This is our review of the best harness for puppies in the UK for 2023.
Socialising your puppy as soon as they have had their vaccinations is essential if you want them to behave around other people and animals and get them used to all the sights and smells of the world.
However, it’s crucial you control and restrain them if necessary, which is where a good dog harness comes in and there is a great choice online.
In this guide, we will be reviewing the puppy harness picks:
- rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness
- Suredoo Pet Reflective Soft Mesh Dog Harness
- RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
- Julius-K9, 16IDC-R-B2, IDC Powerharness
- ThinkPet Reflective Breathable Over Head Vest
- Eagloo No Pull Dog Harness
- EzyDog Chest Plate Harness
Here at Dogsbarn, we have taken the time to test and review a vast range of dog harnesses: from the popular Julius K9 to the Gooby X shape harness with an adjustable back strap.
Our Best Puppy Harnesses
We aim to help you choose the best puppy harness in the UK this year. Below are some top picks with different price points and features.
We hope we can help you find a puppy harness that fits the bill
rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness
The Rabbitgoo no pull puppy harness has over 40,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, with many happy customers mentioning the quality, stylish look, fit and fabulous price as just a few of this product’s best features.
It’s designed as a no-pull harness but is often considered one of the best puppy harnesses due to the pulling force being distributed across the dog’s chest if you use it as a back clip harness. Whilst the front clip can stop pulling in its tracks.
The harness comes in a range of sizes from extra small to extra large, making it suitable for all breeds and you can fine-tune the fit with the adjustable chest and neck straps.
We loved that the harness is easy to use and even though our resident pup Isla is a bit of a Houdini regarding dog collars and harnesses, she couldn’t wiggle out of this one. There’s also reflective trim for visibility in the dark.
Overall, this is one of the best dog harnesses available and with such a reasonable price point, what’s not to love?
Pros
- Soft puppy harness comes in 12 colour choices
- Breathable cushioned fabric
- Padded straps
Cons
- None really, but do make sure you measure your pup before ordering.
Suredoo Pet Reflective Soft Mesh Dog Harness and Leash Set
Your dogs will love their daily walks in this puppy harness with padding for comfort made by Suredoo. It is made of soft, breathable material that’s gentle on your dog’s skin and keeps them cool; plus, it’s lightweight and easy to clean.
Bright reflective stripes provide increased visibility when walking in low light and even a lead is included.
The vest design means any pulling pressure is evenly dispersed across the body. This prevents choking and this back clip harness is easy to put on and take off with its quick-release buckles. Best suited to smaller breeds and puppies.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Fantastic price
- Five colours to choose from
Cons
- Not the most robust on our list
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
The Ruffwear brand produces some of the best harness gear on the market for pets, from collars and leashes to fashionable dog coats. The Ruffwear Front Range puppy harness is ideal as it is strong and durable.
This puppy walking harness is superbly designed and the soft padding makes them very comfortable and the perfect dog harness for pups.
Unlike the Julius K9, it has two leash attachment points; you can use the front clip to stop pulling and the back one for casual walks.
One of the most straightforward puppy harness designs to adjust, the rear strap is elasticated and the soft nylon webbing straps aren’t stiff like some other harnesses.
This Ruffwear harness is available in 9 vibrant colours and the smallest size is XX-small to extra large, so there’s one to suit any requirements.
Pros
- Pouch for ID tag
- Reflective
- Includes four simple adjustment points for a secure fit
Cons
- The size chart may be inaccurate
Julius-K9, 16IDC-R-B2, IDC Powerharness
IDC Powerharnesses are one of the puppy harness choices most loved by new dog owners and for good reason. They are by far the easiest to fit and remove: simply put the large opening over your dog’s head, buckle up and you’re ready for the off.
The thick padded saddle contours comfortably to your dog’s back. A sturdy handle could be a lifesaver should your pooch get into difficulties; it also gives you more control when you’re walking an over-excited pup and reduces the risk of injury to jerks and pulls.
The sturdy construction using top-quality materials is another bonus and the reflective trim gives extra safety on dark winter evenings as puppy harnesses go; this is a winner.
The only negative is the price you don’t want to be spending the earth if you have a large puppy that will soon grow out of it.
Pros
- A trusted brand for pet supplies
- Perfect for night walks
- Interchangeable hook and loop patches
Cons
- Only one leash clip (You can buy a chest strap that turns it into a front clip harness separately)
ThinkPet Reflective Breathable Soft Air Mesh No Pull
The ThinkPet harness is designed to be a hardwearing puppy harness for pups that like to pull as it distributes pressure across the body instead of the neck, which avoids choking and potential neck injuries.
