5 Best Harnesses For Labradors In 2024 (For Pulling & Safety)

If you are in the market for a harness for your Labrador, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of brands and styles available. It is important to choose a harness that is safe, effective at preventing pulling, and suitable for your dog’s needs. A harness can be a great tool for walking your Labrador and can also be handy for adventures.

So in this article you’ll learn:

• Why you may want to use a harness for your pup
• What the best harnesses on the market for Labradors are
• How to introduce your Lab to wearing the harness so they’ll quickly learn to be comfortable in it
• And how to know what size harness to get

Is A Harness Right For My Labrador?

There are various options for keeping your Labrador safe and under control during walks, including using a flat buckle collar or a harness.

While a collar is a common choice, a harness can also be a good option for your Lab. A harness can provide certain benefits that may be more suitable for you and your dog compared to just using a collar.

Here’s why:

Reducing pressure on the neck: A harness distributes the pulling force over a larger area of the body, which can help to prevent strain on your Lab’s neck.

Improved control: A harness can give you better control over your dog, especially if they tend to pull on the leash.

Extra security: A harness can provide an extra level of security, especially if your Lab is prone to slipping out of their collar.

Comfort: A well-fitting harness can be more comfortable for your Lab to wear compared to a collar, especially if they have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation.

Which Harness is Best for My Labrador?

Some harnesses are designed to be worn across the dog’s shoulders, which may help to prevent pulling. However, this type of harness can restrict your Lab’s movement and put pressure on their joints, which can be unsafe. Labradors are prone to joint problems, so it is particularly important to use a non-restrictive harness for your Lab.

A good harness should allow for free movement of the shoulders and elbows, and should not restrict your dog’s ability to walk, run, or play comfortably.

All the harnesses recommended in this article are designed so that shoulders and elbows are not restricted.Here are the best harnesses for Labradors:

Balance Harness by Blue-9 Pet Products

The Balance Harness is a good option for Labradors because it offers six points of adjustment, allowing you to get a customized fit for your dog. It is designed to prevent pressure on the neck and joints, and is non-restrictive, allowing your Lab to move freely.

A convenient feature of the Balance Harness is that it has a buckle on the neck strap, which means you do not have to slide the harness over your dog’s head to put it on. This can be especially helpful for dogs who are hesitant to have something placed over their head or for those who have a larger head size.

The Balance Harness is a good choice for Labradors that are sensitive to having things placed over their head, as it has a buckle on the neck strap that allows you to attach the harness from under the head. The rib strap also has a buckle on both sides, making it easy to get your dog to step into the harness.

This design makes it simple to put the harness on and take it off. In addition to the neck strap buckle, the Balance Harness offers two points of connection for the leash: a front clip at the chest and a back clip at the shoulders. This allows you to choose the best position for the leash based on your dog’s size and behavior.

This harness is lightweight and will not be bulky or hot on your Lab, making it comfortable to wear. It is made of soft, easy-to-clean nylon and has a minimalistic style that will not weigh your dog down or feel heavy. The Balance Harness is available in eight different colors, so you can choose the one that best complements your Lab’s coat.

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Urban Trail Adjustable Harness by Alpine Outfitters

The Urban Trail harness is a high-quality, durable option that is suitable for active dogs, but is also comfortable enough for casual neighborhood walks. It has a design that allows for the neck and girth straps to be adjusted for a secure fit, and is completely padded with Polartec fleece padding to prevent rubbing and chafing. This harness is non-restrictive and allows for great freedom of movement for your Lab’s joints.

It is also lightweight, easy to clean, and not bulky. If your Lab does pull while wearing the Urban Trail harness, the pressure will be on their chest and not on the neck. This harness has four points of connection for the leash, including a traditional back clip, a front clip, and left and right clips, which can be useful if you bike or jog with your Lab as it keeps the harness from getting twisted to one side.

The Urban Trail harness has a buckle on the neck strap, making it easy to put on and take off without having to slide it over your dog’s head. To secure the girth strap, you will need to help your Lab lift one front leg into the harness. The Urban Trail harness is available in six colors and has a reflective strip along the neck for safety and visibility at night.

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Front Range Harness by Ruffwear

The Front Range Harness is a versatile option that is suitable for everyday walks and more active outings. It is a non-restrictive harness that allows for great range of motion for the shoulders and elbows, and does not put pressure on the neck.

The Front Range Harness has soft padding on the straps, making it a bit more substantial than some other harnesses, but still lightweight and comfortable for your Lab. It offers four points of adjustment, allowing you to get a proper fit for your dog. This harness also has two points of connection for the leash: one at the back of the shoulders and one in front of the chest, which can be helpful for dogs that tend to pull.

