15 Best Dog Harnesses for Running in 2023
by Patricia Jackson
When going out for a jog or run with your dog, leashes or collars are not good enough. They can strain the pooch's neck as you pull it back to the track or when making stops. You need an accessory that distributes the pulling force evenly over a wide area to prevent injury.
This is where harnesses come in. They are tied over your pup's neck, shoulder, and chest, making them gentler to the pet. These pieces also have large reflective surfaces and more slots for attaching different accessories.
Top Dog Harnesses for Running by Editors
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With that in mind, let's have a look at the best dog harnesses for running in the market.
7 Best Dog Harnesses for Running: Review
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Embark Adventure Dog Harness (Best Overall) |
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 | 2. Winsee Dog Harness (Best Inexpensive) |
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 | 3. Barkbay Dog Harness (Best Weatherproof) |
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 | 4. Ruffwear Dog Harness (Best Fitting) |
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 | 5. Babyltrl Big Dog Harness (Best Breathable) |
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 | 6. Bolux Dog Harness (Best for Night Time Use) |
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 | 7. PoyPet Dog Harness (Best for Everyday Use) |
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1. Best Overall: Embark Adventure Dog Harness
- Size: S - XL
- Materials: Rip-Stop Nylon
- Available Colors: 4
With its heavy-duty construction, high adjustability, super comfortable and stylish design, Embark Adventure's dog harness is our dog harness for running review.
The product is made using heavy-duty military-grade rip-stop nylon that exceeds the national pulling strength by 130 lbs. minimum. It also has a reinforced triple-strength front metal D-ring and sturdy buckles. All Embark dog gear, including this piece, is rigorously tested for maximum dependability.
Long adjustable straps hold the harness to your pup, and these ensure you get a snug fit, as well as easy on/off on medium dog breeds. There are other sizes for small and large dogs, though, and these have similar straps.
All sizes are super comfortable because they are made using lightweight materials that let your pooch walk freely. Additionally, they are softly padded around the neck to protect your dog from pulling when using the rear leash attachment. There is also a front leash attachment for no-pull training.
Reflective trim is fitted on the harness's outer surface to improve visibility in low light conditions. The only problem is that there are few color options to choose from to suit different preferences.
Pros:
- Military-grade rip-stop nylon construction
- Long adjustable straps
- Softly padded for pull-protection
- Front and rear leash attachments
- Reflective trim
Cons:
- Few color options
2. Best Inexpensive: Winsee Dog Harness
- Size: S - XL
- Materials: 1680D Oxford Fabric
- Available Colors: 14
Winsee's dog harness is the ideal piece to buy if you are on a tight budget because it is very affordable. Regardless, it is durably built using enhanced 1680D oxford fabric that is chew and tear-resistant. Inside, a soft sponge padding with a breathable mesh lining provides extra comfort.
A sturdy nylon handle gives you at the back gives you more control when assisting your dog while reinforced stitching at high-stress points prevents tearing. You also get an upper D-ring for attaching a leash and a front D-ring for no-pull training.
Reflective strips are fitted around the harness for safety purposes. Adjustable straps give a snug fit on your pup while snap-in fasteners keep it secured to your pet.
A durable nylon dog collar is included, but both this and the harness lack loops for attaching accessories like flashlights.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Chew and tear-resistant
- Soft sponge padding with a breathable mesh
- Reinforced stitching at high-stress points
- Includes a durable nylon collar
Cons:
- No loops
3. Best Weatherproof: Barkbay Dog Harness
- Size: S - XL
- Materials: Nylon
- Available Colors: 10
This harness is built using durable no-rip nylon material that is suitable for all-season use because it is weatherproof. On top of this, you get rust-free zinc alloy metal D-rings and adjusters for leash attachments and snug-fitting, respectively.
That said, the upper D-ring is used for relaxed walks where the anti-chafe padding distributes the pressure evenly when pulling to prevent choking. On the other hand, the front ring is ideal for no-pull training.
The inner layer has a padded air mesh to enhance breathability, while high-quality 3M reflective straps keep your dog visible at night.
Durable buckles are included for secure fitting, and these are strong enough to load up to 450 lbs. A sturdy handle is attached to the upper side for assisting your pet by lifting it. However, a patch panel and ID tag pocket are not built-in.
Pros:
- Weatherproof no rip nylon material
- Rust-free zinc alloy metal D-rings and adjusters
- Breathable mesh inner layer
- 3M reflective straps
- Durable buckles
Cons:
- No patch panel
- No ID tag pocket
4. Best Fitting: Ruffwear Dog Harness
- Size: XXS - XL
- Available Colors: 3
- Weight: 8.82 oz.
