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CNN
2 days ago
- General
- CNN
The best dog harnesses in 2025, tried and tested
The best dog harnesses we tested Best dog harness: Non-Stop Dogwear Line Harness 5.0 Best harness for big dogs: Ruffwear Flagline Harness Best harness for smaller dogs: Ruffwear Front Range Harness Best budget dog harness: PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort Harness The best dog harnesses can help distribute force across your pup's chest and body, help manage pulling and keep them looking stylish. But with so many types of dogs and even more types of harnesses, how can you know which harness you should get? There's no need to worry, because I enlisted my dogs (and their doggy friends) to try on 10 of the best harnesses available. Together, the dogs and I tested for fit, ease of use, support and more. After an absurd amount of walks and an even more absurd amount of dog treats, here are the four harnesses we recommend. Non-Stop Dogwear Line Harness 5.0 Allowing the best range of motion and offering the largest number of sizes, the Non-Stop Dogwear Line Harness 5.0 is a clear winner. Ruffwear Flagline Harness For bigger or longer dogs with odd proportions, the added adjustability of the Flagline means it can fit almost any dog. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness This padded and super-comfortable harness is great for smaller dogs because of its short length. PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort No-Pull Harness If you want to save a few bucks, I also loved the adjustable fit and supportive padding of this PetSafe harness. While some dog harnesses are better for certain breeds and body types, if I could recommend one harness for any dog, it would be the Non-Stop Dogwear Line Harness 5.0. The reasons are quite simple, too. It has a versatile design that fits dogs like a dream, a huge sizing selection so you can buy a harness that actually fits the first time, an easy-to-put-on build and padded straps that keep your pup comfortable and supported. Fit was the hardest thing to judge when I started testing these harnesses. Since dogs have all sorts of body types, a harness that fits well on a long dachshund probably won't work for a French bulldog. However, the Line Harness looked great on every dog we tried. This is due to its smart and spacious design that uses minimal material, so your dog's movement is never restricted. My dogs, Miso and Dashi, are both very long but have deep chests, which means they're extra susceptible to harnesses being too short. When harnesses don't fit, the straps can rub on a dog's armpit, limiting shoulder mobility and possibly causing irritation. This is obviously a bad thing, so I made sure to look at how much armpit clearance each harness offered. The option with the best clearance? The Non-Stop Dogwear Line. When I put the harnesses on both my dogs, there was no rubbing, and they could move freely without any restrictions. My only issue with the fit is that the neck openings aren't adjustable. If your dog has an extra-blocky head, it may be difficult to put the harness on, even if it fits perfectly on their chest. Plus, thanks to the 10 sizes the Line Harness is available in, it's easy to find the right one. This harness isn't as adjustable as others I tested, so it's important to accurately measure (and re-measure) your dog to ensure you get the right size. It's no surprise this harness is designed so well, since Non-Stop specializes in harnesses for dog sports like skijoring and canicross. Beyond its fit that keeps movement unrestricted, the Line Harness 5.0 is built incredibly well. It has three places to attach a dog leash (only two for sizes 0 to 2), including a front clip to help dissuade pullers. The padding is thin but comfortable, and it also has reflective trim so you can easily see your dog at night. Plus, I've had one I've been testing for nearly a year now, and it's still in great condition. Non-Stop also offers a version of the Line Harness with a handle, but it's more for added control over your dog, not for picking them up. Hikers or owners of older dogs who might want to give their buddy a boost should keep reading, as some of our other winners might be better suited. Most dogs — and owners — will love the Non-Stop Dogwear Line Harness 5.0. With such a wide range of sizes, you can easily find the right fit, which is the most important feature of a dog harness. And when you take into account all the well-built details and its durable design, there aren't many reasons not to buy this one. As mentioned above, fit is the critical piece to finding the right harness for your dog. Because of that, I made sure to include picks that can accommodate body sizes that might not fit in the Non-Stop. To that end, if you have a dog that's long and lanky, you'll want to check out the Ruffwear Flagline. The Flagline has more clips and can be a little more annoying to put on than other harnesses I tested, but what you get is an unrivaled amount of adjustability and support for longer dogs. No harness I tested extended as far down my dogs' backs as the Flagline, which makes it perfect for breeds like border collies, rough collies, greyhounds and more. When I put most other harnesses on my lanky dogs, they would look comically small on their backs. Not so with the Flagline. The elongated design of the Flagline means your oddly proportioned pup will have more