7 Best Harnesses For Golden Retrievers: Ratings & Reviews

Looking for the best harness for your Golden? Picking the right one for your Golden can drive some owners crazy because of how active the Golden is. Goldens are one of the top family dogs and are the most popular breed in the United States. Golden Retrievers are high energy dogs, with field Goldens having more energy than bench Goldens.

Because this breed is a sporting breed, they will require at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. Because of their activity level, Goldens are known to resist training with a harness early on, with their need to pull you along for the ride of wherever they decide to go. Goldens are surprisingly strong, which is why outfitting them with the right harness is so critical.

Below we’ve compiled our research into finding the top harnesses for your Golden, and we compare the top brands in several categories, including cost, durability & more. If you stick with our recommendations, your Golden should be good to go for your next outdoor exercise adventure. Let’s jump in!

Golden Retriever Harness Buyer’s Guide

Before you buy a dog harness for your Golden Retriever, there are a number of things to consider. Golden Retrievers love to pull, so if you are trying to snap your older Golden out of a bad pulling habit, you’ll want to look at no-pull dog harnesses. If you are starting from puppyhood, you can start with a more comfortable option. Age plays a factor, as does the type, adjustability, comfort, safety, durability, and lastly cost. Let’s jump in and learn more about the types of harnesses, followed by the remaining factors you’ll want to consider.

Harness Types

Depending on how active your Golden is, you’ll want to weigh each of the following options fairly equally when determining what harness is the right option for your Golden. Age will also be a factor. If you have a Golden puppy or older Golden, you’ll likely want to prioritize comfort over style.

• No-Pull: No-pull harnesses are specifically designed to help Golden Retrievers stop pulling on the leash. These harnesses can be a good option for Goldens who have already developed a habit of pulling, but may not be as comfortable as other types of harnesses. It’s generally best to use no-pull harnesses for adult Goldens rather than puppies or older dogs, as these dogs may have different needs in terms of comfort and support.

• Vests: Vest-style harnesses are a good choice for puppies and older dogs, as they offer additional padding for comfort. These harnesses are designed to fit Golden Retrievers well, as they have a traditional body shape. However, they may not be as suitable for breeds with longer bodies or thinner chest cavities, such as Greyhounds, which have different harness needs.

• Front Clip: This is a popular option, and it really refers to how it clips onto your Golden. The clip is at the front, and the leash attachment is also located at the front. These are usually slightly better for pullers since the control is at the front.

• Back Clip: These sit at the back, and are more suited for lighter breeds that perhaps can be handled a little easier if they take off. Typically Goldens shouldn’t be equipped with a back clip because the leash attachment is at the back, and your Golden may pull harder, feeling like they need to do so.

• Dual Clip: This is the best of both worlds, with a clip at the front and the back. Leash attachments are also up top and in front. We typically recommend dual clip harnesses because you can choose to latch in wherever is most convenient for your pup, depending on their walking style.

• Step-in: Our least favorite model is the step in. Many dogs don’t like the fact that they have to step in, and that leaves you guiding a stubborn dog into a harness they may not want to wear. We typically recommend avoiding step-ins, especially for higher energy Goldens. These are better for small dogs.

Adjustability

Adjustability matters when picking a harness for your Golden, especially if your pup is young. Adjustable harnesses will allow you to resize them as your Golden grows. This will save you money in the long run if your Golden is just a puppy. It also contours uniquely to their body shape when adjusted. If your Golden is a little heavier, it should allow you to properly fit to that body type.

The clips need to be well made, because if they are cheap, it will be more likely to break. This is especially true with a strong dog like the Golden. The same goes for the adjustable areas of the harness. You want as few weak points as you could possibly have at all adjustable points to keep your Golden safe and secure.

Comfort

More important for older dogs and younger dogs, you should be looking at Harnesses that have additional padding. If your Golden loves to pull, then this should also be a factor, as you don’t want your Golden to pull hard against something that’s completely uncomfortable against their skin or body. Some younger Goldens will lunge in an effort to see another dog, and you don’t want them injuring themselves during that process. You may also want to consider additional comfort features if you take your Golden running. In fact, we’d recommend that you consider a harness specifically for running if you plan to do it frequently.

Safety

Most high-quality brands will have several safety features. The biggest feature that we would say is a “must-have” would be some type of reflective material. This is extremely important for early morning or late night walking, as you want your pup to be visible. This is especially true for headstrong dogs that may have a will to try and escape.

Some dog harnesses come with a handle attached at the back, making for a great failsafe option. While these harnesses aren’t exactly considered escape-proof harnesses, they are by nature more secure as you’ll have the option to grab your Golden in the event they try and take off. Some models will have seat belt features built-in as well.

Durability

Durability of any pet product is likely a concern, but definitely so with a harness because of the abuse they tend to take. While this may be less important to you if you have an older dog, you’ll definitely find yourself needing to buy another harness at later in life if your Golden is a puppy. As long as you pick one that’s fully adjustable and has a higher durability rating, it’s likely that you can have a single harness from the time your Golden is a puppy and able to go on walks, all the way through adulthood.

