The Best Leashes and Harnesses to Train Your Dog

by Susan Price Apr 13, 2022 Apr 10, 2023

Let's face it: walking an untrained dog on the wrong leash is not fun for anyone involved. The constant pulling is sure to hurt your arms as well as your dog. To avoid it, you need careful leash training that requires patience, a positive mindset, and the right equipment.

That last piece is often overlooked. But in reality, the right leash or harness can make all the difference in training your dog to be as patient as you are, making those walks more fun for everyone involved. So let's dive right in, examining the 5 best harnesses and 5 best leashes for puppy and dog training.

The 5 Best Leashes to Train Your Dog

FAIRWIN Leather Dog Leash, Best Overall

Made from thick, high-quality leather, this dog leash is best for large, medium, and small dogs. In other words, it's the whole package. Used by police and military units around the world, it has plenty of strength to support dogs that pull during training, without ever getting uncomfortable for either the owner or the dog.

The two-year warranty helps dog owners keep peace of mind that nothing will break, while a 60-day unconditional return option means that if you or your dog just can't get along with it, you can get your money back. The only caveat is that because this is genuine leather, it should be avoided for any dogs that like to chew their leash.

Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Leash, Best Midrange

The Hi Kiss leash is a great compromise between affordability and quality. Choose from the best long leash lengths for dog training, between 15 and 100 feet, depending on your training needs. You can even pick the best leash length for recall training. The nylon leash, meanwhile, comes with reinforced stitching that keeps the product in good shape for longer. 

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Our favorite feature about this leash, other than its price, is that it is reflective. That increases safety for you and your dog, especially at nighttime. However, it's important to point out that this is a leash only designed for large and medium dogs, so owners of small breeds should look elsewhere.

VIVAGLORY Short Dog Leash, Best Value

Don't think that the low price of this option means you get less quality. Instead, it's quite the opposite. Tightly webbed nylon, along with a heavy-duty clasp, means that once you buy this option, you'll probably be able to keep it as long as your dog likes it.

The leash is just 18 inches long, making it the best training leash for large dogs, perfect for training your dog to heel or stay close to you in crowded environments. And yet, it manages to be comfortable for both the dog and the owner, which is especially important when just starting to train dogs who are not yet used to a leash.

Stunt Puppy Stunt Runner Hands-Free Dog Leash

If you're looking for a leash for a dog that pulls or just wants to go on a run with your puppy, this might just be your best option. The StuntRunner is made from elastic material that absorbs some of the power from your dog trying to pull away, while its hand-free design is specifically designed for activity. It makes this the best leash for training dogs not to pull.

The leash is worn around the waste, where it comfortably fits. For tighter and crowded spaces, a safety loop allows you to keep your dog close. And of course, the material is lightweight, allowing you to focus all of your energy on training your dog not to pull during the run.

PetSafe Cotton Training Lead

Like the Hi Kiss Training Leash, this option is among the best leashes for recall training. It's ranked lower because it is slightly less versatile, specifically designed for training but more difficult to apply once your dog is well-trained to heel or come back from play. It also comes in fewer length options, only ranging up to 30 feet.

The cotton material is both durable and sustainable. The PetSafe brand is well trusted in the industry, and typically recommended by professional dog trainers. In all, this is a great leash option for the specific purpose it serves. 

The 5 Best Harnesses to Train Your Dog

2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness, Best Overall

Let's start with our favorite product, which is a favorite among dog owners of all breeds and at all training levels. It's designed as one of the best no pull dog harness, meaning that when your dog does want to pull, it tightens around their chest (where they can feel it, but it's not dangerous) to let them know it's not the right thing to do.

The 2 Hounds harness also comes with a leash, making it a package deal that ranks it among the best puppy leash and harness combos around. The material is designed to avoid any skin irritation, while the design is specifically created to avoid your dog slipping out of the harness. If you're training your dog, this is the #1 choice.

RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness, Best Midrange

Like our winner, RUFFWEAR offers a no-pull harness that's perfect for teaching excitable dogs to calm down a little when on a leash. And yet, it's specifically designed to distribute the pressure caused by the pulling to ensure that your dog will not get injured or ever be in pain.

RUFFWEAR recommends this harness for dogs transitioning from initial puppy training to regular walks, and we agree. Its level of comfort speaks well for it, as does the adjustable nature which makes it a great fit even for small dogs. When you buy this one, chances are you won't have to worry about another harness for a while.

Chai's Choice - Premium Outdoor Adventure Dog Harness, Best Value

One of the best harness choices for both training your puppy and walking a fully-trained dog, this option shines with a soft padding that your dog will be sure to love. It's also designed to be easy to take on or off, reducing any stress for both you and your dog. Meanwhile, the nylon is reflective, increasing night time flexibility.

Importantly, this is a harness specifically designed for training your dog. But its low price, combined with the material and ease of use for both you and your dog, still make it an option well worth considering for both new and experienced dog owners.

PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness

Versatility is the name of the game for this training harness option, which uses a vertical loop and front clip to tighten when your dog pulls without applying pressure to the throat area. It also comes with a seat belt handle that keeps the dog car on car rides, and a five-point adjustment system that fits most breed sizes.

And yet, this harness is the embodiment of a great all around setup. If you're looking for a specific type of harness, chances are you'll find a better option. But if you're just looking for an all-around option that still does what it needs to, this is your best bet.

Noxgear LightHound Illuminated Harness

Who said that dogs don't need gadgets? If you're planning to spend a lot of time outside with your dog while the sun is down, this harness includes rainproof LED lighting that makes your puppy visible from up to a quarter mile away. The LEDs are rechargeable and detachable for when the harness needs washed.

Of course, you pay for that special feature, with this being the most expensive harness on our list. It also doesn't come with many of the same adjustment possibilities or no-pull abilities as some of the other products we reviewed. But it does its job of keeping your dog-in-training visible, and it does it well.

How to Determine Which Harness Size Fits Your Dog

Ultimately, the best harness comes down to what's best for your dog, and fit plays a major role in that consideration. It should fit snugly but not too tight, with little room to wiggle but without indenting your dog's skin in some of its most sensitive areas.

Fortunately, finding that fit tends to be easy. Measure around your dog's rib cage, then see what harnesses match your measurements. Keep your packaging as you try on the harness, following the directions closely. Only throw it away once you're sure that the harness fits as intended.

Important Notes to Remember

While this guide is designed to give you guidance on the best leashes and harnesses for training your dog, it is by no means universal. That's because, as outlined in the descriptions and evaluations of each of the products above, your situation and type of dog largely dictates which leash is right for your needs.

The best training leash for a large dog is different from the best puppy leash or harness. Long leashes make sense in some but not all situations. Keep these variables in mind as you look for a product that helps you and your furry friend learn how to go on relaxing walks together.

And ultimately, that's what it comes down to. With the right leash and/or harness in place, you will be able to train your dog much more easily, allowing both of you to stay calm and relaxed (and, of course, uninjured) each time you decide to take a stroll. And isn't that reassurance worth the research?

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