10 Best Front-Clip Dog Harnesses of 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re trying to convince your dog to stop pulling during walks, a front-clip harness can go a long way towards nipping that problem in the bud. These devices help redirect her energy and give you more control over your pooch, creating a calmer, more enjoyable walk for everyone involved.

Unfortunately, buying a front-clip harness isn’t as simple as using one. You’ll immediately notice that there are dozens of options on the market, and many of them are fairly expensive. The reviews below were designed to help you cut through all the noise to find the best front-clip harness for your particular situation. We ranked our top picks based on effectiveness, ease of use, durability, and more.

We’re confident that the options below can make your next walk fun and stress-free for both you and your dog, although don’t be surprised if it takes longer than usual, now that you don’t have a rocket attached to the other end of the leash.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2022

The 10 Best Front-Clip Dog Harnesses

1. Kurgo K00024 Dog Harness – Best Overall

The Kurgo K00024 has five adjustment points that allow you to customize the fit to your dog, reducing the risk of chafing. It also utilizes plastic quick-release clips, so you can slip it on and off in seconds, even if you have an impatient pooch on your hands.

The D-ring on the front is sturdy enough to turn around even the strongest puller, and there’s also a back clip if you decide to give your dog a little more freedom to roam. One of our favorite touches is the inclusion of a dog seatbelt, which allows you to safely transport your pup to the park for her next walk.

The biggest quibble we have with the K00024 is that it’s not very chew-proof, so you need to be sure to put it away after every walk. Other than that, though, there’s not much to dislike about this harness, which is why we’re confident that it deserves its spot at the top of this list.

---

2. BARKBAY No Pull Dog Harness – Best Value

Available in an assortment of vibrant colors, the BARKBAY No Pull is as attractive as it is effective. It’s made using no-rip nylon, ensuring that it’s strong and durable, yet it also manages to be lightweight enough that your dog isn’t likely to overheat.

There’s plenty of padding inside to keep your mutt comfy, and reflective strips running down the back to keep her visible after the sun goes down. In the unlikely event your dog gets loose, there’s also an ID pocket where you can stash all her important information.

The one thing that kept the BARKBAY out of the top spot is the fact that adjusting it takes a little bit of time and effort. Still, it packs an impressive amount of features into an inexpensive package, which is why we feel it’s the best front-clip dog harness for the money.

---

3. RUFFWEAR Front Clip Dog Harness – Premium Choice

Despite its name, the RUFFWEAR Front Clip is actually quite comfortable, and is designed for all-day use. It’s a great choice for day-long adventures at the lake or in the mountains, and the foam-padded chest and belly will protect your dog’s skin.

The webbing around the chest is extremely strong, which means it can survive dedicated pullers as well as excursions through thick brush. The whole thing is easy to put on and take off as well, allowing you to spend more time playing with your dog and less time trying to get her dressed.

The clasps are a little tricky to close, however, which can be worrisome until you get the hang of it. Also, if you don’t tighten it properly, a clever escape artist may be able to finagle her way out of it.

Neither of those are deal-breakers, but considering that the RUFFWEAR is more expensive than the two models listed above it, they’re enough to relegate it to the third spot on our list.

---

4. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Primarily designed to discourage pulling, the PetSafe EWH-HC-L-BLK Easy Walk is an extremely simple harness, as it merely slips across your dog’s chest and belly with only two snaps. This allows you to put it on in seconds, without wasting time trying to figure out how it’s supposed to go on.

Making sure it fits is equally simple, and it shouldn’t take you long at all to get it properly adjusted. It directs all pressure to your dog’s chest, putting none on her throat, greatly reducing the risk of injury and eliminating the possibility of gagging.

Of course, its bare-bones style also means there’s not a lot of other selling points to choose from. There’s no padding whatsoever, so if it rubs your dog the wrong way you’ll have to figure out a solution on your own, and it doesn’t have any reflective strips or piping.

If you just want a simple, easy-to-use front-clip harness, the Easy Walk is certainly that. However, we feel there are certain features our top three harnesses have that this one could benefit from, which is why it slots in right here at #4.

---

5. Rabbitgoo DTCW006L Dog Harness

You get quite a bit of material for a low price with the Rabbitgoo DTCW006L, as it covers a broad swath of your pup’s neck and chest with thick nylon. This gives you more control over your dog, while also creating a harness that’s capable of withstanding some regular wear and tear.

Putting it on can be an adventure, as you have to slide it over your pooch’s head before buckling it around her stomach. This may spook skittish animals, but once it’s on you’ll have a secure fit with little chance of escaping.

While the DTCW006L is made with a generous amount of nylon, it won’t last very long if your dog gets her chompers on it, so don’t leave it within mouth’s reach. It’s a chore to adjust as well, so save yourself some trouble and measure your dog before buying to limit the amount of tailoring you need to do.

---

6. Eagloo DTCW-007-LN Dog Harness

The Eagloo DTCW-007-LN can prove itself useful if you get into a scrape, as it has a handle on the back of the harness that lets you quickly and safely grab control of your dog. This makes it useful for tight spaces and stressful situations, like vet visits.

There are four basic sizes to choose from, but there’s not a lot of adjustment room within each class, so it’s important to make sure you buy the right size the first time. There is some elastic along the sides, though, giving your dog a little bit of wiggle room if she’s had a few too many cups of kibble lately.

Since you can’t customize the Eagloo to your dog’s body very well, it tends to slip and slide during walks. This is usually just a minor annoyance, but it can cause chafing with extended use. Also, once the elastic on the sides stretches out, it’s not going to go back to its original tightness, which could necessitate buying a brand new harness.

