One essential item that many Australian Shepherd owners need is a reliable harness. Choosing the best harness for your Aussie can enhance safety, comfort, and control during your adventures together.
Best Harness for Australian Shepherds
| Image | Name | Rating | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Tactical Dog Harness |  | |
 | No Pull Dog Harness | | |
 | Embark Dog Harness | |
Tactical Dog Harness
The rabbitgoo Dog Harness No Pull is a great option for Australian Shepherds looking for a comfortable and secure harness. With its adjustable design, it can fit dogs with chest girths between 20.1″ to 33.9″, making it suitable for most medium-sized breeds.
This tactical dog harness features four convenient adjustment points, ensuring a snug fit for your Australian Shepherd. The soft breathable air mesh padding provides comfort during outdoor activities, while the reinforced handle offers maximum control when needed. The MOLLE system on both sides allows you to attach pouches, water bottles, and other equipment, making it perfect for various occasions such as personal service, law enforcement, hunting, or outdoor recreation.
No Pull Dog Harness
The Carhartt Nylon Duck No Pull Dog Harness is a great option for Australian Shepherds due to its fully adjustable design and no-pull functionality.
This harness features a martingale chest strap that helps reduce pulling while allowing your dog a full range of motion. It also has a breathable spacer mesh backing, yoke-style design with over-the-head outfitting, and reflective accents for low-light visibility. The 500-denier polyester material is water-repellent with DWR technology, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
Embark Dog Harness
The Embark Adventure Dog Harness is a great option for Australian Shepherds due to its durability, comfort, and safety features. This no-pull dog harness is made from heavy-duty Oxford and Military Grade Nylon materials, making it perfect for large and active breeds like the Australian Shepherd.
This harness features reflective strips that ensure visibility in low-light conditions, as well as a gel-lined handle for extra safety control during walks, runs, or hikes. The front D-ring design helps promote no-pull training by discouraging pulling behavior without causing pain or choking. With its adjustable straps and reinforced safety clips, you can easily find the perfect fit for your Australian Shepherd. Additionally, the soft padding and breathable material provide a comfortable and rub-free wearing experience for your dog.Overall, the Embark Adventure Dog Harness is a well-rounded choice that prioritizes both comfort and safety.
Military Dog Vest
The Dog Harness No Pull Military Dog Harness with Handle & Molle is a great choice for Australian Shepherds and other medium breeds. Its adjustable design ensures a comfortable fit, while the 1000D nylon fabric provides durability and water resistance.
This vest offers several features that make it ideal for training, working, and everyday wear. The MOLLE system and Velcro placements allow you to easily attach gear or ID panels, while the unique reflective strip design adds an extra layer of safety when walking your dog in low light conditions. The sturdy handle and 4 quick-release buckles also provide easy control and secure fastening.
IceFang Dog Harness
The ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness is a top-notch option for Australian Shepherds, offering a sturdy and comfortable design that’s perfect for working dogs. The medium size is likely to fit your Shepherd well, given its adjustable neck and chest measurements of 16′-22′ and 25′-31′, respectively.
The ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness features several notable upgrades that make it an excellent choice for active dogs like Australian Shepherds. The double metal buckle provides added strength and security at the most load-bearing points, while the no-pull front clip and safety control system allow you to redirect your dog’s motion and prevent pulling with ease. Additionally, the D-ring handle enables easy lifting of your dog in and out of the car, or grabbing onto when walking in crowded areas.
VetStop Pull Harness
The Personalized No-Pull Dog Harness with Name Patch stands out as a top choice for Australian Shepherds. Its veterinarian-approved design incorporates a no-pull mechanism that gently applies pressure to the dog’s shoulders, discouraging pulling without putting your pet at risk of choking.
This versatile harness offers numerous features that make it ideal for everyday use. The reflective strip provides enhanced visibility during nighttime walks, while full adjustability ensures a comfortable fit. A durable buckle and stainless-steel D-ring add an extra layer of security. And with the ability to customize your dog’s name and phone number, you can rest assured they’ll be easily identifiable if they ever become separated from you.
Joyride Harness
The Joyride Basic Essential Dog Harness 1.0 is an excellent choice for a variety of canine companions. It’s available in small, medium, large dog sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for any Australian Shepherd or other breed.
This harness features pressure release technology that helps prevent choking and stress during walks. It’s also durable and long-lasting, with a sturdy emergency safety handle and buckle closure system. Plus, its reflective material and stitching provide added safety for early morning or evening outings. The Joyride Basic Essential Dog Harness 1.0 is an excellent option for any dog owner who wants to ensure their Australian Shepherd’s comfort and control during daily walks and training sessions.
