The Best Harnesses for Your Small Dog

While their short legs may limit how far they can go, small dogs need adventure just as much as their larger counterparts. But if your small dog struggles with collars that cause choking and breathing problems, walking on a hot day can quickly become dangerous. With a dog harness fit to your dog’s size, you can both enjoy the outdoors without a problem. The harness alleviates pressure on the neck and discourages pulling behaviors overtime. Here are some great dog harnesses we recommend.

Purchasing a Dog Harness

Keep these things in mind when buying a dog harness for your small dog:

• Design: Harnesses have many different closure styles to fit your dog’s preferences. If your dog doesn’t enjoy collars that are pulled over its head, consider step-in styles or neck straps with buckles for quick removal. Dogs that don’t like their legs and paws to be touched will prefer harnesses that feature a buckle at the chest as their legs won’t have to be directed into a specific area.
• Adjustments: For smaller dogs, it’s best to use a harness that features a slim fit through the neck. As breeds like pugs and bulldogs have short snouts, finding the perfect fit that won’t slip over the front of their face during use is imperative to their safety.
• Comfort: While the harness takes the pressure off the dog’s neck, it can cause irritation in other parts of the body. Consider a harness that has padding around the neck to reduce tension. Mesh-lined harnesses are also ideal for warm climates as the air can circulate and keep the dog cool. If you are often pulling your dog up into a car or over obstacles, look for a harness that features a padded handle.

Best Design: PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness

For the dog that hates collars but loves walks, the PoyPet harness is the perfect hybrid of function and comfort. The design features two buckles along the shoulders and a lockable snap buckle at the neck that allows the owners to comfortably remove the harness without pulling it over the dog’s head. The chest padding is lined with mesh to allow for air ventilation that will keep your dog cool on hot days. And when your dog does pull, the neck strap’s dual elastic construction allows for some stretch to avoid harshly choking your pet.

Best Basic: Puppia Soft Dog Harness No Choke

If your small dog doesn’t require a lot of bells and whistles on their walks, consider this simply designed harness from Puppia. The neck opening is made from 100% polyester and is padded for your dog’s comfort. Owners can adjust this harness to your dog’s specific measurements with the chest belt. The D-rings are double coated to resist the wear and tear of use, while the mesh fabric is water-repellent to handle inclement weather. When the collar does get worn down with dirt and debris, owners can simply toss it in the wash for a fresh start.

Best Set: Puppy Harness and Leash Set

Start your outdoor adventures off right with a matching harness and leash set that fits your small dog. The vest-style harness helps to distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders, while the 1.5-meter long leash maintains a healthy distance between you and your pet. The harness is mesh-lined and features an adjustable strap to keep your dog comfortable during walks. If you lose sight of your small dog while outdoors, the reflective strip design allows you to see your pet in low-light conditions.

Best Color Options: Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness

Showcase your dog’s style with one of the bright colors of the functional Voyager dog harness. With 24 vivid color combinations to choose from, you and your dog will be turning heads on your next walk. While you are looking fashionable, the hook and loop fastener keeps your dog secure by combining the buckle with two D-rings that put pressure on the chest and shoulders rather than the neck. The two reflective bands increase visibility in low-light conditions so that you can walk worry-free at night.