As dog owners, we all want to provide the best for our dogs, sometimes, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the options when it comes to basic supplies, such as finding the best dog leashes and harnesses. After all, how do we know which one is truly the best for our pets? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of dog leashes and harnesses, exploring their pros and cons, and sharing our experiences with different types. Let’s walk through this together and find out what truly makes a leash and harness the best for your dog.

Before we dive in, let me share a bit about Capri and I. As a first-time dog owner (former dog-phobe, if I’m honest), I was navigating the world of dog leashes and harnesses with zero prior knowledge. My aim? To have Capri walk calmly by my side when I say “heel” and explore freely when prompted with “go sniff.” Capri hits the big 3 in May 2024, and our loose leash walking journey is still a work in progress. While she’s come a long way since her puppy days, we’ve been putting in the hard work lately. By sharing my experiences here, I hope to save you the hassle of hunting down the perfect gear—I’ve tried A LOT, with plenty of Amazon returns to show for it!

So, I’ve got a confession to make: I totally dropped the ball with Capri. It’s been nearly three years, and we’re still doing the harness tango. I’m not entirely sure what went wrong in her puppy days, but I’m still trying to convince her that the harness is a positive experience and we get to go on adventures when I take it out. 

Advice For Dog Owners:  If you’re in the puppy phase, do yourself a favor and start the harness routine early. Trust me, it’ll save you a ton of headaches down the road. Plus, it’s not just about harnesses – getting them comfortable with the whole attire thing opens doors for jackets and stylish doggy outfits, too! Check out Essential Tips for First Time Dog Owners for more of my thoughts about being a new dog owner.

In this post, I focus heavily on the effectiveness of front clip harnesses, which are my go-to choice. The front clip design grants me control over Capri, prompting her to turn towards me when she pulls ahead. Unlike back clip harnesses, which can actually strengthen pulling behavior, the front clip redirects Capri’s entire body towards me, encouraging better communication and control. Additionally,  the gentle leader mentioned below further enhances her responsiveness by turning her entire head towards me. The only occasion I resort to using the back clip is during hikes when Capri is on the long lead.

Let’s kick things off with the best dog leashes and harnesses! When it comes to walks with Capri, I’ve found a couple of trusty accessories that make our outings a breeze.

These items were all purchased from Amazon, but I’ve also provide links to similar products available on Chewy.

Best Dog Harnesses

Capri’s got quite the pulling power during walks, and let me tell you, I never wanted to take her for walks. I tried countless harnesses to try to find the perfect one that would allow me to enjoy walks, guess what? The gentle leader was the only one that truly did the trick for us. You can read the full article I wrote about why I love the gentle leader and why it works for dogs. 

The Gentle Leader

The gentle leader is the only hardness that really has slowed down my dog when it comes. Capri is a puller and this gentle leader has been a game changer. You can read my full review about why I love the gentle leader and why it works for dogs that pull. Read the full article about the Gentle Leader

Strengths 

• Effectively prevents Capri from pulling
• Lightweight
• Simple to put on after initial adjustment
• I can control Capri during our walks now with only one finger.
• Price On Amazon: $24.99 with 57,000+ Reviews

Weaknesses 

• While Capri tolerates it, she rubs her face on the grass during walks
• It occasionally gets mistaken for a muzzle, but rest assured, dogs can eat and drink without restriction while wearing it.
• It has a smaller buckle for the back of their head, which could potentially break if your dog is pulling too hard. If your dog continues to pull really hard while wearing this, I would recommend getting a trainer for your dog.

Poypet Dog Harness No Pull, Reflective Vest

Getting Capri was mainly because I want her to be a pet therapy dog. However, the gentle leader, resembling a muzzle to some, didn’t quite fit the bill for our therapy training. Plus the training facility required a front clip harness. That’s why I picked this harness – it’s a step-in dog harness for easy use, perfect for Capri, who isn’t like things going over her head.

Strengths

• Easily slips onto Capri without having to go over her head.
• Has 2 clips, one in the front and one in the back. I use the front clip for when we are training, and the back one for when we are hiking with the long line. 
• It has 2 buckles and one has a lock on it so she can’t get out of it. 
• Price On Amazon: $21.00 with 10,000+ Reviews

Weaknesses

• I had to order 2 sizes because she was between the two. Make sure to measure your dog’s neck and chest  before purchasing.
• Capri already doesn’t like harnesses so getting her to allow me to put it on and adjust the straps took a long time.

