A dog harness might look like nothing more than another piece of dog gear. But the benefits of dog harnesses go far beyond making your dog look adorable on a walk.
A properly fitted harness can help reduce pressure on your dog’s neck, give you better control during walks, make it harder for some dogs to escape, and be especially helpful for dogs who pull or have certain breathing or neck issues.
I love that a relatively inexpensive piece of dog gear can sometimes help prevent a much bigger problem.
My dog, Henry, wears a harness whenever he’s leashed, and I think of it as one of those small preventive purchases that can help keep him safer and potentially avoid a small issue from becoming an expensive ordeal.
This article looks at the real benefits of dog harnesses, what to watch out for, and how to choose one that actually fits your dog.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through some links in this article. Learn more here.
Budget tip: A dog harness is one of those small dog-care purchases that can be worth budgeting for. A properly fitted harness can reduce pressure on your dog’s neck and make walks safer, especially if your dog pulls or is prone to slipping out of a collar.
You don't need the most expensive harness on the market, either. The goal isn't to spend more. It's to buy the right harness, fit it correctly, and replace it when it no longer fits or is damaged.
That's what I call the Tail Wag Wisdom approach to dog expenses. Invest a little money thoughtfully when it can help prevent a much bigger problem later.
What Are the Benefits of Dog Harnesses?
You may never have thought about the benefits of a dog harness. But they can make you consider one for your pup.
A Harness Can Reduce Pressure on Your Dog’s Neck
A harness helps to distribute the pressure more evenly to your dog. It reduces neck and throat pressure. Also, a lot of vets recommend a harness over a traditional collar to help prevent tracheal collapse, especially in dogs who pull or are breed-prone to the disease.
A Harness Can Help With Pulling
If your dog pulls, then a harness can help. I have a harness for Henry that has a back and chest hook. When he’s having a pulling day, I switch from the back hook to the chest/front hook. This simple adjustment stops him pulling immediately and saves my back.
Trainers also recommend harnesses when training your dog. It really does help make the sessions easier.
Do you know how to train your dog on your time and schedule? In this article, I show you how to do it for free.
A Harness May Make It Harder for Your Dog to Escape
If you have an escape artist dog, a harness makes it more difficult for them to slip out of it. But if you have a dog who is prone to escape, consider using two leashes for extra safety.
A Harness Can Be Helpful for Some Dogs With Breathing or Neck Issues
Dogs with breathing or neck issues will find a harness more comfortable. If you have a brachycephalic dog (flat-faced dog), like a pug or boxer, they may find it easier to breathe while hiking or walking when you use a harness.
A Harness Can Give You Better Control on Walks
Hikes and walks can be full of sniffs your dog wants to explore. You may even find a loose dog while walking. A harness can give you more control and help keep your dog safe.
The harness I currently use for Henry even has a back handle, which is amazing for small dogs, especially. If a dog starts charging at him, I simply pick him up.
But Henry’s first training class had a 200-pound “puppy” with a 100-pound owner. She used the handle on her dog’s harness to grab his attention and redirect him. It was remarkable how well it worked for her.
Is a Dog Harness Better Than a Collar?
Full disclosure here. I’m a dog mom who always wants to prevent issues. A harness provides the control, lessens the pulling, reduces my back pain, distributes pressure more evenly to your dog, and reduces neck and throat pressure. That’s enough to make me always use a harness when Henry is going out and about.
Although, Henry still has a regular collar he wears with his harness, which includes his ID tags.
Both serve a purpose.
What Type of Dog Harness Is Best?
There are a few attributes you’ll want to consider when looking for a harness for your dog.
Back-Clip Harness
A back-clip harness works for all dogs. You can even use it on car rides.
Front-Clip Harness
A front-clip harness can reduce pulling and save your back. I’m always surprised how when I switch to the front-clip on Henry’s harness, he stops pulling immediately.
Dual-Clip Harness
I love Henry’s dual-clip harness with a back clip and front clip. I use the back clip when he’s walking like he should with a bit of a loose leash. I also use the back-clip when he goes in the car.
The front-clip works for most dogs who pull. I know it seems odd that a simple placement of the clip could make such a difference. It certainly does with Henry.
This harness is very similar to the one I have for Henry.
How Should a Dog Harness Fit?
The benefits of dog harnesses depend heavily on fit. A harness that’s too loose can allow your dog to escape, while one that’s too tight can cause rubbing, discomfort, or restrict movement.
In general, when fitting a harness for your dog, consider:
- Follow the manufacturer’s sizing chart
- Measure your dog’s chest and girth
- Make sure the harness is snug without pinching
- Check that your dog’s legs and shoulders can move freely
- Look for rubbing or chafing
- Check the fit again after weight changes or grooming
- Make sure your dog can’t back out of it
Can a Dog Harness Cause Problems?
There are a few instances when a harness could cause issues.
A Poor Fit Can Cause Rubbing or Discomfort
Most issues result from improperly fitting the harness to your dog. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for a good fit.