It’s often been described as the best harness for puppy training if they pull, so it is worth considering if you are having issues early on.
The lightweight mesh keeps Fido cool and comfortable in the summer; the harness also fits under most dog coats, so your pup keeps warm during the cooler months and the adjustable straps ensure a snug fit.
It has two lead attachment points – one at the back for casual walks with well-behaved pups and another on the chest that you can use to help prevent pulling for those that are less so.
There’s also a handy seatbelt loop for safety, and this harness is fully reflective for safe nighttime walks.
Pros
- Alloy D-ring on the back for leash attachment
- Ideal for long walks
- Machine washable
Cons
- May not be the best option for larger breeds
Eagloo No Pull Dog Harness
This fantastic no-pull option by Eagloo has all the key points of other harnesses on the list. Two leash attachment points, the front one to stop pulling when walking your dog, reflective trim and a robust handle for extra control
It may be more affordable for some and is Easy to use; the quick snap buckles make it simple to put on and take off. The fully adjustable chest and neck straps ensure a secure fit without putting pressure on your dog’s rib cage or restricting the dog’s movement.
This is a good puppy harness for active dogs; it comes in various colours and sizes, perfect for your furry fashionista.
Pros
- Front leash attachment
- Padded harnesses are more comfortable for puppies
- This model is one of the most affordable dog harnesses
Cons
- Some reviews mention it may not be the best for dogs with deep chests like Greyhounds.
What to Look for When Choosing a Puppy Harness
When searching for the best puppy harness on the market, it’s essential to know what to look for. Dog harnesses come in different shapes, materials and sizes, so it can be a bit mind-boggling if you’ve never chosen one.
Below are some important things to consider when choosing a harness for your puppy.
Materials
Puppies need a solid and durable harness; the primary material is usually durable nylon or a breathable mesh; having something chew-resistant is perfect for pups.
You will also need to check the clips and buckles. These can be plastic or metal. I would always advise using the metal option if you have a larger breed, as they are less likely to break.
Comfort
Your puppy must be comfortable in their harness; if it doesn’t fit properly, they may develop a negative association with wearing it, which can cause problems.
Of course, there is the danger that if it’s too loose, they could escape which could be disastrous.
One of the benefits of the best puppy harnesses is that it doesn’t put pressure on the neck area, so the harness must distribute weight across the body.
This is more comfortable for your pup if these areas are padded to prevent rubbing. If you enjoy hiking, choosing a lightweight harness is a good idea.
Safety
You need to ensure the hardware on any harness is robust and that a good leash can be attached securely. This ensures even the biggest of dogs can’t break it should they see another dog or become frightened.
Reflective materials are also beneficial, especially during the winter months.
Easy To Put On / Easy To Get Off
Some puppy harnesses can be tricky to get on and adjust, which can be a nightmare if you have a wriggly excited puppy.
Some dogs prefer a step-through harness to one that goes over the head, but whichever you choose, it should be simple to put on and take off to avoid stress and save time.
Value For Money
As with any dog gear option, harnesses can be found at varying price points.
Of course, you don’t want to be paying over the odds, especially if your puppy is growing quickly and it needs replacing after a few weeks.
Getting a harness that suits your dog’s lifestyle is important and worth paying that extra for. Many owners enjoy walking their pet far more with a harness than with a lead.
How to Put on a Pup Harness Correctly
Putting a dog harness on can be fiddly, depending on the type of dog breed. This step-by-step guide gives tips on how to fit and secure a harness on your best friend.
- Put the harness on the floor and place treats around it so your new puppy can investigate it; this way, they will associate positively with it right from the start.
- You can feed treats through the head hole or encourage Fido to give you a paw if it’s a step-through, don’t try to put it on at this stage.
- Once your furry friend is comfortable, move your hand holding a treat back so they have to reach through the hole to retrieve it, do this a few times. If they back away, go back to the first step and begin again.
- It’s essential to make sure your puppy is comfortable with the clips’ noise when being buckled, so do this a few times before putting the harness on.
- If they are ok with it, you can now place the harness over the head with plenty of praise and a reward before fastening the clips.
- Once your furbaby has its harness on, get them used to wearing it in the house before attempting to go outside.
- Distract them with a game or some simple dog training so they become comfortable, do this regularly and by the time they are fully vaccinated, they will be ready to explore the world with no thought to the harness.
Ones that go over your dog’s head
The overhead harness can be found in various designs and are usually more padded than step-through harnesses and can fasten with heavy-duty velcro; for this type of harness, you will need to measure your pup’s neck along with the chest.
