What Is the Best Puppy Harness?

Can You Put a Harness on an 8-Week-Old Puppy?

Yes, you can definitely put a puppy harness on a puppy at 8 weeks.

This is the age most trainers agree is best to start leash training a puppy. Also, it is recommended to train them to use a dog harness as they are widely regarded as safer than dog collars.

What Age Should a Puppy Wear a Harness?

Puppies can start wearing a puppy harness as soon as you bring them home. Ideally, they will stay with their mother for 8-12 weeks, but they can begin their big dog training at 8 weeks.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Harness on a Puppy?

Using a puppy harness is safe and useful for control and training. Here is a closer look at the benefits of using a puppy harness:

  • Control: A harness allows you to control your puppy when they need to be controlled. It allows you to safely walk them in busy areas and keeps them from getting into trouble. Dog harnesses also provide far more control and are safer than dog collars.
  • Style: There are many styles, colors, and patterns that will help make your new puppy even more dashing when they wear it.
  • Safety: Puppy vests are often highly reflective to provide visibility at night and are designed to fit snuggly around your dog’s chest to keep them in place.
  • Training: Puppy training can begin the moment you bring them home, and leash training is often the first exercise new dog owners attempt. This will build a bond between you and your dog and begin the training process on a good foot.

The Best Puppy Harnesses Reviewed

There are many puppy harness models on the market. To help owners find the right fit for their puppies, we have reviewed several best-sellers that are readily available on Amazon and Chewy.

No Pull Puppy Harness with Multifunction Dog Leash

Life Stage:Puppies

Price: $59.99

Size: XX-Small

Color: Navy

Material: Polyester

Summary: Made of polyester, this no-pull dog harness is ultra-lightweight, weighing as little as 1.20 ounces. It includes rust-proof hardware to ensure a long life of both the harness and the included leash.

The patented round adjustment buckle effectively protects a dog’s bones and muscles during exercise, and this harness is breathable to keep your puppy cool. It is available in many colors and sizes, large enough to fit a medium-sized dog.

Closure Type: Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Aluminum Metal

Locking Mechanism:  The product has adjustable straps which allow a perfect fit on pets.

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: No

Pros
  • No choke design
  • Many colors available
  • Ultra lightweight
  • Rust-proof hardware
  • Includes leash
Cons
  • Only suitable for dogs up to medium-sized

Customer Review: Dog owners loved this harness. They describe it as “super cute” and “one of the best dog harnesses” they have bought. Their puppies and small dogs fit properly in this harness, and it does not bother their dog while on long walks.

About 10% of reviews were left by dissatisfied customers. These people were unimpressed with the quality and suspect it may too lightweight to be durable.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving No Pull Puppy Harness with Multifunction Dog Leash an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

Dociote Adjustable Puppy Harness and Leash Set

 

Life Stage: Puppies 

Price: $10.89

Size: Extra Small

Color: Black

Material: Polyester

Summary: This puppy harness is made of breathable mesh, and this allows air to freely pass through the harness and keeps your puppy cool. It includes a leash, and both the leash and harness are reflective to provide extra safety in low visibility.

The design is made to discourage pulling and will not choke your dog. It is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes for large dogs and puppies.

Closure Type: Quick Release, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Stainless Steel

Locking Mechanism: The product has an easy-to-put-on buckle.

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes. The dog harness strip’s reflective strip design increases nighttime safety by making your pet visible in low light.

Pros
  • Breathable mesh
  • Reflective edges
  • No choke, no pull design
  • Includes leash
  • Easy-to-use step-in application
Cons
  • The small, simple design may allow some dogs to slip out while walking

Customer Review: The top positive review was titled “worth every penny,” and they went on to say they are everything they needed in a puppy harness. The rest of the positive reviews shared this sentiment, with people telling stories about how this harness holds up in the water and in daily use.

Critical reviews said their dog can easily slip out of the harness, and the stitching comes apart.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving Dociote Adjustable Puppy Harness and Leash Set an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ reviews are positive. Only a few reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences to the product were made.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

ThinkPet Reflective and Breathable Puppy Harness

 

Life Stage: Puppies

Price: $9.99

Size: Medium (Neck 14.17-16.93 in, Chest 16.93-24.8)

Color: Neon Green

Material: Polyester

Summary: The extra-long shoulder pads of this mesh dog harness keep the straps off of your dog’s shoulders to prevent chafing and discomfort. The straps run the whole length through the shoulder pads to provide a snug and secure fit around the dog’s chest.

Reflective strips around the edges mean you and your dog can be seen easily in low-light conditions like rain or at dawn. It is available in over 30 variations and sizes to fit up to x-large dogs.

Closure Type: Quick Release, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Aluminum Metal

Locking Mechanism: This product is made with adjustable slide straps on the neck and chest to create a perfect fit for your dog’s size. Alongside is the quick-release buckle allowing you to easily put it on and off.

