Best Dog Harness For German Shepherds
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German Shepherds are big and extremely strong dogs. Therefore, it is important to have the proper gear when you are taking a walk together. You will not want to purchase just any harness because some will not safely hold bigger breeds who have a tendency to pull.
There are plenty of things to take into consideration before choosing a harness for your German Shepherd, like cost, visibility, safety, control and comfort. Here is a breakdown of the best types of harnesses for German Shepherds in any situation.
Compare Best Dog Harness For German Shepherds
Safety Crash tested for safe car rides | Safety 3M reflective material | Safety No choke design | Safety No-pull chest attachment | Safety High-visibility military-grade Cordura fabric |
Adjustments Five adjustment types | Adjustments Seat belt handle attachment | Adjustments Easy snap buckles | Adjustments Four adjustment points | Adjustments 360-degree protection in low light |
Price High price range | Price Mid price range | Price Low price range | Price Mid price range | Price High price range |
Style Steel nesting buckles | Style Chest o-ring for no pulling | Style Reflective strip | Style Chest strap prevents choking | Style Attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching |
How We Tested The Harnesses:
- We purchased 5 of the best dog harnesses for German Shepherds.
- We spent a few hours testing each harness on our German Shepherds.
- These products were purchased with our own money, and not given in exchange for a favorable review.
Harness Considerations
- Safety – A crash-tested harness, that restrains your dog in the car in case of a sudden stop or impact, is the safest kind. Some attach easily to your car’s seat belt system, and are also good as a walking harness.
- Durability –There are many durable materials used in the construction of a dog harnesses, but rip-stop nylon, canvas and denim are some of the more durable.
- Material – Harnesses are made from leather, plastic, nylon, and other types of fabric. If your dog tends to get wet while on walks, consider something that dries quick. If your dog chews on the harness on a regular basis, then you will need a sturdy harness.
- Adjustments- A harness should have many points of adjustment, in order to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. A harness with at least 4 adjustment points is ideal to find your dog’s perfect fit.
- Comfort – Harnesses should be made from comfortable materials to prevent chaffing. Soft mesh and plush fabrics can help provide adequate comfort around nylon, if well designed.
- Cost – A good harness is a small investment. There are many quality harnesses at reasonable prices, depending on your needs.
- Style – There are many harness styles and the best choice will depend on your dog’s personality and size. Some styles are no-pull, standard, step through, dual strap, etc.
- Visibility – If you walk your dog in low light conditions or hike in wooded areas, you may want a high-visibility harness. These may include reflective material or tiny LED lights to make sure your dog is clearly visible.
Walking your German Shepherd with a harness can help deter pulling on the leash, and reduce injury caused by leaning on the collar and pressuring the trachea and throat area.
Harness Features
- LED – A LED dog harness is usually constructed from lightweight materials, and comes with a variety of useful features, such as adjustable light modes, reflective strips, and rechargeable batteries for hours of use.
- Back Clip – Back-clip harnesses attach on top of a dog’s back or shoulders. These are best for smaller, calm or well trained dogs.
- Front Clip – Front-clip harnesses have a leash attachment on the chest. This gives the owner more control and stops the dog from pulling. These are best for larger dogs or dogs that pull.
- Multi Clip– Some harnesses come with attachments on both front and back. This gives the option to use it as a front or back clip when walking your dog.
- Reflective – A reflective harness is a necessity if you walk your dog at night or in low light situations. This keeps your dog from harm and makes him clearly visible.
- No Pull- No-pull harnesses are a simple way to discourage your dog from pulling. They usually have a front clip attachment and some have front and top for dual control. There are usually straps that cross above the dog’s shoulders and behind the front legs.
- Step Through – A step-through harness means your dog puts his front legs between two loops to get into the harness. Once the dogs legs are in position, a single buckle attaches behind your dog’s front legs.
The 5 Best Rated Dog Harness For German Shepherds Reviewed
OVERALL BEST
1.
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
Product Info
- Safety: Crash tested for safe car rides
- Adjustments: Five adjustment types
- Price: High price range
- Style: Steel nesting buckles
Pros
- Includes seat-belt loop for car
- Chest pad provides comfort
- Difficult for dogs to escape
Cons
- Harness is heavy
- Buckles are in awkward areas
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is perfect for German Shepherds for many reasons. It’s a crash-tested dog car harness that keeps your dog safe while riding in the car with straps behind the front legs.
The all-steel Nesting Buckle System is designed by engineers based on harnesses used by rock climbers and linesmen, ensuring strength and safety.
With five adjustments points, it’s easy to get a near custom fit for your German Shepherd, regardless of his size and proportions.
The chest pad reduces stress on the trachea and sternum while dispersing kinetic energy across the chest of the dog. This is important during those rare but dangerous impact crashes. The chest pad and straps are also designed with comfort in mind, making this dog car harness a good choice as an everyday walking harness.
The all-steel Nesting Buckle System is designed by engineers based on harnesses used by rock climbers and linesmen, ensuring strength and safety.
With five adjustments points, it’s easy to get a near custom fit for your German Shepherd, regardless of his size and proportions.
