Introduction
Walking the dog can be quite a pleasant experience but can also be quite exhausting especially if your dog tends to pull on their leash constantly. This is quite strenuous and might even cause injuries to both you and your dog.
Fortunately, there is already a solution to your dog walking maladies which comes in the form of ‘anti-pull’ dog harnesses.
No-pull dog harnesses are designed to alleviate the strain from your arm as well as the dog’s neck. These harnesses are designed so that you get optimum control on your mutt and makes it easier to train them to refrain from pulling on the leash.
Anti-Pull Dog Harness Buying Guide
Choosing the best anti-pull dog harness is, as expected, not as simple as you would expect.
There are literally dozens to hundreds of choices available and it can be quite overwhelming to dive into this cavalcade of options without having a good grasp of what you need to look for.
There are actually a couple of important factors to look for in a dog harness. Dog size, type of harness, and the quality of the product should all be considered before committing to a purchase.
To help you narrow down your choices, I have created a simple easy to follow the guide below that you can apply when looking for the best no-pull dog harness. Afterward, I will be giving you some top recommendations for anti-pull dog harness that you should definitely check out.
Different Types of Dog Harness
First, you need to determine what type of harness will suit you and your dog best. How do you determine which harness is for your dog? Let me explain in further detail…
Back Attachment Harness
The most common type of dog harness is actually not ideal when training your dog not to pull. The leash is attached to the back, unfortunately, dogs enjoy the sensation of pulling from the back. Although this is a good option if your dog is nursing an injury or if you want to alleviate the pressure from their neck when walking them outside.
Front Attachment Harness
The best type of harness to train your dog not to pull. This offers you absolute control when walking your dog.
The leash attachment is located at the front, around the middle part of the dog’s chest. Pulling will cause the dog to turn towards you and will give you better control of your dog’s movement.
This type of harness is great for training or if you want to take your dog for a nice walk. However, it is not a good choice if you plan to take your dog jogging.
Head Harness
This is another viable option if you wish to train your dog not to pull on their leash. As the name suggests, this is placed around your dog’s head with the attachment located under their chin.
Similar to the front attachment harness, whenever the dog pulls it will cause them to face you. The only downside to this harness is that it will take some time for the dog to be comfortable wearing it, especially if you start using this once they are already an adult.
Now, there are key factors that you should look for when picking the best no-pull dog harness:
- The durability of the harness attachment.
- Quality of the harness construction.
- Comfort it provides to your dog.
- Fits your dog perfectly.
- Can support your dog’s full weight.
Once you have checked all this list you will find yourself with a handful of choices. From here, it is all about your personal preference.
If you are still unsure what anti-pull harness to choose from, don’t fret. Below is a list of the best rated and highly recommended anti-pull dog harness that you can buy right now.
Best Dog Harness to Stop Pulling Behavior
PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is a simple yet durable harness that offers the basics of what you require in a no-pull harness. The leash attachment is located at the front which is an essential feature if you wish to train your dog to stop pulling.
The harness is also designed to be worn on the body. The attachment point is positioned over the dog’s collarbone so there is no risk of the harness choking them.
The harness is also color coded so you won’t get confused as to which side is up or down. This is a more common complaint than you would expect. As stated earlier, this harness has a pretty standard design.
Simple and practical with no bells and whistles. This might not make it attractive for dog owners who love to dress up their dog though.
The harness is quite tough even though it is pretty lightweight. It is also quite easy to clean. Since it covers only a minimum part of the dog’s body it is also ideal to use during summer or for swimming. Since this is pretty much a basic anti-pull harness it doesn’t have any extra features like reflectors.
Overall, the Easy Walk is a good choice for those who desire practicality and simplicity with their dog no-pull harness. It is also quite affordable considering the quality of the harness. Of course, if you prefer something flashy then you might need to look elsewhere.
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Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness
A no-pull harness designed for large dogs, the Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness offers reliability and comfort when it comes to training your dog outside.
As this is designed for larger dog breeds you can expect it to be well-made and quite durable. The harness is easy to put on and remove. It also fits quite snug and will not cause any strain or chaffing.
As for additional features, the Big Dog uses reflective strips to make walking at night safer both you and your dog. I did find the lack of padding on the front side of the harness counterproductive.
While the back is well padded, the front part of the harness is not. This might cause some dogs with sensitive skin to chafe if the harness is put on a little tight.
The thick padding on the back, while improves durability, might cause your dog to overheat faster during summer. I would recommend this to dog owners who live in regions that have a colder climate.
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Julius K-9 Power Harness
The Julius K-9 Power Harness is designed to provide comfort and safety to the dog while giving owners optimum control.
The K-9 Power Harness is actually started out as a harness designed for police and rescue dogs. They have taken a lot of the features from specially made dog harness and implemented them into their consumer dog harness series.
The Julius K-9 is adjustable and comes in different sizes to fit all dog breeds. You are guaranteed to find one that will fit your dog like a glove. It also takes a different approach in its design as it features a lower-neck strap that attaches behind the forelegs.
This helps prevent it from chafing even the wildest dog. Putting it on your dog is also simple and easy thanks to the wide opening of the front part of the harness.
The leash attachment is located at the back though so keep that in mind as this is not exactly designed to stop your dog from pulling. However, the overall design and durability of this harness can give you maximum control when walking your dog. In time, you still can train your dog to behave when walking outside.
It manages to offer this level of control to the dog owner due to the nylon handle that is located at the back of the harness. You can easily grab hold of your dog and prevent them from running around even without a leash.
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Conclusion
Dogs can be quite a handful to walk outside. Their curiosity usually gets the better of them which makes them pull and tug on their leash. If you use a dog collar when walking your dog this can lead to neck injuries.
Using an anti-pull harness is the best way to train them how to behave properly outside. With patience, proper training, and the right no pull harness, you will be able to walk your dog without the need to play tug of war.