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes. This product has reflective piping around every edge and is combined with integrated reflective straps ensuring safety.

Pros
  • Extended shoulder pad keeps straps off of dog’s skin
  • Ultra-breathable
  • Many sizes and colors are available
  • Reflective
  • Nylon straps run through the shoulder pad
Cons
  • The small, simple design may allow some dogs to slip out of the harness

Customer Review:

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving ThinkPet Reflective and Breathable Puppy Harness an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (9/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

CBBPET Tactical Puppy Harness

Life Stage: Puppies 

Price: $19.99

Size: Small (Neck:14 – 20, Chest:16 – 29)

Color: Rose Red 

Material: Oxford fabric

Summary: This dog molle vest is made of oxford fabric and features plastic buckles that are engineered to withstand 2000 Newtons of pulling force to ensure they will not break under load. A heavy-duty handle provides plenty of control, while reflective trim ensures you will be seen in scenarios of low visibility.

The puppy harness is available in several colors, including camo and army green, and includes sewn-on hook and loop panels for nametapes and labels.

Closure Type: Clip On, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Aluminum Metal

Locking Mechanism: This product features a 2 metal leash attachment point – one in front for no pulling function and the other on the back for a casual walk or jog

Front Clip or Back Clip: Front and Back Clip

Reflective: Yes. The tactical dog vest is fitted with a MOLLE system on both sides ( strips of PVC Reflective Sewn)

Pros
  • Two metal leash attachment points
  • Includes warranty
  • Reflective piping
  • Bungee storage
  • Multiple adjustable straps
Cons
  • Plastic buckles

Customer Review: Many happy pet owners left positive reviews on this harness. They were impressed with the durable material and said the buckles were perfectly placed and plenty able to tolerate their dog’s pulling.

Other buyers, however, had experiences tearing the D-ring off while on walks and their dog had run off once freed.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving CBBPET Tactical Puppy Harness an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (9/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ reviews are positive. Only a few reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences to the product were made.
  • Product Variety (9/10): This product has plenty of color and size varieties.

Voyager Step in Air Puppy Harness

Life Stage:Puppies

Price: $14.99

Size: Small (Chest: 14.5 – 16″)

Color: Baby Blue

Material: Mesh

Summary: The breathable air mesh of this dog harness allows dogs of all sizes a breathable and comfortable way to walk. It is reflective and lightweight, so you can safely walk your dog any time of day or night.

Double D-rings provide a great connection from the leash to your dog, so you won’t need to worry about them breaking free. Over 40 options are available, so there is something for everyone and every dog.

Closure Type: Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Aluminum Metal

Locking Mechanism: This product features a hook and loop fastener, buckle, and double D-rings to protect the dog in three layers of security.

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes. This product has two reflective bands on the side.

Pros
  • Dozens of options are available
  • Reflective
  • All weather mesh
  • Double D-rings
  • Designed to disperse pressure across the chest to reduce choking
Cons
  • Sizes run small
  • Sizing goes by girth measurements, not by weight, and this is not advertised well

Customer Review: Over 38,000 reviews have been written about this harness, and 90% of them are 4 and 5-star ratings. Pet owners say this works great for their dogs and cats and numerous people said they had bought multiple harnesses because they were so impressed with their first.

Negative reviews accounted for only 5% of total reviews, and the most common complaint was that the sizes run small and they had to exchange the harness for a larger size.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving Voyager Step-in Air Puppy Harness an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

AMTOR Dog Harness with Leash Set for Extra Small Small Dogs

Life Stage: Puppies

Price: $10.99

Size: Small (Chest:13.5″-16.0″)

Color: Light Green

Material: Mesh

Summary: This mesh harness for dogs is highly breathable and includes a leash so you can be ready to go the moment you purchase it. Hook and loop straps and double D-rings help to provide a secure connection and prevent unwanted escapes during walks.

Reflective strips are added to provide safety and visibility during low-light conditions. The puppy harness is available in a handful of colors and sizes up to XL.

Closure Type: Loop, Snap, Buckle

Padded: Yes. This product has a padded design which reduces the tugging and pulling on the dog’s neck.

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Aluminum Metal

Locking Mechanism: This product has three layers of security from its magic tape, buckle, and double D-rings.

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • Reflective
  • Affordable
  • Includes leash
  • Sizes for small and large dog breeds
  • Dual D-rings
Cons
  • Sizes run small

Customer Review: People appear to be happy with this harness, with most reviews being positive. These people are happy with the construction and the reflectivity of the small harness.

Critical reviews and even some 5-star reviews say this harness runs small and advise dog owners to size up.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving AMTOR Dog Harness with Leash Set for Extra-Small/Small Dogs an overall x/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

AIITLE Reflective and Breathable Mesh Step in Dog Harness and Leash Set for Small Dogs

Life Stage:Puppies

Price: $10.99

Size: XX-Small

Color: Pink

Material: Nylon

Summary: This harness provides a secure fit with a 360-degree snug fit that is deemed escape-proof. Dual D-rings, a velcro strap, and a plastic buckle keep this harness firmly on your dog while you walk.

