Dog Harness Shopping Guide for Dog Parents

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at pages of dog harnesses wondering what on earth the difference is between a dog front clip harness, a back clip harness, a no-pull harness, a step-in harness or a tactical-looking contraption that could survive a mountain expedition, you are most certainly not alone.

In this dog harness shopping guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dog harnesses from types, sizes and materials to the best dog harness brands and breed-specific fits. Because it’s true that no harness is made the same, because no dog is the same either. But don’t worry, by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which dog harness is the perfect fit for your furry best friend.

Before we go any further, let’s first make sure we all know exactly what a dog harness is.

Unlike a collar that goes only around their neck, dog harnesses are made up of straps that fit securely around your dog’s torso, with additional straps positioned behind their front legs. Instead of attaching your dog lead to their collar, the harness features clips and sturdy D-rings where the lead connects. It might look like a bit of a puzzle at first (we’ve all had that “which strap goes where?” moment), but once it’s on properly, it makes a world of difference.

You’ll find dog harnesses in a wide range of styles and sizes, which makes it much easier to choose the perfect fit for your pet. They’re also excellent tools for lead training. Because a harness distributes pressure more evenly across your dog’s body, it gives you greater control, particularly if your dog tends to pull.

Fun fact: dog harnesses were originally designed for pulling loads, like dog sleds and equipment. Thankfully, most of us aren’t hitching our pups up to a sleigh these days but modern harnesses are still designed to guide dogs, just this time during walks. It helps to keep them under control and reduce strain on their necks when the leash is pulled. That means better comfort for your pup, reduced risk of neck strain and choking, and added safety and injury prevention.

Something many new dog owners ask is do you actually need a dog harness, or is a collar enough?

To make it clear, a collar sits around your dog’s neck and is essential for holding their ID tag. That part isn’t negotiable I’m afraid as it’s UK law for every dog to wear a collar with up-to-date contact details. But when it comes to attaching the lead for walks, that’s where a harness is much better.

Unlike a collar, which places pressure directly on your dog’s neck and throat, a dog harness distributes pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders. If you’ve ever had your dog suddenly lunge forward, you’ll know how much force can go through the lead. With a collar, that force goes straight to the neck. With a harness, it’s spread across stronger parts of the body, helping to reduce strain and potential injury.

Not all harnesses are created equal, but the right features are what make them such a worthwhile upgrade from relying on a collar alone.

Adjustable straps are one of the most important things to look for. A good dog harness should fit snugly without rubbing, chafing your dog’s skin or slipping off mid-zoomie. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so being able to fine-tune the fit ensures both comfort and security.

The leash attachment point is another detail that can completely change your walking experience. A sturdy D-ring or reinforced clip keeps your dog lead securely attached, and where that attachment sits makes a difference too.

Front clip harnesses, with the attachment on the dog’s chest, are especially helpful for lead training and managing pulling because they gently redirect your dog’s momentum back towards you. Back clip harnesses, positioned at the centre of the dog’s back, offer more freedom of movement and are often ideal for well-behaved pups who walk calmly. Dual clip harnesses give you flexibility, allowing you to switch between front and back clips depending on your dog’s needs.

As you’d expect, materials also play a role in the quality of your harness. Some of the best dog harnesses are made from durable, breathable fabrics that can handle everyday wear and tear. Considering how unpredictable the weather can be in the UK, easy-to-clean materials are always a bonus. Some harnesses also include reflective strips for better visibility on evening walks or extra padding for a softer feel against your dog’s body.

There are many types of dog harnesses to choose from, and all come with their own range of benefits for walking and lead training:

• Front clip
• Back clip
• Dual clip 
• Step in
• H-Harness
• Mesh Harness

Many harnesses come in a large size range and are adjustable to fit different body types, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for dogs of various shapes and sizes. Other harnesses may offer additional adjustment points or an adjustable strap for a more customised fit.

We’ve talked about types, clips and materials but there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked and that’s your dog’s body shape.

In the same way humans come in all shapes and sizes, with each body type feeling more comfortable in certain clothes, dogs are the same. Their different shapes sometimes require different types of dog harness to make sure they’re comfortable and safe. So let’s break it down, one dog parent to another.

Broad-chested dogs like a French Bulldog are compact little powerhouses that are rarely afraid to pull on the lead when it’s needed. That’s why dog harnesses that can accommodate that strong front end are essential.