Ruffwear's unit is one of the best dog harnesses of runners because it has five convenient adjustment points. It gives you customized fitting with a full range of motion for comfortable running.
Additionally, the product is anatomically designed for super secure fitting, making it ideal for working dogs, amputee dogs, and service dogs. The interior is foam-padded for comfort without hindering movement.
Aside from that, the harness has a durable but lightweight construction that is suitable for year-round use. It is wrapped in a reflective trim for nighttime visibility and a safety-light loop.
There is a designated area for signage & patches and two sturdy leash attachment points that include an anodized aluminum V-ring plus a reinforced webbing loop. On the downside, the product is expensive and is available in only three color options.
Pros:
- Five adjustment points
- Anatomically designed
- Foam-padded interior
- Reflective trim
- Designated area for signage & patches
Cons:
- Expensive
- Few color options
5. Best Breathable: Babyltrl Big Dog Harness
- Size: S - XL
- Materials: Nylon Oxford
- Available Colors: 12
- Weight: 8.8 oz.
Babyltrl's big dog harness features a fast-drying breathable fabric on its interior surface that keeps your pooch comfortably dry inside. The exterior is made using durable nylon-oxford material for long-lasting use.
Adjustable straps give you a snug fit, while quick-snap buckles are included for easy on/off. Each buckle has a locking feature for secure fitting.
A sturdy top nylon handle helps you to assist your dog with better control. You also get front and back D-rings for leash attachments for no-pull training & regular running.
Reflective strips improve visibility in the dark, but the harness does not have loops for attaching accessories like flashlights or beacons. Also, there's no patch panel.
Pros:
- Fast-drying breathable inner fabric
- Tough nylon oxford exterior
- Adjustable snaps with quick snap buckles
- Sturdy top nylon handle
- Front and rear D-rings
Cons:
- No loops
- Lacks a patch panel
6. Best for Night Time Use: Bolux Dog Harness
- Size: XS - XXL
- Available Colors: 20
- Weight: 8.47 oz.
Apart from having reflective straps, Bolux's dog harness is available in multiple bright color options that are highly visible in the dark. Additionally, it has built-in loops for attaching a flashlight or beacon.
The unit features an adjustable chest strap with a snap-on buckle for snug-fitting, in which the sizes range from X-Small to XX-Large.
A rugged nylon handle is built-in to give you a strong anchor point when lifting your pet for assistance, while a rear stainless-steel D-ring provides a leash attachment point. However, there's no lower D-ring for no-pull training.
Pros:
- Reflective straps
- Multiple bright color options
- Built-in loops for flashlights or beacons
- Adjustable chest strap
- Rugged nylon handle
Cons:
- No lower D-ring
7. Best for Everyday Use: PoyPet Dog Harness
- Size: XS - XL
- Materials: Oxford
- Available Colors: 10
- Weight: 8.01 oz.
PoyPet's dog harness is a high-end piece that offers all-day comfort when running, walking, hiking, hunting, etc. It has 4-way adjustable straps for snug-fitting with room for pup growth and maximum dexterity.
The exterior is made using scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean oxford material. On the inside, a soft, breathable, and mesh-padded lining keeps your dog comfortably dry when engaging in these activities.
Two sturdy metal leash attachments are fitted at the front and rear for no pull and no choke leash attachments. You also get reflective trims and snap buckles (for easy on/off). On the downside, there's no patch panel or ID tag pocket.
Pros:
- 4-way adjustable straps
- Scratch-resistant oxford construction
- Breathable mesh interior
- Two sturdy metal leash attachments
- Reflective trim
Cons:
- No patch panel
- No ID tag pocket
Other Recommended Dog Harnesses for Running
8. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
The Ruffwear dog harness is unique because it features an ID tag storage for keeping your pup's info, eliminating the need for a collar. This helps with identification in case the pet gets lost.
Four adjustment points enable you to custom fit the harness on your pooch, while a foam-padded interior makes it comfortable to wear for long periods.
Reflective accents on the exterior improve your dog's visibility in the dark. You also get loops for attaching beacons and flashlights.
Key Features
- ID tag storage.
- Four adjustment points.
- Foam-padded interior.
- Reflective accents and light loop.
9. Auroth Dog Harness
For tactical training and running, check out Auroth's dog harness. It has a sturdy 900D nylon construction with strong stitching and a desert camo finish.
The unit also features two 1-inch MOLLE strips for carrying magazines & other gear and an ID badge pocket for identification.