shoulder clearance and feel more supported. The six adjustment points, tied for the most of any harness I tested, mean you can accurately dial in the fit if your dog has odd body measurements. Plus, the handle is positioned far back on the harness instead of right behind the neck, which means your pup will be better supported if you need to give them a boost. If you're picking up your pup occasionally on hikes or when they're getting into the car, this handle will suffice. However, if you need to pick up your dog more often, check out the Ruffwear Web Master, which has more padding and support to keep your dog comfortable while being lifted. The details of the Ruffwear Flagline aren't lacking either. There are two leash attachments on the back and one on the chest to help manage pullers, and it comes with reflective trim (I do wish there were more of it, though). There's even a tiny pocket to stash a poop bag or their dog tags so they don't jingle down the trail. If you have a long dog or want a harness that's better equipped for hiking, the Ruffwear Flagline should be your pick. It's sleek but supportive, actually fits longer dogs thanks to its superior adjustability and comes in cute colors too. On the other end of the spectrum, small dogs with boxier shapes who don't need a long harness will love the Ruffwear Front Range. It's a low-profile, padded harness that's perfect for daily walks and small adventures. While the Front Range was too short for my lanky dogs, it fit smaller dogs perfectly. Dogs with boxier shapes had plenty of armpit clearance, and the minimal padding strikes a good balance of comfort and weight, especially for small dogs who might get tired wearing a heavier harness. Like the Flagline, the details on the Front Range are excellent. Sturdy-feeling buckles, reflective trim, a secret pocket and two attachment points make this a surprisingly feature-filled harness. Plus, it only has two clips, which means it's faster to put on than the Flagline (but has less adjustability). One thing this harness is missing is a handle, but since it'll probably be on smaller dogs, that isn't as big a deal. The Front Range comes in five sizes from XXS to L/XL, and the sizing felt slightly on the smaller side. If your dog is between sizes, I'd recommend choosing the larger option. Although you can only adjust the neck opening and the two chest straps, each has a wide range of adjustability to help you dial in the perfect fit. If your dog is extra tiny and doesn't fit in the recommended sizes for the Front Range, I'd recommend checking out the Ruffwear Hi & Light, which is essentially a trimmed-down version of the Flagline that comes in an XXXS. For small, boxy dogs who want a lightweight yet padded and comfortable harness, the Front Range is a no-brainer. It's durable and easy to clean, too, making it a solid all-around pick. If you're looking to save a few bucks, the best budget harness I tested was easily the PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort Harness. Its adjustable fit has a better chance of fitting longer dogs, and it has good shoulder mobility, plenty of padding and a price tag of only around $35. What helped make the PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort stand out was its surprisingly decent fit. Most low-cost harnesses I tried had wonky sizing that didn't fit my dogs (and I made sure to measure them to order the right size) or would ride up into my dogs' armpits. The Easy Walk, on the other hand, had more room in the shoulder areas than others. This PetSafe harness has an adjustable length on the bottom, and while that feature was found on other budget harnesses I tested, this one fit my pups much better. The top isn't adjustable besides the neck opening, so it still looked a bit short on them, but not as comically short as other harnesses I tested. I also liked the feel of the padding on the Easy Walk. One of the other harnesses I tested, the Blue-9 Balance, actually had a better fit than the Easy Walk thanks to its adjustable top and bottom, but it had zero padding and fell out of contention because of it. Another design element I appreciated was that the leash attachment is at the very back of the Easy Walk harness. That means when my dog pulled into the harness, the weight was more evenly spread out. If a leash attachment is at the front of a harness, you might as well be walking them on a collar. The materials feel reasonably well-built and durable, and while the harness doesn't feel as sturdy as the Ruffwear options, it still feels solid, especially when you consider the price tag. The one thing I don't love about this harness, though, is its handle. It's big and easy to grip, but the harness was too short on my dogs to safely use the handle to pick them up. Since the handle is near the front of the harness, I'd be picking them up at their shoulders, which would force their spine into an awkward position. You can use it to hold your dog and gain more control, but if you want to pick them up, I'd recommend the Flagline or Web Master from Ruffwear. With a solid fit, ample padding and a price tag below $40, the PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort is a great option for dog owners on a budget. It won't fit longer dogs as well as the Flagline, and it doesn't give your dog the same freedom of movement as the Non-Stop, but for daily walks and trips to the park, this harness fits the bill. I put every harness