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What Is the Best Front Clip Dog Harness?
- Best Overall Front Clip Dog Harness: WINSEE 4 Snap Buckles Front Clip Dog Harness
Highly reflective, with durable front and back clips, and made of heavy-duty oxford nylon, this harness is ready to do its job and do it well. - Best Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness: Joyride Harness Adjustable Soft-Padded Front Clip Dog Harness
The massive reflective strip on the front of this harness provides a ton of visibility in conditions when visibility is low. - Most Color Options for a Front Clip Dog Harness: ThinkPet Reflective and Adjustable Front Clip Dog Harness
This harness is available in over 30 colors and in sizes up to 2XL to suit the needs of any dog and its owner. - Most Reviewed Front Clip Dog Harness: rabbitgoo No Choke Reflective and Adjustable Soft Padded Front Clip Dog Harness
With a whopping 137,000+ reviews, we have an excellent idea of the experiences other consumers have had buying this harness. - Best Front Clip Dog Harness with a Simple Design: PetSafe Easy Walk Front Clip Dog Harness
The simplistic design of this harness provides a classic harness look with all of the practicality of modern harnesses.
- 4 quick-release buckles make it easy to get on and off, NO need go over your dog’s head
- Active dog harness is perfect for walking, running, hiking, or camping; Breathable mesh exterior
- Features 1680D Oxford Fabric with high density to prevent from chewing up
What Is a Front Clip Dog Harness?
A front clip dog harness is a no-pull dog harness designed to assist dog trainers in teaching dogs to walk politely on a leash. As the name suggests, the clip or D-ring is attached to the front of the dog harness, thus preventing pulling.
When Should I Use a Front Clip Dog Harness?
A front clip harness can be used in any scenario in which a dog requires walking. They can fulfill the purposes of a back clip dog harness interchangeably, but there are some cases in which a front clip harness is better suited.
If a dog is an aggressive puller, it can help limit the pulling they are encouraged to do with a back clip harness. This is because the more a dog pulls with a front clip harness, the more it is pulled in the direction of the dog walker.
Plus, if a dog has neck problems, a front clip harness can help alleviate pressure while walking. A front clip harness places pressure on the shoulders and chest, whereas a dog collar wraps around the dog’s neck and can actually cause injury if the dog’s leash is pulled hard too suddenly.
Are Front Clip Harnesses Good for Dogs?
Yes, a front clip dog harness is good. There are a number of benefits they provide, and we list them below:
- Easy on the Dog’s Neck. The pressure of a front-range harness is spread across areas under the dog’s neck to prevent injury.
- Better Pressure Distribution. Front clip harnesses are made to disperse pressure across the dog’s chest and shoulders. This gives you more control over your dog but also gives them a safer form of security that poses less risk of injury.
- Improved Safety. Dogs are more likely to walk behind or to the side of their owner on a front clip harness. This helps to keep them safe by keeping them out of harm’s reach and allowing the dog walker to notice potential dangers before they arise.
The Best Front Clip Harnesses Reviewed
There are many front clip harness models on the market, and finding the right one can be tricky. To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed several best-selling dog harnesses with a front clip. You can easily find them on Amazon and Chewy.
Life Stage: All Lifestage
Price: $27.99
Size: Extra Large (Neck: 21-33″, Chest: 24-49″)
Color: Pink
Material: Mesh
Summary: This dog harness is made of 1680D Oxford nylon to prevent tearing and to give this walking harness a long life. A sturdy handle on the back of the harness and 4 quick-release buckles make this easy to use when dog walking and dog training.
The front and back leash clips offer options for control, while the reflective stitching provides extra safety in low-light conditions. As a bonus, the harness is designed as two separate pieces so dog owners can purchase numerous harnesses and personalize them to their liking.
