If you’ve recently adopted a new puppy or are planning to bring home a furry family member, congratulations! Getting a puppy is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with great responsibility. One essential accessory every puppy owner should have is a good harness.
Harnesses not only keep puppies safe during walks, but they also ensure your little furball stays comfortable. With so many options on the market, finding the perfect puppy harness can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the 6 best types of puppy harnesses to make your decision easier.
Benefits of Using a Puppy Harness Over a Collar
Should you use a collar or a harness on your puppy? While collars are commonly used on adult dogs, harnesses are usually better for puppies. Collars put pressure on your puppy’s neck. Since puppies often pull while walking, a collar can cause pain or even injury to their delicate necks. A harness distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, keeping your puppy safe and comfortable.
Harnesses also give you better control of energetic puppies, help with training, and prevent puppies from slipping out and running away. Considering all the advantages over collars, it’s easy to see why every dog owner should invest in a comfortable, high-quality puppy harness.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Puppy Harness
When choosing a puppy harness, keep these important factors in mind:
Size/Fit – Puppies grow quickly, so select a harness with adjustable straps. Measure your puppy’s chest and neck to ensure a perfect fit.
Material – Choose a harness made from soft, breathable, and durable materials. Nylon, mesh, or padded fabrics are excellent options.
Style/Type of Harness – There are several harness styles available, including step-in, vest-style, no-pull, and adventure harnesses. Consider your puppy’s size and what you’ll use the harness for.
Ease of Putting On and Taking Off – Puppies can be picky about what they wear. Opt for a harness that’s easy to put on and remove.
Safety Features – Look for harnesses with reflective stitching, strong buckles, and durable D-rings for leash attachment. These features help ensure your puppy stays safe during walks, especially at night.
By considering these factors, you’re more likely to find the perfect harness for your furry friend. Now, let’s look at the top 6 types of puppy harnesses.
1. Soft Vest Harness
A soft vest harness is ideal for small to medium-sized puppies. It’s made from breathable, padded fabric that keeps your puppy comfortable all day. The vest-style design fits securely around the chest and shoulders, preventing pressure on the neck.
Key Features:
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Soft, breathable mesh material
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Vest-style design that goes over the head
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Quick-release buckle
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Adjustable straps
This type of harness is lightweight and won’t restrict your puppy’s movement. It’s perfect for everyday walks, trips to the park, or casual car rides. Its snug fit helps prevent your puppy from escaping while out and about.
2. Front-Clip No-Pull Harness
For puppies that pull on the leash, a front-clip no-pull harness is a great choice. This style gently steers your puppy to the side when they pull, helping teach proper leash manners and making walks more manageable.
Key Features:
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Front leash attachment to reduce pulling
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Adjustable straps
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Lightweight and durable
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Padded chest for added comfort
A no-pull harness is ideal for energetic puppies still learning leash etiquette. The front-clip design allows better control without causing pain, making walks safer and more enjoyable.
3. Adjustable Multi-Point Harness
A multi-point harness is highly versatile, with several adjustment points to ensure a perfect fit as your puppy grows. It’s suitable for puppies of all sizes and activity levels, from casual walks to outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
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Multiple adjustment points for a custom fit
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Front and back leash attachments
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Lightweight and breathable
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Option for no-pull training
This harness is perfect for puppies who are active both indoors and outdoors. Dual leash attachment points allow it to function as either a regular walking harness or a no-pull training harness.
4. Padded Outdoor/Adventure Harness
If your puppy enjoys outdoor activities like hiking or long walks, a padded adventure harness is ideal. Built for durability and comfort, it typically features padded straps and breathable material to keep your puppy comfortable, even during long adventures.
Key Features:
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Padded chest and belly straps
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Two leash attachment points
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Reflective trim for visibility
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Durable, weather-resistant material
This harness is perfect for active puppies who accompany you on hikes, walks in the park, or trips to the beach. It provides security, comfort, and durability for adventurous pups.
5. Crash-Tested/Car-Safe Harness
A crash-tested or car-safe harness is designed for puppies who ride in the car. These harnesses provide protection during car rides and are also suitable for walks. Many feature padded straps, multiple adjustment points, and a no-pull option.
Key Features:
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Designed for vehicle safety
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Padded chest and belly straps
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Multiple adjustment points
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Front and back leash attachments
A car-safe harness ensures your puppy stays secure and comfortable during rides and walks, giving pet parents peace of mind.
6. Reflective Harness
For city walks or evening strolls, a reflective harness increases your puppy’s visibility, keeping them safe in low-light conditions. Many reflective harnesses also feature padded chests for comfort and adjustable straps for growing pups.
Key Features:
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Reflective stitching for visibility
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Padded chest
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Easy to put on
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Adjustable straps for growing puppies
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Lightweight design
A reflective harness is perfect for nighttime or early morning walks, providing both safety and comfort.
Training Your Puppy to Wear a Harness
Getting your puppy used to a harness takes patience and consistency. Here are some tips:
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Introduce Gradually – Let your puppy sniff and interact with the harness before putting it on.
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Use Treats – Reward your puppy with treats when wearing the harness to create positive associations.
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Practice Indoors – Allow short sessions inside before heading out for walks.
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Check the Fit – Ensure the harness fits snugly but comfortably. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your puppy’s body.
With time and positive reinforcement, your puppy will enjoy wearing their harness—and you’ll both enjoy safer, happier walks.
Conclusion
A puppy harness is an essential accessory for any dog owner. It provides safety, comfort, and training support. The six types of harnesses we’ve reviewed—soft vest, front-clip no-pull, multi-point adjustable, padded adventure, car-safe, and reflective harnesses—cover a range of needs for puppies of all sizes and activity levels.
With the right harness, your puppy can enjoy safe, comfortable, and fun walks, adventures, and car rides.
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