Cost

Obviously your budget is important. But you shouldn’t necessarily sacrifice quality for budget. Buying cheaper usually means that the product may be lower in quality, and you may end up buying a higher-end model in a year if your Golden happens to break it. That means you just delayed the financial pain, bought a cheap harness and ended up buying the more expensive/durable model anyways. We recommend getting the best quality you can afford for your Golden, rather than having to buy multiple models over the course of your Golden’s lifetime.

Golden Age

Your Golden Retriever’s age will also have an impact on what you’ll likely buy. We typically recommend smaller soft vest type harnesses for puppies and seniors, as they need more comfort. Young adult and adult Golden should have a rear, front or dual clip harness that provides safety and security.

Our Favorite Harnesses for Goldens

The Golden Retriever has a standard body style, which is very good news for their owners. Most dog harnesses will fit them well without major modifications or adjustments. You’ll want to make sure you buy for the appropriate size of your Golden based upon their life stage. Most Goldens are in the 50-90 pound range, as are most Golden mixes, so the choices below can freely apply to them as well.

The best thing to do is measure your Golden’s physical traits, and follow manufacturer guidelines as to which size you should get. Most Goldens will fit into a size Large, but you may need an extra-large if your Golden is heftier. It’s also possible that smaller Female Goldens will fit better into a medium size. Below you’ll find all our favorites for Golden Retrievers. Let’s jump in!

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Harness

Feature:

• Multiple Color Options
• Rear Clip Harness
• Reflective 3M fabric for low visibility walking
• Padded chest and belly for comfort
• Fully customizable fit
• Rear Handle for more control
• Front and rear D-ring attachments

The Chai’s Choice harness is one of our favorites for many reasons. First and foremost, it looks pretty slick. There are multiple color options, so you can color-coordinate your pets if you have more than one. Thanks to the 3M reflective padding that it’s equipped with, it’s the perfect choice for late evening or early morning strolls. The built-in handle at the top can double as a seat belt strap-in system, or as a safety fallback if your Golden somehow manages to get loose.

This harness has an excellently padded chest, making it very comfortable for your Golden during long walks. Chai’s choice is a back-clip harness, but we love the fact that there’s included D rings on both the top and the front. This means if your pup loves to pull, you can slap the leash to the front. If your Golden is well behaved, you can attach the leash to the back for a more leisurely stroll. Chai’s choice is completely adjustable, so if you purchase it when your pup is younger, it will likely carry you into adulthood.

We love that the Chai’s Choice harness has all the bells and whistles. It’s the complete package, with front and back clips, and highly reflective piping for safety.

---

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness

Feature:

• Crash-tested for car rides
• Includes carabiner for seat belt attachment
• Fully adjustable for all sizes
• Great for pullers
• Five adjustment points
• Design based on rock climbing harnesses
• Steel buckle system

The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is another excellent choice for Golden Retrievers. While it looks like a step-in type, it’s actually not. It has clips at the top on both sides. This allows you to feed the rest of the harness through either side of the chest. It’s extremely tough to escape from this model due to the attachment points of the buckles. This harness was based on the engineering that rock climbers use and comes equipped with a carabiner for car travel so it can attach to a seatbelt.

This harness has five adjustment points, which means you can get a great fit on your Golden, no matter the size. It was created for comfort and everyday use, no matter your Golden’s age. The chest pad was designed to reduce stress on your Golden’s trachea and sternum, which is extremely important for Goldens that love to pull. Surprisingly it’s also crash-tested, which is interesting as crash testing dog crates is usually more common.

We love the innovative design of the Kurgo Tru-Fit, the durability and the adjustability. This is a harness that will last your Golden through most of their life if purchased at a young adult age.

---

PetSafe Easy Walk Harness

Feature:

• Budget friendly
• Great for pullers
• Quick snap shoulder buckles
• No throat pressure
• Durable D-ring shoulder attachment
• Fits most breeds
• Martingale loop design

Our budget pick, the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is a great option if you can’t invest in purchasing a pricier model, and need to save some budget for a few Golden dog toys. This harness is back clip model, and attaches the leash to the front, making it a better option for Goldens that pull. There is little in the form of padding though, so it’s better for correcting bad habits than it is for comfortable walks.

The quick strap buckles make it easy to get on and off. The martingale loop at the chest tightens at the front, discouraging pulling behavior. It also prevents twisting, so your leash won’t get tangled up if your Golden decides to lunge. The pressure is across the chest of your Golden, so it’s better than a collar that puts pressure on the trachea when your Golden decides to pull.

We love the budget-friendly nature of the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness. If you have a younger or older dog with better manners, though, comfort and padding may be a slightly bigger priority.

---

Sporn Dog Harness

Feature:

• Veterinarian approved system
• Great for pullers
• Mesh padding provides comfort
• No control sacrifice
• Durable nylon construction
• Many size options
• Equipped with padded restraint sleeves

While we typically don’t endorse step-in harnesses for Goldens, this one is an exception. This harness is unique in the fact that it’s very engineered towards pullers, which is why it has soft meshing at the front that constricts as your Golden tries to drag you along. This is a veterinarian-approved and patented system that allows your Golden to move flexibly without putting unwanted pressure on sensitive areas that are likely to cause injury.