The puppy harness includes a 5 ft long leash and reflective strips for visibility. A small D-ring is added for name tags, and sizes go up to large.

Closure Type: Clip On, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Stainless Steel

Locking Mechanism: The product is designed to prevent your dog from readily escaping using a combination of Velcro and two D-ring buckles.

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes. This harness can be noticed even in poor visibility situations or at night due to its superior reflective strips and four side luminous bands.

Pros
  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Small, vest-style prevents choking
  • Dual D-rings and velcro closure
  • Reflective
  • Escape proof
Cons
  • Sizes run small

Customer Review: Pet parents were impressed with this little dog harness. They like the look and say it appears comfortable. They love the reflective strips and say the harness fits well on their dog.

The most common complaint was about how dogs can slip out of the harness and about how the sizing is wrong on Amazon. Even five-star reviews recommend sizing up.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving AIITLE Reflective and Breathable Mesh Step in Dog Harness and Leash Set for Small Dogs an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (9/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
  • Product Variety (9/10): This product has plenty of color and size varieties.

RUFFWEAR Web Master Multi Use Support Dog Harness for Small Dogs

Life Stage: Puppies

Price: $49.95

Size: XX-Small

Color: Blue Dusk

Material: Nylon

Summary: This nylon dog harness is made for adventure with its reflective trim and 5 adjustment points that allow you to get the perfect fit. This adjustable dog harness uses an aluminum leash attachment point to avoid rust and metal fatigue with regular use.

This puppy harness is thoroughly padded and features a padded handle for easier immediate control of your dog. It is made in sizes from XXS-XL and in a small selection of colors.

Closure Type: Clip On

Padded: Yes. This harness has foam-padded straps, which provide lasting comfort without hindering the movement of dogs.

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Aluminum Metal

Locking Mechanism: This product is built with anodized metal V-ring and webbing loop, 2 strong leash attachment points, 5 practical adjustment points for a full range of motion

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes. This product has reflective trim and a safety light loop.

Pros
  • Reflective trim
  • Padded handle
  • Aluminum leash attachment point
  • Durable webbing loop
  • 5 points of adjustment
Cons
  • Can be tricky to put on
  • Can cause skin irritation in some dogs

Customer Review: Words used to describe this harness include “perfect” and “the best” and come from people who were impressed with the quality offered by Ruffwear. These people have harnesses that have held up to water, hiking, mud, and all sorts of adventures their dogs go on.

Negative reviews came from people whose dogs had developed sores from using this harness and others who say the straps around the chest broke on the first use.

Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving RUFFWEAR Web Master Multi-Use Support Dog Harness for Small Dogs an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
  • Product Variety (9/10): This product has plenty of color and size varieties.

What Should I Look for in a Puppy Harness?

When buying a puppy harness, you need to pay attention to the following considerations:

  • Quality Material: Mesh, neoprene, and nylon are common high-quality materials that dog harnesses are often made of. Nylon harnesses may be better for service dogs because patches can be added to them, while mesh can keep pets cool on walks. Machine washable materials are often sought after for their ease of cleaning. The leather dog harness is durable and looks great.
  • Safety Features: Sturdy buckles and reflective dog harnesses are examples of safety features that could protect your dog’s life. Quick-release buckles also allow for fast removal in the event of an emergency. Car harnesses are another example and will have a buckle that latches into the seatbelt to secure the dog in place in a vehicle.
  • Training Features: D-rings are common on dog harnesses, but front clips are great for teaching a dog not to pull.
  • Fit: A dog harness should be snug on your dog but not tight. It should not pose an injury risk to the dog’s neck, and the back clips should be adjustable to provide a perfect fit. A vest harness will allow more room for movement than a tactical harness, the fit you need will depend on the purpose your harness is providing.

What Is the Best Way to Train a Puppy to Wear a Harness?

Follow these steps to teach your new pup how to wear a puppy harness:

  • Gather your Things: You will probably need some treats or some toys as well as the harness. These pet products are there to distract your puppy and redirect their energy when they start to act out.
  • Harness Introduction: While offering them treats, set the harness near them and allow them to sniff it and become familiar with it. Place treats inside the harness as it sits on the floor if necessary.
  • Put the Harness on: Here, you can put the harness on and adjust the straps to fit snuggly around your dog. Remember that puppies grow fast, and you will have to adjust the straps frequently.
  • Attach the Leash: Whether it is a standard D-ring harness or a front clip harness, you can now attach the leash to your puppy and allow them to become used to the leash being near them while wearing the harness.
  • Begin Leash Training: At this point, you can begin leash training. Your puppy has become used to the harness and, if everything has gone well, probably enjoys wearing it.

author avatar
Charles Grisham