10 Best Harnesses For Labradoodles in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks
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A dog harness places less pressure on your dog’s neck, reducing the potential for injury and pain. It also minimizes pressure on the throat, so it can reduce coughing and “quacking” while walking. And, it makes it easier to control a pulling dog when on the leash. Harnesses replace collars, and as well as being able to connect them to leashes, typically via D rings, you can also use them to keep your dog safe while traveling in cars. Labradoodles do come in a variety of sizes, and you will need to choose a harness that best fits your dog’s chest and neck size, but most are considered large breeds.
Below, we have reviews of some of the best harnesses for Labradoodles, including basic as well as cushioned and rugged harnesses, so that you can find the one that is best for your four-legged friend.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
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Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Lock Dog Harness |
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Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness |
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Julius-K9 IDC Powerhouse Nylon Reflective |
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EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness |
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Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure |
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The 10 Best Harnesses for Labradoodles
1. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Lock Dog Harness – Best Overall
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Polyester, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Buckle |
Harnesses can help relieve pressure from the dog’s neck and throat, but they can also be a challenge to get on. You have to figure out where the neck hole is and then convince your dog to stay still while you slide the whole thing over the head and down the body.
The Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Lock Dog Harness is a step-in harness with buckle clip fastening. This means that the harness goes over the legs before the clip is fastened, making it easier and quicker to put on. The harness is made from padded mesh so is comfortable even for the most vigorous puller, and the D-ring is strong and secure so it won’t snap at the first sign of pressure. The Voyager is reasonably priced, comes in a good selection of colors and sizes, and is our choice as the best harness for Labradoodles of all sizes.
As with most harnesses, you do need to measure your dog’s neck and chest size to ensure you buy the most appropriate size, and although the step-in design is good for dogs that are resistant to having a harness pulled down over their head, the plastic fastening buckle is a weak point that is liable to snap.
- Step-in design is easier to put on
- Padded mesh is comfortable
- Competitively priced
- Step-in fastening is plastic and liable to break
2. Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness – Best Value
| Size: | Medium |
| Material: | Nylon, Polyester, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Buckle |
For really strong pullers, the plastic snap fastening of a step-in harness can prove a weak point that gives under the pressure. An over-the-head harness removes this weak point but does mean that you need to be able to convince your dog to accept the harness being pulled over its head. The Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness is an over-the-head design, but the medium-sized harness is generous, and costs less than the large, which means that it will fit a lot of Labradoodles that fall on the smaller size of typical for this breed.
It comes in a choice of four colors, has adjustable slides to ensure a good fit regardless of body shape, and is made from a combination of nylon, polyester, and synthetic fabric that will withstand regular, outdoor use. Its low price also makes this the best harness for Labradoodles for the price. However, the harness is not chew proof which means that you won’t be able to leave your dog unattended with the harness, especially if it does enjoy chewing.
- Very reasonably priced
- Decent selection of colors
- Medium harness is a suitable size for medium-sized Labradoodles
- Not chew proof
3. Julius-K9 IDC Powerhouse Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness – Premium Choice
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Nylon, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Buckle |
The Julius-K9 IDC Powerhouse Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is really targeted at working dogs and it is an expensive harness, but it has a variety of features that make it a great choice for any Labradoodle, not just service dogs.
It has an inner liner to increase comfort, an outer shell that is water-repellent, and is sturdy so that it can be worn in a variety of settings without wearing unnecessarily. It also has reflective straps and glow-in-the-dark patches to keep you and your dog safe at night. Patches can be easily attached to the harness so that you can identify your Doodle as a working dog or add anxious dog labels, as needed.
The harness is strong and highly functional, but like most nylon products, it won’t withstand heavy chewing, and because it is targeted at working dogs and has a variety of features to make it fit for this purpose, it is one of the more expensive options.