Some Harnesses Can Restrict Movement
Some dogs have shorter bodies or legs. If a harness isn’t properly fitted to your dog, it can hinder movement. You may even need to look at several different manufacturers to find the right for your dog.
A Loose Harness Can Become an Escape Risk
If a harness is too loose, your dog might be able to wiggle out of it and escape. Again, fit is critical.
Harnesses Can Be Hotter in Warm Weather
Henry’s harness is definitely hotter for him to wear in the summer. But I compensate for that by putting his cooling vest on him and then his harness. Of course, I have to readjust it for the extra material of the cooling vest. But that’s easy. It keeps him comfortable and cool.
The goal isn’t simply “buy a harness.” It’s “buy the right harness and make sure it fits.”
Can a Dog Harness Help Prevent Tracheal Collapse?
A harness can help reduce pressure on your dog’s neck. Over time, pressure on your dog’s neck can lead to tracheal collapse.
Tracheal collapse is a progressive condition involving weakening of the cartilage that supports the trachea. Small and toy breeds are commonly affected, and factors such as heat, excitement, respiratory irritants, and pressure on the neck can worsen the disease.
Think of a harness as one way to reduce unnecessary neck pressure, not as a guarantee that your dog won’t develop the disease.
Do you know how to create a dog emergency fund? In this article, I walk you through simple steps to build your own dog emergency fund.
When Should You Call Your Vet?
Call your vet if you notice these signs with your dog:
- Labored or difficult time breathing
- Immediate coughing when any pressure is put on your dog’s neck or is picked up
- Gagging and coughing (vomiting may or may not follow the gagging/coughing)
- A sound of wheezing when breathing
- Bluish tint to gums (Cyanotic), which means oxygen is low
- A persistent or harsh “honking” cough
- Fainting
Don’t assume a cough means tracheal collapse. Many conditions can cause coughing. Your vet can determine the cause for your dog.
Note: I first learned about tracheal collapse when my friend’s dog was diagnosed with the disease. The dog was a beautiful American Eskimo Dog. But he was a puller, and his owners only used a traditional collar when walking or going and about. After he was diagnosed, the vet informed his humans that they could’ve greatly reduced the chance of him getting the disease simply by using a harness. That one benefit of dog harnesses was enough for me. Especially after I saw this dog suffer and eventually cross the rainbow bridge.
Do you worry about off-leash dogs rushing you and your dog when you’re walking or hiking? In this guide, I share tips on how to handle loose dog encounters and keep you and your furry buddy safe.
What are the cost savings when using a dog harness?
We all want to be great dog parents, but sometimes we need to see the dollars to have a big kick in the backside to do it. So, here are the numbers.
| Issue | Potential Savings |
| Using a collar and your dog wiggles out and escapes and possibly gets hit by a car | $0-8,000 |
| Treating your dog with throat or tracheal collapse | $5,500+ |
| Diminished quality of life for your dog | IMMEASURABLE!!! |
| A happy dog with a great fitting harness | PRICELESS!!! |
The money-saving benefit isn’t that every harness prevents a massive veterinary bill. It’s that thoughtful prevention can reduce the chance of avoidable problems.
Want to Prevent More Unexpected Dog Expenses?
A harness is just one example of how a small preventive decision can potentially help you avoid a much bigger problem.
My guide, Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect, maps out the everyday problems and small decisions that can quietly turn into expensive dog expenses.
Related article:
- Hidden Dog Expenses: Why Good Dog Parents Spend More Than They Expect
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- Keeping A Dog Safe With Off-Leash Dogs
- Easy Dog Emergency Vet Visits Tips
- Are There Any Benefits Of Mobile Vet Services For My Dog?
- Steps To Build A New Dog Budget
FAQs About Dog Harnesses
Are dog harnesses better than collars?
For a lot of dogs, including my dog, Henry, it’s a better option. It gives better control, more even pressure distribution, reduces pulling, eases the human’s back pain, and reduces escaping.
Do dog harnesses stop dogs from pulling?
It depends on the type of harness you select. The front clip is what makes pulling stop.
Can a dog harness prevent tracheal collapse?
It may not completely eliminate the possibility of your dog getting the disease. But it certainly reduces the chances, which is good enough for me.
How should a dog harness fit?
The harness you select should fit snugly, but allow for easy movement, and prevent wiggling out of it. When in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can dogs sleep in a harness?
It’s not recommended. A harness can easily get caught on something and prevent your dog from being able to move.
Final Thoughts on the Secret Benefits of Dog Harnesses
A dog harness may seem like a small purchase, but sometimes the smallest purchases are the ones that make the biggest difference.
A properly fitted harness can reduce pressure on your dog’s neck, give you more control during walks, make escaping harder for some dogs, and provide a safer option for dogs who pull or have certain health concerns.
I love Henry’s harness!
It’s really not about spending money on a harness because you’re expecting something to go wrong. Instead, you’re investing a little money now to help prevent problems later.
That’s how I think about Henry’s harness. It’s not just another piece of dog gear. It’s one small part of keeping him safe, healthy, and happy, while hopefully avoiding some expenses later down the road.
Sometimes being a smart dog parent really is as simple as making one small decision.