Even with these two harness options, I still train with Capri on loose leash walking while we are out.  You might wonder why I don’t use her everyday collar for walks. Well, the thing is, she tends to pull so hard that she ends up choking herself, which is definitely not safe. That’s why harnesses are a safer and more comfortable option for our hiking and outdoor adventures together.

Next, let’s talk about the best dog leashes I prefer to use with Capri during our outings.

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Best Dog Leashes & Collars

Maypaw Heavy Duty Rope

I have had this leash since Capri was a puppy and almost 3 year later I am still using it. We have gone on a lot of adventures with this leash and its still in great shape!

Strengths

• Soft Padded Handle doesn’t hurt my hands.
• Durable
• Has lasted 3 years and still going strong! 
• Available in 15+ colors and 10 sizes- I bought the 6ft one
• Price On Amazon: $11.99 with 17,000+ Reviews

Weaknesses

• I honestly don’t have any, it has been a great leash for us! 

Hi Kiss Dog Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead

I’ve recently started using a 30 ft training lead to help with Capri’s recall training. While I’d love for her to enjoy off-leash freedom, her tendency to chase after squirrels or rabbits makes it challenging. However, this long lead allows me to give her some freedom to explore while maintaining control. Unlike my 6-foot leash, this one lets her sniff around while I keep walking. I give her the chance to “go sniff” for a while, then call her back to practice healing next to me before allowing her more sniffing time. Remember, sniffing is crucial mental stimulation for dogs – just 15 minutes of it is equivalent to a 1-hour walk.

Strengths

• Allows Capri to have more freedom and get more mental stimulation from sniffing.
• Light Weight 
• Available in lengths of 15, 20, 30, 50, 100ft and 9 colors
• Price On Amazon: $9.97 with 53,000+ Reviews

Weaknesses

• Can get tangled quickly if your not paying attention while walking
• I let it drag on the ground sometimes which makes it dirty. 
• I wish it had a clip on the end so I could clip it to myself.

Max and Neo Reflective Metal Buckle Dog Collar

This collar is a must for Capri every single day, it’s always my go-to pick! I stick with the metal buckle kind because back when Capri was just a puppy, she pulled so hard that she broke the plastic buckle on her old collar. Even though she’s not pulling as hard these days, I still prefer this type for extra durability and peace of mind.

Strengths

• Choosing a metal closure ensures that Capri can’t break the buckle.
• It features a designated spot to attach her name tag on the collar, separate from where the leash attaches.
• Price On Amazon: $12.99 with 4,000+ Reviews

Weaknesses

• After consistent daily use, I’ve noticed some wear and tear on the collar where the metal has rubbed off onto the fabric. However, apart from this minor issue, I haven’t encountered any other problems with it whatsoever.

Illumiseen LED Dog Collar- Bright & High Visibility Lighted Glow Collar

This illuminated collar is a nightly must have for Capri’s bathroom breaks. Its glow makes it easy for me to locate her in my fenced yard at night. Given Capri’s black fur and difficulty in being seen in the dark, this collar is perfect for her nighttime outings.

Strengths

• 3 light modes- steady mode, rapid flashing or slow flashing
• Has a buckle making it easy put on and off.
• Gives 5 hours of illumination per 1-hour charge.
• Available in 9 sizes and 6 colors.
• Price On Amazon: $17.99 with 23,000+ Reviews

Weaknesses

• Some people might be annoyed that you have to charge it. I personally don’t but that’s the only potential negative I could think of.

If you’ve found the best dog leashes and harness through my recommendations, feel free to conclude your search here. However, if you’re curious to learn about the products I’ve tested and explored further, there’s still plenty of valuable information awaiting you below. Keep reading to discover more!

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What Didn’t Make the Cut: Least Favorite Dog Harnesses

So, here’s the deal with all these dog harnesses and leashes listed below – they’ve either been returned, broken, or used during Capri’s puppy days. You’re notice the importance of getting your dog accustomed to wearing a harness after seeing how many different ones we’ve tried. While many of these harnesses are top-notch, they just didn’t work with Capri. If I’d put in more training time with her as a puppy and getting her used to wearing one, I might not be writing this now.