Closure Type: Buckle
Padded: Yes
Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes
Locking Mechanism: No
Front Clip or Back Clip: Front and Back
Reflective: Yes
- Reflective strip for night visibility
- Heavy-duty 1680D Oxford webbing and breathable mesh lining
- Double stitching on high-stress areas
- No-pull, no-choke design
- Two-piece design can be mixed for personalization
- Uninitiated customers may have a hard time using the front clip to walk their dog
Customer Review: Nearly 80% of the over 4,000 customer reviews on Amazon were four and five stars. These pet owners were happy with the construction of the harness and the durability of the metal leash attachments. Other positive reviews mention the price, stitching, and ability to customize the colors as points of satisfaction as well.
Negative comments came from people who said their dog only seemed to pull harder when the leash was attached to the front, or their dog had chewed the harness off “within a couple of hours,” as one reviewer put it.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving WINSEE 4 Snap Buckles Front Clip Dog Harness an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
- Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
- Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.
Life Stage: All Lifestage
Price: $39.95
Size: Small
Color: Fall Plaid
Material: Nylon
Summary: This harness for dogs features a large reflective strip that runs across the dog’s chest and a side D-ring to attach your leash. This gives this harness a unique pulling angle that discourages pulling and assists in dog training. It wraps around the dog’s back with only one wide strap that uses a single buckle for a simple and secure connection to your dog.
It is suitable for dogs up to 140 lbs, so any type of dog can use this comfortably. Joyride donates a portion of each sale of its products to shelters across the country in an effort to help out the pet owner community.
Closure Type: Buckle
Padded: Yes
Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes
Locking Mechanism: No
Front Clip or Back Clip: Back
Reflective: Yes
- Designed to handle dogs up to 140 lbs
- A portion of each sale is donated to shelters across the country
- Breathable mesh
- Three D-rings
- Easy to use one buckle design
- The front reflective strap can irritate a dog’s skin
- The front strap closes with velcro
Customer Review: Happy buyers were pleased to see the sizes were accurate and said it was easy to use and durable enough for their 100+ pound dogs.
Critical reviews accounted for 10% of total reviews, and the primary complaint was that the front strap is secured with velcro, and people were concerned it would not hold up to their dog.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Joyride Harness Adjustable Soft-Padded Front Clip Dog Harness an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
- Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
- Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
- Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.
Life Stage: All Lifestage
Price: $25.99
Size: Large
Color: Purple
Material: Oxford Fabric, Upgraded Dual-Layer Nylon, Soft EVA
Summary: Coming in sizes to fit extra large breed dogs and made of oxford nylon, this harness is made to offer your dog and you a safe walking experience. The back handle allows you to control even the strongest puller and the padded mesh provides comfort for your dog.
Reflective stitching allows you to be seen in conditions of low visibility, and two quick-release clips secure this harness on your dog. Extra wide straps all around provide stress relief around the shoulders and make this a great harness for most dog owners.
Closure Type: Buckle, Clip On
Padded: Yes
Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes
Locking Mechanism: Yes
Front Clip or Back Clip: Front and Back
Reflective: Yes
- Many colors and sizes are available
- Breathable mesh and thick padding
- Aluminum back leash attachment
- Heavy-duty handle for better control
- Reflective stitching
- The front ring might not hold up to pulling dogs, training may be required
Customer Review: Most customers reviewed this positively and complimented the reflective stitching and sturdiness of the construction. This harness helped their dogs to stop pulling while on leash, and the sturdy aluminum back leash attachment point gave dog owners confidence in the harness.
The most common complaint came from buyers whose dogs had torn the front ring off the harness, and they said it did nothing to prevent their dog from pulling.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving ThinkPet Reflective and Adjustable Front Clip Dog Harness an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
- Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
- Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.
Life Stage: All Lifestage
Price: $24.98
Size: Large
Color: Classic Black
Material: Polyester, Nylon
Summary: The reflective stitching on this harness provides you and your dog safe in conditions of low visibility. Two metal D-rings provide options for both front and back leash attachments for dogs of all temperaments.
