Discover the best Australian Shepherd harnesses to ensure comfort and control for your active dog. Learn why a good harness is important, how to choose the right one, and explore our top 5 picks from Amazon with detailed reviews, key features, pros, and cons.
Australian Shepherds are known for their high energy levels and intelligence, making them one of the most active and trainable dog breeds.
Due to their exuberant nature, having the right harness is crucial to ensure they are comfortable, secure, and well-controlled during walks, training, and various activities. In this guide, we’ll explore why a good harness is essential, how to choose the best one, what to consider, and provide a detailed review of the top five harnesses for Australian Shepherds available on Amazon.
Best Australian Shepherd Harness: Top 5
Here are the top five harnesses for Australian Shepherds based on sales, reviews, and customer satisfaction on Amazon:
1. Best no-pull harness for Australian Shepherds
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
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Key Features:
- Material: Durable nylon with padded chest and belly panels
- Adjustability: Four points of adjustment for a customized fit
- Leash Attachment: Two options (V-ring on the back and reinforced webbing on the chest)
- Special Features: Reflective trim for visibility, ID pocket for tags
Pros:
- Durable and comfortable
- Multiple adjustment points for a perfect fit
- Reflective trim for nighttime visibility
- Dual leash attachment points
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point
- Some dogs may need time to adjust to the front leash attachment
Our Take: The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is a top choice for its durability, comfort, and versatility. It’s perfect for active Australian Shepherds and provides excellent control with its dual leash attachment points.
Use Case: Ideal for daily walks, hikes, and outdoor activities. The reflective trim makes it suitable for low-light conditions.
2. Adjustable dog harness for growing Australian Shepherds
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness
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Key Features:
- Material: Sturdy nylon with padded chest plate
- Adjustability: Five adjustment points
- Leash Attachment: Two options (front and back)
- Special Features: Crash-tested for car safety, includes seat belt tether
Pros:
- Highly adjustable for a perfect fit
- Dual leash attachment points
- Crash-tested for added safety in cars
- Comfortable padded chest plate
Cons:
- May be a bit bulky for smaller dogs
- Front attachment ring may not be as durable as the back ring
Our Take: The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness stands out for its versatility and safety features, making it a great option for both walking and car travel. Its multiple adjustment points ensure a secure fit.
Use Case: Excellent for both everyday use and car travel, offering additional safety during car rides with its crash-tested design.
3. Best Reflective harness for safe night walks with Australian Shepherds
Chai’s Choice Dog Harness
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Key Features:
- Material: High-quality nylon with soft padding
- Adjustability: Four adjustment points
- Leash Attachment: Two options (back and front)
- Special Features: 3M reflective material, sturdy handle for extra control
Pros:
- Reflective material enhances visibility
- Comfortable and well-padded
- Handle for additional control
- Dual leash attachment points
Cons:
- Sizing can be tricky; careful measurement is required
- Front leash attachment may wear out over time
Our Take: Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is an excellent option for safety-conscious owners. The reflective material ensures your dog is visible in low-light conditions, and the handle provides extra control when needed.
Use Case: Perfect for evening walks and situations where extra control is necessary, such as crowded areas or training sessions.
4. Best dog harness for the active Australian Shepherd
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
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Key Features:
- Material: Durable nylon
- Adjustability: Multiple adjustment points
- Leash Attachment: Front attachment only
- Special Features: Martingale loop to prevent twisting
Pros:
- Discourages pulling effectively
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight and simple design
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Limited to front leash attachment
- May not be as padded as other options
Our Take: The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is a great option for dogs that pull, thanks to its front attachment and martingale loop design. It’s simple, effective, and budget-friendly.
Use Case: Ideal for training dogs to stop pulling on the leash, particularly during walks in less demanding environments.
5. Best No-pull harness for active dogs
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
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Key Features:
- Material: Durable and breathable nylon
- Adjustability: Four adjustment points
- Leash Attachment: Two options (front and back)
- Special Features: Reflective straps, handle for extra control
Pros:
- Reflective straps for visibility
- Comfortable and adjustable
- Handle for added control
- Dual leash attachment points
Cons:
- Buckles can be difficult to adjust initially
- May be too bulky for very small dogs
Our Take: The Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness is a versatile and affordable choice, offering comfort, control, and visibility. It’s well-suited for active Australian Shepherds.
Use Case: Great for outdoor activities and training, providing control and visibility in various environments.