- Padded for comfort
- Water-repellent exterior
- Reflective straps and glow-in-the-dark patches
- Expensive
4. EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness – Best for Puppies
| Size: | Medium |
| Material: | Nylon, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Snap |
Puppies can benefit from using a harness because they will get accustomed to the sensation of wearing one on walks and by putting one on when they’re young, it will make the process of sliding the harness over their head a lot easier in the long run. A harness also protects your puppy’s neck and throat and can be especially beneficial for puppies that have not yet learned to walk sensibly on a leash.
The EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is a step-in harness that comes in a variety of sizes. The back and chest sections are padded for comfort, the straps are reflective for safety, and there’s a choice of front or back D ring attachment. The straps can be adjusted, too, which is particularly convenient for puppies that will grow and change shape as they do so.
The harness is a little on the expensive side, especially as you may need to graduate to a larger harness if your puppy grows a lot, but it is safe and secure, and its adjustable straps ensure you will get at least a few months of use before it becomes too small for your Doodle.
- Straps can be adjusted as your puppy ages
- Choice of front or back D ring attachment
- Reflective straps provide night-time safety
- A little pricey
5. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Polyester, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Quick Release |
Available in nine colors and five sizes, the Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness incorporates 3M reflective material that will keep you and your dog safe during your night-time travails. It has a handle on the top which can be used for close control or to harness your dog into a car. It also has a front D ring.
Front D rings help minimize pulling from your dog when out walking, and are preferred to rear D rings for this purpose. The straps can be adjusted to ensure a snug fit, and the straps are cushioned to help prevent the harness from rubbing against your dog’s chest and back.
The harness is on the expensive side and it would benefit from having a rear D ring as well as a front D ring, but its range of sizes and colors, as well as its reflective strips, make it a good choice of harness.
- 3M reflective material makes night walking safer
- Front D ring helps prevent pulling
- Cushioned straps are comfortable
- Expensive
- No rear D ring
6. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
| Size: | Medium/Large |
| Material: | Nylon, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Quick Release |
The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is quite a basic-looking harness that consists of nylon that sits behind the dog’s front legs, over its back, and below its neck. It has a martingale-style loop at the front so that as your dog pulls, it applies extra pressure, encouraging difficult dogs to walk more sensibly and stop pulling on the leash. The belly strap is colored differently from the rest of the harness so that it can be easily identified and the harness is easier to slip on.
The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness comes in a choice of colors and is effective for dogs that pull on the leash, but it is expensive considering its basic design that lacks padding or cushioning and doesn’t include any reflective strips or material. However, the basic design is lightweight and it doesn’t restrict movement in the way that some other harnesses can.
- Belly strap is a different color for easier recognition
- Martingale loop helps correct pullers
- Lightweight design doesn’t restrict movement
- Expensive for a basic harness
- No cushioning or other features
7. Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Nylon, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Buckle |
Available in 10 colors and four sizes, the Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness is another basic harness. This one sits around the dog’s whole body and doesn’t have a Martingale loop. It also only has a back clip, which means that it may not be the best option for dogs that like to pull on or strain against the leash while walking.
It is a durable harness that uses extra wide straps for large breeds and it is very competitively priced. However, it lacks the features of some of the other harnesses, with no reflective strips, no comfortable padding, and only a rear clip. It can also be quite complicated to fit because all the straps are the same color and there are a lot of them.
- Lightweight harness doesn’t restrict movement
- Inexpensive
- Good choice of colors and sizes
- No reflective strips or padding
- Complicated to fit
8. Frisco Outdoor Premium Ripstop Nylon Dog Harness with Pocket
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Nylon, Polyester, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Buckle |
The Frisco Outdoor Premium Ripstop Nylon Dog Harness with Pocket is a well-featured harness that is made from a durable nylon material and has padded chest and back panels to increase comfort. It is a little on the expensive side, but it has reflective material to make low-light walking safer. It has a handle on the back that can be used for picking up and carrying your dog, and there’s a D ring on the front and back so you can attach a leash according to your dog’s walking style and whether or not they are a puller.