Adjustable chest straps are perfect for these breeds as are designs with wider chest coverage. Narrow H-harness styles can sometimes dig in or sit awkwardly on broader builds, so it’s worth avoiding anything that looks too slim across the front. Comfort and support are everything with these sturdy little characters.

Leaner dog breeds like a Greyhound are built more like an athlete so they can be masters of the great escape if their harness doesn’t fit right.

Look for a secure fit that prevents slipping, ideally with an escape-resistant design. A higher chest strap placement can also help keep everything positioned where it should be. With these body types, a well-fitted harness is about comfort but it’s about keeping them safely attached to you at all times.

Long-haired and thick-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain Dogs are well known for their fur (and their moulting) which is something worth considering when choosing a harness for them.

Breathable mesh can help prevent overheating under all that fluff and smooth seams are important as rough edges can cause matting or tangles over time. Adjustable straps are particularly useful for long-haired dogs too as their coat thickness can change seasonally.

And finally, some dogs don’t have much fur between their skin and the world and that means comfort matters even more.

For short-haired or sensitive skin dogs, look for a harness with a soft padded lining and no rough edges. Anything stiff or poorly finished can cause rubbing or irritation, especially on longer walks. A smooth, well-padded harness will keep them comfortable without causing unnecessary friction.

First things first, before buying a dog harness, always follow the sizing guidelines provided by the harness brand. Every brand fits slightly differently, so once you’ve taken your dog’s measurements and chosen the recommended size from the manufacturer’s sizing chart, that should be your starting point.

But sizing charts are just a starting point and when the harness arrives and you try it on your dog, the real test is how it actually fits on their body.

A simple way to check is the two-finger rule. You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog’s body at both the neck and the chest. If it’s too tight to do that, it needs loosening. If it feels loose enough to pull away easily, it likely needs tightening. The goal is snug and secure but restrictive.

A good place to look is the shoulder area. There shouldn’t be any gaping fabric or straps sitting away from the body, as that can cause shifting during walks. At the same time, check behind the front legs where rubbing can easily happen. The harness shouldn’t dig in or sit so close that it irritates the skin once your dog starts moving.

Your dog should also be able to move naturally. A properly fitted dog harness won’t restrict shoulder movement or shorten their stride. If they look stiff or uncomfortable when walking, something isn’t right. Your dog also shouldn’t be able to slip the harness over their head. If they can back up and wriggle out of it, it’s too loose.

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to pick a dog harness that looks great online but doesn’t quite suit your dog in real life. We all deserve to enjoy our daily walks with our pups, but a few small oversights can make walks harder than they need to be.

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a back clip harness for a heavy puller. If your pooch isn’t quite used to lead walking yet, a back clip harness isn’t going to be the best choice. They might be simple to use but they don’t do much to discourage pulling.

In fact, for strong dogs, especially large breeds that take some strength to walk, they can make it easier for them to lean forward and power ahead. All they have to do is put their strength into their chest and you’ll be dragged along. That’s why a front clip or dual clip harness is usually a better option.

Step-in harnesses are another style to think carefully about. They’re brilliant for dogs who dislike having something pulled over their head, but some designs can be easier to escape from if not fitted correctly. Dogs who are particularly wriggly or prone to backing out of things may need something more secure and escape-resistant.

Additionally, mesh dog harnesses, while lightweight and breathable, aren’t always ideal for rugged hiking or high-impact adventures. They’re perfect for everyday strolls and warmer weather, but if you’re tackling rough terrain or have a strong, energetic dog, you may want something more robust and structured.

Another mistake is choosing style over fit. We all love a good-looking harness, but if it rubs behind the front legs, restricts shoulder movement or leaves gaps at the shoulders, it’s not the right one, no matter how nice it looks. Similarly, buying a harness your dog will “grow into” rarely ends well. A loose harness is far easier to slip out of and far less safe.

Finally, relying solely on the harness without addressing training can be limiting. Even the best no-pull dog harness isn’t a magic fix. It’s a tool to support better lead training and not to replace it, so keep that in mind too.

By now, you’ve probably realised there isn’t one dog harness for every situation. The best choice often depends on the personality and breed of your pup and the kind of walks you and your dog actually do. A quick city loop will need something different from a muddy woodland hike or a focused training session. So let’s break it down by walk type, and look at which harnesses and leads work particularly well together.