Four fully adjustable straps allow you to find the perfect fit for dogs of any size, and the wide color availability provides dog owners with aesthetic options. With well over 130,000 reviews, this seems to be one of the best dog harnesses available on the market.
Closure Type: Buckle
Padded: Yes
Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes
Locking Mechanism: No
Front Clip or Back Clip: Front and Back
Reflective: Yes
- Many colors available
- 4 adjustable straps allow you to get the perfect fit
- Reflective stitching
- Easy to put on and take off
- Dual D-rings
- Customers note their dog is able to slip out of the harness without a problem
Customer Review: With over 137,000 reviews, we have an excellent idea of what other pet owners have experienced with this product. Nearly 90% gave it positive reviews and said it worked great to prevent their dogs from pulling, and they were impressed with the quality.
The most common complaints were that their dog had pulled on it enough to loosen the straps, and they were able to escape the harness.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving rabbitgoo No Choke Reflective and Adjustable Soft Padded Front Clip Dog Harness an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
- Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
- Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.
Life Stage: All Lifestage
Price: $28.99
Size: Large
Color: Teal
Material: Nylon
Summary: The design of this dog harness has remained unchanged for nearly 20 years because it works. It uses a front clip to attach the leash and is made of nylon in a minimalistic design that allows your dog to breathe and move freely.
The no-choke design means your dog can walk happily by your side without fighting against the harness, and two quick-release buckles provide easy on/off action. It is available in a good selection of colors and sizes, so any dog and dog owner can find one they like.
Closure Type: Buckle
Padded: No
Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes
Locking Mechanism: No
Front Clip or Back Clip: Front
Reflective: No
- Simple design
- Many colors like teal, black, and pink
- Available in over a half dozen sizes
- Open and airy design
- Spreads pressure across the dog’s chest, not their throat
- The lack of padding may cause chafing in the armpits
- Only has a front attaching clip
Customer Review: Many happy dog owners said this has helped their moderate pullers to remain safely at their side during walks. The harness has helped their dogs remember their manners while on a walk and has held them together over years of use.
Negative comments come from people whose harnesses had caused abrasions and chafing on their dogs. This was accompanied by complaints of the metal rings catching their dog’s fur and pulling it out as they walk.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving PetSafe Easy Walk Front Clip Dog Harness an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
- Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
- Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.
What Should I Look for in a Front Clip Harness?
When looking for a front clip dog harness, consider the following features:
- Build Quality. The overall quality of the harness should feel hefty and durable. The padding should be uniform, and the D-ring should be heavily stitched into place. Reflective material should not be flaking or wrinkling, and the buckles should be shatterproof or rust-resistant, depending on the material.
- Sturdy D-Ring. Not all D-rings are stainless steel. Some are nickel plated, and some are zinc, while others aren’t specified. Be wary of harnesses that do not specify what type of metal their D-ring is made of. A low-quality D-ring can rust, bend, or break during a walk.
- Safety Features. Things like stainless steel D-rings, reflective stitching, and metal buckles are all examples of high-end safety features.
- Load Rating. Some front clip dog harnesses provide a load rating. Some harnesses are rated at 2,000 newtons while others might be rated at 1,000 lbs, and some aren’t rated at all. A load rating is not necessary but can be helpful to understand what you are buying.
How Does a Front Clip Harness Work for Dogs?
The front clip harness works by redirecting the dog’s force while walking and putting tension on the leash. This force causes the dog to turn unintentionally in the direction of the dog walker and discourages it from pulling.
The best way to stop your dog from pulling, even when in a front clip harness, is to train it correctly from the start – introduce your dog or puppy to a dog or puppy harness, early in life.
Use treats to coax it near the harness and place treats in and around the harness to show them it is okay to be near. Once it is used being around the harness, try putting it on them. Put the front legs in and fasten the chest strap and adjust it to the appropriate size.
A harness should be loose enough for two fingers to slide into but tight enough to not allow your dog to escape. Before buying a dog harness, you need to measure your dog’s head and girth – that way, you will get the right harness size.