The harness is quite bulky, which will put some dogs off, and while the expandable pockets and poop bag dispenser might prove useful for long days out, using these pockets further expands the size of the harness and makes it more cumbersome for your pup. If you do enjoy long walks and days out with the dog, this harness vest makes a good choice, as long as your dog can cope with its bulky features. If yours is the kind of dog that balks at wearing anything more than a leash, this may not be the best design.
- Expanding pockets and poop bag dispenser
- Carry handle on the back is convenient
- D rings on front and back
- Quite expensive
- Bulky and somewhat cumbersome
9. Puppia Vest Polyester Step In Back Clip Dog Harness
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Polyester, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Buckle |
There are several reasons why some dogs wear harnesses. They can prevent fatigue around the neck and throat area, and with a front D clip, they can also help control a dog that pulls on its leash. With the right harness, it is also possible to reduce or control anxiety and stress in a nervous dog. The harness works similarly to an anxiety vest, in these cases.
The Puppia Vest Polyester Step-In Back Clip Dog Harness is a vest harness that fits snugly around the chest. It has a step-in design so you don’t have to try pulling it over your anxious dog’s head, and it is made from a breathable mesh so should provide comfort for your pup. It is a little pricey, but it is secure. You will need to double-check the sizing, too, because these vests tend to come in smaller than expected.
- Vest design fits snugly and securely around the chest
- Can help anxious dogs
- A little pricey
- May be small
10. PetSafe EasySport Nylon Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness
| Size: | Large |
| Material: | Nylon, Synthetic Fabric |
| Fastening: | Quick Release |
The PetSafe EasySport Nylon Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness is meant for dogs that like to hike, walk, run, and play sports with their owners. The harness is padded for comfort and it has an elasticated neckline that ensures it isn’t too tight around the neck but still fits securely. The panels have reflective piping that makes the harness suitable for use in low light conditions, and there is a top handle so that you can pick up and carry your dog more easily.
The harness has a rear clip, rather than a front clip, which does prevent your dog from getting tangled in the leash while running but won’t help prevent pulling or straining against the lead. The harness is a little on the expensive side but is a good choice for those who like to run.
- Reflective piping in the panels
- Cushioned for comfort
- A little expensive
- No front D ring
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Harness For Labradoodles
Dog harnesses aim to provide control for dog owners and comfort for dogs. They need to be secure to prevent the dog from being able to slip out of the harness, rugged enough that they can get damp in the rain without wearing down easily, and they should be easy enough to fit so that owner and dog don’t become too distressed with the process. When choosing the right harness, you need to take into account your dog’s size, as well as its age, walking style, and temperament. You should also consider when and why you will be using the harness.
The 4 Harness Types
1. Basic
The basic harness is a series of straps. They may have some minor cushioning or padding on the straps, but this isn’t always the case and if your dog pulls a lot, this could cause discomfort. The fact that all the straps are shaped and look the same also makes the basic harness tricky to put on. The basic harness is best suited to dogs that are sensible on the leash, although some, like the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness, include features like a martingale loop that do help control eager walkers. The basic harness is also a good choice for those dogs that don’t like to be too constricted.
2. Padded
The padded harness has padding at least on the chest and back of the harness. This padding prevents the straps from digging into the skin and makes it more comfortable for the dog. However, the padded harness can be quite restricting, which means that some dogs may react negatively to having to wear one.
3. Vest
The vest harness not only has padded sections but has a vest design that fits snugly around the chest. These are meant to be snug and as well as offering comfort for dogs that are happy to wear something potentially constricting, they can also help reduce anxiety. If your dog struggles to wear a basic harness because it dislikes all the straps, it is unlikely to be OK wearing a vest.
4. Step-In
A step-in harness dispenses with the challenging knot of straps that is the basic harness and it means that you don’t have to try and slide the harness over your dog’s head only to find you’ve used the wrong hole. You put the leg hole sections under your dog’s front legs, lift the harness, and then fasten the clip or buckle.