---

7. PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness

You can get a perfect fit with the PoyPet No Pull, as the straps are four-way adjustable, enabling you to get it as tight as you feel is necessary. That also reduces the likelihood of dangling straps, which can be annoying while also picking up dirt and debris.

The ability to customize it gives you some wiggle room in terms of finding the right fit, as well as allowing it to grow a bit with your dog. Of course, finding that perfect fit will take a bit of time and trial-and-error.

If you don’t get it totally snug, there’s a good chance your dog will be able to slip a leg out of it, if not wriggle free entirely. This is especially true for smaller breeds. Also, the PoyPet won’t hold its fit for long either, so you’ll likely need to readjust it every few walks.

---

8. Blueberry Pet Front Clip Dog Harness

This option from Blueberry Pet is lightweight and comfortable, making it a good choice for summer use or for dogs that are prone to overheating. The buckles are made from eco-friendly plastic, so you can feel good about doing something for the planet as well as your pooch.

Of course, plastic isn’t going to be as strong and durable as metal, so if you have a powerful dog that pulls, you’ll likely want something more formidable. And while it’s lightweight, the seams are awkwardly placed, which may rub your dog’s elbows the wrong way.

It has reflective piping on it, but it barely lights up at all, so it’s hardly a selling point. The material is fairly thin, too, so expect to encounter some fraying after a few months.

---

9. juxzh Soft Front Dog Harness

The juxzh Soft has a handle on the back to give you control over your dog, while also giving you someplace to secure a seatbelt on car trips. However, it’s on the small side, so it can be difficult to slip your hand through the handle in an emergency, and you may not have a ton of confidence in its ability to support a large dog’s weight.

The Oxford material is scratch-resistant, making it capable of surviving a few trips off the beaten path. However, there’s limited padding, so that thick material could rub against your dog’s skin over time.

Putting the juxzh on can be maddening, and it may require you to remove your dog’s regular collar first. Once on, it’s a fairly basic harness, with little to offer that our higher-rated harnesses can’t match.

---

10. WINSEE Dog Harness

You get a reflective collar with the WINSEE WUS01-DH001-1BL-AJ, adding an extra bit of value to an already-competitive price.

However, neither the harness nor the collar are quality enough to justify purchasing this set over some of the others listed here. The straps on the harness tend to work themselves free, especially on vigorous walks, which requires you to stop and adjust it frequently. This also allows it to move around quite a bit while in use.

The WINSEE is especially prone to sagging near the belly. Not only is this annoying, but it also positions it where it can be urinated on by male dogs. That’s a messy (and unnecessary) problem.  Also, if you attach your leash to the rear clip, it will likely cause the entire harness to ride up.

All in all, it’s better than nothing, but it’s hard to justify purchasing it over one of the other models on this list.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Front-Clip Dog Harnesses

All front-clip dog harnesses share one thing in common: they have a D-ring or other attachment point on the dog’s chest, helping to redirect her momentum when her enthusiasm gets out of hand.

Beyond that, however, there can be a wide range of styles and features to choose from, and it can be hard to know which ones are valuable and which ones are worthless. The guide below will help you decide exactly what you need in a harness, so you can get the most value out of your purchase.

Adjustability

Proper fit is the most important factor in a harness, as an ill-fitting model can chafe your dog or allow her to escape. However, it’s unlikely you’ll find one that fits perfectly off the rack, so you need to look for models that give you plenty of room to adjust.

Look for one that can be tightened in multiple places, and that holds its fit well once you find it. Also, some are much easier to adjust than others, so save yourself a headache and skip any that are needlessly complicated.

Handles and Attachment Points

Technically speaking, a front-clip harness only needs to have a place to attach a leash on the front of the harness. However, many also have clips on the top or rear, and some have handles on the back as well.

While these features aren’t necessary, they can certainly come in handy, so it’s likely worth spending a little extra for them. The rear handles are especially useful if you have a fearful or reactive dog, as they let you grab complete control over her if you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Durability

No harness is designed to withstand the attentions of a dedicated chewer, but some are more durable than others. Check the thickness of the material before buying, as thin fabric can break easily, or chafe your dog as it frays. It’s definitely worth paying a little more up-front for a harness that will last.

There are other bells and whistles you may want to consider, like reflective piping, storage pouches, and more, but any harness you buy needs to perform well in the above categories to merit purchase. A poorly-made harness is more than just a waste of money; if it breaks or rubs your dog the wrong way, your pup could be seriously injured, so take the time to research your options thoroughly before purchasing.

Final Verdict

Out of all the ones we tested, our favorite on our list of the best front-clip dog harnesses was the Kurgo K00024. It’s easy to adjust, thanks to its multiple quick-release clips, and incredibly sturdy. When you throw in the included canine seatbelt, it’s hard to think of a more deserving top pick.

Its closest competition comes from the BARKBAY No Pull. It’s comfortable and well-padded, with plenty of features like reflective piping and room for ID papers. It’s a relative bargain as well, making it hard to pass up.

With dozens of different models to choose from, it wasn’t easy to winnow our list down to the options shown here. We hope you find the information in the reviews above valuable, and that you see as much value in our top picks as we did.

Once you find the right front-clip harness for you, your walks will be more stress-free than ever — and you don’t even need to tell people that the key to your well-behaved, non-pulling dog is the harness and not your top-secret training regimen.

• Looking for the best harnesses on the market? Check out our reviews!