The 12 Best Dog Harnesses Auatralia: Tested & Evaluated 2023

In today’s canine world, there are two main types of dog harnesses. Both serve slightly different purposes to ultimately achieve the same result.

This means choosing a new harness for your dog or puppy can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which one is right. 

We’re here to save the day! We teamed up with a crew of independent experts and after months of research, compiled this guide. It will show you the best dog harness Australia has to offer. We’ll solve all your questions with some concrete suggestions and hands-on insights. Let’s dive in!

Australia's Best Dog Harnesses Reviewed

So where are those good quality harnesses? Together with our independent team of experts, we’ve done the research and tested out some of the most popular options. Below are some of the best harnesses you can find in Australia:

The Fur King Ultimate No Pull Dog Harness is more than a no-pull harness. It’s a multifunctional harness that will quickly become your go-to option for all sorts of outings with your furry friend. It’s simply that easy to use!

Yes, the harness does have a lead attachment on the chest area which is great for teaching your dog not to pull. But, there is also an attachment point on the back which turns this harness into a regular walking harness.

The first thing I noticed about this harness is that it is super easy to put on, thanks to the two quick-release buckles that you snap into place once the harness is on. The harness does need to go over your dog’s head, but the opening is pretty wide so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Last but not least, getting a comfy, snug fit is super easy with the Fur King Ultimate harness. Unlike some of the other harnesses on this list, all the straps are adjustable and once adjusted they stay in place. So all you need to do is adjust the harness to fit your pup’s body shape the first time you use it.

This is the cream of the crop when it comes to dog harnesses available in Australia. Here's why!

As you know, sifting through the plethora of different harness options and attempting to find the perfect one for your dog can be overwhelming. Factors to consider are breed, age, size, and activity level for your dog.

If we had to choose one harness that could fit any dog, and cover everything you need it for, it would be this one from Dog Nation.

This harness is extremely popular. It's received thousands of 5 star reviews from pet parents around the world, and the reasons for this are simple: versatility and practicality.

It is so exceptionally versatile and practical it can be used on your daily walk just as easily as hiking up a mountain. The design makes it virtually escape proof (meaning my dog couldn't slip out of the harness despite being a total escape artist!) Plus it's got no pull functionality, making it a great harness for leash training.

It's extremely comfortable and lightweight. Your dog can wear it all day and night (although we recommend taking all harnesses off at home for maximum doggy relaxation). Despite being so lightweight, the materials are strong and durable, similar to our number one choice. Moreover, the harness is completely adjustable at different points to fit all kinds of body shapes perfectly.

The harness features a scratch-resistant oxford material for the outer layer and super comfortable soft sponge padded interior. No rubbing or chafing around the front legs and no pressure on the throat.

The fabric pieces are connected by strong straps that feature nylon webbing with 3M reflective material, ensuring great visibility at night. The lead attachments at the front and the back are metal, which is always a more durable option.

Overall, we can't find much fault with the Dog Nation harness. So if you want the best of the best, give this one a go!

The  Fur King Signature Quick Fit Harness is a wonderful lightweight harness. It will work perfectly for daily walkies as well as longer outings since it’s very easy to put on and also quite comfy.

The main reason we love this harness is ease of use. To put on the Quick Fit Harness, you do need to put it over the dog’s head which some pooches don’t like. However, it’s not a tight fit like with some harnesses - it’s a very large opening that goes over the head, so our team believes most dogs shouldn’t have any problem with that. Then, all you need to do is wrap the other strap around the belly and snap it into place with a quick-release buckle.

This harness is perfect for warm weather as it doesn’t trap in heat, unlike our number two option. However, it’s also padded in all the right places (in the areas where the straps could rub against your dog’s skin, that is), so comfort is not sacrificed.

Last but not least, you can order a personalised patch with your canine companion’s name on it to go with your harness. Though this isn't strictly necessary, I couldn't resist and ordered a personalised name patch for my doggo. Hey, anything to seemingly enhance that pooch swagger!

Do you want a front clip dog harness to help your dog be calmer on the leash, but also want a back attachment available for other activities? Well, this option from Dog Nation might just be what you are looking for.

This model features a chest plate that distributes weight evenly in case your dog pulls, as well as a similar piece of fabric on the back. Both pieces are made of strong nylon Oxford fabric combined with soft padding on the inside for maximum comfort. The straps that connect the chest plate with the back piece are completely adjustable, so it’s easy to get the right fit.

Getting the harness to fit perfectly might take some fiddling around with the adjustments, but after you do it once, you are done! Next time you want to put the harness onto your canine buddy, you just need to put it over their head and snap a large buckle in place. Easy peasy!

