Best Dog Harness For Small Dogs: Four Awesome Choices For 2018
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 2018
| 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 it 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 are so much leash and so little dog. A harness positions the leash in a better spot and prevents it from wrapping around the legs.
- Security. 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 Put On a Small Dog Harness
When you first get a dog harness, it may look like a complicated contraption. But it’s actually really simple to use once you know how to do it. Just follow these quick and easy steps.
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 the 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 pullover harness depending on his personality.
Editor’s Choice – Best Harness for Small Dogs
These are the 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.
Features:
- This walking harness has five adjustment points and Weinerlock plastic quick-release buckles for easy release
- D-ring front leash attachment prevents pulling by turning your pup around when he tries to pull
- The harness comes with a tether making it useful as a seat belt for your dog
2. Puppia Soft Dog Harness
This harness is excellent for small dogs. It’s really soft while still providing a lot of support. Your dog will be very comfortable while you maintain control. 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.
Features:
- Made out of 100% Polyester so it is easy to wash
- Available in 14 different colors and 7 sizes
- Adjustable chest belt and quick-release buckle plus a comfortably padded neck opening
3. Ruffwear Front Range Harness
A quality product for a little bit more money. It’s especially ideal for small dogs because it easily slips over your dog’s head and stays secure.
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 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.
Features:
- Features two leash attachment points. One on the chest for more control during training, and one on the back for walking.
- Designed to slip over your dog’s head and stay secure with side-release buckles.
- Built-in pocket, reflective trim for evening walks
- Optional 8 colors, and 5 sizes available
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.
Features:
- Front leash attachment guides your dog to your side to reduce or eliminate leash pulling
- This harness rests along your dog’s chest and not the throat area which means no choking when your pet tries to pull
- Four adjustment points to allow you to adjust the harness to your dog’s shape
- 4 sizes and 4 colors available
Summary
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 harness such as the Ruffwear Harness 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 or even a fashion accessory such as the Puppia Soft Dog harness with all the color options.
Now, its time for a walk!
Image Credit Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash