How to find the best dog harness

With so many different types, styles and brands of dog harness on the market these days, it can be an impossible task trying to work out how to choose the right one for your pooch. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide is here to answer all your questions, make you feel like a harness expert and help you find the perfect fit for your four-legged friend.  

Spaniel puppy in our Pink Pawfection harness

With so much conflicting information and often very confusing advice out there, it can make selecting the right harness for your dog a real challenge...

To help you, let's highlight some key factors that you should consider to make your choice easier - However, we can't solve the dilemma of what pattern or colour to choose... 🐶

What’s the safest harness for my dog?

Good question! This is probably one of the most important questions to ask when choosing a new harness because we understand how important your dog’s safety is. One of the most popular types of dog harnesses you will find on the market is the basic neoprene fashion harness.

A Pug wearing a cute neoprene fashion harness

These harnesses often look cute with fun patterns and prints, but don't be fooled... They may be fine for smaller breeds that don't lunge or pull on the lead but they are not the most practical option for larger or stronger dogs.

Instead, opt for a harness that has sturdy clips and buckles, check the thickness of the straps and inspect the quality of the stitching. More importantly, has the harness been strength tested? Could you say for certain that if your dog was to make any sudden movements the harness would be able to keep them at the end of your lead.

What is the best type of harness for my dog?

There are many different types and styles available in the dog walking industry, but not all harnesses are created equal. Did you know that a ‘Y’ shaped harness is the only type of harness that is officially supported by canine physio experts ?

White Cocker-poo in our 'Y' shaped Pink Pawfection harness

This is because they are designed to fit in a Y-shape across the dog’s chest, allowing for natural shoulder movement without restriction and evenly distributing pressure across a larger surface area reducing the risk of aggravation for your dog. They provide a comfortable fit that that is practical for both small, large and strong breeds. To get the full benefit from your harness, ensure that it's fitted correctly.

How do I tell if a harness is right for my dog?

We firmly believe that every dog is different. While we would always endorse the use of a harness over other dog walking tools we do appreciate that in some cases a harness is not right for every dog. Always consider your dog’s behaviour, breed and size when deciding if a harness is the right choice. Finding the perfect fit can be a game of trial and error, so here’s how to tell if you’re on the right track:

Behaviour and comfort: Does your dog resist or act uncomfortable in the harness? This might be a sign that further training is required to create a positive association with a harness. Also check that the harness is not chafing or rubbing your dog around the neck, chest or shoulders. Check their movement: Can your dog walk, run, and play without any restriction? In control: Do you feel secure and in control on walks without needing to use excessive force?

You should consider upgrading or changing your dog harness if your dog shows signs of chafing, your dog has grown or changed weight. It may be worth re-measuring and adjusting the harness for a better fit. Now, I know some of you are probably thinking, “That’s great but my dog pulls like a kite in a hurricane, I couldn’t possibly walk them on a harness!” Well we can help with that too!

What is the best no-pull dog harness?

We’ll let you into a little secret that most experts wont tell you…

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A NO-PULL HARNESS!!

I know, shocking isn’t it? Unfortunately, there is no magic harness that you can buy that will stop your dog from pulling. While yes, some dog harnesses may help reduce pulling to some extent, they are often uncomfortable and restricting for your dog and they don’t address the behaviour or the reasons that might be causing it. The reality is there is no quick fix that will stop lead pulling, and it often takes a lot of training, time and patience to improve this behaviour. (We have many helpful tips and tricks that can help you with this.)

SIDE NOTE: If your dog is a prolific puller, you may be tempted to think that a harness will just make things worse, but consider this, the pressure put on a dog's neck and windpipe from pulling on a slip lead or collar can be very dangerous. While harnesses don't encourage pulling, they do enable dogs to pull with greater force, so consider your dog's size and strength before using one.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Our 'Signature' dog harness does feature a sturdy D-ring on the front and back, allowing you to attach a lead in your preferred position or at multiple points, which can help with control while training your dog not to pull. Attaching the lead to the front D-ring can help redirect bursts of forward motion bringing the dog round and interrupting their flow.

Boarder Collie wearing a harness with lead attached at the front.

How do I find a dog harness that fits correctly?

We hear you! Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, just because two breeds are classed as medium doesn't mean they have the same measurements, in this case adjustability is your best friend. Make sure you can adjust all, if not most of the straps on your harness to ensure a tailored fit to your dog’s neck and chest. This is especially important with deep chested breeds like sight hounds.

To make sure your harness is the correct size and fit, use a soft tape measure to measure your dog’s chest at the widest point and the same for the neck to give you the correct size for your dog. When it comes to adjusting the straps, you want them taught enough that the harness does not slip around or move too much as this can cause chafing. You should be able to get two fingers comfortably between the straps and your dog's body to ensure a secure fit that’s not too tight.

You should be able to fit 2 fingers comfortably between the harness strap and your dog's body.

Why Choose a Ruff Diamond Harness?

Our 'Signature' harness is Y-shaped and designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, making it a top choice for dog owners. Our harness is incredibly easy to measure, fit and secure so you can feel confident that your dog is safe and comfortable on every walk. With adjustable straps, it provides a tailored fit that suits all breeds and sizes, ensuring that your dog feels at ease without any restriction. Made from high-quality and durable materials, our harness is built to withstand everyday adventures while also being gentle on your dog’s skin and fur. Plus, with reflective stitching for added safety and the knowledge that a portion of every purchase goes toward supporting rescue dogs, our signature harness is not only a smart choice but also a compassionate one.

The right harness can make all the difference between a walk to remember and one you’d rather forget. But hopefully now you feel more confident in being able to identify the right harness for you and your dog. Remember to check all your dog’s walking gear regularly for signs of wear and tear or fit issues and replace anything that doesn’t seem right.

Happy walking🐕