The Great Harness Debate: Strap vs Padded (and why the answer isn’t so simple)
You’d think choosing a dog harness would be easy. It’s not. The internet will have you believe it’s a decision with no in-between: you're either low carb or low fat. Or Team Gabriel or Team Alfie.
Some swear by the new padded harnesses - all cosy cushioning and modern flair. Others champion the simple, elegant strap design, insisting that less really is more. Somewhere between the Instagram reels and the group chat, it’s easy to start second-guessing yourself.
So let’s take a breath (and maybe a biscuit) and talk about what actually matters.
Harnesses aren’t magic wands
Here’s the thing: On its own, no harness in the world can teach your dog to walk perfectly at heel. (Tragic, we know.)
Dog harnesses aren’t about asserting dominance and expecting perfection - they’re about comfort, safety and connection for dogs of all sizes. They protect your dog’s neck, support healthy movement, and make your walks feel like a partnership rather than a tug-of-war.
The real magic lies in pairing the right harness with a little training, a lot of patience, and of course, a pocketful of treats. Because even the best gear can’t replace good communication. And isn’t that true of most relationships?
Freedom to Move: Understanding harness shapes
Before we get into strap versus padded, it’s worth understanding another piece of the puzzle: how a harness fits your dog’s body. Trainers recommend a Y-shaped dog harness because of the way it’s designed: two straps form a “Y” over the chest, meeting at the sternum. This shape allows your dog’s shoulders and front legs to move freely and keeping pressure off the sensitive neck tissue.
Side note: A Y harness is also sometimes called an H-harness because it looks like an “H” from the top.
A step-in harness, by contrast, lies horizontally over the chest and shoulders and fastens over the back - a little easier to put on, sure, but it restricts shoulder movement and sits too close to the back of the front legs, leading to chafing.
Pic: Top (left) and front view of a Y-shaped dog harness, designed for comfort, safety and freedom of movement.
Why Strap Harnesses still deserve their moment in the sun
In a world of plush padding and high-tech mesh, strap harnesses can seem almost old-school. Like a well-made leather journal in an era of phone notes. But here’s the secret: the classics are classic for a reason.
Our strap harnesses are made for movers - the ones who walk with purpose, chase with joy, and will find the only muddy patch on your walk.
- Made from ultra-soft webbing that feels gentle against fur
- A Y-shaped design that allows the shoulders complete freedom of movement
- No chafing under the front legs, especially for narrow-chested dogs
- And perhaps best of all - they breathe. No overheating, no bulk, no trapped sand from last weekend’s beach run. Perfect for South African summers.
Some dogs like to sprint, sniff, and splash. They don’t need a quilted vest; they need a dog harness that moves with them, not against them.
The Bottom Line: fit, comfort, connection
At the end of the day, the best harness is the one that fits well, feels good, and supports the way your dog naturally moves.
Because harnesses aren’t about showing who’s boss — they’re about showing up for your dog. They’re what lets you explore together, safely and comfortably, without ever putting pressure on the most delicate part of their body: the neck.
And if we’re honest, that’s what love looks like — support without restriction, freedom without fear. The best harness (like the best love story) supports, but never smothers.