Pet Safe Easy Walk Dog Harness

• Despite great reviews, I didn’t introduce the easy walk harness to Capri correctly, making it a negative experience for her.
• Capri hated the harness and would run away when I brought it out, leading me to switch to a different style.
• I struggled to fit it correctly to her, and it was a bit confusing to put it on.
• Price On Amazon: $28.99 with 42,000+ Reviews

Rabbitgoo No- Pull Reflective Dog Harness

• This harness required going over Capri’s head, which she dislikes, so I returned it in favor of the step-in Poypet harness mentioned above. 
• It was high quality it just didn’t work for Capri.
• Available in 4 sizes and 14 colors.
• Price On Amazon: $26.22 with 168,000+ Reviews

2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness

• This no pull dog harness was recommended to me, so I decided to give it a try, but ultimately ended up returning it.
• I thought that having one leash connecting to both the front and back of Capri’s harness would give me more control, but of course, it didn’t work.
• Price On Amazon: $39.96 with 12,000+ Reviews

Pawtatas Reflective Step In Dog Harness

• I thought Capri would like this because it was a step in harness, but what I didn’t like was there was NO front clip. Which for training classes is a must. 
• Available in 8 sizes and 15+ colors!
• Price On Amazon: $14.99 with 16,000+ Reviews

Dog and Cat Universal Reflective Step in Harness with Leash

• I thought Capri would like this because it was a step in harness, but what I didn’t like was there was no front clip. Which for training classes is a must. 
• Available in 8 sizes and 15+ colors!
• Price On Amazon: $7.99 with 4,000+ Reviews

Dog Leashes & Collars: Tested And Returned

TUG 360° Tangle-Free Retractable Dog Leash with Anti-Slip Handle 

Opting for a long line over a retractable leash might raise some eyebrows, but let me explain. In puppy class, they discouraged the use of retractable leashes due to their tendency to encourage pulling behavior. Training typically involves teaching dogs to walk on a loose leash, meaning there should be slack and the dog walking beside you. Unfortunately, this isn’t achievable with a retractable leash.

• This worked amazing when I did use it, but in the end it was returned for the rope leash above.
• Available in 5 sizes and 6 colors
• Price On Amazon: $21.99 with 100,000 Reviews

If the retractable leash works for you, that’s fantastic! They’re undoubtedly convenient, and I’d prefer using one over a long lead any day. However, if Capri is accustomed to feeling tension on her back, she may continue to pull when using my 6 ft leash for training. That’s why I opt for a long line instead of a retractable leash.

iYoShop 6 ft Durable Slip Lead Dog Leash

• Despite seeing many training videos recommending the slip leash, it didn’t work for us. Capri would pull so hard and choke herself. 
• I think this would be a great leash if I was trained how to use it correctly.
• Unfortunately, I didn’t make it a positive experience for Capri, and once she has a negative experience, it’s challenging to regain her trust. I am still working on this!

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Joytale Reflective Dog Collar

• The first collar I used for Capri when she was just a puppy, she ended up breaking loose due to her strong pulling.
• If your dog tends to pull, I highly recommend opting for a buckle dog collar like the one mentioned above or one of the harnesses to ensure their safety and prevent any chance of escaping.
• Price On Amazon: $13.99 with 50,000+ Reviews

Country Brook Design Dog Collar

• The collar had no buckle and tightened around Capri’s neck when she pulled.
• Capri still pulled and choked herself, leading me to return it.
• I found it difficult to control her with this collar, so it wasn’t suitable for our needs.
• Price On Amazon: $15.97 with 19,000+ Reviews

In conclusion, finding the best dog leashes and harnesses can be a daunting task, but remember that the most important factor is the safety and comfort of your pet. Through my personal experience and research, I have discovered what I think are the best dog leashes and harness,. But clearly a lot of others didn’t  meet my expectations. But ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you and your dog’s unique needs. Don’t hesitate to try out different options and don’t be afraid to return what doesn’t work. As we continue to learn as pet owners, let’s keep the conversation going and share our experiences to help others find the perfect dog gear.

I am looking for the perfect hands free leash, if you use one please drop a comment and I’d love to give it a try!