The Spron is specifically designed for hardcore Golden Pulling. We actually recommend it for breeds like the Pitbull, also notorious for pulling. The leash attachment is at the back of the harness. So, the only thing you’ll have to consider is the size of your Golden. While this harness discourages pulling behavior, if you have a larger dog to your own size, it may be slightly more difficult to manage. Unfortunately, there’s no handle at the back. But the way the it’s designed makes it extremely tough to pull it apart, so an accidental break free is unlikely.

We love the simple design of the Sporn, and if you have a serious puller, it’s worth giving this harness a shot. It’s also budget-friendly and in fact, is one of the cheapest options on our list.

---

HDP Big Dog Harness

Feature:

• Designed for larger breeds
• Thick straps for maximum control
• No choke harness design
• D-ring attaches to the center ring
• Durable polyester construction
• Handle to grab during tight situations
• Additional shoulder and chest padding

The HDP Big Dog No Pull Harness is a beast that’s meant for bigger breeds. Goldens are not small dogs, and this harness is not meant for smaller breed dogs. This harness goes all the way up to XX-L, which means the harness has sizes that will fit Giant Breed dogs as well. It has extra padding as well, and is extremely durable which is important for larger breeds. The Large-sized harness should fit most Golden Retrievers with ease, but you should always follow sizing recommendations.

The D Ring is only attached at the back on this particular harness. This might be an issue if your Golden is large and likes to pull. With that being said, the straps are incredibly thick, and the padding makes it very comfortable for larger dogs. This harness is made from comfortable polyester that allows your Golden to move around while the harness flexes around its body.

We love this harness for people that need extreme control over their dogs. It’s heavier duty and allows you to grab your Golden by the back handle when in difficult situations, making it great to control Goldens that may lunge.

---

Voyager Mesh Trim Dog Harness

Feature:

• Mesh breathable fabric
• Two sturdy D-ring attachments
• Fabric allows airflow
• Vest cross-over for comfort
• Padding ensures comfort fit
• Step-in style
• Perfect for puppies and seniors

This back clip harness is good for dogs where comfort is the most important thing. The Voyager is basically a cross between a vest and a harness, and it fits around your Golden comfortably as they walk. It’s a comfort fitting option for your Golden, and will provide a secure fit. This is a great pick for smaller puppies that are just starting out. The cost will make it easier to stomach if you are looking at it as a temporary solution.

The harness will attach to your leash at the back, near the clasps, acting as a double failsafe in case your pup starts to try and wiggle out. It does not attach at the front, so it’s really meant for dogs that are already comfortable with walking, as well as Golden puppies that may just be learning proper walking etiquitte.

We love the budget-friendly comfort that the Voyager offers. We would consider alternatives if you have a pup that’s a challenge to walk due to pulling or lunging.

---

Puppio Camo Dog Harness

Feature:

• Budget-friendly option
• Padding for comfort
• Perfect for puppies and seniors
• Air-mesh for airflow
• Durable polyester design
• Lightweight for walking
• D-ring leash attachment

Another budget-friendly vest crossover, the Puppia Soft Trim Dog Harness is a comfortable option for Goldens. It’s perfect for pups that are either just learning to walk on a leash, or are already leash trained. The padding is adequately comfortable for larger breeds, and the Puppia will do just fine for calmer Goldens. It comes in four different color combinations. This includes Camo, which can make your Golden a little more stylish when out and about!

If you are looking for a temporary solution when your Golden is a puppy and don’t want to break the bank, this is an excellent alternative to the Best Pet Supplies Voyager. The softer air-mesh padding makes it a comfortable harness for younger dogs and older seniors.

We love that we have another budget-friendly pick for people with younger or older dogs. Puppia does a good job of blending cost and quality.

---

 Related: Best Dog Crates for Golden Retrievers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I use a collar or harness for my Golden?

A: This is a personal decision. Most pet experts will advise that a harness puts less pressure on your Golden’s trachea. This is very important if your Golden pulls. Standard collars do not typically work well for pullers, so take that into consideration when choosing for your Golden.

Q: Should I use a harness or vest for my Golden?

A: Vests are a great option for young or older Goldens. Harnesses should be used for any Golden that’s in the later puppy stage. They can also be used during adulthood, all the way through their senior years. Vests are typically more engineered around comfort, and less on training & control.

Q: What kind of leash should I buy to go with my Harness?

A: This is a personal choice. We usually recommend a good strong nylon leash, as they can be purchased usually fairly cheaply. Leather also works well and is strong for most dogs if you don’t mind spending a little more.

Q: What size harness should I buy for my Golden?

A: Follow the manufacturer measurement recommendations. Most Goldens will fit into a large size. Smaller Goldens can work in a medium size. Some bigger males may need an extra-large depending on how much the dog weighs.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve learned all there is about finding the best harness for your Golden Retriever, we hope we’ve given you enough information to go on! There’s something to consider for your Golden at every life stage. Golden puppies and seniors usually have a little more flexibility as they are usually a little easier to control. No matter what age range your Golden is, if you stick to the recommendations we’ve provided, you should be in great shape on your next outdoor adventure!