How to choose the right harness

Y-Harness, H-harness or No-Pull Harness, don’t let the fact that there are different types of dog harnesses keep you from the benefits that they can offer you and your dog. We’ll walk you through some considerations when deciding what to get and some features of the main types to help you find the ideal harness for your dog.

Harness considerations

A snug and comfortable dog harness is one of the most important pieces of dog gear a dog owner can have. In a properly fitting harness, dogs can move more freely and they are better protected against sudden movements as the force of pulls are distributed across their chest area.

When choosing a harness, it is good to think about the activities that you and your dog do together. For young pups that pull a lot, a No-pull dog harness can ease the strain and help teach leash behavior. Puppies and young dogs grow quickly, so an adjustable harness offers convenience as it will grow in size as the dog grows. For daily walks, look for a dog harness that offers quick and easy dressing. And for fast-paced activities and bigger adventures, a more durable dog harness will provide the extra support you need.

You’ll notice that some models are primarily designed for dogs with a narrow body so keep your dog in mind. Additionally, some dog harnesses have adjustable straps at both the chest and neck, while some are only adjustable around the chest. When you pay attention to fit and ergonomics the harness will be more comfortable for your dog and it should provide better wear.

Also look for harnesses that have carefully thought-out small details:

• back or top handles can be used quickly to control the dog in tricky situations or in fast-paced hobbies

• reflective seams or patterns provide additional safety on walks at night or in the early morning

• attachment points or compatibility with LED lights also provide additional safety

• warming harnesses can be helpful in the winter and cooling harnesses can be a bonus in the summer

And of course the right color can brighten your day and highlight your friend's captivating personality!

Y-harness

A Y-Harness allows the dog to move more freely because the front strap will not limit the front legs from moving forward or sideways. Because it’s so comfortable to wear, it’s perfectly suited for longer adventures, hikes, and fast-paced activities.

Y-harnesses come in sporty and casual models, and both are suitable for forest trips and city adventures. A minimal Y-harness offers everyday reliability and comfort. The larger Y-harness offers speed, dependability, and a cool factor for adventurers. An adjustable Y-harness is designed to grow with your dog and offers plenty of room for adjustment, something that can help keep products out of landfills. Some models will offer adjustability in both the neck and chest area. Durable snap locks make dressing even easier and some dog Y-harnesses can be put on without lifting the dog’s front legs.

A Y-harness is also useful for a pup that occasionally pulls as it is designed to distribute the pressure created by pulling evenly across the chest in areas that are safe for a dog while still allowing full range of motion.

Is a Y-harness your best option? Check out the Weekend Warrior Harnesses, the Casual ECO Y-harness or the Razzle-Dazzle Y-harness

H-harness

The H-harness is a traditional and popular type of dog harness that can be put on over the dog's head and fastened around the chest easily and without having to lift the dog’s legs. It’s suitable for daily walks and most outdoor activities year round for both puppies and adult dogs. If the space between your dog's front legs is narrow, an H-harness will generally fit better than a Y-Harness that sits between the dog’s front legs.

The H-harness works best for pups that do not pull on leash. It is important that you find the right size and the right fit. If the harness fits too low it can restrict range of motion and if it sits too high it can put pressure in uncomfortable places.

Think an H-harness may be the best option for you? Check out the Casual ECO Harness or the Razzle-Dazzle H-harness

No-pull harness

There are many different models of no-pull harnesses for dogs. Their primary purpose is to keep an overly active dog from pulling too forcefully and to help teach the dog not to pull away. A No-Pull Harness lends a gentle hand for teaching leash behavior.

Ideally you will look for a No-pull harness with more than one leash attachment point so it can also be used without the No-Pull feature. When you attach a dog leash to the parallel attachment ring, the harness directs the dog's direction of movement and attention towards the dog handler. By attaching the leash to the attachment ring on the top side, the harness works without a pull stop.

Learning leash behavior takes time. Remember to reserve dog treats for training sessions and reward your dog whenever it can resist pulling or seeks contact with you. What could be nicer than spending time with your friend and learning something new together?

Is the No-pull harness the best option for your pup? Check out the Venture No-pull Harness

At Hurtta, we design dog harnesses with fit and use in mind. Hurtta’s proprietary sizing system is based on measurement data from over 8,000 dogs across hundreds of breeds. For example, the lighter Hurtta Y-Harness is designed for lighter, smaller breeds, while the Weekend Warrior Harness is designed to fit slightly larger dogs. Just know that whichever harness you choose for your dog, you can be sure that it is always designed with care, built under strict supervision, and tested for long-lasting durability. In other words, just what our best friends deserve.

Ready to get your pup a new harness? Head on over to our "find the right size" page to learn how to measure.