The chest pad reduces stress on the trachea and sternum while dispersing kinetic energy across the chest of the dog. This is important during those rare but dangerous impact crashes. The chest pad and straps are also designed with comfort in mind, making this dog car harness a good choice as an everyday walking harness.
BEST FOR DURABILITY
2.
Chai's Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: 3M reflective material
- Adjustments: Seat belt handle attachment
- Style: Chest o-ring for no pulling
- Price: Mid price range
Pros
- Two leash attachment options
- Mesh padding on chest and belly
- Available in many sizes and colors
Cons
- Adjusting can be difficult
- Sizes may run small
Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is a durable and highly reflective option for your German Shepherd’s walks, day or night. This harness is crafted to remove pressure from your dog’s neck and disperse it through soft and lightweight mesh padding on the chest and belly.
It is also equipped with reflective piping interwoven into its durable nylon exterior to make sure your pup is visible when walking at night. With 4 adjustable straps, nine vibrant color options, and a wide variety of size choices you can customize this harness for your dog.
Chaotic walks and car rides will be a thing of the past if you select the chest-mounted O-ring to discourage pulling. You can also buckle your dog in for road trips by slipping a seat belt through the sturdy built-in handle on top of the harness.
It is also equipped with reflective piping interwoven into its durable nylon exterior to make sure your pup is visible when walking at night. With 4 adjustable straps, nine vibrant color options, and a wide variety of size choices you can customize this harness for your dog.
Chaotic walks and car rides will be a thing of the past if you select the chest-mounted O-ring to discourage pulling. You can also buckle your dog in for road trips by slipping a seat belt through the sturdy built-in handle on top of the harness.
BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
3.
HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: No choke design
- Adjustments: Easy snap buckles
- Style: Reflective strip
- Price: Low price range
Pros
- Large top handle for grip
- Extra padding
- Distributes weight evenly
Cons
- No chest ring attachment
- Bulky for smaller dogs
- Runs large
HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness offers an incredible no-choke design. This harness makes an excellent solution for German Shepherds who need adjustments behind the front legs, as well as senior dogs that need a more gentle option.
The extra wide chest padding distributes the weight throughout your dog’s chest and shoulders, which assists dogs with a comfortable walking experience.
The top mounted D-ring gives dogs plenty freedom of motion while leaving the ultimate control to you. A built-in top-handle allows you to keep your dog close when needed, as well as help him over rougher terrain.
The extra wide chest padding distributes the weight throughout your dog’s chest and shoulders, which assists dogs with a comfortable walking experience.
The top mounted D-ring gives dogs plenty freedom of motion while leaving the ultimate control to you. A built-in top-handle allows you to keep your dog close when needed, as well as help him over rougher terrain.
BEST FOR NO-PULLING
4.
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: No-pull chest attachment
- Adjustments: Four adjustment points
- Price: Mid price range
- Style: Chest strap prevents choking
Pros
- Available in many colors and sizes
- 2 quick snap buckles
- Straps are labelled chest, shoulder, belly
- Great for dogs that pull
Cons
- Sizing may not be accurate
- Needs adjusting often
PetSafe Easy Walk Black & Silver Dog Harness makes walking your German Shepherd a breeze by discouraging pulling and lunging. Instead of pulling on your dog’s sensitive throat, the Easy Walk Harness attaches near the chest, allowing you to steer your dog and regain control over daily walks.
This harness is available in multiple sizes and colors to fit any breed of dog.
This harness is available in multiple sizes and colors to fit any breed of dog.
BEST FOR LOW LIGHT
5.
Noxgear LightHound LED Illuminated & Light Harness
Product Info
- Safety: High-visibility military-grade Cordura fabric
- Adjustments: 360-degree protection in low light
- Price: High price range
- Style: Attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching
Pros
- Micro-USB rechargeable LED lights last up to twelve hours
- 2 quick snap buckles
- Select up to 14 colors, multi color and flashing
- Available in four sizes
Cons
- Needs adjusting often
- Not good for heavy pullers
Noxgear LightHound LED Illuminated & Reflective Dog Harness means safe walks and nighttime excursions, together with exceptional visibility. This innovative harness provides full 360-degree protection. It is made with industry-leading reflective materials, has high-visibility, and made with military-grade Cordura fabric.
This all-season harness is lightweight, weatherproof and machine washable. The micro-USB rechargeable LED lights feature 14 selections of colors, last up to twelve hours, and can be easily removed for cleaning. It’s simple to put on and adjustable for a comfortable fit. The strong zinc alloy leash attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching for even more safety while walking your German Shepherd.
This all-season harness is lightweight, weatherproof and machine washable. The micro-USB rechargeable LED lights feature 14 selections of colors, last up to twelve hours, and can be easily removed for cleaning. It’s simple to put on and adjustable for a comfortable fit. The strong zinc alloy leash attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching for even more safety while walking your German Shepherd.
Also Read : Best Harness For Large Dogs
Conclusion
Walking your dog can be rewarding for you and your best friend. German Shepherds need plenty of exercise to stay healthy, so walking him on a regular basis requires the right harness for the job.
Because they are strong dogs who tend to pull, a harness that provides extra control, security and safety is a must. Rest assured that if you choose one of the options listed above, you will have the most wonderful walks with your German Shepherd. Your dog will love you for it!
