What is the Best Front Clip Dog Harness? 7 Great Options
- Molly Weinfurter
- 44 minutes ago
- 6 min read
There’s such a wide variety of dog walking gear out there. While attaching your dog’s leash to a harness instead of a collar can lead to less pressure around their neck, it doesn’t automatically help with proper leash training. Some dogs even pull more on a harness. So, to encourage good walking habits, you need to work on positive reinforcement training with your dog while walking. A front clip harness can help with that when used properly.
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How Does a Front Clip Dog Harness Work?
A front clip harness is a type of no pull harness. It’s meant to be paired with training to teach dogs not to pull on their leash. Here’s how to use one:
Clip your dog’s leash to the loop on the front of your dog’s harness.
When your dog pulls, they’ll be turned to face you, which teaches them to check in with you instead of pulling.
Reward your dog whenever they stop and check in with you instead of pulling.
Keep walking with the front clip harness while rewarding good leash behaviors. Repetition is the key to proper leash manners.
Like any training tool, front clip harnesses aren’t an immediate fix. They require a lot of patience and repetition. If your dog is struggling to get the hang of leash manners, consider working with a professional trainer for help.
What to Look for in a Front Clip Dog Harness
Like all dog harnesses, there’s a wide range of no pull harnesses on the market. Below are a few things to keep an eye out for.
Multiple Clips
Front clip harnesses stand out from other options because they have a clip on the front. However, most of these harnesses also have a clip on the back so you have the option to switch between the two as needed.
Proper Sizing
The harness should be snug on your dog’s body without being so tight that it restricts movement. Measure your dog around their chest and behind their front legs for proper measurements. If you’re shopping in person, try the harness on your dog. Ideally, the harness should also be adjustable so it will be comfortable even if your pup gains or loses weight.
Durability
Find a harness that’s made of a strong material that won’t easily fray or rip. The material should also be smooth so it doesn’t irritate your dog as they move. When shopping online, look at the reviews from other pet parents to see if the harness material is high quality.
Style
Of course, the fit and quality matters more than looks, but for many pet parents, harness style plays a role. Dog harnesses come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so find one that looks great on your pup. After all, your dog will be wearing it often outside.
Best Front Clip Dog Harnesses
Since there are so many front clip dog harnesses out there, I made a list of some great options to choose from. Every dog is different, so select one that your dog will be comfortable in. For example, if your dog has a collapsed trachea, get a harness that doesn’t apply any pressure near their neck.
The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is the first harness I saw with a front clip instead of a back clip. We sold these harnesses at a pet supply store I worked at, and many people found them beneficial for dog training. The harness has a simple design that comes in many sizes and solid colors. The straps are adjustable to ensure a perfect fit. Measure around your dog’s chest and the widest part of their rib cage to decide which size is best.
I love Spark Paws. They sell lots of adorable matching dog and human hoodies, which I’ve always wanted to get for me and my dog. But they also have a lot of cute accessories, such as their front clip dog harness. You can clip your leash to either the front or back of this harness. It has padded fabric and triple stitching to help the harness last long while still being comfortable. It comes in several colorful patterns and three different sizes. Plus, you can also buy a matching leash.
This is a popular dog harness that has a padded piece on your dog’s front and back. It has a leash clip on both sides, so you can use it as a regular harness or no pull harness. It’s available in five sizes, all of which have adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit on your dog’s body. It also comes in over 20 different color patterns, all of which have reflective stitching on the straps for maximum visibility.
This harness wraps around your dog’s chest and behind their legs, creating a comfortable design that doesn’t apply pressure to their neck. The straps are padded for added comfort. Like many of the other harnesses, it has a ring on both the chest and back. It comes in six sizes and 12 colors, offering some versatility for dog parents. Every harness has reflective stitching on the vibrant fabric.
This is another harness with a padded section on your dog’s chest and back. It has a clip on both sides, and it also has a handle on the back so you can quickly grab your dog if they escape. The material is both durable and breathable so dogs can wear it for long periods. You can choose from five sizes and 16 colors to get a harness that’s perfect for your dog.
The SlowTon front clip harness is ideal for small dogs only, with five different sizes designed for small breeds. It’s fuzzy and padded around your dog’s chest and back so the straps won’t irritate their skin. It’s also lightweight so it doesn’t weigh little dogs down. This adorable harness comes with a matching leash that can clip onto either the front or back. The harness and leash set comes in seven different colors with reflective stitching.
Carhartt, a company known for durable, heavy-duty human clothes, has its own no pull dog harness. You can clip your dog’s leash to the front of the harness only, and there’s a handle on the back to help you control your dog. The front of the harness is a martingale design, so it tightens slightly when your dog pulls. The strong fabric repels water, making this harness work well in all weather conditions. It’s available in four adjustable sizes, but it only comes in light brown or dark brown fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dog Harnesses Better Than Collars?
Most of the time, dog harnesses are better than collars when walking because they don’t put pressure on your dog’s neck. However, harnesses can encourage your dog to pull more if you don’t work on leash training. So, don’t ignore a dog’s bad leash manners just because they have a harness on.
Do No Pull Dog Harnesses Really Work?
Yes, front clip dog harnesses can work well when paired with proper training. When your dog pulls, they’ll be forced to face you instead of moving forward. You can use that to help train your dog to check in with you on walks instead of constantly pulling.
Can a Dog Harness Go in the Washing Machine?
Yes, most dog harnesses are machine-washable. However, every harness is different, so check the product’s label to find out the details. Some may require cold water or a gentle cycle.
Should a Dog Wear a Harness 24/7?
No, dogs shouldn’t wear harnesses all the time. Wearing them on walks is great because it protects their neck and can hold their ID tags. However, if your dog never takes their harness off, it could eventually irritate their skin, even if it’s a comfortable material.
Consider a Front Clip Dog Harness (And Proper Training)
If your dog constantly pulls on walks, it can be difficult to control them and it could hurt their neck and chest area. Teaching your dog to loose-leash walk can make going outside more enjoyable for both of you. Training your dog with a front clip harness is a great way to discourage pulling while encouraging your dog to check in with you instead.
While training your dog with a no pull harness, be patient. Training tools are never an instant fix, but instead, they’re an opportunity to teach your dog in a way they’ll understand. If you’re struggling to stop your dog’s pulling even with a front clip dog harness, reach out to a professional trainer for assistance.
