been tried. If so, they should ensure that it’s properly fitted and show you how to use it safely and correctly. 

Choosing a leash for your dog 

Regardless of whether you’re using a harness or a collar, choosing the right leash plays an important role in your dog’s comfort and safety. 

When selecting a leash, keep the following in mind: 

• The leash should be in good condition  

• It should be the right size for your dog (for example, very thick leashes with heavy clips can be too heavy for small dogs and place unnecessary strain on their necks and spines, while thin leashes with small clips aren’t suitable for large dogs, as they may snap under pressure) 

• A leash length of around two metres is ideal, giving your dog some freedom to explore while keeping them safely under control 

• Leashes that are too short can make walks frustrating and often encourage pulling 

Leashes to avoid 

Extendable, retractable, or bungee leashes are generally not recommended because they: 

• Reduce your ability to maintain consistent control 

• Can encourage pulling and create sudden jolts, which can result in pain or injury 

• Increase the risk of tangling, trips, or injuries 

If your dog is still pulling after practising loose-lead walking with a suitable harness or collar and leash, it may be time to consider additional training support. 

The best dog harnesses for leash training 

The best dog harness for leash training is one that encourages calm, controlled walking while still allowing natural movement. 

Different harness styles work in different ways, and the right choice often depends on your dog’s size, strength, and walking habits. 

Front-attaching harnesses 

A front-attaching (or front-clip) harness connects at your dog’s chest rather than their back. This style can help reduce pulling by gently turning your dog back towards you when they surge ahead. 

Instead of giving them something to lean into, the harness softly redirects their momentum. It’s a subtle cue that encourages them to slow down and stay closer to you. For many dogs, that gentle guidance can make learning loose-lead walking much easier. 

Front-attaching harnesses are often recommended for: 

• Puppies learning to walk on a lead 

• Strong or enthusiastic walkers 

• Dogs building confidence in busy environments 

• Pet parents who want a bit more steering without harsh corrections 

Because front-attaching harnesses guide rather than force, they can help turn training walks into calmer, more positive experiences. 

Front-attaching harnesses can also work well with double-ended leads. This allows one clip to attach at the front and the other at the back (or collar), helping you steer from behind while gently redirecting from the front if your dog starts to pull. 

Back-attaching harnesses 

Back-attaching harnesses clip onto the lead at your dog’s back. They’re simple, comfortable, and easy to put on, which makes them popular for everyday use. 

Back-attaching leashes also offer comfort and safety by preventing throat strain and neck injuries, which makes them ideal for small or short-legged breeds or those with respiratory issues like brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. They also work beautifully for dogs who already walk calmly on a loose lead and have good leash manners. It allows free movement and doesn’t interfere with natural walking patterns. However, for dogs that pull strongly, a back-clip harness can sometimes encourage them to lean forward and pull harder. 

Harnesses to avoid 

Not all harnesses are created equal. Research into canine movement has shown that poorly designed or badly fitted harnesses can interfere with a dog’s natural gait, particularly around the shoulders. 

Harnesses that restrict shoulder extension can also limit how freely a dog moves, which may lead to discomfort over time. 

As a general guide, it’s best to avoid: 

• Harnesses that press tightly across the shoulders 

• Poorly fitted harnesses that are either too loose or too tight 

• Equipment that causes pain or fear 

• Devices that rely on force rather than guidance 

• Harnesses or attachments that place pressure on the nose or face to control pulling 

A good harness should support your dog’s body, not restrict it. Walking together should feel comfortable and relaxed for both of you. 

How a dog harness should fit 

A dog harness should feel snug but not tight. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. 

When fitting a harness, take a moment to watch how it sits and how your dog moves in it. A properly fitted harness should stay in place without rubbing, slipping, or twisting as your dog walks. 

Check that the harness isn’t: 

• Rubbing or chafing under your dog’s legs 

• Restricting movement around the shoulders 

• Digging into the skin instead of sitting flat 

• Sliding around when your dog moves 

• Too lose so that your dog’s paws get trapped or slip out 

Comfortable movement is the best test. When your dog walks, trots, or stretches, they should be able to move naturally without taking shorter, awkward steps, or being reluctant to move. 

A well-fitted harness should also allow your dog to: 

• Move their shoulders freely 

• Breathe easily 

• Sit and lie down comfortably 

• Eat, drink, and go to the toilet  

If your dog freezes like a statue the moment the harness goes on, don’t worry, that’s quite common, especially at first. Some dogs simply need time, gentle encouragement, and a few treats to learn that the harness means walk time. 

Dogs can sometimes struggle with the sensation of wearing a harness even when it’s correctly fitted. It may feel unfamiliar, restrictive, or confusing, and some dogs experience anxiety or sensory overload when something new is placed on their body. This can result in a reluctancy to walk and can cause some dogs to stop moving altogether. 

How to help your dog adjust 

If your dog freezes or seems anxious when their harness goes on, you can help by: 

• Introducing the harness gradually and gradually increasing how long they wear it  

• Pairing it with positive experiences like meals or walks, and always rewarding calm behaviour 

• Trying a different harness style if needed (for example, if your dog dislikes harnesses that go over their head, a step-in style may feel less confronting) 

• Practising indoors first 

If you’re ever unsure about the fit of your pup’s harness, your vet or a reputable dog trainer can help guide you. Getting it right early on can make training much smoother. 

How pet insurance can help support your dog’s wellbeing 

The right dog harness can help prevent strain and support positive training, but even with the best preparation, accidents and injuries can still occur. 

From energetic park tumbles to the odd muscle sprain, active dogs sometimes need a little extra care. And when a trip to the vet is needed, those unexpected vet bills can add up quickly. 

That’s why so many pet parents invest in pet insurance. With the right policy in place, you and your pup can face accidents and injuries with more peace of mind. And if you choose an insurer like RSPCA Pet Insurance, your pet’s cover doesn’t just protect them, it also helps to make a difference for animals in need across Australia, contributing to RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. 

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online. 

Disclaimer 

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References 

[1] RSPCA Australia. What equipment should I use when teaching my dog or puppy to walk on a leash? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/training/what-equipment-should-i-use-when-teaching-my-dog-or-puppy-to-walk-on-a-leash

[2] Cavalli C, Protopopova A. Review of collars, harnesses, and head collars for walking dogs. Animals. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2162