The Best Harness for Puppies

There are few things more exciting than bringing home a new puppy - but it can be a nerve-racking responsibility too! One of the first decisions a new owner must make is which dog harness to get for their new pup, and where to find the best dog harnesses to buy. Let's take a look at what you need and how you can go about finding a well-fitted harness.

Key Takeaway

The best harnesses for puppies fit comfortably, adjust as they grow, and are easy to get on and off. Sparkpaws’ Ultra Soft Activewear Harness is our top pick, with soft fabric, extra cushioning, and front and back leash attachments to give you options as your puppy gets used to walks. 

Best Harnesses for Puppies: At-a-Glance Comparison 

Not sure which harness is right for your puppy? Compare our top five picks based on comfort, ease of use, leash attachment points, and price. Whether you're starting leash training or looking for a harness for car journeys, this table will help you narrow down your options.

Disclaimer: All prices are taken at the time of this article's publishing. Pricing and sales may vary.

The Special Needs of Puppies

The main reason people choose harnesses over a collar is that they put less pressure on your dog’s neck. This is especially important for some small-breed dogs and puppies, since they are prone to choking, and because covering more of the dog’s body gives owners more control. A secure multi-strap harness can also prevent your puppy from escaping.

To help your puppy move comfortably, look for a Y-shaped design or a chest panel that fits without rubbing behind the front legs. Adjustable straps let you fine-tune the fit as they grow, so check regularly that the harness hasn’t become too tight. 

The Best Dog Harnesses for Puppies - Ranked

#1 Sparkpaws Ultra Soft Activewear Dog Harness - Best Overall

Ultra Soft Activewear Dog Harness - Green

The Sparkpaws Activewear harness is made from human exercise fabrics, so it stays light and breathable for longer walks while training. The D-ring in front makes it a no-pull harness that protects the neck of small-breed puppies.

Best For: Younger puppies in the middle of their training. The Y-shape back allows for the front legs to move easily while protecting the chest area and throat. It's also built with flat-faced breeds in mind (e.g. French Bulldog).

Ease of Use: The Activewear harness is a vest-style harness designed for smaller dogs and prioritizes a tight fit and extra control. There is an adjustable strap for a better fit, but it may take a bit of time to help them get in or out.

Leash Attachment Points: There are two main attachment points at both the front and back for wherever you are on your leash training journey.

Quality: Soft & lightweight: made with human athletic fabrics. Extra cushioning around the chest panel ensures a comfortable and supportive fit.

Price: $31.00

Find Sparkpaws Activewear Harness Here.

#2 Sparkpaws Grab & Go Harness

Grab & Go Harness - Lime Wave

The Sparkpaws Grab & Go harness is a chest-based, step-in harness that slips over the dog’s head, making it extremely easy to use. Since it wraps around the chest area, it removes pressure off the neck.

Best For: Slightly older puppies and larger dogs who are still getting used to walking alongside you. The handle at the back is perfect for training or holding your puppy in place.

Ease of Use: Since it slides over the head, the Grab and Go harness is very easy to put on. There are a lot fewer straps on this harness, so the harness should fit snugly. However, there are adjustable chest straps, so even the hardened escape artist will have a difficult time getting out.

Attachment Points: Like all Sparkpaws harnesses, there are at least two buckles - one at the chest and one on the back.

Quality: The all-around neoprene padding keeps it comfortable with zero chafing. It can also hold up to 250 lbs of pressure.

Price: $49.00

Find Sparkpaws Grab and Go Harness Here.

#3 Ruffwear Front-range Flex Harness

This lightweight harness is built using exercise fibers, making it light and easy to use for young pups that are starting their leash training. 

Best For: Small breed puppies that are quite active. Its lightweight construction makes it easier for young pups to carry.

Ease of Use: It is relatively easy to get in with two quick-release buckles and four adjustment points, though it must still be slipped on over the head.

Attachment Points: Two leash attachment points: an aluminum V-ring on the back and a reinforced webbing loop on the chest.

