If you are working on leash skills with your dog, training them not to pull or exploring the world of walking your dog on a longline you should invest in a good harness. Unfortunately the majority of harnesses sold online are not gonna last long, will have a poor fit and end up be extremely uncomfortable for your dog, and last but not least, will not help with the leash pulling issue.

Here is a list of brands of high quality durable harnesses that I recommend to my dog training clients in 2023: 2Hounds Design, Blue-9, Ruffwear, Wildebeest and Haquihana. For more details about each harness, as well as recommended model, check the information below.

Freedom No-Pull Harness by 2Hounds Design

The Freedom No-Pull Harness by 2Hounds Design is often recommended by trainers for its effectiveness in training dogs not to pull. It’s important to understand that the harness itself will not resolve the issue, but it is a great addition to your dog’s walking equipment when you teaching your dog how to properly walk on leash.

This harness has two options for leash connection. You can either use a front loop connection that often helps with reducing of pulling. Or you can use a back connection, that has a patented control loop on the back of the harness, which tightens gently around the dog’s chest and is great to secure the dog from slipping out of the harness. You can order a double-ended leash for this harness and use it as dual-connection system. This provides additional control and allows for redirection and training while walking reactive dog or dogs who are strong pullers.

The Freedom No-Pull Harness by 2Hounds Design comes in many sizes and colors and designs, so it’s a great option if you want a harness that is practical but not boring. It is also a great value in terms of price, since this harnesses are made from high quality materials.

Why I love this harness:

• options for front clip or back clip attachment
• double leash
• easy to put on
• non-slip ring so dogs can’t wiggle themselves out of it

Disadvantages: options with wider straps have somewhat heavy metal parts, making the harness and double-pointed leash heavy too. It’s okay for larger breeds and strong dogs, but might not be a good fit for older frail dogs.

How to put it on: This harness goes over your dog’s head and then gets secured on each side of your dog’s chest.

Best Fit For: It’s particularly good for strong pullers and larger breeds with strong chest, but this harness has such a good variety of sizes so it’s versatile enough for most dog and breeds. For some dogs with very long torso this might be not the best option, since the harness sits right behind the armpits. (In this case I would suggest Blue-9 harness or Haquihana harness)

Company: 2Hound Design is american company, based of North Carolina that makes high quality products recommended by dog trainers.

Balance Harness by Blue-9

The Balance Harness by Blue-9 is designed to fit any dog’s body type since it has 6 points of adjustments, not only you can tight the chest or neck strap, but you can also adjust the length of the harness. For dogs who don’t always fit into regular harnesses this is a great choice. This harness give a dog lots of freedom to move, making it deal for agility training and very active dogs. It has back loop and front loop, so you can use either one to connect the leash. Or you can use a double-point connection too!

Why I love this harness:

• one of the most adjustable harnesses on the market
• the least restrictive harness
• very lightweight
• has front and back attachment loops

Disadvantages: One this that is important to mention about this harness: it will take you 10-15 minutes to adjust all the straps before first use and you will likely have to readjust them few more times before choosing the best option for your dog. Also since it has 4 buckles that needs to be buckled up, it might not be a good fit for some people who will have hard time to figure out how to put harness on.

Best Fit For: This harness is particularly recommended for active dogs or dogs that have a body shape that doesn’t fit most commercial harnesses. Great for slender builds and longer torso. It’s also great for dogs that are uncomfortable when harness is put over their head. Balance harness let’s you close it around their neck like a collar.

Company: Blue-9 is a American Iowa-based company that produces equipments for professional dog trainers and sport dog trainers.

Ruffwear Harnesses: Front Range, Flagline, Web Master

Ruffwear offers a range of dog harnesses, with their most popular being the Front Range Harness (great for dogs that are chunky or with shorter torso). Other good options are Flagline (for dogs with longer torso, it has 6 straps and longer construction) and Web Master (good for older dogs that need help being lift up, since this harness has a lift assist handle).

Ruffwear harnesses typically feature padded chest and belly panels for comfort, with sturdy and secure attachment points for leashes. Ruffwear harnesses often include reflective trims for visibility, an aluminum V-ring leash attachment point on the back, and sometimes a reinforced webbing loop at the front for additional control. They are designed to be both comfortable and secure, even in rugged outdoor settings.

Why I love this harness:

• very durable high quality materials
• great everyday harness for dogs who don’t pull
• very nice designs, great color combos
• easy to put on harness
• options for lift assist

Disadvantages: Ruffwear harness might have two downsides. Due to lots of padding these harnesses might not be the best for extremely hot weather. Another one is that pet parents often get a harness fitted to loose and it makes it hard to walk your dog if the harness is moving around the dog’s body.

Best Fit For: These harnesses are ideal for all dogs. Their range includes sizes for XXS dogs as well, which is great for very tiny dogs.

Company: This brand is known for durability and practicality, their harnesses and leashes literally will last you years, since they use same materials that are used for hikers and climbers.

Linden Harness by Wildebeest

Wildebeest harnesses, like their popular Linden Harness, are known for their simple, stylish, and functional design. They use premium materials and have a minimalist aesthetic. All 4 harness straps highly adjustable for a perfect fit + room for growth. Single buckle for simple and easy on & off. Front loop has a unique design that helps to prevent dogs to slip off the harness.

The downside of this harness is that they have only the front loop attachment. It’s great to help with pulling, but if you gonna use a longline / dragline you will need another harness with a back loop.

Why I love this harness:

• minimalistic design
• great everyday harness for dogs who don’t pull
• california based women owned small business
• easy to put on
• front clip for reducing pulling

Disadvantage: The downside of this harness could be happen if you don’t choose the right fit for your dog. The front strap goes across your dog’s chest, so make sure it doesn’t restrict your dog’s movement when they are active. Other this is that this harness doesn’t have a back loop for a leash connection, so you can’t use it for longline.

Best Fit For: Wildebeest harnesses are generally suitable for dogs of all sizes, even extra small. Great for urban pet owners who want a blend of fashion and function in their dog’s gear.

Company: it’s a small San Francisco based brand (women owned!) with harnesses made locally.

Haqihana H / H2 Harnesses

Haqihana harnesses are known for their ergonomic design and great fit for slender dogs with longer torso. They typically have a five-point adjustment system that ensures a perfect fit for the dog. Made in Europe from high-quality, durable materials, these harnesses are designed to distribute pressure evenly across the dog’s chest and shoulders, avoiding stress on the neck and back. If your dog had problems with chafing from harness definitely try Haqihana.

Haqihana has two options: H harness as regular option and H2 harness with extra fits for slender hound breeds.

They offer great variety of sizes starting from XXXS – great for smaller dogs and all the way up to XL.

Why I love this harness:

• very soft highest quality nylon that prevents chaffing
• adjustable
• H2 model great for super long torsos
• handmade in Europe

Best Fit For: Great fit for dogs with longer torso, greyhounds, whippets and hounds in general. These harnesses are generally suitable for all breeds, particularly those sensitive to pressure on the neck, such as smaller breeds or dogs with tracheal issues. Great for super tiny dogs since Haqihana has XXXS size.

Company: Made by italian artisans from high quality certified materials produced in Europe