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Ive evaluated these harnesses based on my professional experience as a veterinarian combined with product feature considerations. The quality of each harness was determined by considering the materials, hardware, adjustability, and overall design. German Shepherds can be escape artists, so its essential that their harnesses are made from quality materials and can be adjusted for a precise fit! Dr. Morosco
Types Of Dog Harnesses
Dog harnesses come in several different types, depending on the purpose and use of the harness.
A No-Pull harness is a harness constructed with straps around the dogs chest, torso, and neck. In this type of harness, the leash is attached to the front so that if your dog pulls, the leash gives a tugging effect to turn him to the side rather than allowing him to dive on ahead.
A padded harness has soft padding on the chest and back areas that give your dog comfort and stability. This feature is excellent for deep-chested big dogs like German shepherds and boxers.
Acar harness acts as a seatbelt for your dog. It is designed to protect your dog from the impact of a crash when an accident occurs. Also, this harness keeps your dog from roaming the car too much, distracting the driver and increasing the risk of an accident.
A tactical harness is a multi-functional harness that allows dogs to carry some loads on their bodies. This harness is perfect for service dogs who need to carry medicine, water, and other emergency items. This harness is quite easy to notice you might have seen it before. It often has a military design and tactical aesthetic with a sign that reads: Service Dog Do Not Pet.
A tracking harness is designed to ensure that a dogs movements are not restricted and to let the dog breathe normally while following a ground scent. This harness is often used for dogs doing search and rescue missions.
Different German Shepherd Harness Materials
Harnesses for German Shepherds and most other dog breeds are typically made out of one or more of the following materials.
- Nylon Due to its stretch, water resistance, and strength, nylon is a top choice for German Shepherd harnesses, and most harnesses incorporate at least some nylon material in the straps.
- Polyester Polyester, like nylon, is an artificial fabric that is very strong, durable, and water-resistant, and holds up well to wear and tear, making it another top choice for use in German Shepherd harnesses.
- Leather Leather is a good option for German Shepherd harnesses. High-quality leather is very strong and durable, and a leather harness can easily last for decades with proper care. In addition, the thick coat of a German Shepherd means it wont be affected by the rubbing of leather, unlike some short-haired dogs.
- Cotton Cotton is organic and wont irritate the skin or fur, so its often incorporated into harness straps or padding, and there are some 100% cotton harnesses out there. However, its not quite as strong as nylon or polyester.
- Mesh Mesh is usually made of a nylon or polyester blend. Mesh harnesses are very breathable and flexible, making them great if you have a German Shepherd and live in a warm climate, where a traditional, bulky harness could be too hot.
Read on to learn more about the key components of a harness for a German Shepherd, and then see our top 9 picks for the best German Shepherd harnesses!
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Read Also: What Size Dog Collar For German Shepherd
What Else We Considered
What else we recommend and why:
- Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness: This is an affordable harness with a padded chest plate and both front and back leash attachments. It’s a solid choice as an everyday walking harness for larger dogs that pull moderately.
What we don’t recommend and why:
Chais Choice Best Outdoor Dog Harness
Next up is the Chais Choice Best Outdoor Dog Harness, of which I consider to be an upgraded version of the Rabbitgoo harness.
This harness is a no-pull, no-choke harness made of scratch-resistant oxford material and lightweight duraflex buckles for durability. Its built for comfort with well-padded mesh linings in the chest and belly area and fully adjustable straps for a customized fit. Furthermore, it also includes safety features such as reflective material for increased visibility and a sturdy handle and seat belt attachment.
Overall, this harness is similar to the Rabbitgoo, but it differs in terms of the quality of the material. Unlike the Rabbitgoo, which has plastic rings, the Chais Choice harness has two leash attachment points, with a Zinc-alloy D-ring on the back and Zinc-alloy O-ring on the chest. Effectively making it much more durable and reliable compared to the Rabbitgoo.
That said, it does cost a bit more, but is still competitively priced compared to most harnesses on the market.
Pros
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What Makes A Good Labradoodle Harness
Labradoodles are one of the larger breeds of dogs. And as with any bigger dog, when they pull on their leash you should be ready to hold on.