on my two dogs and tested for fit, support, ease of use and more. I also enlisted the help of some doggy friends with different body types to see how certain harnesses fit. Usability Ease of use: I put each harness on my dogs, judging how difficult the process was. Performance on different coat types: I put each harness on Miso, a short-coated border collie mix, and Dashi, a long-coated rough collie, and paid attention to how each interacted with their coats. Fit and sizing Brand-recommended sizing: I took my dogs' measurements and ordered the harnesses according to the brands' size charts. I took note of how they fit once I put them on my dogs. Fit and pulling test: I let my dogs pull at the end of the leash while wearing each harness to see how secure it was. I observed how well the harness supported the dogs as they pulled and if it moved around at all. Shoulder mobility test: I observed the dogs as they walked and ran while wearing each harness, noting their shoulder mobility and any rubbing. Size options: I counted how many sizes each harness comes in. Exchange policy: In the event you order the wrong size, I researched each brand's exchange and return policy. Design and durability Build quality: I thoroughly examined each harness, pulled on straps, squeezed clips and pressed on padding. I took note of how durable each harness felt. Portability: I folded down each harness to see how easily they could be packed for a trip. Number of adjustment points: There are two ways of thinking about fitting a harness. Brands could offer several sizes with fewer adjustments, or fewer sizes with more adjustability. I tried to balance both in my picks and took into account the number of sizes and the number of adjustment points while testing. Number of connection points: I counted how many places you could attach a leash on each harness and judged their quality. Extra features Extra features: I took note of any extras on the harness, such as an ID tag pocket, handle, reflective trim and more. To ensure you buy the right harness the first time, I consulted with dog trainers to determine what you should look for and why you might need a harness in the first place. 'Harnesses are great for keeping pressure off of a dog's neck and having a more thorough connection with their body,' said Matt Mason, animal trainer at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. That means they're easier on your dog's body than collars when going on walks. This is particularly important for all dogs, but even more crucial for those that pull or engage in more challenging activities, such as hiking. Here's what to think about when shopping for a harness, according to Kirsten Belinsky, certified dog trainer and founder of Canine Athletics Training Center. 'Shoppers should look for something that allows for freedom of movement, durability, ease of attachment points and how easy it is to put on the dog,' Belinsky said. When it comes to fit, Belinsky said to ensure the harness doesn't restrict movement or touch your dog's shoulder blades or armpits. 'A well-fitted harness should strike a balance between comfort and safety,' Mason said. 'Straps should rest on solid areas like bone and not cut into organs or 'squishy' parts of the dog. Keep straps out of joints or other crevices where chafing is likely to occur. Watch your dog walk, trot and run both with and without the harness. There should be no noticeable differences in your dog's gait while wearing their harness.' To ensure a good fit, it's important to measure your dog. Most harnesses need the girth of your dog and the circumference of their neck. If you don't have a soft tape measure, you can wrap a leash around your dog, mark the spot where the leash overlaps, then measure the length on the leash. Most brands have some tips on how to best measure your dog. But just in case the harness doesn't fit the first time, it's a good idea to research each brand's return and exchange policies in case you need to swap sizes. 'The general rule of thumb is dog equipment should be snug enough that you can only fit two fingers beneath each strap,' Mason said. 'Depending on your dog's coat length or individual build, you may want to go a little bit tighter for safety. It is important to tug on individual straps and assess if your dog would easily be able to escape the harness.' While fit is the most important factor, other details like durability and ease of use matter a lot too. If a harness is too hard to put on, you won't use it. And if the leash attachment pops off the first time your dog pulls hard, your harness is useless. You might not want to spend the extra money on a higher-quality harness, but your money will last longer when it lasts for years instead of months. Another factor Mason said to consider is material. 'If you find yourself on night walks, using reflective harnesses (or attaching reflective/glowing material to an existing harness) is a must,' Mason said. 