Quality: The Flex harness is designed to be lightweight and is constructed out of breathable exercise fabrics. However, it may not be as durable in harsh conditions as some other options on this list.

Price: $69.99

#4 Puppia Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness

Best For: Most harnesses tend to have a minimum weight, but this harness is available in lower weights than most, and its lightweight construction makes it easier for young and micro-breed pups.

Ease of Use: Fairly straightforward, with an over-the-head design and a quick-release buckle around the chest. However, the neck opening isn't adjustable on the classic Soft Harness, so getting a comfortable fit can be challenging.

Attachment Points: One back leash attachment point. There's no front clip attachment for redirecting pulling, which limits its usefulness for puppies that pull during leash training.

Quality: This polyester harness is largely designed to be outgrown, though it is still well-designed, lightweight, breathable, and comfortable for the average dog.

Price: $21.00

#5 EzyDog Drive Harness

Puppies need a lot of transportation. The EzyDog Drive harness lets dogs settle in cars without the risk of climbing into laps while driving or getting injured in a crash. While not typically suited for walks, car harnesses can still be a must-have for some puppy owners.

Best For: This is a must-have piece for dogs that frequently need to take long car rides, especially rowdy or nervous ones that may compromise driver safety by climbing under legs or into the front seat. These harnesses are not meant for everyday walk training.

Ease of Use: The harness comes with a step-in design and numbered attachment points to make the harnessing process as seamless as possible. It's easily compatible with most seat belt types.

Attachment Points: Two rear D-rings for short walks or transfers. The harness also features dedicated upper handles through which the vehicle's seat belt passes. It does not have a front chest attachment for no-pull training.

Quality: Marketed as high-quality safety gear, the EzyDog Harness uses vehicle-tested seat belt webbing, reinforced Crosslink technology, strong stitching and a contoured EVA-padded chest plate for comfort. The EzyDog Drive harness is crash-test certified to FMVSS 213.

Price: $125.00, which is common for specialized gear.

How to Size Well for a Puppy

You can measure your puppy by using a dog ruler to get their three core measurements: the length of your pup’s back, the girth of their chest, and the width of their neck. Always try on a harness after it arrives, loosening all of the straps to their fullest extent before gently tightening them. A good rule of thumb is the two-finger method: you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between your dog and a properly fitted harness without squeezing.

Keep checking for signs of discomfort when taking your first walk with a new harness. A loose harness may have dangling straps that twist or tangle, while a tight harness might pinch. A well-fitting harness should not rub in the armpit region during movement or cause bald patches. 

You may also need to adjust the weight as they age. Lightweight materials prevent friction burns on a puppy's skin for small, young puppies, but they may require more durable straps as they get older. 

Sizing a puppy can be challenging as they tend to change size and shape rapidly. Your dog’s measurements should be taken regularly - around every 2 weeks before 6 months old and every month from 6 months until adulthood.[1]

Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness and Multipurpose Leash Set - Lime Wave

Conclusion

The right harness should fit your puppy comfortably today, with adjustable straps to accommodate growth. Sparkpaws is our top pick for its soft padding and front- and back-leash attachments for early training walks. 

Explore Sparkpaws’ Dog Harness Collection to find the right fit for your new companion.

FAQ

At what age can my puppy wear a harness?

A puppy is strong enough to try on a well-fitted harness at 8 weeks old. They are still too young to walk, but they can start getting used to the sensation in short sessions.[2]

Is a harness better than a collar for a puppy?

Yes, a harness will put less pressure on your puppy’s trachea and can be harder to wiggle out of than a collar. However, it's still important to make sure they have an ID tag.

Should I get a front or back clip harness for my puppy?

A back clip may be good for a puppy getting used to a harness, while a front-clip is better for leash training on older puppies. Ultimately, a harness with both options would be the best choice.

Ext Links

[1] https://academy.royalcanin.com

[2] https://www.eukanuba.com