If your Labradoodle is wearing a collar, this will usually result in a lot of discomfort to their neck if they suddenly pull when youre going for a walk. If your dog is really unlucky, this can even lead to damage to its throat.
When looking for the perfect harness, the main things to look for are one that fits well, is as comfortable as possible, and can help reduce the pulling behavior from your dog when training or walking with it.
If you end up with a poor product, the problems you could end up facing could be that it will tighten under the dogs legs when they pull. This can be the cause of a lot of pain because your dog is getting its skin pinched.
And not only will this be very uncomfortable and hurt your dog, but it can also result in increasing the pulling behavior as they will try and do anything they can to get away from the cause of the pain.
How Do I Fit A No
Finding the right harness for your dog is like choosing the perfect running sneakers: Fit is crucial. There’s nothing scarier than your dog wriggling or backing out of a loose-fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness will also be uncomfortable, and if it’s too tight, it can cause chafing. Sagging harnesses can impede a dog’s full range of shoulder or leg movement.
A well-fitting harness should be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two to three fingers under all the straps. Check the sizing charts and read the instructions on how to measure your dog. When buying online, measure carefully and check the return policy before ordering.
Recommended Reading: Do German Shepherds Need Haircuts
Sporn No Pull Harness
Last but not least, we have the Sporn No Pull Harness.
This harness is made from high-quality, nylon mesh with nickel plated hardware for guaranteed durability and longevity. Its also well-designed for comfort with features such as padded Sherpa sleeves and an elastic and flexible mesh that stretches along with your dogs natural movement, allowing for control without compromising comfortability. Finally, its also quite convenient as its easy to put on and remove.
One thing to note about the Sporn Harness, though, is that while its no-pull, it actually doesnt have a front attachment like other harnesses. In fact, this harness has only 1 attachment point, an O-ring located at the back. So, how exactly is it no pull?
Well, instead of allowing you to turn your German Shepherd around when it pulls, this harness tightens its sleeves and applies light pressure under your dogs front legs. And while that may sound awful, the harness wont hurt your dog at all. Instead, this feature actually prevents any damage or harm to your German Shepherds neck.
As for drawbacks, while the Sporn Harness is an overall great no-pull no-choke harness, it does lack features compared to the other harnesses on this list. For example, this harness has no reflective strips for night visibility or built-in pockets for your dogs tags.
Pros
Advantages Of Using Harnesses
The handler is not the only one who benefits from the greater control and safety a full-body harness provides.
When pups are too young to use a training collar, these harnesses are excellent training tools for teaching them how to behave while walking on a leash.
The no-pull variants give walkers more control over heavy pullers and prevent them from lunging too much, both of which can cause them injury or put them at risk of running into traffic.
Your dog will be less likely to jump up on strangers or friends if they are wearing a no-pull harness.
Canines that consistently lunge while wearing conventional collars pose a lower risk of choking than other dogs.
When dogs are walking while wearing harnesses, they are less likely to inadvertently entangle in their walkers leashes or to create a tripping hazard for themselves.
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Buying Guide: Research Tips From A Veterinarian
What to look for and what to avoid in choosing a harness for your German Shepherd:
- When looking for a harness for any dog, it is important to keep your dogs size and energy level in mind. This will impact whether a no-pull harness is a priority, and how sturdy you need the harness materials to need to be.
- You also need to look for harnesses that have strong, durable material and attachment hooks and MOLLE material if wanting to carry gear.
- If looking for a heavy-duty harness, avoid harnesses that do not have buckles. Some harnesses only have Velcro as an attachment style which can be a problem for large, strong breeds like German Shepherds so keep that in mind.
What Is The Best Dog Harness For A German Shepherd
Here are our top seven recommendations:
A harness can help, but you shouldnt buy the first harness you see. There are some things to consider before purchasing a harness, such as the type of harness it is, what its best used for, comfort, and cost.
And when you combine the proper harness with training or obedience classes, walking them will be a pleasant experience for you. And your dog will be happy to get outside and get the exercise it needs.
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Different Types Of Dog Harnesses For German Shepherds
Dog harnesses are not one-size-fits-all. What works for one dog may not work for another dog. And German Shepherds have different requirements than other breeds due to their size and temperament.
