The 5 Best Dog Harnesses For Running

Dog Harness Reviews January 4, 2024
Best Dog Harnesses For Running
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The 5 Best Dog Harnesses For Running

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Best Dog Harnesses For Running

Dogs can run any distance, at any time, and in any place, making them the perfect running partner. They never complain about the weather and will let you choose the pace and route.

Regular running is also beneficial to your dog’s physical health and helps maintain an ideal weight, improve muscle tone, nurture a healthy cardiovascular system, and enhance endurance.

There are so many different harness options and styles out there that it can quickly become overwhelming. But before choosing the best dog harness for running with your dog, here is a breakdown of some important criteria you will want to look for in a pleasant running experience.

Compare Best Dog Harness For Running

OVERALL BEST
Chai's Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

1. Chai's Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

BEST LIGHT WEIGHT
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

2. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness

3. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness

BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness

4. Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness

BEST FOR LOW LIGHT
Noxgear LightHound LED Illuminated & Light Harness

5. Noxgear LightHound LED Illuminated & Light Harness

Safety
3M reflective material
Safety
No-pull chest attachment
Safety
No-pull chest attachment
Safety
Reflective strips and patch
Safety
High-visibility military-grade Cordura fabric
Adjustments
Seat belt handle attachment
Adjustments
Four adjustment points
Adjustments
Four adjustment points
Adjustments
Four adjustment points
Adjustments
360-degree protection in low light
Style
Chest o-ring for no pulling
Style
Chest strap prevents choking
Style
Chest strap prevents choking
Style
Design distributes weight evenly
Style
Attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching
Price
Mid price range
Price
Mid price range
Price
Mid price range
Price
Mid price range
Price
High price range

How We Tested:

  • We purchased five of the best dog harnesses for running
  • We spent several hours testing these harnesses
  • These products were purchased with our own money, not 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 walking harnesses.
  • Durability: There are many durable materials used in the construction of 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 quickly. If your dog chews, 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 four 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. Some include reflective material or tiny LED lights to make sure your dog can be seen.

The 5 Best Rated Dog Harnesses For Running

OVERALL BEST
1.

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
  • Best for larger dogs
  • Sizes may run small
Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is a durable and highly reflective option for daily runs and walks. 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 running in low light. 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 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 LIGHT WEIGHT
2.

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 Dog Harness makes running with your dog a breeze by discouraging him from 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 or runs.

This harness is available in multiple sizes and colors to fit any breed of dog and is very easy to get on and off.
BEST FOR SMALL DOGS
3.

Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness

Product Info

  • Safety: No-pull chest attachment
  • Adjustments: Four adjustment points
  • Price: Mid price range
  • Style: Chest strap prevents choking
Pros
  • Step in style
  • Double secure closure on top side
  • Lightweight and sturdy
  • Available in many sizes and colors
Cons
  • D rings only located on top
  • Not good for larger dogs
The Voyager Black Base Mesh Dog Harness is a simple, easy-to-use harness that is extremely comfortable for your pup for all kinds or runs. It is made from soft, breathable, lightweight mesh, that allows moisture to escape, keeping your pup cool as he walks.

The fabric is gentle against the skin and hugs your dogs’s torso to provide a secure fit. The Voyager Mesh Dog Harness has a fuzzy fastener closure and quick-release buckle for fast and easy adjustments before a run. There are two D-rings for attaching a leash on the top of the harness. This harness comes in a range of sizes from extra-small to extra-large, with several color choices.
BEST FOR LARGE DOGS
4.

Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Product Info

  • Safety: Reflective strips and patch
  • Adjustments: Four adjustment points
  • Price: Mid price range
  • Style: Design distributes weight evenly
Pros
  • Available in several colors and sizes
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Made from lightweight materials
Cons
  • No front ring attachment
  • Sizes run big
This harness features reflective material throughout to add visibility when running your pup, and the easy assembly is great for daily use.

This harness is made from lightweight materials for the ultimate in comfort, and the unique dual-vest design helps to distribute weight for dogs who like to pull.

There are four adjustment points for the perfect fit on any type of dog. The striped straps provide a look that will have your dog walking safely and in style.
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 runs and nighttime excursions begin with exceptional visibility, and 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 and the strong zinc alloy leash attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching for even more safety while running with your dog.

Harness Features

  • LED: An 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 the front and back. This gives you 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 easier to see.
  • 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 controls for dual control. There are usually straps that cross above the dog’s shoulders and behind their 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 dog’s legs are in position, a single buckle attaches behind their front legs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an avid daily runner, a standard dog harness will not do you or your dog justice and might ruin your overall experience. Your dog could experience discomfort simply because a standard harness is not manufactured with exercise in mind. Having a harness that is best for running with your dog gives you complete control of his movement while keeping you and him safe.

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Amy Towry is a Certified NAVC Pet Nutritionist and pet lover. She is the proud owner of two rescue cats and a rescue dog and her love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care, nutrition, and product reviews.
2 Comments
  1. John

    no pull dog harnesses are one of the best harnesses for pets. These harnesses are comfortable for dogs and are safe to wear. Thanks for sharing a unique piece of information. Cheers!

    • Avatar photo

      Amy Brown

      Thank you for sharing John!

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