Having a dog who pulls on the lead can be a real drag. But don’t worry, help is available! Anti-pull or no-pull dog harnesses can greatly reduce or even eliminate pulling behaviours.
Harnesses, in general, are a great choice for dog walking because they take strain off your dog’s neck and offer you more control. And for canines who like to pull on lead, no-pull dog harnesses are a true lifesaver. They help manage your companion’s pulling habit, letting you and your pup walk stress-free.
The Best No-Pull Dog Harnesses
There are quite a few no-pull dog harnesses available. We’ve rounded up trainer advice, online reviews and our own experience testing five of these harnesses (indicated as ‘Verified Reviews’) on Rover dogs to determine the best.
Read on for our list of the no-pull dog harnesses that really work.
1. Kurgo No Pull Dog Harness (Verified Review)
This heavy-duty, multi-functional harness is ideal for BIG dogs who like to pull. The extra-strong nylon webbing and padded chest plate make it a durable, comfortable and functional choice to curb pulling. It even comes with a seatbelt tether to keep your dog safe and secure in the car.
Why we like it:
- Several points of adjustment for a secure fit
- Chest plate ‘halt ring’ for no-pull walks
- Padded chest plate and wide straps keep your dog comfortable
Verified review: “The fit was spot on. Whiskey is a boxer mix, medium-sized (45 lbs) and has a very broad chest but tiny waist. Sometimes it’s hard to find harnesses or coats that are big enough for his chest area. This one was perfect! Whiskey is a lead-puller, so it’s nice to have the option to clip in front or back. The firm fit gave better support and Whiskey seemed to like it a lot on our walk to the beach.”
Find on Amazon2. Ruffwear Front Range No Pull Dog Harness (Verified Review)
This durable no-pull dog harness’s front lead attachment helps you discourage your dog’s headstrong wandering by gently directing her forward. A highly-adjustable design ensures a custom, snug fit, and padded chest and belly panels keep her comfortable. Performance fabric stands up to heavy use, and a reflective trim offers maximum visibility at night.
Why we like it:
- Performance fabric stands up to heavy use
- Highly adjustable for a great fit
- Reflective trim keeps your dog safe at night
Verified review: “I loved how durable the harness looked and felt. The padding on the chest plate felt comfortable to the touch, and I think this harness will be gentle on my dog’s skin. I also loved that this harness offers both front and back clips. My dog is not a big puller when she walks, so I’ve never felt the need to look for a front-clip harness—but now that the Ruffwear offers both options, I’ll definitely be trying out both lead positions.”
Shop on Amazon3. 2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness (Verified Review)
Another front-hook harness that stops pulling, the 2 Hounds Design Freedom offers even more control. It has lead attachments on the front and back, which lets you use a double-ended lead (included with purchase) to ‘steer’ your dog. It’s kind of like working the reins of a horse but dog-friendly.
Why we like it:
- Four points of adjustment for a safe, comfortable fit
- Reviewers rave over the gentle control
- Comes in lots of bright colours for a visible, fun look
Verified review: “This is sturdy and well made: The straps that go under the belly/into the armpits are soft and velvety. I like that this harness seems pretty inescapable and gives me control when my dog pulls and is reactive. You can clip in the front or back, and it’s easy to figure out which side is which because the straps are different colours.”
Shop on Amazon4. Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness (Verified Review)
If you and your pooch enjoy walking at night, you’ll appreciate the ultra-bright reflective stitching on this versatile harness from Rabbitgoo. With back and front lead attachments, plus a handy back handle for extra control in tight spaces, it gives you tons of options for walking your dog. Please note that this harness is recommended for medium-sized breeds.
We liked:
- It’s easy to put on and comes in a range of sizes and colours
- Adjustable, reflective straps that ensure safety during low-light walks
- Breathable yet durable material designed to withstand weather all year round
- Heavily padded for your dog’s comfort
Verified review: Our reviewer liked the quality, ease of use, and fit of this harness, though found its no-pull claims to be lackluster when she used it with her puller of a puggle. “Even though it has a chest hook in the front, it does not provide any control over your dog if you hook your lead there.” She found instead that the harness worked better with the D-ring on the back. (There is the option of using two leads, one clipped to the front and one clipped to the back, for extra control).
Shop on Amazon5. Sporn No-Pull Mesh Harness
This is an affordable, popular no-pull vest for smaller dogs. Rather than redirecting your pooch when they pull, it has padded sherpa ‘sleeves’ that gently tighten and apply pressure, discouraging your dog from pulling. Don’t worry, it’s not uncomfortable! It simply curbs your dog’s urge to pull. Online reviewers rave about how adjustable the harness is, allowing for a custom fit.
Why we like it:
- Pull-on style means no clips or straps to mess with
- Soft lining and mesh vest offer comfortable support
- Sizes small and medium work for dogs from chihuahuas to cocker spaniels
6. PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
The Easy Walk is a front-hook harness that gently steers your dog back towards you when they pull, making it easier to enjoy a walk with no pulling. The chest strap rests across your dog’s chest, instead of putting pressure on their throat, and it buckles around their torso.
Why we like it:
- Strong, adjustable straps help distribute pressure evenly
- Differently-coloured straps, top and bottom, help you align the harness correctly every time
- Strong, soft nylon is secure and easy to clean
7. Softouch Sense-ation No-Pull Dog Harness
The Softouch Sense-ation harness gently helps you teach your dog to walk at your side by redirecting them via the secure steel O-ring lead attachment in front. It’s fully adjustable.
Why we like it:
- Instruction booklet is included to help you learn how to use the harness right away
- Dogs reportedly get used to it quickly
- Sturdy and durable with nylon webbing and heavy-duty plastic buckle
8. HDP Big Dog Soft No Pull Harness
In addition to a D-ring lead attachment, this no-pull dog harness features a handle that gives you extra control over your pup when you need it. It comes in a range of sizes so you can be assured of the right fit.
Why we like it:
- The padded chest distributes pressure so your dog enjoys greater comfort
- Comes with a back handle that lets you get a firm grip on your dog when you want control in an unexpected situation
Beyond the No-Pull Harness
A quality no-pull dog harness can make a big difference in your dog’s walk-time behaviour and overall training will help too. Professional dog trainer Shoshi Parks recommends these 19 books for gaining valuable insight into why your dog does the things they do—on walks and at home.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for the best no-pull harness for your specific dog’s breed, check out some of our articles below.