Best Dog Harness For Small Dogs: Four Awesome Choices For 2017
Dog harnesses are great for small dogs, whether they pull or not. They can be a more comfortable option that gives you more control over your dog. There are many reasons to choose a dog harness but you want to make sure you get the best dog harness for small dogs.
Read on to learn why a dog harness might be the perfect option for your small dog. You’ll also learn how to use them and find our top picks.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Best Small Dog Harness in 2017
| Dog Harness | Quality | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness | A | |
| Puppia Soft Dog Harness | A | |
| Ruffwear Front Range Harness | A+ | |
| PetSafe Reflective Easy Walk Dog Harness | A- |
* click on the product name to be taken to Amazon where you can check the current price and read customer reviews.
Below you’ll find in-depth reviews of each of the above products.
Reasons You Should Use a Dog Harness
Here are the top reasons you should get a dog harness for small dog:
- Gentle: some small breeds of dogs are more delicate and easily injured. A harness takes pressure away from the neck and distributes across the whole body so that it is not to intensely concentrated at any one point.
- Leash-Training: a dog that pulls can cause themselves serious neck injuries if they are aggressively pulling on the leash. This is especially true of small dogs. So while training, a harness can be a great way to prevent injuries (especially a no-pull dog harness).
- No tangling: whether they pull or not, a leash can easily get tangled around your dog’s legs. With smaller dogs, this is a frequent problem since there is so much leash and so little dog. A harness positions the leash in a better spot and prevents it from wrapping around the legs.
- More secure: any dog that doesn’t like wearing a collar will try to slip it off of his head. A small dog can do this much more easily since their heads are also smaller. A harness is not so easy to get out of so you can be sure your dog won’t slip out and run off.
How to Use a Harness
When you first get a dog harness, it may look like a complicated contraption you’ll never be able to figure out. But it’s actually really simple to use once you know how to do it.
Just follow these quick and easy steps depending on the kind of harness you get.
Step In Harness:
- Unbuckle and lay the harness on the ground.
- Get your dog to stand over it.
- Place one front paw in each loop.
- Pull it up and strap the buckle(s) together on your dog’s back.
Pull Over Harness:
- Slip the neck piece over your dog’s head.
- Pull the straps on bottom down below your dog’s belly. Then pull the top straps over his back.
- Buckle the straps together.
These are the two main kinds of harnesses that you will see on the market. Both can be equally effective, it’s really just a matter of personal preference. Your dog might deal better with a step in harness than a pull over harness depending on his personality.
Editor’s Choice – Best Harness for Small Dogs
These are our top choices that we think you should consider when deciding which dog harness to get for your small dog:
1. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness
This harness is made for small dogs from 10 to 25 pounds. They also make an extra small harness for super small dogs. It’s a reasonable price at about $20 and has adjustable straps to make sure it’s the perfect fit. It’s super versatile, flexible, and comfortable so it’s great for a short walk or an all day adventure.
2. Puppia Soft Dog Harness
This harness is excellent for small dogs. It’s really soft while still providing a lot of support so your dog will be totally comfortable while you will have complete control over your dog. Just make sure you check out the size guide closely to figure out which size harness will best fit your dog. If it’s too tight or too loose, it won’t be very comfortable or effective.
3. Ruffwear Front Range Harness
This is definitely more on the pricey side but you do get a lot of quality for your money. It’s especially ideal for small dogs. Buy the one that’s closest to your dog’s size and use the adjustable straps to fine tune it and get the perfect snug but comfortable fit. The chest and belly area are padded for added comfort. It’s perfect for hikes or long walks when your dog will have to wear it for longer periods.
4. PetSafe Reflective Easy Walk Dog Harness
This is one of the best options for those on a budget. You can get really great quality without having to spend as much. It’s got a great design made from soft but durable nylon that helps stop your dog from pulling and lunging. And with adjustable straps, you can make sure it has the perfect fit for your little guy.
Harnesses are the best option for small dogs. They are easy to put on, less likely to tangle, and less likely to cause injury to your dog’s fragile neck. Choosing the best leash for your small dog depends on just how small he is and how often you plan to use it.
For example, for extended use, it’s best to spring for a high quality one with plenty of comfortable support. On the other hand, go for a more budget friendly one if you just plan to use it for short walks.