The main selling points of this harness are the multiple lead attachments. You can use the standard attachment on the back of the harness for casual walks or jogging. However, if your canine friend needs more guidance for properly walking on the leash, the front attachment will allow you to guide them gently. If your dog tries to pull, the leash attached at the front will simply bring them back towards you. Our team of expert testers note that it's a simple system that works every time!

A front attached harness is great for training a dog not to pull, but some dogs just never stop pulling when they are overly excited, no matter how much time and love you put into training them. If your dog is heavy and large, that’s a whole different level of pulling intensity you need to contend with. Luckily the Sport No Pull Dog Harness Outdoor Adventure with Handle by True Love presents a possible solution.

The design of this harness is different than the other no-pull dog harnesses on our list. When you look at it, you’ll immediately notice that there are two main lead attachment points, one on the back and another on the chest. The stretchy mesh chest plate absorbs the movement of your dog when they're pulling. From this front piece, two straps extend under your dogs front legs and onto the back. The parts of the straps that go behind your dog's legs also feature padded sleeves so there is no discomfort caused to your dog when walking. However, if they do pull, the positioning of the straps will cause slight discomfort, thus discouraging the behaviour.

Now, this harness probably won’t stop your dog from pulling by itself. You still have to train them - there's no escaping that! However, if you have a hopeless puller on your hands, we think this harness should make it much easier to manage.

When you want to get a puppy harness for your new baby and introduce them to the big wide world, your best bet is to get a comfortable harness. That way they won’t feel it too much while wearing it. Rather than trying to prevent your puppy from escaping their harness, it’s better to find a harness they won’t want to escape from. The EzyDog Quick Fit Harness might just be the one!

The design of this harness is a bit different than most standard harnesses. There is a chest strap, a belly strap, and an additional strap leading to the lead attachment that ensures the weight is distributed more evenly if a dog pulls. Minimalistic, but functional!

Another great thing about this harness is that it’s adjustable, so it can grow with your pup. However, when you adjust it once, you won’t have to do it again - to put the harness on, you just need to snap one buckle. I noticed that the chest strap is adjusted via an easy velcro strap, but the velcro is also hidden behind a neoprene sleeve. This sleeve is extra soft and ensures that the chest strap doesn’t damage the gentle skin of a puppy!

Overall, if you are buying your puppy’s first harness, then we think this is a great option.

If your canine companion is a service dog, therapy dog, or emotional support dog, you need an appropriate harness. This vest from Excellent Elite Spanker is a great choice for service dogs, guide dogs, and working dogs alike and is one of our experts' favourite options.

So what makes it so great? Firstly, this harness is designed to be comfortable for both you and your dog. The shell of the harness is made of durable nylon, but inside it features extremely soft padding to make the harness snugly, similar to our number 7 option.

It comes with a neck strap, a belly strap, and a chest strap connecting the two. All of these are adjustable, so you’ll surely get a perfect fit. However, you should keep in mind that this vest is designed for medium and large breeds. There might not be a size small enough if your canine companion is on the smaller side. For example, my toy breed could definitely escape from this harness no problem, so it's not an option in our household.

Related: Recommended Large Dog Harnesses Australia.

On the back of the harness, you’ll find a large metal lead attachment as well as a large handle for getting hold of the dog easily. There is also a velcro strap where you can stick a patch of your choice.

The thing we love the most about this Kurgo harness is how multifunctional it is. It will work perfectly as a regular walking harness, but it's also one of the best dog car harness options our team has ever reviewed.

If you regularly take walks with your pooch that involve a car ride first, this harness will be a godsend. After all, who wants to have two harnesses - one for walking and one for the car?

The Kurgo harness is strong, well-fitted, and adjustable. It features a wide padded chest plate that always distributes the weight evenly combined with strong straps that meet on the back. It also features lead attachments both at the front and back. The ultimate flexibility.

I quickly discovered that attaching the harness to the seatbelt is simple. You get an additional loop with a carabiner with your harness. I attached this loop to the harness and then clipped the seatbelt into the carabiner. It doesn't get any easier than that!

Yes, there are many fancy harnesses available these days, but sometimes all we want is something simple that works well. That’s exactly what this step-in harness from Rogz can do for you.

This harness is simply made of interconnected adjustable straps. To put the harness on, your dog needs to step into it, and then you close a single buckle on the back. The leash is attached to two metal O-rings that are placed exactly above the buckle. Therefore, it is double-secured so you know there is no way it would accidentally come off.

Overall, this is a great harness for daily walks in all weather conditions. There are no large pieces of fabric, so you know your dog won't get too warm in the summer months. The downside to this is that, unlike the other harnesses on this list, this one is less comfortable and may irritate your dog's skin.

