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

Walk into any pet store (or spend five minutes online) and suddenly you’re comparing padded harnesses, step-ins, H/Y type harnesses... even so-called "tactical" harnesses. (Unless your Labrador is planning a military operation, you can probably ignore those)

Every harness style has its strengths, and each can suit different dogs. The good news? (or maybe not if you’re hoping for an easy answer) There's no single "best" choice. Only the one that's right for your dog.

So, which harness is right for your dog? Let’s break it down.

HARNESS SHAPE
Why does harness shape matter? Three words: Comfort. Natural movement.

Let's look at two popular shapes:

Y-shape dog harness
Ask a dog trainer or canine physiotherapist and they’ll probably point you towards 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 straps sit clear of the shoulder joints which allows the shoulders to move naturally while helping to distribute pressure across the chest instead of the delicate neck tissue.

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.

Step-in dog harness
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 that natural shoulder movement and can chafe behind the front legs.

Another thing to think about is 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.

HARNESS FIT
Use this quick guide to determine whether your dog's harness is fitted correctly:

    • 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?
Gosh, if only! On its own, no harness in the world can teach your dog to walk politely on a loose lead.

If pulling is becoming a habit, we always recommend finding a good force-free dog trainer.

STRAP VS PADDED HARNESSES
If your dog puts their whole heart (and body weight) into every walk, a padded harness can offer a little more cushioning. 

In warmer weather, though, 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.

COLLAR OR HARNESS?
Collars aren’t "bad" or “wrong” - they're simply designed for a different job. Your dog will spend most of their life wearing their collar, because that’s where their ID tag lives.

But when it comes to walking, a harness is, in our view, 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.

OUR HARNESSES
When we designed 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 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.

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 →