A custom Velcro patch system is built-in for sticking light gear while reflective fluorescent edges keep your dog visible at night. You also get non-abrasive sleeve channel padding for maximum comfort.
Key Features
- Sturdy 900D nylon construction.
- Two 1-inch MOLLE strips.
- ID badge pocket.
- Custom Velcro patch system.
10. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
Rabbitgoo's dog harness is an affordable unit that is durably built using nylon oxford material and has a soft, breathable padding for comfortable use. Super bright reflective strips are fitted over the exterior surface for better nighttime visibility.
The piece is equipped with four adjusting straps for customized fitting with room for growth. Front and rear metal leash rings are fitted for no pull and no choke performance, while two quick-release buckles make it easy to put on or remove the harness.
Key Features
- Affordable.
- Durable nylon oxford exterior with reflective strips.
- Four adjustment points.
- Two leash rings for no pull, no choke performance.
11. Ruffwear Hi & Light Dog Harness
With its simplified and super lightweight construction, Ruffwear's Hi & Light dog harness is characterized by a low-profile design that is suitable for everyday outdoor adventures. Side buckles are attached to the straps for easy on/off.
That said, the inner layer consists of a debris resistant liner to help shed dirt and fur. This makes it ideal for small dogs and keeps the harness cleaner for longer. You also get four convenient adjustment points to give your pup a full range of motion.
Key Features
- Low profile design.
- Side buckles for easy on/off.
- Debris resistant liner.
- Four convenient adjustment points.
12. Kurgo Dog Harness
This product features a dog-friendly design that gives your pooch more freedom of movement when running. The design includes a V-neck and thick padding on the chest & neck.
Front and rear leash attachments are built-in for no pull & no choke performance. A car tether is included for restraining your pet if you decide to go for a drive.
Steel nesting buckles give you reliable performance, while a rugged fabric construction wraps over the padded interior for maximum durability.
Key Features
- Comfortable V-neck and thick padding.
- Front and rear D-rings.
- Comes with a car tether.
- Steel nesting buckles.
13. True Love Dog Harness
True Love's dog harness is built with safety in mind because it comes in vibrant color options plus reflective wording and stitching. These features ensure your dog is visible in low light conditions.
Other than that, the unit has a sturdy top handle that helps you assist your pup by lifting it out of sticky situations. You also get a durable high-density oxford exterior and a breathable mesh inner lining.
Key Features
- Vibrant color options.
- Reflective wording and stitching.
- Sturdy top handle.
- High-density oxford exterior.
14. Kurgo Dog Harness
With its strong, lightweight, and dog-friendly design, this harness gives your pooch an easy time when running. It has tough all-steel nesting buckles and a lightweight polyester exterior. A padded V-neck minimizes straining so that your dog can run naturally.
In case you want to go for a drive, this unit comes in handy because it comes with a 10-inch seatbelt for restraining your pet. Front and rear D-rings are fitted to the harness for leash attachments, while reflective trims enhance low light visibility.
Key Features
- Tough all-steel nesting buckles.
- Padded V-neck.
- Includes a 10-inch seatbelt.
- Front and rear D-rings.
15. Barkbay Dog Harness
Barkbay's dog harness is designed for comfort because it has anti-chafe padding and four adjustment points for custom fitting. The product also features POM buckles for easy on/off, and these are strong enough to hold up to 450 lbs.
The outer layer is made using weatherproof no rip nylon material, making the harness ideal for all-season use. A handle is fitted at the top for lift assistance, while two metal leash attachments give you no pull and no choke performance.
Key Features
- Anti-chafe padding.
- Four adjustment points.
- Strong POM buckles.
- Weatherproof construction.
How to Buy the Best Dog Harnesses for Running
1. Size and Fit
For a dog harness to be effective, it must fit your pup. As such, you should check the size of the harness, which is in a range of XS - XXL. Look at the neck & chest girth measurements to match the dog size.
2. Adjustability
Once you get the right size, ensure the straps are adjustable for snug-fitting. This is important because your pooch cannot run while wearing a loose harness.
That said, most units have four points of adjustment, but the more they are, the better. For instance, Ruffwear's dog harness has five adjustment points that make it fit better around your pet's body. We highly recommend this.
3. Materials
Dogs can be rough. You should consider buying a harness with a tough exterior that can withstand bites and scratches. It should also be weatherproof, which helps to keep the interior dry. As for the interior, it should be thickly padded for maximum comfort.
Other components like the buckles and D-rings should be rust free for long-lasting use.
4. Comfort
The quality of the inner lining usually determines the comfort level. Apart from being thickly padded, it should have an air mesh to enhance breathability.