If you live in the UK like us, “wet walks” probably cover about half the year so having a good water-resistant dog harness is something of a must.

The NEOPRO collection from Zee.Dog is a brilliant option. The NEOPRO H-Harness is made with a waterproof rubber overlay that protects the polyester underneath, meaning it doesn’t stay soggy or hold onto that damp-dog smell. It’s quick drying and easy to wipe clean once your home too.

Pair it with a NEOPRO handsfree lead if you like keeping your hands free, or a standard NEOPRO lead for something simple and durable. Either way, you’ve got a setup that can handle the unpredictability of British weather.

When the temperature rises, breathability is something of a priority for your dog harness.

The Zee.Dog Air Mesh harness range always comes to mind for this since it’s lightweight, soft and designed with airflow in mind. The breathable mesh helps keep your dog cooler on warmer days, making it ideal for summer strolls or holidays somewhere sunnier than your local park.

For leads, you’ve got options. The NitLeash which is one of the lightest lead ever made for those warm evening walks, while for longer walks or jogs, a handsfree dog lead is a comfortable, practical pairing.

If you’re actively working on loose lead walking or managing pulling, your harness choice can really help you and your dog learn these new rules easier and quicker.

The Zee.Dog Softer Walk harness is specifically designed for no-pull training boasting a front clip attachment point that gently redirects your dog’s momentum when they surge forward. The FlyHarness is another great option, especially if you want the added security of a top handle for quick control in busy environments.

Pair either with a Ruff lead for strength and durability,or an Airleash for shock-absorbing comfort. These combinations give you better control without sacrificing comfort.

If you like to regularly head off road across woodland trails or on longer hikes, then you’ll want a dog harness that can handle mud, puddles, sharp brambles and anything else that might get thrown your way.

The Zee.Dog H-Harness is a good one for this as it offers stability and an even distribution of pressure across the chest, which is especially helpful on longer outings. Match it with a Ruff lead for extra durability, and you’ve got a setup that’s built to handle more demanding conditions.

If your walks are mostly pavements, crossings and coffee stops, comfort is key.

The Air Mesh harness or FlyHarness are both ideal for city life because they’re lightweight, comfortable and easy to put on and take off. The FlyHarness, in particular, is great if you want something sleek that doesn’t feel bulky under a coat in colder months.

Pair either with a handsfree lead for practical, everyday use. We promise it makes juggling keys, coffee cups and your dog far easier – just so long as they’re lead trained!

For early mornings and dark evenings, visibility becomes non-negotiable and we highly suggest investing in some reflective dog gear.

The NOX collection from Zee.Dog is designed exactly for this purpose, featuring reflective elements created to improve visibility in low-light conditions. The NOX harness and reflective FlyHarness options help your dog stay seen, especially when headlights hit reflective strips.

Complete the setup with a NOX lead for added visibility, giving you peace of mind when walking near roads or in poorly lit areas.

If you’ve noticed we mention Zee.Dog a lot throughout this guide, that’s not by accident.

We recommend Zee.Dog harnesses because they consistently balance three things that really matter to dog owners: high quality, thoughtful design and cool style. Their harnesses aren’t just made to look good (although they definitely do), but they’re built with durable materials, strong hardware and practical features that stand up to every kind of walk.

Another big plus is variety. Whether you’re looking for a no-pull option like the Softer Walk, a lightweight FlyHarness, a waterproof NEOPRO, or a breathable Air Mesh design, there’s a range of different harness types to suit different dogs and different lifestyles.

Put simply, Zee.Dog harnesses feel modern, cool and designed by people who actually understand what dog parents need. It’s always refreshing when you find a brand that gets both comfort and practicality right, and it’s why we’re proud to stock their range of dog harnesses here at WOOOF.

Choosing the right dog harness can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you realise just how many styles, fits and features are out there. But as we’ve covered, it really comes down to a few key things: your dog’s body type, behaviour, the kind of walks you do and making sure the fit is right.

A well-fitted dog harness should distribute pressure safely across the chest and shoulders which in turn makes your pup more comfortable and gives you better control. No matter the kind of dog parent you are, whether you’re a trendy city stroller, trail explorer or training-in-progress, here at WOOOF, we have a huge range of dog harnesses for you to choose from. 

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