'If you end up in the water with your dog, waterproof materials are available. Make sure to read up on the cleaning requirements and durability of each material to make sure it fits your lifestyle.' Ruffwear Hi & Light Lightweight Dog Harness This harness is essentially the front half of the Flagline. It was too short for my dogs, but it comes in XXXS, so it could be a good option for toy breeds. This harness has a very similar construction to the Flagline in that it's light, but it's much shorter. It doesn't have as many clips, which means less adjustability. However, it does come in a smaller size than the Front Range, so if your dog is too small for that padded harness, this is a great alternative. Blue-9 Balance No-Pull Dog Harness I loved the adjustability of this harness, but its straps can easily get tangled and don't offer much support. The adjustability of the Blue-9 harness was my favorite during testing. You can tweak the neck opening, girth, bottom length and the top length, which gave it one of the best fits out of any harness I tried. However, there's zero padding, and the harness is mainly a series of nylon straps, which don't offer much support. I also found that when all the straps are unclipped, they can get tangled, which makes putting them on harder than other harnesses I tested. Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness With Handle This harness has too much padding for most and made my rough collie a bit too hot on a summer day. However, all that extra padding and support mean it's the best option I tested for lifting your dog. This big harness is built to make lifting your dog as easy as possible. It's got a huge, well-positioned grab handle, four clips that go under your dog's chest and tons of padding. It's the perfect option for search and rescue dogs, service dogs or other canines that might have to be lifted a lot. But for everyday walks, it's a bit too bulky and hot. PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness This harness is similar to the Blue-9 above in that it doesn't have great support, but it also offers less adjustability. With a similar design to the Blue-9, this barebones harness has decent adjustability. However, the top length can't be changed, which made it slightly worse than the Balance harness in my rankings. PetSafe EasySport Dog Harness This harness doesn't have an adjustable neck, and the sizing felt a bit off to me. It was smaller than I expected, and I wish there were more size options since it isn't as adjustable as others. The sizing on this harness felt small, and its neck opening isn't adjustable. This wouldn't be a huge deal if it offered more sizes (like the Non-Stop), but since it only comes in four sizes, it will probably be harder to find one that fits perfectly. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness The fit for this harness felt off, and it was super short on my dogs, which looked awkward to me and couldn't have been comfortable for them. The sizing on this harness also felt off, and since it was so short, it rubbed in my dogs' armpits. It's cheap, but it doesn't have any adjustability on the top or bottom, and it has minimal padding. I think the PetSafe Easy Walk is a much better harness for about the same price. The following FAQs were answered by certified dog trainer Kirsten Belinsky and animal trainer Matt Mason. What is the best way to put on a dog harness? What is the best way to put on a dog harness? 'Whenever you introduce a new piece of equipment to a dog, make it a slow and positive experience,' Mason said. 'Harnesses with many clips can be taken apart and introduced to the dog strap-by-strap. If your harness has to be put over the dog's head like a T-shirt, practice holding the harness up a few feet away from the dog's head and passing treats through the hole where their head will go. As your dog gets comfortable with the process, gradually get closer to the dog and have the treat closer to the harness opening so the dog has to investigate the inside of the harness.' What method is the best to measure your dog for a dog harness? What method is the best to measure your dog for a dog harness? 'Most reputable harness brands provide sizing guides that will require you to take physical measurements of your dog,' Mason said. 'Using a tailor's tape or a piece of string and a ruler will do the job.' 'Always make sure to check the manufacturer recommendations,' Belinsky said. 'Usually, the two things you'll measure are the circumference of your dog's neck and the circumference of your dog's chest at the widest point.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Kirsten Belinsky, certified dog trainer and founder of Canine Athletics Training Center Matt Mason, animal trainer at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test all the products we cover and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors with several years of testing experience who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to ensure we are testing each product accurately and discussing each item's pros and cons. For this article, pet editor Kai Burkhardt put all 10 harnesses on his dogs. He ran each harness through a series of tests to assess comfort, support, ease of use, mobility and more.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The 6 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested And Approved By Our Own Pups
