The Dog Harness Guide: Choosing the right fit for Your dog

Somewhere between choosing the right size and deciding on a style and colour, you'll probably find yourself wondering: which harness is right for my dog?

There are plenty of options: padded harnesses, step-in harnesses and lightweight strap harnesses... even so-called “tactical” harnesses.🙈 Each has its strengths, and each can suit different dogs. The good news? There's no single "best" choice. Only the one that's right for your dog.

So, what actually matters? Let’s break it down.

Why does harness shape matter? 
Many trainers and canine physiotherapists recommend a Y-shaped dog harness because of the way it’s designed: the two straps meet at the sternum to form a "Y" on the chest.  The Y shape design allows your dog's shoulders to move naturally while helping to distribute pressure across the chest instead of the delicate structures of the neck.

Side note: A Y-harness is also sometimes called an H-harness because it looks like an “H” from the top.

Pic: Top (left) and front view of a Y-shaped dog harness, designed for comfort, safety and freedom of movement.

A step-in harness, when laid flat on the ground, looks like a diamond shape with two horizontal straps on the left and right. Viewed from the side, a step-in harness forms an inverted V and fastens high on the back, near the shoulder blades. They're popular because they're quick to put on, but they restrict natural shoulder movement and can chafe behind the front legs on some dogs.

It's also worth thinking about security.  Some dogs can learn to back out of a step-in harness by pulling backwards and slipping it over their head, particularly if the harness isn't fitted correctly.

How should a dog harness fit?
    • The straps should not be too tight. Aim for two finger widths beneath every strap. 
    • The belly strap should sit at least 2 finger widths away from the armpit, where the front legs connect to their shoulder 
    • If padded, the padded part shouldn’t sit right up against your dog’s legs as this will lead to chafing or be too bulky around the neck.
    • The "Y" should sit neatly in the centre of your dog's chest. 
    • Your dog should be able to walk, run and sit comfortably without widening their gait

Need help choosing a size? Read our sizing guide

Can a dog harness stop pulling?
Here’s the thing: on its own, no harness in the world can teach your dog to walk politely on a loose lead. (If only!)

A harness isn't a shortcut to perfect lead manners. It's a tool that makes walks safer and more comfortable while you work on them together. The real magic lies in pairing the right harness with patient, reward-based training... and maybe a pocketful of treats. (We've never met a dog who objected!)

Strap vs padded
Both have their place.

A padded harness can offer a little extra cushioning, particularly for dogs that pull on the lead. In warmer weather, though, it's worth remembering that extra padding also traps more heat. A lightweight strap harness, on the other hand, stays cooler in warm weather, dries quickly after wet adventures.

Neither is inherently better. The right choice depends on your dog, your climate and the adventures you have together.

Should my dog wear a collar or harness?
Both have their place.

A flat collar is essential for carrying your dog's ID tag. But when it comes to walking, a harness is often the best choice because it spreads pressure across the chest rather than concentrating it on the neck.

This is especially important for dogs that pull, brachycephalic breeds that are prone to breathing issues (ie. dogs with shorter noses like Frenchies or Pugs) or those who simply get excited the moment they see something interesting.

That doesn't mean collars are "bad" - they're simply designed for a different job.

Why we designed our harnesses this way
When we set out to design our harnesses, we kept coming back to one simple idea: dogs were built to move.

That's why we chose a Y-shaped design that gives your dog's shoulders room to move naturally, paired with lightweight webbing that stays cool, dries quickly and is easy to clean after every adventure. With less bulk, there's less heat, less loose hair clinging to the harness and far less chance of bringing half the beach or park home with you.

Simple, practical and designed for the kind of dogs who never seem to run out of energy.

So, which dog harness is best?
At the end of the day, the best harness is the one that your dog barely notices they’re wearing. It lets them chase every tennis ball and investigate every suspiciously exciting puddle, while giving you the confidence that they're comfortable and secure.

Like the best relationships, a good harness offers support without ever holding them back.

Ready to find the right fit?
Whether your dog is a beach explorer, neighbourhood sniffer or professional puddle investigator, there's a harness designed to move with them.

Explore our collection of lightweight Y-shaped dog harnesses →