How To Choose The Best Harness for Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, agility, and spirited personality. These active dogs thrive on interaction and exercise, making them eager companions for a variety of activities. However, with their lively nature comes the need for the right equipment, especially when it comes to walking and training.
Understanding the Need for a Harness
Before we dive into how to choose the best harness, it’s essential to understand why a harness is crucial for Australian Shepherds. These dogs are high-energy and can weigh anywhere from 40 to 65 pounds, depending on whether they are males or females. Their playful and sometimes stubborn nature can lead to challenges during walks if not managed correctly.
Why a Harness Over a Collar?
Control: A harness, particularly one designed for your dog’s size and strength, provides better control than a standard collar. This is especially important for Australian Shepherds, as they can become distracted and may pull or dart unexpectedly.
Safety: Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and body instead of concentrating it on the neck. This is vital for active dogs like Australian Shepherds, as a sudden pull on a collar can cause neck injuries.
Comfort: The right harness can be much more comfortable for your dog, especially if they are prone to pulling. Many harnesses include padding and ergonomic designs that reduce chafing and discomfort.
Types of Harnesses for Australian Shepherds
There is a wide range of harnesses available on the market, each designed for different purposes. Understanding these types will help you to determine which best fits your Australian Shepherd’s specific needs.
1. Front-Clip Harnesses
Front-clip harnesses have a leash attachment point on the front of the chest. This design allows for better control, especially for dogs that tend to pull. When a dog pulls, the harness directs them back toward you, making it easier to manage their movements.
Pros: These are great for training dogs not to pull. They offer better guidance and can help prevent you from being dragged along.
Cons: Some dogs may find the harness restrictive, or it can be more challenging to use with some dogs who are less tolerant of restraint.
2. Back-Clip Harnesses
These harnesses feature a leash attachment on the back, making them suitable for well-trained dogs that don’t pull. Back-clip harnesses can be comfortable and easy to put on, but they may not provide as much control over an excitable dog.
Pros: They are comfortable for your dog and easy to put on and off. They are also suitable for use during activities like hiking and casual walks.
Cons: Not ideal for dogs that pull, as pulling can lead to more strain on their neck.
3. Dual-Clip Harnesses
Dual-Clip harnesses provide both front and back attachment points. This versatility makes them a great option for Australian Shepherds, as they allow for different walking styles and training needs.
Pros: They combine the benefits of both front and back-clip harnesses, offering flexibility in training and control.
Cons: They can be slightly more complex and may take longer to figure out for some dog owners.
4. No-Pull Harnesses
No-pull harnesses are specifically designed to discourage pulling. They often feature a front attachment and additional design elements that prevent pulling by redirecting your dog when they make an attempt.
Pros: These harnesses provide effective training methods for dogs that pull, helping to modify behavior over time.
Cons: Some dog owners may find that the harness doesn’t eliminate pulling entirely, so it’s essential to pair it with training.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing the best harness for your Australian Shepherd, you need to assess certain features to ensure that it is both functional and suitable for your dog. Here are some essential features to consider:
1. Size and Fit
One of the most critical aspects of choosing a harness is ensuring that it fits correctly. An improper-fitting harness can chafe, restrict movement, or even come off entirely.
Measure Your Dog: Use a soft measuring tape to measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest and neck. Many brands provide sizing charts to help match your dog’s measurements.
Adjustable Straps: Look for harnesses with adjustable straps to customize the fit. This feature allows you to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit that can grow with your dog.
2. Material and Comfort
The material of the harness plays a significant role in your dog’s comfort. Lightweight and breathable fabric helps to keep your dog cool, particularly during the hot months.
Padding: Opt for harnesses with ample padding on areas that will come into contact with your dog’s skin; this will help to prevent chafing or discomfort.
Durability: Considering Australian Shepherds are often active and can get into rough play or activities, the material should be durable enough to withstand their energy.
3. Clip Type and Quality
The attachment method of the harness is vital in ensuring that it holds up during walks.
Quality Clips: The clips should be robust and withstand pulling. High-quality harnesses often use metal clips rather than plastic, which may break under strain.
Ease of Use: Whether you are using a front or back clip, it should be easy to attach and detach the leash. Look for designs that streamline this process without compromising safety.
4. Reflective Elements
If you often walk your Australian Shepherd during twilight hours or early mornings, consider choosing a harness with reflective elements. This feature enhances visibility and helps keep your dog safe during low-light conditions.
5. Leash Attachment Points
The number of leash attachment points can impact the versatility of the harness. Depending on your dog’s behavior, you might find it beneficial to have both front and back attachment options.
6. Design and Style
While functionality is the most crucial factor, design and style matter too! Many harnesses come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to choose one that reflects your Australian Shepherd’s personality.