When you're picking out something your dog will wear nearly every day, comfort and safety are just as important as convenience. The best dog harnesses provide all three: They're durable enough for daily use, fit comfortably and make walks smoother and safer for pups of all sizes. After testing more than a dozen options with our own dogs and gathering advice from experienced dog trainers, we chose the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness as our top pick overall: It's lightweight, with soft padding around the neck, and easy to put on and take off. What's more, it includes helpful extras like an ID pocket, as well as front and back leash attachment points. The best dog harnesses come highly recommended by experts from brands like Ruffwear, Wilderdog, and ... More more. One thing to keep in mind is that harnesses aren't usually the best solution if your dog pulls. Our experts emphasized that harnesses aren't designed to fix this habit—and in some cases, they can even encourage it. Instead, they're best suited for dogs who already walk nicely on leash and might benefit from something more comfortable or secure than a standard collar. 'Unlike collars, harnesses distribute force evenly across the body, making them safer and more supportive, especially for puppies, senior dogs or breeds prone to throat sensitivities,' says professional dog trainer Robin Bennett. Of course, every dog is unique: Smaller pups often prefer something less bulky, such as the Puppia Soft Dog Harness, while larger breeds might do better with a sturdier option like the Two Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness. Ahead, you'll find our tested picks for the best dog harnesses, with expert tips to help you find the right fit. Chewy Materials: Polyester, aluminum | Sizes: XXS to XL Best for: Skip if: We tested Ruffwear's Front Range harness daily over two weeks with two dogs who typically fall awkwardly between standard harness sizes. With both pups, finding a secure and comfortable fit has always been tricky—but the adjustable sizing of the Front Range quickly solved this issue. While the straps were slightly confusing at first, as they're partially hidden beneath padding (which helps with comfort), Ruffwear provides detailed and easy-to-follow instructional videos online. Once adjusted, we found that the same size harness comfortably fit both dogs, despite being 10 pounds apart in size. They appeared comfortable wearing it for extended periods, even in warmer weather, plus the harness stayed in place without rubbing or shifting when using the back leash attachment. (When we used the front attachment, the harness itself shifted slightly under leash tension, so it might not be the best pick if you're looking for a harness to help guide your dog.) The Ruffwear Front Range harness fit securely and comfortably. The Front Range harness comes in several attractive colors, and cleaning it was easier than we expected. Although the label suggests hand-washing only, we machine-washed it on a delicate cycle (in a garment bag) and air-dried it, and it came out looking great. Getting the harness on and off was a cinch, too. It has four buckles, so it doesn't have to slide over your dog's head if that's stressful for them; you can simply unclip the whole harness and fasten it from underneath instead. One minor issue we noticed: The leash attachment rings are small and narrow, making it tricky to attach leashes with large carabiner clips. Standard leash clips worked perfectly, though. The buckles are durable and easy to use, but the D-ring attachment is smaller than some. What our experts say: Trainer Leigh Siegfried recommends harnesses that let dogs move naturally without causing rubbing or discomfort. She specifically mentioned Ruffwear, noting the brand has 'a lot of nice products,' which matches our experience testing the Front Range harness: It didn't restrict our dogs' movement, and it stayed comfortable even on longer walks. Chewy Material: Polyester mesh | Sizes: XS to XL Best for: Skip if: If you have a smaller breed, consider the Puppia Soft Dog Harness, which we tested on a 7-pound toy poodle mix who wore it on walks and lounged in it around the house. Once we had the right size (he ended up needing a small, even though his measurements suggested X-small), the harness felt secure and seemed comfortable. The mesh is soft, breathable and lightweight; our tester pup comfortably napped in it for hours without seeming to notice he was still wearing it. While we found the harness easy to get on and off and adjust at the chest, the neck opening isn't adjustable, which can make it tricky to fit dogs with larger heads or unusual proportions. It's also worth noting that you have to slip this harness over your dog's head to get it on, so make sure your pup is okay with that. But for most smaller dogs, this is harness we recommend first, thanks its strong performance during testing. We also like that it comes in more than a dozen colors and patterns, plus it's machine-washable and air dries quickly. What our experts say: 'For small dogs, lightweight materials and slim profiles are best,' says Bennett. 'Overly padded or rigid harnesses can feel heavy and awkward for tiny frames.' The soft mesh and simple design of this one made it a comfortable everyday option for our toy-breed tester. Amazon Materials: Nylon, stainless steel, velvet lining | Sizes: XS to XL (for dogs 14 to 250-plus pounds) Best for: Skip if: Two Hounds Design's Freedom harness is one of the few that fits extra-small and extra-large breeds alike, but it's clearly designed with larger ones in mind. To test it out, we used it on two dogs under 60 pounds who aren't especially big but are strong and broad-chested. While no harness will magically fix pulling, this one noticeably reduced the sudden tugs and occasional choking that sometimes happen when a squirrel or another dog catches our pups' attention. Like our top pick overall, the Freedom harness