Comparative Analysis: Best Australian Shepherd Harnesses
Here’s a comparison of the top five harnesses based on key features:
| Product | Type | Material | Adjustability | Leash Attachment Points | Special Features | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffwear Front Range | Automatic | Nylon with padding | Four points | Two (back and chest) | Reflective trim, ID pocket | Daily walks, hikes, outdoor activities |
| Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart | Automatic | Nylon with chest plate | Five points | Two (front and back) | Crash-tested, seat belt tether | Everyday use, car travel |
| Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective | Manual | Nylon with padding | Four points | Two (back and front) | Reflective material, handle | Evening walks, extra control situations |
| PetSafe Easy Walk | Manual | Nylon | Multiple points | One (front) | Martingale loop | Training, walks in less demanding environments |
| Rabbitgoo No-Pull | Manual | Nylon with padding | Four points | Two (front and back) | Reflective straps, handle | Outdoor activities, training |
Why a Good Harness is Important for Australian Shepherds?
- 1. Control and Safety: Australian Shepherds are energetic and strong. A harness provides better control compared to a collar, distributing pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders rather than the neck. This prevents choking and potential injury, especially if the dog pulls or lunges.
- 2. Comfort: A well-designed harness offers greater comfort for your dog during walks and activities. It reduces strain on the neck and can help prevent injuries associated with traditional collars.
- 3. Training: Harnesses can be an excellent tool for training, especially for dogs that pull. Many harnesses are designed to discourage pulling, making training sessions more effective and pleasant.
- 4. Versatility: Harnesses are versatile and can be used for various activities, including walking, hiking, and even car rides with harnesses that double as seatbelt restraints.
How to Choose the Best Australian Shepherd Harness?
When selecting a harness for your Australian Shepherd, consider the following factors:
- 1. Fit and Size: Ensure the harness fits your dog properly. It should be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you choose the right size.
- 2. Material and Durability: Look for harnesses made from durable, high-quality materials such as nylon, polyester, or leather. The harness should withstand your dog’s activity level and be resistant to wear and tear.
- 3. Comfort and Padding: A good harness should have padding in key areas to prevent chafing and discomfort. Check for soft, breathable materials that won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
- 4. Adjustability: An adjustable harness allows you to customize the fit to your dog’s body shape, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit as your dog grows or changes weight.
- 5. Ease of Use: Choose a harness that is easy to put on and take off. Look for features like quick-release buckles and easy-to-adjust straps.
- 6. Special Features: Consider any additional features that might be useful, such as reflective strips for visibility, handle grips for extra control, and multiple leash attachment points.
What to Know About Australian Shepherd Harnesses
- Training with a Harness: Training your Australian Shepherd to walk on a harness requires patience and consistency. Start with short, positive sessions and gradually increase the duration.
- Introducing the Harness: Introduce the harness gradually to your dog. Allow them to sniff and explore it before putting it on. Use treats and praise to create a positive association.
- Regular Checks: Regularly check the harness for signs of wear and tear. Ensure it remains in good condition and replace it if it becomes damaged.
Common questions about harnesses for Australian Shepherd
Q: How do I measure my Australian Shepherd for a harness?
A: Use a soft measuring tape to measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs. Measure the neck circumference as well. Compare these measurements to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.
Q: How often should I replace my dog’s harness?
A: Replace the harness if it shows signs of wear and tear, such as frayed straps or broken buckles. Regularly inspect it to ensure it remains in good condition.
Q: Can harnesses help with training my Australian Shepherd?
A: Yes, many harnesses are designed to discourage pulling and help with training. Look for harnesses with front leash attachment points for better control during training sessions.
Q: Are reflective harnesses necessary?
A: Reflective harnesses are beneficial for visibility during low-light conditions, such as early morning or evening walks. They enhance your dog’s safety by making them more visible to drivers and pedestrians.
Q: Can I leave the harness on my dog all day?
A: It’s generally not recommended to leave a harness on your dog all day. Remove it during rest periods or when your dog is unsupervised to prevent discomfort and potential chafing.
Choosing the best harness for your Australian Shepherd can significantly enhance their comfort, safety, and control during walks and activities. The top five harnesses reviewed here offer a variety of features to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize safety, comfort, or training, there’s a harness on this list that will meet your requirements. By selecting the right harness, you can ensure enjoyable and secure outings with your energetic and intelligent Australian Shepherd.