Size
Most harnesses are sized according to the dog breed size and range from extra small to extra large. Labradoodles can incorporate DNA from toy to standard Poodles, which means that the Labradoodle comes in an equally diverse range of sizes. Measure your dog’s chest and neck size and compare this to the sizing chart or sizing guide provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the harness you choose is a suitable size for your dog. It should be snug, but not tight.
Reflective Panels
If you walk your dog in low light conditions, reflective panels ensure that your dog is visible. They work by reflecting light from oncoming cars as well as streetlights and other light sources. If you regularly walk your dog at night or in other low-light conditions, reflective panels are a good addition to the harness.
Carry Handle
Some harnesses include carrying handles on the back. These are meant so that you can pick your dog up, for example, to make it easier to get them in a car. They can also be used for close control so that you can hold the dog by your feet. Labradoodles can be heavy, so these handles may not be that useful for lifting and carrying your dog, but if you do regularly take your dog in the car and the dog refuses to jump in unaided, they can be a useful feature.
Pockets
If you regularly walk your dog and find that your pockets fill up with poop bags, dog toys, treats, and other items, harness pockets could be the answer. Be careful what you put in the pocket, though. Sharp items like keys could tear the fabric and potentially dig into your dog. If you put a lot of stuff in the pockets, they can also cause further restriction of movement and make the harness uncomfortable for your dog.
Do Dogs Need Harnesses?
Harnesses are generally considered safer than leashes because they fit more securely to your dog and they enable greater control for the handler. They can also reduce stress and pressure on the neck and throat, but if your dog is sensible, doesn’t pull or tug at the leash, and prefers a leash and collar, it isn’t necessary to wear a harness.
Benefits of a Dog Harness
- Reduce Pressure – A dog leash sits around the neck and when the dog or you pull on the leash, this puts pressure on the neck and the throat. If your dog is a hard puller, it can pose a genuine problem for your dog and will cause unearthly noises. A harness moves the pressure and spreads it across the chest and back, which is safer for your dog.
- Improved Control – A harness can make it easier to control a strong dog, although because it does spread the pressure around the dog’s body, it may actually make it easier for a strong dog to pull. But it will cause less likelihood of injury or accidents.
- Prevent Slipping – If you have an anxious dog that pulls back against and slips its lead, a harness can prevent this. The harness sits more securely and snugly which makes it difficult for dogs to back out of them.
Drawbacks of a Dog Harness
- They Can Get Caught in Long Hair – Harnesses have straps and buckles or clips. For dogs with long hair, or curly hair like the Labradoodle, the coat can get easily stuck in these. Avoid those with Velcro straps especially and, when putting the harness on, make sure that you move the coat out of the way of the clips and fastenings.
- More Restrictive Than a Leash – If yours is the kind of dog that backs away from even having a collar put on, you might find it difficult to put a harness on. Even basic harnesses are more restrictive than a standard leash and some dogs are resistant to this kind of restriction.
- They Can Be Complicated – Some harnesses are designed to be easy to put on. Their shape means that you can easily determine what goes where. Others are more complicated and it can be a challenge to make sure you get them right. It is especially difficult if your dog is excitable or anxious which makes the whole harnessing process more difficult.
Conclusion
A dog harness can help reduce pressure and discomfort on the neck and throat of a dog. It can also make it easier to control a large dog and may even help reduce or control anxiety in some dogs. There is a good variety of harnesses, ranging from basic to fully-equipped harnesses with cushioned straps, padding, and reflective strips.
While compiling the reviews above we found the Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-In Lock Dog Harness to be the best overall. It has an easy step-in design, is padded for comfort, and is reasonably priced. And, despite being one of the cheapest, the Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness is a comfortable and durable option that makes it a good choice for Labradoodle parents.
Featured Image Credit: Flyby Photography, Shutterstock