has two attachment points: one on the chest and one on the back. When one of our dogs lunged to the side mid-walk while clipped to the front ring, the harness stayed in place and didn't twist to the side, like many do. This made it feel like we had a lot more control without having to constantly readjust, which is important when dealing with bigger dogs. Two Hounds also sells a Double Connection Leash separately, so you can clip onto both points at the same time if you want even more security during walks. Additionally, we really liked the velvet-lined chest strap, which felt softer and gentler against our dogs' fur than typical nylon straps that sometimes cause chafing. Putting the harness on was quick and simple, too. While you do have to put it over your dog's head, buckles on both sides make it easy to fasten without lifting or adjusting their our experts say: 'This harness has two connection points for better steering, four points of adjustment for a snug fit and a Martingale loop on the back that helps provide gentle, no-pull guidance,' says Susan Nilson, a certified pet behavior specialist whose favorite harness is the Freedom. She adds that a harness like this 'provides better control and is harder for a fearful or reactive dog to back out of if startled.' Amazon Material: Polyester mesh | Sizes: XXXS to XL Best for: Skip if: This step-in harness is a great option for small to medium dogs who won't tolerate anything being pulled over their heads. Instead of slipping it on from above, your dog steps through two leg holes, and the harness wraps around their body and fastens at the back. Just keep in mind that this setup only works well if your dog is either small enough to carry or comfortable stepping in on their own. (We tested the harness on a 7-pound pup who was easy to lift into place.) The main material is polyester mesh that's soft and flexible, and there's no hardware or anything stiff in areas that touch the dog's body. Instead, it's held in place with a Velcro strap and plastic buckle, and once it's fastened, it feels lightweight but secure. It's worth noting that there's very little adjustability, especially around the neck and leg openings. In addition, while the brand offers sizes up to XL, the sizing runs small and doesn't have the same dimensions as our other picks. To get the right fit, just make sure to measure your dog carefully beforehand. What our experts say: 'Step-in harnesses can be very convenient,' says Bennett. 'Some dogs don't like gear that goes over the head.' She notes that step-in harnesses are best for calmer walks and dogs who don't need a high degree of control. That makes this style a good fit for smaller dogs who are easy to lift or don't mind stepping into their gear. Amazon Materials: Lightweight mesh, e-coated iron hardware | Sizes: S to L Best for: Skip if: I've owned this harness since my older dog was a puppy, so we've used it on dozens of hikes through muddy trails, deep snow and humid summer weather over the past four years. One of my favorite details is the narrower chest piece, which sits further away from the armpits than other harnesses I've tried; this prevents it from chafing or rubbing, even on hours-long treks. It's also very lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, which you might appreciate if your dog jumps into a creek or lake at the end of your trek. The Wilderdog harness has a more narrow chest strap that helps prevent chafing under the armpits. The harness is easy to adjust, so it fit my pup comfortably even when she was at the smaller end of her size. It also has a large D-ring on the back, which is perfect for quickly clipping in a secure carabiner leash. (I pair it with Wilderdog's Big Carabiner Leash, which Forbes Vetted named one of the best dog leashes of 2025.) In addition, there's a handle on top, which is helpful for giving your dog a boost over rough terrain or holding them close on busy trails. Cleaning it after muddy adventures is simple, too: I toss it in the wash on a delicate cycle, then let it air dry and it's good to go again. These days, both my dogs wear this harness, and I regularly recommend it to friends who hike with their pups. A large D-ring on the back makes it easy to clip to a carabiner leash. What our experts say: Trainer Shannon Walker emphasizes that when dogs are wearing a harness for long stretches (like on a hike), two things matter most: "Comfort, comfort, comfort and fit." The Foggy Dog Materials: Polyester webbing, brass and zinc alloy hardware | Sizes: XS to L Best for: Skip if: If you're seeking a genuinely good-looking harness, this is the one. Like the Foggy Dog leash we chose as our favorite luxury dog leash, this harness comes in patterns and colors that don't look like typical pet gear, with tasteful gold hardware and thoughtful design touches. But style doesn't mean sacrificing quality: We tested it on a medium-sized, 40-pound dog, and it fit comfortably and securely, with easy-to-adjust straps and sturdy buckles. The harness also has convenient leash attachments on the front and back, which gives you some flexibility depending on how your dog walks. While it's definitely durable enough for daily use, we wouldn't recommend this harness if your pup is a big puller or regularly rolls around in the grass. Instead, it's perfect for calmer dogs or city walks—basically, any scenario where looking good matters as much as comfort and functionality. And just a