To put the Front Range Harness on your Lab, simply slip it over their head and buckle each side of the girth strap at the back of their shoulders, so they do not have to step into the harness. The Front Range Harness has reflective trim for added visibility and a small loop where you can attach a light for added safety. It comes in a wide range of colors to choose from, with a total of 16 options available.

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Weekend Warrior Harness by Hurtta

The Weekend Warrior Harness is a good choice for Labradors who enjoy going on adventures with their humans. It is designed for active dogs and is built to withstand high-energy activity. The harness is designed to distribute pressure on the chest if your Lab pulls, so they will not choke. The neck and girth straps are both adjustable, allowing you to get a secure and comfortable fit for your dog.

The exterior of the Weekend Warrior Harness is made of soft, weatherproof polyester, while the interior is lined with a breathable mesh to help your Lab stay cool. The padded straps are comfortable but still offer a non-restrictive fit, allowing your dog to move freely.

This harness is a great choice for Labradors who love outdoor activities. It has a handle that can be useful for helping your Lab up a steep bank or pulling them back into a canoe if they decide to go for a swim. The handle can also be helpful for getting control of your dog quickly or assisting older Labradors who may need extra support.

To put the Weekend Warrior Harness on your Lab, you will need to slip it over their head. The girth strap has buckles on both sides, so you do not have to lift your Lab’s feet into the strap. The harness has a single connection point for the leash at the back of the shoulders. It is available in 8 colors, so even if your Lab is dirty from their adventures, they can still look stylish.

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3 in 1 Harness by PetSafe

The 3 in 1 Harness is a more affordable option that can work well for Labradors. It offers 5 points of adjustment, allowing you to get a highly customized fit for your dog. This harness takes the pressure off your Lab’s neck and is designed to be non-restrictive, so it will not impede your dog’s movement or joints.

It is also easy to put on, with a buckle on the neck strap and buckles on both sides of the girth strap, so you do not have to lift your Lab’s feet to get them into the harness. The 3 in 1 Harness has two points of connection for the leash: one at the back of the shoulders and one at the front of the chest, which can help to discourage pulling.

A useful feature of this harness is a handle on top of the shoulders, which can be helpful for getting quick control of your Lab in case of sudden squirrel brain or extreme wiggle butt.

The 3 in 1 Harness is lightweight and made of nylon webbing with some neoprene padding for added comfort. It is available in three color options, which may be less than some other harnesses, but will still look great on your Lab’s coat.

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 Related: Best Dog Brushes for Labradors

How To Choose The Right Size Harness For Your Labrador

To choose the right size harness for your Labrador, you will need to measure your dog’s girth and neck.

To measure the girth, wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your dog’s rib cage, just behind their front legs. Make sure the tape measure is snug, but not too tight.

To measure the neck, wrap the tape measure around the base of your dog’s neck, where their collar would normally sit. Again, the tape measure should be snug, but not too tight.

Once you have these measurements, you can use them to select the appropriate size harness for your Labrador. It is important to choose a harness that fits your dog properly, as a poorly fitting harness can be uncomfortable or even unsafe for your dog.

How To Train Your Labrador To Love Wearing Their Harness

It is important to introduce your Labrador to their new harness in a positive way to help them feel comfortable and confident while wearing it. One way to do this is to use positive reinforcement training. Begin by letting your dog sniff and explore the harness, and offer plenty of treats and praise as they do so.

Next, place the harness on your dog and allow them to wear it around the house for short periods of time, rewarding them with treats and praise for good behavior. As your dog becomes more comfortable with the harness, gradually increase the amount of time they wear it, and consider taking short walks around the neighborhood.

It is important to be patient and take things slowly, as it may take some time for your dog to adjust to the new harness. By using positive reinforcement techniques and reinforcing good behavior, you can help your Lab develop a positive association with the harness and feel more comfortable and confident while wearing it.

If you’re having trouble getting your Labrador to cooperate when putting on their harness, you might find it helpful to watch this video by trainer Chirag Patel.

In the video, Patel demonstrates how to use positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog develop a positive association with the harness and learn to cooperate when it is time to put it on.

Conclusion

A harness is a useful tool for helping you and your Labrador to enjoy outdoor activities together with more comfort and ease. Whether your Lab is more interested in leisurely neighborhood walks or long, adventurous hikes, a non-restrictive harness can be a good choice for your dog.

If you have any questions about which harness to choose for your Labrador, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below. I’d be happy to help!