However, if it's raining, the harness will cope well. I especially love how there is even reflective stitching so my canine companion is more visible at night.

One caveat: you should pay attention to getting the right size and adjusting the harness to fit. If it’s not properly fitted, this harness could cause some irritation under the front legs due to the shape of the straps.

When you have a small dog or tiny dog, finding the right harness can be quite difficult. Although many harnesses boast durability, multiple lead attachments, and a variety of other features, they often tend to be too robust for the smallest of canine companions. Well, not the Puppia Soft Harness!

The whole body of this harness is made of soft and breathable polyester mesh - our team immediately noted that it looks just like a lightweight sporty shirt! The fabric gently wraps around your dog’s body.

I love that when it gets dirty, I can simply throw the harness into the washing machine. 

The shape is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the chest if your dog pulls. This is especially important for brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs or French Bulldogs. They have extra sensitive throats so wearing anything rigid in that area is not recommended. Rest assured, with this harness from Puppia, there will be no issues!

Some dogs, like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, were born to run and pull heavier weight - and they love doing it. If you are a pet parent of such a dog, trying out sports like bikejoring, skijoring, and canicross can be great fun and beneficial for both of you.

However, the standard harnesses we mention on this list are not appropriate for activities like these. It's important to get a harness designed especially for pulling weight. The Neewa Sled Pro Harness is the perfect model.

This harness consists of strong polypropylene straps with padding in all the necessary places (especially important around the neck and chest). The Neewa harness features a sleek design that should be very comfortable for any dog providing that the harness fits well. Overall, our team of experts think it’s a great choice for outdoor adventures.

How I Choose A Dog Harness

The times when dogs wore only collars are long gone. Pet parents everywhere have been recognising the benefits of harnesses - from increased safety and easier training, to the many special features a harness can offer (1). But how do you know which harness is right for your doggo? These are some things to consider:

Types of Harnesses

When it comes to dog harnesses, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are two kinds of harnesses you need to know about: H-shaped harnesses and step-in harnesses.

H-Shaped Harnesses

H-shaped harnesses are the most common. To put it on, you slide the harness over your dog’s head and it wraps around their body. Usually, there is a wide chest panel, two or more straps, and an optional panel made of fabric on the back. There is a wide variety of designs but most will follow that structure.

Step-in Harnesses

Step-in harnesses are designed differently. To put this type of harness on a dog, you place it on the floor and the dog needs to step into the designated areas. After this, you just need to connect the two parts of the harness on the back. Step-in types are great harnesses for smaller breeds, as it’s easier to put them on. I know this first hand, as a step-in harness is what I use to suit up my toy poodle before our morning walk.

Step-in harnesses and H-shaped harnesses work in a similar way. Both are reasonably easy to put on if the harness is well-made. The style that will fit better will depend on the individual dog.

Besides these two basic types, there are many specialty harnesses available. For example, tactical harnesses are a great choice for outdoor activities. These harnesses are designed to be worn for longer periods and come with a variety of options for attaching light equipment you may need to carry for the activity. Service dog vests, on the other hand, are suitable for all kinds of working dogs. Finally, there are special harnesses designed for dogs who participate in activities that involve pulling - like sledding, canicross, or skijoring.

Lead Attachment Points

Dog harnesses can have one or multiple lead attachment points. The most common place to attach the lead is located somewhere around the middle of the dog’s back. This is known as a called a back-clip harness or back-attached harness.

The other option is having the attachment on the front. This is known as a front-clip harness or front attached harness.

The kind of attachment is right will highly depend on the breed and temperament of your dog, but some harnesses do come with both. If in doubt, go for one of the harnesses with both attachments so you can experiment. You won't know until you try!

My Final Verdict

The best harness for your dog will depend on their size, breed and lifestyle! If it’s their first harness, don’t worry! You might need to try out a couple of harnesses before you settle on the right one.

However, as a universal solution, our pro team recommends the Dog Nation Reflective No-Pull Dog Harness. This harness simply comes with everything a harness should have, and fits dogs of all shapes and sizes. On the other hand, if you need a harness specifically to prevent pulling behaviour, then they think that Dog Nation No-Pull Harness might be ideal for you.

In any case, we hope this guide has helped you!

References

1. Hohenhaus, A. August 5, 2011. “Collars vs Harnesses”. WebMD. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://blogs.webmd.com/from-our-archives/20110805/collars-vs-harnesses
2. McCarthy, C. “Surprising Dog Harness Dangers to Avoid”. PetMD. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/surprising-dog-harness-dangers-avoid