Last Updated: 03/06/2025
Best Dog Harness Australia Edition
Wondering which harness is best? Explore styles to make walks fun for you and your dog!
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 33 minutes - long read
Last Updated: 03/06/2025
Wondering which harness is best? Explore styles to make walks fun for you and your dog!
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 33 minutes - long read
Choosing the right harness for your dog seems like a straightforward task that can make a world of difference in your daily walks together. However, with so many options available, all the unfamiliar names and designs can start to resemble medieval contraptions, and it can be overwhelming to find the best harness that suits your dog's needs. Every breed is unique in their size, shape, temperament and behaviour which means each pet will have different requirements for their exercise equipment.
In this article, we'll explore the different types of harnesses, their features, and how to choose the perfect one for your furry friend. Whether you have a small, medium, or large dog, we'll help you navigate the world of harnesses to find the ideal fit for your canine companion.
Back-attaching harnesses are a traditional design, suitable for gentler dogs who do not pull excessively. Back-attaching dog harnesses are designed with a D-ring on the back, usually between the shoulder blades, where you can attach the lead.
The back attachment point allows for more natural movement and can help distribute the pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of strain or injury. For this reason, back-attaching harnesses are ideal for small and toy dogs or those with weak necks as any impact is dispersed when compared to a standard collar.
The ring for lead attachment can often be safely attached to seatbelts, making them ideal for road trips.
Front-attaching harnesses are a popular choice for dog owners looking to reduce pulling and improve control during walks. These harnesses feature a front attachment point, typically located on the dog's chest, which helps to redirect the dog's forward motion when they pull. This design encourages dogs to walk beside their owners and discourages pulling behaviour.
Front-attaching harnesses are particularly useful for dogs who are strong pullers or who are learning leash manners. They can also be beneficial for dogs with neck or respiratory issues, as they distribute pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders. Overall, front-attaching harnesses can provide a comfortable and effective way to manage your dog's behaviour during walks.
The headcollar, also known as a 'gentle leader headcollar' or 'halti' is a great training aide for dogs who lunge or pull excessively. This halter is designed to give you more control to prevent these behaviours from escalating.
These collars consist of two loops - one that goes over the bridge of the nose resting below the eyes and the other which loops around the neck, with the leash attaching under the chin where the 2 loops meet. The design of a head collar allows owners to gently steer their dogs in the desired direction by controlling their head movements. This can be particularly useful for dogs that tend to pull on the leash or exhibit other behaviours that make walking difficult, like lunging or jumping up.
While head collars can be a great aid for some dogs, it's important to introduce them gradually and ensure a proper fit to prevent discomfort or resistance from the dog.
For more information regarding dogs who pull or lunge on walks, or become reactive as soon as the lead goes on, take a read through our following articles:
Putting on a dog harness is a straightforward process once you know how, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure your dog's comfort and safety. Here's a step-by-step guide:
A note about head-collars: For head-collars, we recommend fitting the collar, rewarding your dog with treats, and taking the head-collar straight back off again. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the amount of time you leave the head-collar on each time, in order to gently get your dog used to it, and make wearing it a positive experience. Once your dog is completely comfortable wearing the head-collar, only then would we recommend taking them out for a walk whilst wearing it.
Double-ended leads are a great accessory for any dog owner but are particularly useful for behavioural training. Double ended leads can be used as an adjustable lead, to temporarily tether your pet or to walk multiple dogs.
During behavioural training, some dogs may benefit from using multiple harnesses. For example a dog who is a heavy puller with lunging tendencies would require both a headcollar and a front-attaching harness which can be attached to your double-ended lead.
Martingale collars are designed for greyhounds, whippets and similarly figured dogs as their heads are smaller than their necks, they can easily slip out of conventional collars.
In conclusion, choosing the best harness for your dog depends on various factors, including your dog's size, breed, and behaviour. Front-attaching harnesses are ideal for dogs that pull, while back-attaching harnesses offer more freedom for well-behaved dogs. Head collars can be effective for strong pullers but require training for proper use. Ultimately, the best harness is one that fits your dog comfortably, allows for proper movement, and helps you maintain control during walks. Consider your dog's specific needs and consult with our in-house Vets, your veterinarian or professional trainer if you're unsure which harness is right for your furry friend.
Reflective harnesses and glow and light up collars and leads are perfect for walking your dog at night. If you have a busy schedule and need to walk your dog before or after work, this might be perfect for you. It's also great for winter time, when the days are shorter, to help keep your dog visible in the dark.
For more night time walking tips, take a look at our article on Walking Your Dog at Night.
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
