One of the first purchases you make as a freshly baked dog guardian is a leash—and something to attach it to: a collar or a harness. If you’ve decided to go with a harness, or if you’re considering switching from a collar to a harness, this blog is for you.
What might at first seem like a simple task—going to the store and buying a harness—can quickly become overwhelming with all the types and variations available. You may have asked Google, ChatGPT, or the cashier at the pet store. A neighbour or a stranger at the dog park probably shared their advice too.
Hearing advice is great, but don’t rush out to buy one just yet. Choosing the right harness can be a real challenge. In this article, we’ll discuss not only which types are best for everyday walks, but more importantly, how to tell whether a harness truly fits your dog properly.
So many shapes, so many names
Y-type, H-type, Step-in, Vest, No-pull, Trekking, Sled… the market is full of different types and designs. Unfortunately, many types of harnesses can negatively affect your dog’s natural movement—and over time, may even alter their walking gait. 
When choosing a harness, your goal should be to find one that does not influence how your dog is walking, running or playing. We’ve all had those types of shoes—you can fit your feet into them, and even walk for a while, but they’re just uncomfortable, and no matter how much you like them, you avoid wearing them.
Have you noticed any strange behaviours when you put a harness on your dog? Does your dog stop and freeze? Does your dog seem fine at first, but starts scratching or biting at the harness later? It could be sign that the harness your dog is wearing is too tight. Or maybe the edges are too close to the armpits and rubbing. Or too bulky. Or too hot. Maybe the material itself is irritating their skin—like that itchy label in your t-shirt that drives you nuts.
Unfortunately, dogs can’t tell us verbally what’s bothering them. But we, as their guardians, can observe and learn what their behaviour is trying to say.
Observe the difference between these two examples of the same puppy wearing different types of harnesses: a step-in vest harness and Y-harness. Notice how the Y-harness provides a better fit by sitting lower on the chest, allowing more space around the armpits, and keeping the shoulders free. These are a few of the key factors to consider when choosing the right type and fit of harness for your dog.
How to choose the best harness?
The best type of harness for comfortable, unrestricted movement is the Y-harness, typically featuring a back clip ring for leash attachment. The Y-harness forms a Y-shape on the dog’s chest, with straps running alongside the neck and chest, and an additional strap encircling the rib cage behind the front legs.
Most important aspects when choosing an Y-harness:
• Make sure the shoulder area is not covered
• There should be enough space between the straps and the armpits
• The harness should not be too bulky
• It should sit not too high on the chest area
• No part of the harness should be hanging loose or feel floppy (that could mean your dog might slip out!)
• But it also shouldn’t be too tight—you should be able to slide a few fingers comfortably behind the straps
• The second strap should rest over the middle of the rib cage and should never sit on the last rib
• Look for multiple adjustment points so you can adapt each strap to suit your dog’s body
The video below by Camille Nguyen (in French with English subtitles) gives a perfect visual guide to choosing a well-fitting harness. And remember—sometimes finding the perfect fit takes a bit of trial and error.
So, which brand is the best?
The best brand is the one that fits your dog’s body best. What looks great on your neighbour’s dog might be a poor fit for yours. That’s why measuring and trying different options is the only real way to know.
If you have a young, growing puppy, choose a harness with multiple adjustment points. That way, you can adjust the size as they grow and avoid having to buy a new one every few weeks.
Here’s a list of well-known brands that produce high-quality Y-type harnesses: Annyx, Perfect Fit, Dog Copenhagen, Ruffwear, Non-stop, Hurta.
Harnesses can be expensive—but think of them like a good pair of shoes your dog wears every day. A higher-quality harness tends to last longer. Already know your dog’s size? Then it’s worth checking second-hand platforms like Marktplaats or Vinted—you might find a great deal!
But I thought the harness causes my dog to pull…
Pulling is a behaviour, and it can be caused by different reasons—excitement, fear, overstimulation, frustration. To reduce leash pulling, we need to focus on the reason behind the pulling. The harness itself is not among those reasons. It’s simply a piece of walking gear—a way to safely attach the leash and walk with your dog. Moreover, a harness distributes the pressure more evenly across the chest, making sudden pulls safer and more comfortable for your dog.
If you’re struggling with loose leash walking, feel free to reach out to us—we’re happy to help!
So you bought a new harness and feel excited to test it out?
Hold on—slow down a bit. For many dogs, especially the first time, having this “octopus-webbing thing” go over their head can feel uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to introduce the harness slowly and in a positive way.
Start by placing the harness on the floor and let your dog sniff it. Scatter a few treats around it. Toss some further away, and see if your dog chooses to come back and sniff again. Once they show no hesitation, gently begin to put the harness on—rewarding them with treats and praise at every small step.
Sometimes this process takes just a few minutes. Other times, it might take a day or more. Going at your dog’s pace and respecting their comfort level helps create a strong, positive association with the harness from the very beginning.
For dogs who really dislike things going over their head, look for a harness with an extra neck opening. That way, it can be clipped around the neck like a collar instead of being pulled over.
Once the harness is successfully on, grab a toy and have a play session together, or head out for a walk. Watch how your dog moves—do they seem comfortable and able to move freely? Their movement should be easy and unrestricted. Remember—it should feel like wearing a comfortable pair of shoes: you notice they’re on, but they don’t bother you or change the way you walk. That’s exactly how the harness should feel for your dog.
