The Best Dog Harness in Australia for 2022
Or how to take the strain out of walking the dog.

Ever wondered if there’s a better way to walk the dog? Dog harnesses are one way to help prevent choking, chafing, and discomfort while hitting the pavement or the dog park. The best dog harness is secure but soft, providing a balance of comfort and control. It should include adjustable straps, as well as clips front and back to attach a leash. We’ve spent hours researching Australia’s top dog harnesses, so you can spend more time walking your furry friend.
How we picked
Finding the best dog harness in Australia was no easy task. Dog harnesses aren’t reviewed by CHOICE, Australia’s biggest consumer advocacy group, and there are few reviews on ProductReview.com.au. We checked out picks from international guides to get a feel for what was out there, then set out to do some serious window shopping.
Amazon.com.au had a wide range of dog harnesses, so we checked out a few of the most popular international picks to see what reviewers thought. Next, we sleuthed further to discover what was available in Australia by checking in with major pet retailers. After weighing up price, reviews, features and availability, we ended up with our guide to Australia’s best dog harnesses.
Common questions
Are dog harnesses better than a collar?
While dog collars are a popular choice, the RSPCA recommends front-attaching harnesses to ensure your dog is comfortable during walks. Harnesses are suitable for all different kinds of canines, with a wide range of styles for different-sized pups. They’re much gentler than collars because of the way they distribute force around your dog’s body.
When walking your dog with a collar, all of the pull is concentrated around the neck area. Harnesses can reduce choking risk as the force is concentrated around your dog’s chest, back and legs instead. Front-attaching collars are best for pulling dogs as any lead tension turns your dog towards you. Slippery dogs may be able to slide out of collars, but harnesses are much more difficult to escape.
What kinds of dog harnesses are there?
There are several different styles of dog harness available, with most offering clips on the front, back, or both. Front-attaching harnesses are best for dogs who pull as they give you more control over the direction your dog is heading. Back-attaching harnesses are another great option, though they’re not ideal for preventing pull as your dog can move forward with full force.
Most of our picks are dog harnesses with clips on both the front and back. These harnesses are generally used to walk your dog from the back, but at the same time, they give you the option to turn your dog more easily from the front attachment if they start to pull.
How does a dog harness stop pulling?
The most gentle harnesses cross around the chest, back and legs, with a front attaching clip. When the lead is attached to the front, your dog isn’t able to run forwards without you running alongside them. This is because a front-attaching leash turns your dog towards you if they begin to strain too hard.
For a dog harness to be effective, it should be comfortable. Most harnesses have a few adjustment points to prevent pinching or chafing, so be sure to make sure your dog’s harness is properly fitted before heading out. It’s also a good idea to reinforce positive behaviour with treats.
Sources
- 'Pet Products', ProductReview.com.au
- ‘The best-ever walking harness for your dog (and the must-avoid collars and leads)’, South Australia RSPCA
- 'How Do No-Pull Dog Harnesses Work?', PetMD