As the name implies, your dog will need to put his head through the hole and the harness is then attached with buckles, usually around the belly.
Once again, make sure it’s not too tight or too loose. Most hiking and specialist harnesses go over the head, so if you plan to go exploring with your pooch or buy them a doggie life jacket in the future, an overhead harness will familiarise them with this type of restraint.
Step-through harnesses
Some of the best dog harnesses for puppies are a step in style as they don’t have to go over the head.
This design has two holes for the front legs and is usually buckled up at the top of the shoulders before adjusting to fit.
Get out the measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your dog’s chest. Most manufacturers have a sizing chart so you can order the correct fit, but many reviews mention sizing issues.
After all, dogs come in many shapes and sizes, so we always recommend measuring before ordering.
Once adjusted, the harness should be snug for both comfort and ease when walking but not tight you should be able to insert two fingers between the harness and your dog.
How do you Measure a Puppy For a Harness?
Measuring a puppy for a harness is not as difficult as one might think. The first step is to find the measurements for the neck and chest.
The neck can be measured by simply wrapping a tape measure around the area where the collar usually goes. It is best to measure the widest part of the puppy’s torso for the chest.
Once you have these two measurements, you can select a harness that will fit properly. It is crucial to ensure that the harness is not too tight or loose, as this can cause discomfort or injury.
With patience and attention to detail, measuring a puppy for a harness is a relatively simple task.
Puppy Walking Tips
Keep it short
A puppy should have 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, for example, 15 minutes for a three-month-old puppy,
Of course, this can differ with your pup’s breed and energy levels; never walk a puppy too far as they will get tired and it can damage their development.
Train To Walk On A Loose Leash.
Even if you have invested in a no-pull harness for your dog walking to be more enjoyable, it’s essential to train your pets.
Whether small dogs or bigger breeds, this video has great tips for training your puppy to walk nicely.
Let Your Pup Explore
The world is an exciting place for a puppy, so give him time to experience the sights and smells in his own time, let him sniff and enjoy the stimulation of the great outdoors, don’t pull him away, use treats to distract him and reward him for good behaviour.
Slow But Steady
Never go jogging or bike riding with a puppy; their joints are not ready for this pace and won’t be until they’re about a year old; discuss with your vet if you have any worries about exercising your puppy.
If your puppy pulls
Many puppies use walks to push the boundaries; they may refuse to move, lunge after other dogs and people or pull in the opposite direction; always have some treats on hand and if your pup misbehaves, stand still until you gain his attention.
FAQ’s
Should Puppies Wear Harnesses All The Time?
Puppies are notoriously energetic, and it can be hard to keep them under control when they’re out for a walk. A harness can help to provide extra security and prevent your pup from getting loose and running off.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your puppy is comfortable in the harness before using it. Puppies require time to get used to the feel of the harness and learn how to move around in it. Otherwise, they may become frustrated or even injured.
For this reason, it’s generally best to start using the harness for short walks and slowly increase the time your pup wears it. Once your puppy is comfortable and familiar with the harness, you can feel confident using it more often.
At What Age Can A Puppy Start Wearing A Harness?
From the first day your new puppy arrives home, you can start getting them used to wearing a harness. Put the harness on them for short periods, letting them get used to the feel of it.
Once they are fully inoculated, they can venture out in their harness. A harness is a great way to keep your puppy safe while exploring the world. It is also cosier for them to wear and will not restrict their movement.
Puppies grow quickly, so you must adjust the harness as they grow. Start with a small harness and move up to a larger size as your puppy grows. Your puppy will soon happily wear their harness with patience and some training.
Is A Harness Better Than A Collar For Puppies?
Definitely, it can prevent neck injuries which can develop if you have a puller and gives you much greater control
A harness is better than a collar for puppies as it can prevent neck injuries, gives you much greater control, and is more comfortable.
A harness evenly distributes the pressure, so there is no risk of neck injury. You also have much greater control with a harness since it attaches to the front.
If your puppy starts to pull, you can easily guide them back to you without worrying about them slipping the collar.
Finally, harnesses are more comfortable for puppies since they don’t pressure the neck and provide more coverage. All in all, harnesses are the way to go.
Last Word and Top Pick
We hope the information in this article and our recommendations have helped you find everything you need and decide which is the best puppy harness for you.
You can’t go wrong with our top pick for the best dog harness for puppies. We think it’s the rabbitgoo no-pull harness, one of the most popular in the UK; it has all the features you could want for a reasonable price.
Walking with your dog is one of life’s pleasures and having the best puppy harness makes the experience more pleasant for you and your dog.