heads-up: This harness will probably get your dog noticed (or photographed). During testing, we were stopped more than once by people asking where we bought the cute pattern. What our experts say: 'Back-clip styles are great for dogs who already walk well or for casual strolls,' says Bennett. This one fits that exact purpose, with a little more style than your average harness. The Forbes Vetted home team has tested hundreds of pet products, the best self-cleaning litter boxes to the best wireless dog fences, to help readers find reliable gear that suits their pets' (and their own) needs and lifestyle. Every recommendation in this guide is based on extensive hands-on testing, real-world insights and expert advice from trusted dog trainers and pet behaviorists. To find the best dog harnesses, we combined hands-on testing, expert recommendations and detailed product research to identify the best options for most pets. If you're thinking about swapping out your old harness for a new one or making the switch from a collar, here's what to keep in mind as you shop. The most important thing to consider is how the harness fits your dog's body. If it's too loose, your dog can slip out; too tight, and it can rub or restrict movement. And eyeballing it isn't enough—you need measure your dog around the chest and ribcage, and don't forget the neck if that part isn't adjustable. 'A properly fitting harness should lie flat against the dog's body and allow for two fingers under each strap,' says Bennett. It's important to watch for signs of discomfort with a new harness, like rubbing near the armpits or hesitation during gear-up time. She also recommends finding a harness with multiple adjustment points to get a secure, body-specific fit, especially since 'dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from narrow-chested sighthounds to broad-shouldered bulldogs.' A good harness should feel secure but still let your dog move naturally and comfortably on walks. You don't need tactical-grade materials, but the hardware shouldn't bend and the straps shouldn't fray after a few walks. Walker recommends choosing a harness 'professionally made for the power and shape of your particular dog.' Reinforced stitching, rust-proof rings and durable webbing go a long way, especially for strong dogs or daily use. And while you can't expect a fashionable harness to survive tough hiking trails, any option you buy should hold up to regular wear without slipping, stretching or falling apart in the wash. Even the best-fitting harness won't get used if it's a pain to put on. Siegfried recommends designs that don't overcomplicate things. 'I have watched many dog owners struggle with a complicated harness design,' she says, especially with squirmy or anxious dogs. Look for buckles that open and close easily and a setup that doesn't require threading your dog's legs through stiff loops. Whether it slips over the head or your dog steps in, the goal is the same: getting it on and off with as little stress as possible, for both of you.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Yahoo
Thief stole a SLO County woman's car — and her dog with it. Have you seen Annie?
A Cambria woman is hoping for her dog's safe return after she was stolen — along with her car — Friday afternoon. Valentina Nuciforo, a Cambria resident of 20 years, told The Tribune she drove her son's 2009 Black Honda CRV and parked at 2579 Main St. in Cambria around noon. Her dog Annie, a 12-year-old female Samoyed, was inside the vehicle. The Honda CRV's license plate is 6GDP242, Nuciforo said. Annie, who weighs about 50 pounds, does not have a collar or microchip. Nuciforo parked the car in a shaded spot in the parking lot near the ambulance center and rolled the windows down for the dog. She said she dropped the keys on the floor of the vehicle because she was just quickly grabbing a coffee and spices. About 30 to 40 minutes later, Nuciforo said she returned to where she parked, only the car — and Annie — were missing. 'I thought I was imagining things,' Nuciforo said. 'I've never had a car stolen before, in town nonetheless. In our little town. Things don't happen like that, but I guess they do.' She immediately called the CHP, which responded and dispatched multiple units, including air units, to look for the vehicle, according to CHP spokesperson Ryan Armstrong. Armstrong said the CHP has been unable to locate the vehicle, but said anyone who thinks they've seen it should report it to 911. Nuciforo said she and her family rescued Annie from a San Diego rescue that helps rehome stray dogs found in Tijuana, Mexico, when the dog was just a year old. Now, 11 years later, Annie remained a beloved member of the family who loves people. 'If they took her, she probably licked them and thought, 'This is fun, where are we going?'' Nuciforo said. Nuciforo said she cares more about Annie's safe return than the car and hopes that whoever stole her car at least returns Annie. She said she is worried for Annie to be alone in the streets with potential to be hit by a car. 'I hope to get her back. That's what I hope for,' Nuciforo said. 'I'm fearful they took the car and than maybe they just decided, 'Oh, she's a friendly dog, we'll just take her, too.' Annie is all white with charcoal smoky rings around her brown eyes. She was wearing a purple Ruffwear harness at the time of the vehicle theft. Nuciforo said Annie will respond to her name when called.
