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Whether you’re getting a new pitbull puppy or adopting an adult dog, one of the most important behaviors to teach them is how to walk nicely on a leash.
Having a dog that walks by your side instead of dragging you down the street will save you a whole lot of hassle and aggravation in the long run.
Harnesses are a great training tool for teaching dogs how to walk on a leash.
Not only do they provide more control over your dog than a collar alone, but they also protect your dog’s neck from constant pulling and pressure.
In addition, a harness isn’t as easy to slip out of as a collar, meaning your dog will be safer overall. In this article, we will explore some of the types of harnesses, their variations, and what they’re best used for.
Walking Harnesses
Kurgo Journey Air Dog Harness
- Clip Style: Multi clip
- Structure: Over the head
The Kurgo Journey Harness is a popular multi-clip harness that’s great for those with an active lifestyle. The breathable construction is ideal for walking, running, and hiking.
The chest plate is padded to reduce strain on your dog’s neck and the back handle provides additional control.
The four adjustment points on the harness enable a precise fit and four quick-release buttons allow easy on and off. The Journey Harness also has a reflective trim to increase your pup’s visibility at night.
PetSafe Easy Walk Chic Dog Harness
- Clip Style: Front Clip
- Structure: Step In
This harness comes with a matching leash and sports a variety of colorful pattern options.
The belly strap comes in a contrasting color to make putting it on your pup easier. Straps are made of polyester fabric, preventing fading or color transfer.
It is a front-clip harness with a martingale loop to redirect your pitbull puppy and steer them to the side if necessary.
The chest strap rests across your dog’s breastbone instead of cutting into his or her neck. Four adjustment points on the harness make it provide a good fit to your dog’s frame and shape, providing as much comfort as possible.
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
- Clip Style: Multi Clip
- Structure: Step In
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is similar to Kurgo’s standard dog harness but has the added benefit of Nesting Buckles. The nesting buckles are made out of steel and the design is based on the harnesses of rock climbers and linesmen.
There are 5 adjustment points that make this harness as close to a custom fit as possible. The broad chest plate is padded to provide comfort to your pitbull puppy even if they’re misbehaving in the car or on a walk. This harness comes with a carabiner and a 10-inch long seat belt loop.
Blueberry Pet 3M Padded Dog Harness
- Clip Style: Back Clip
- Structure: Over the head
The Blueberry Pet Padded Dog Harness features a double-layer technology.
The light-weight inner mesh layer provides comfort for your dog’s body while thew oxford outer-layer has reflective stripes for visibility and reinforced triangle on top for safety.
The durable metal D ring provides a stable attachment point for a leash that aids in pull control and weight distribution. 4 adjustable straps help you find the right fit for your Fido.
OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Dog Harness
- Clip Style: Multi Clip
- Structure: Over the head
This harness is made for adventures. The versatile harness is made with a heavy-duty, durable nylon shell with a soft interior padding for your pitbull puppy’s comfort.
The harness is lightweight, water-resistant, and fully adjustable in the neck and chest to provide a secure fit.
There is specialized webbing along both sides of the harness to accommodate molle pouches (sold separately) that allow your canine companion to carry their own hiking supplies.
The fuzzy fastener panels on all 3 sides also allow you to attach patches and badges to customize the harness and express your dog’s individuality. There are leash attachment loops on both the back and front, to further the versatility of this harness.
Red Dingo Classic Dog Harness
- Clip Style: Back Clip
- Structure: Over the head
The Red Dingo Classic Dog Harness comes in a wide variety of bright, primary colors. The harness is durable and high quality, made from premium-level nylon webbing. The soft, abrasion-resistant material provides a comfortable fit for your dog. Red Dingo’s trademarked Bucklebone clip is one of the strongest side-release buckles in the industry. The D-ring leash attachment is stainless steel to provide safety and security for both leash and ID tags.
Frisco Padded No Pull Front Lead Dog Harness
- Clip Style: Multi Clip
- Structure: Over the head
This comfortable harness provides you additional control over your walk. The harness is made with high-quality nylon webbing that is durable and secure.
The chest piece is padded mesh and the o-ring leash attachment on the front discourages pulling by naturally redirecting your pup’s attention back to you.
This harness helps you teach your pitbull puppy to walk nicely while also preventing neck strain or injury. The over-the-head style of the harness has 2 fast-release buckles on the belly strap, enabling easy-on and easy-off.
The belly straps and side straps each have adjustable slides to give the harness a near-custom fit. The harness also has an additional D-ring on the back of the harness to provide the versatility of use.
Car Safety Harness
A dog roaming free in your car can turn into a dangerous situation for both you and your canine companion.
Keeping both of you safe is of paramount importance, so consider using a harness specifically designed to keep your dog secure in your car.
Kurgo Impact Car Safety Harness
- Clip Style: Back Clip
- Structure: Over the head
This harness is made with a single piece of high-tensile tubular webbing. The material is reinforced and reliable to keep your puppy safe in your vehicle.
The broad, padded chest plate offers comfort and protection as well, reducing the forward motion of your dog in the event of a vehicular impact.
The harness’s design also features a built-in strap that works with the seatbelts in your car, so there’s no need to buy additional gear.
Picking the Right Harness For Your Pup
Whether you’re training for the next big sled-dog race or just need a little help training your pitbull puppy to walk nicely next to you, there is a harness out there to suit your needs.
Keeping your dog safe and secure throughout all your activities is vital, and buying the right harness is a step in the right direction. Consider what elements of each type are important to you, choose a harness, and make sure to check the accompanying size chart.
Once you have your dog’s measurements, you will be able to choose the appropriate size for a snug and secure fit.
The more control you have over your dog, the safer you both will be, and the more confidence you will have to step out into a new adventure with your canine companion.
Do you have any comments or questions about harnesses that we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments below!
Taylor has a degree in Animal Science from the University of Georgia. She worked as a zookeeper for several years and is now a freelance writer. She and her own pit mix, Dobby, bicycled 3200 miles across the United States and thru-hiked the Long Trail together.