Aside from that, the neck and front leg openings should not strain your pup. These should leave enough space to allow a free-range of motion.
5. Safety
This is a vital factor to consider, especially if you plan on running in the evening or at night. In these low light conditions, your pooch should be visible to avoid accidents.
With that in mind, ensure the harness has reflective strips, straps, wordings, or any other surface. Loops for attaching beacons & flashlights are a plus, and these can be found in Bolux's dog harness.
Safety Tips for Running with Your Dog
1. Check If Your Dog Is Suitable for Running
Small dog breeds begin running after a shorter period as compared to large ones. However, to get the exact right age, you need to consult with your vet. Also, ask about how far the pet can run.
That said, you should not run with old dogs (usually more than 10 years old). That said, you should check with your vet to see if your dog is past the running age.
2. Ease You Pooch into Running
Don't be too tough on your dog at the beginning. Start with a few miles, then gradually increase the distance. This will build stamina.
At the end of each run, check the pooch's paw pads, which should toughen up gradually. However, if you see raw spots, bleeding, or tenderness, give him/her a few days of resting.
3. Hydrate Your Dog
Make sure you carry enough water for you and your dog. Also, check for signs of overheating, which include panting, slow running, agitation, and general weakness. If you see this, stop to cool down and hydrate the pooch.
4. Follow the Trails
The soft and even surface on the trails is gentler to your pup's paws. Try to follow these paths as much as possible.
5. Do Not Let Go of The Leash
Your dog might get excited and wander off if you let go of the leash. This might lead to fights with other dogs or people in the park.
Buy on Etsy
rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded Dog - Walmart Link
Eagloo Dog Harness No Pull, Walking Pet Harness with 2 Metal Rings and Handle Adjustable - Walmart Link
RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness, Reflective and Padded Harness for Training and Everyday - Walmart Link
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash for Medium and Large Dogs - Professional Harness with - Walmart Link
ThinkPet No Pull Harness Breathable Sport Harness with Handle-Dog Harnesses Reflective - Walmart Link
Auroth Tactical Dog Harness for Small Medium Large Dogs No Pull Adjustable Pet Harness - Walmart Link
BARKBAY No Pull Dog Harness Large Step in Reflective Dog Harness with Front Clip and Easy - Walmart Link
Embark Adventure's dog harness - Walmart Link
Babyltrl's big dog harness - Walmart Link
The Ruffwear dog harness - Walmart Link
Ruffwear's Hi & Light dog harness - Walmart Link
True Love's dog harness - Walmart Link
the Embark Adventure dog harness - Walmart Link
Buy on eBay
rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded Dog - eBay Link
Eagloo Dog Harness No Pull, Walking Pet Harness with 2 Metal Rings and Handle Adjustable - eBay Link
RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness, Reflective and Padded Harness for Training and Everyday - eBay Link
SparklyPets Hands-Free Dog Leash for Medium and Large Dogs - Professional Harness with - eBay Link
ThinkPet No Pull Harness Breathable Sport Harness with Handle-Dog Harnesses Reflective - eBay Link
Auroth Tactical Dog Harness for Small Medium Large Dogs No Pull Adjustable Pet Harness - eBay Link
BARKBAY No Pull Dog Harness Large Step in Reflective Dog Harness with Front Clip and Easy - eBay Link
Embark Adventure's dog harness - eBay Link
Babyltrl's big dog harness - eBay Link
The Ruffwear dog harness - eBay Link
Ruffwear's Hi & Light dog harness - eBay Link
True Love's dog harness - eBay Link
the Embark Adventure dog harness - eBay Link
Conclusion
As you can see, we recommend the Embark Adventure dog harness as the best dog harness for running because it has a durable military-grade construction. The unit also features a comfortable soft padded interior and long adjustable straps.
Barkbay's dog harness is worth checking out if you want a weatherproof piece. It has a waterproof no-rip nylon exterior and rustproof zinc alloy metal hardware.
For a customized fitting, though, Ruffwear's dog harness is the ideal choice. It is anatomically designed and has five adjustment points.
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About Patricia Jackson
Patricia just simply loves pets.
When she was eight years old, her parents got her a beautiful Maine Coon as a gift; and later an affectionate Husky.
Since then, she has raised them as her children; done minor first aid, taken in strays, administered antibiotics, bottle fed them when sick, and even midwifing.
Pat received her bachelor's degree in computer science at Univercity of Califronia Davis. She really hopes to transofrm her programming skills into something that really helpful for all pets someday. For now, lets just do that through writing.
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