The Ultimate Guide to Dog Harnesses
If you’ve ever searched for a dog harness online, you’ll know just how many options there are. Front clip, back clip, step-in, Y-shaped, no-pull, escape-proof – it can quickly become overwhelming.
At Bew Dogs, we believe choosing a harness shouldn’t be complicated. The right harness should be comfortable, secure and make daily walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy, upgrading an old harness or simply trying to find a better fit, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Choose a Harness?
For many dogs, a harness offers greater comfort and control than a collar alone. Unlike collars, which place pressure directly on the neck, a harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders. This can help reduce strain when dogs pull, lunge or become excited on walks.
Many owners choose a harness because they:
- Offer greater control during walks
- Reduce pressure on the neck
- Provide additional security
- Are often more comfortable for longer walks
- Can help with training and lead manners
- Work well for dogs of all ages and sizes
A collar still has an important role, particularly for identification tags, but many owners find a harness is the better choice for everyday walks.
Different Types of Dog Harness
Back Clip Harnesses
Back clip harnesses attach the lead to a ring positioned between the shoulders. These are one of the most popular styles because they are simple, comfortable and suitable for most dogs.
Benefits include:
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable for daily use
- Ideal for relaxed walkers
- Suitable for puppies and adult dogs
Our Bew Dogs harnesses use a back clip design, combining comfort, security and style for everyday adventures.
Front Clip Harnesses
Front clip harnesses position the lead attachment on the chest. They are often recommended for dogs that pull heavily, as the lead attachment helps redirect movement towards the owner.
Step-In Harnesses
Step-in harnesses require the dog to step into two leg holes before fastening. Some owners love them, while others find they offer less adjustability than other styles. Many dogs don't actually step in, so these harnesses can require the dog's front legs to be lifted off the ground to put them on.
Y-Shaped Harnesses
Y-shaped harnesses are designed to sit clear of the shoulders, allowing natural movement. Many trainers favour this style because it allows dogs to move freely without restricting their gait.
How Should a Dog Harness Fit?
Even the best harness won’t do its job if it doesn’t fit correctly. We see time and time again at events, the result of poor fitting harnesses, which become loose over time or are too right and rub.
- A properly fitted harness should be:
- Secure but not tight
- Comfortable during movement
- Difficult for the dog to back out of
- Free from rubbing or chafing
A simple rule is the “two-finger test”. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. Too tight and it may cause discomfort. Too loose and your dog may escape.
Signs Your Dog’s Harness Doesn’t Fit Properly Watch for these common warning signs:
- Rubbing under the legs
- Hair loss around contact points
- Excessive shifting during walks
- The harness rotating to one side
- Your dog backing out of it
- Reluctance to wear the harness
If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to adjust the fit or try a different size.
It's also important to choose a harness that is fully adjustable - like the Bew Dogs' harnesses - which allow for a tailored fit around both the body and neck. A generic harness that can't be fully adjusted may never fit correctly, as dogs really do come in all shapes and sizes.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
When measuring your dog for a harness, the most important measurements are around the chest and the neck.
To measure:
- Stand your dog comfortably.
- Use a soft tape measure.
- Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.
- Measure around the neck
- Allow a few extra cms so the product isn't too tight
- Compare the measurement to the product's size guide.
At Bew Dogs, every harness product page includes a detailed sizing guide to help you choose the right fit. If your dog falls between sizes, we’re always happy to help with sizing advice before you order.
Harnesses for Puppies
Choosing a puppy’s first harness is an important milestone. Puppies grow quickly, so look for:
- Adjustable straps
- Lightweight materials
- Soft, comfortable fabrics
- Secure fastenings
The goal isn’t just control – it’s helping your puppy build positive associations with wearing a harness and exploring the world.
Harnesses for Dogs That Pull
Many owners start looking for a new harness because walks have become a battle. While no harness can replace training, the right fit can make walks more manageable and comfortable.
If you find that your dog pulls often:
- Choose a secure, well-fitted harness
- Pair it with positive reinforcement training
- Focus on consistency rather than equipment alone
A harness is a useful tool, but good lead manners are still taught rather than bought.
Harness or Collar: Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked. The truth is most dogs benefit from both.
A dog collar is useful for:
- ID tags
- Quick trips outside
- Everyday wear
- Less fabric in warmer weather
A harness is often better for:
- Walks
- Training
- Puppies
- Dogs that pull
- Longer adventures
- brachycephalic breeds (like pugs, frenchies, bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus)
Many owners choose a collar for identification and a harness for walking. Luckily we have matching sets!
What Makes a Good Dog Harness?
Not all harnesses are created equal. When shopping for a harness, look for:
Comfort
Soft materials and thoughtful design help prevent rubbing and discomfort.
Adjustability
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Adjustable straps allow for a more secure fit.
Durability
A harness should withstand muddy walks, countryside adventures and everyday use. This is why all of Bew Dogs harnesses are machine washable at low temperatures.
Secure Fastenings
Strong buckles and reliable hardware help keep your dog safe.
Style
Let’s be honest – if your dog wears a harness every day, it’s nice when it looks good too. That’s why we created the Bew Dogs collection, combining practical everyday functionality with timeless designs you’ll genuinely enjoy seeing on your walks.
Our Approach at Bew Dogs
We created Bew Dogs because we wanted dog accessories that were both practical and beautiful. Our harnesses are designed for everyday adventures, from local coffee runs to countryside walks and weekend trips away.
They’re lightweight, comfortable, adjustable and designed to pair perfectly with our matching collars, leads and poo bag holders. Because while safety and comfort always come first, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a coordinated walking set too.
Final Thoughts
The best dog harness isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most complicated. It’s the one that fits your dog properly, keeps them comfortable and makes your daily walks easier. And when we take time to measure correctly, choose quality materials and prioritise fit above everything else, we set ourselves up for more comfortable and enjoyable adventured together every day!