There are things to take into consideration, such as how the leash attaches to the harness, how durable it is, how it goes on, whether or not it has a handle, what type of buckles it has, how adjustable it is, and style.
Who Should Buy These Harnesses
- People with German Shepherds If youre the pet parent of a German Shepherd, you need a sturdy harness. They are very powerful dogs and generally tend to be large when full grown, so youll want to have complete control over your dog during walks.
- Folks who want to take their dog on hikes The hiking trails of America are full of natural dangers like wild animals, poisonous plants, steep cliffs, and issues navigating. The harnesses on this list offer a safe way to take your German Shepherd into the wilderness.
- Families with similar dogs While these are the best harnesses for German Shepherds, theyre not breed specific. If you have multiple dogs or have a friend with a breed thats a similar size and strength to German Shepherds who are interested in a harness these may be good options.
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Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
This is a hassle-free put-on-and-take-off dog harness for a German shepherd. The Auroth tactical dog harness features four straps on the shoulders and the chest. The straps are adjustable and allow your dog to have a snug fit while allowing them mobility. The harness is made with 900D nylon which makes it durable.
The harness has two rings that bear pulling force to keep your dog safe during training, hunting, or other activities. Your dogs skin is well protected by the padding. This harness keeps your dog comfortable with the breathable mesh. The harness is compatible with molle/Pals pouch, to hook your puppys toys or water bottle. It has two leash attachment points that are pull controlled to maximize your dogs safety during walks and jogging.
Pros
It features four adjustable straps
It made with high-quality nylon
The harness has breathable mesh
It has two leash attachment points
Cons
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Tips For Getting Your German Shepherd Accustomed To Using A Harness
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious, yet powerful dogs that will take you for a walk if you havent adequately trained them to walk on a leash. A harness is a great way to help them learn not to pull too much and exhibit control.
Here are some tips to help your German Shepherd grow accustomed to using a harness.
Is There A Humane Alternative To No
Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses. Baker recommends their use on dogs that pull. “If you lead the head, the body follows,” she explained. Head halters may not be appropriate for every dog. If your pup is easily overaroused or highly reactive on leash, Siracusa said that using a head halter can result in whiplash or neck or spine pain.
Also Check: How Big Should A German Shepherd Be At 4 Months
What Is A Dog Harness
A dog Harness is equipment made of straps put around the trunk of a dogs body. The harness is used to attach leashes replacing traditional neck collars.
In traditional neck collars when a dog pulls the leash, all that pressure goes on the neck of the dog resulting in choking and neck injuries. To fix that problem these days we use a dog harness, a harness distributes the pulling pressure of a dog evenly on the back and upper body whenever he/she pulls the leash, securing the neck of your dog. Moreover, a harness can be used for many different purposes such as teaching your dog not to pull the leash, controlling your dog more safely, and attaching gears to a dog harness.
Disadvantages Of Using Only A Collar For Walking Your Gsd
- A problem with any collar is that its tricky to control a dog by its neck.
- If the collar slips too low on the neck a Shepherd can throw its weight into it and pull with great strength, injuring you or themselves.
- Constant, long-term wear can cause hair loss or breakage around your dogs neck.
- A collar can slip over your dogs head if they try to back out of it, especially for puppies. But a Martingale collar helps prevent escaping from the collar.
If you have a Shepherd that pulls on their collar so hard during walks they choke themselves and gasp for air, a traditional or Martingale collar may not work by itself.
In this case, there are two major options: a head halter and a no-pull harness.
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Fitting Your German Shepherd For A Harness
When fitting a dog for any harness measurement is essential. A harness size which is too loose could slip off, too tight and it will cause discomfort. Check out our handy guide for measuring and fitting a dog harness.
Take a tape measure and measure your dog at the widest part of the chest .
You should include a few inches for any growth and slight flexibility.
If you find your GSD measures between the size of two harnesses go with the larger of the two and adjust. Most harnesses will have adjustable straps so you can tweak it for the perfect fit.
Also, measure the circumference of the dogs neck. Knowing your German Shepherds neck size will help when choosing harnesses which go over the head. Again, use the tape measure and compare it against the sizing guide if required.
If possible, you may also want to weigh your dog. This could be an indication of the pulling power of your German Shepherd when they decide to dart.