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Golden Retrievers are happy, athletic dogs and they’re perfect walking companions. But sometimes you need a little more control than a simple collar can offer. That’s where harnesses come in!
Wonder Walker Body Halter Dog Harness
Made of soft but durable nylon webbing, the Wonder Walker is intuitive to use and designed for a dog’s natural push/pull reflex.
Harnesses come in a variety of styles and uses, and we recommend reading this professional trainer’s take on using harnesses. Before buying one, you’ll need to consider your needs. A good harness should be:
- Comfortable and secure. It should fit your dog snugly but not tightly, and avoid putting pressure on their throat or neck.
- Durable. A harness needs to hold up to daily use.
- Attractive. Of course, your Golden Retriever doesn’t care about fashion. But you can choose a harness that’s stylish as well as functional!
With all that in mind, here are our picks for the top five harnesses for Golden Retrievers.
Best Dog Harness for Urban Exploring: The Wonder Walker (Verified Review)
The unofficial dog harness of Seattle, the popular Wonder Walker no-pull harness places control around your dog’s center of gravity rather than their head or neck. It can be clipped in front or back. By attaching your dog’s leash to the chest ring, you can gently guide your dog in the direction you want them to move.
Why we like it:
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Only one buckle for easy on and off
- O-rings are large enough for tags
Verified review (size XS): “My Boston terrier puppy tends to pull a lot, because she wants to sniff every.single.tree. I tried collar training with her to keep her on track but I finally threw in the towel and decided to try a harness. This harness can be clipped on the top, or in the front to prevent pulling. I opted to clip it in the front to control pulling and it really has helped. Walks are so much more enjoyable now!”
Verified review (size XL): “First impressions: the material seemed durable, but also lightweight. The harness looked slightly small for an XL, and I wasn’t sure it would fit my bulldog’s wide chest. After trying it out, I was very pleased. There are multiple size adjustments, making this a fairly versatile product (I was able to fit it on my low and sturdy English Bulldog, as well as my 95lb. Lab/Husky mix!) The alternate colored strap makes it easy to ensure the harness is correctly being placed on your pet (it rests on your dog’s back). Overall, I thought the product was really great. The only feature I would change is the placement of the clasp closure. On both of my dogs it sat right under their armpit area and I have concern that this could be uncomfortable on long walks.”
Wonder Walker Body Halter Dog Harness
Made of soft but durable nylon webbing, the Wonder Walker is intuitive to use and designed for a dog’s natural push/pull reflex.
I can’t stop recommending this harness because it’s the one I use for my own dog! A popular favorite, the Ruffwear Front Range is a sturdy everyday harness, perfect for daily walks and more ambitious outdoor adventures. It has four points of adjustment, two leash attachment points, and a comfy padded chest plate.
Ruffwear Front Range
For a sturdy everyday harness, look no further than this Ruffwear one. It’s adjustable for a perfect fit and sports a comfy padded chest plate.
Best No-Pull Harness for Golden Retrievers: SENSE-ation
One of the original no-pull harnesses, the SENSE-ation makes walks easier for you and your Golden Retriever. It prevents pulling without choking or stressing your dog and most people say it works right away. It’s constructed from comfortable polyester webbing and durable plastic hardware, with a strong, nickel-plated steel leash attachment ring.
The Original Sense-ation No-Pull Dog Training Harness
If your Golden has a tendency to pull, this harness with a strong metal front attachment ring is what you need.
Best Quick Fit Harness for Golden Retrievers: EzyDog
The EzyDog is a “quick fit” harness is designed to work the second you slip it on your pet. The one-click fit system is as easy to adjust as a collar, but with the safety benefits of a harness. The neoprene padded chest sleeve keeps your dog comfortable, and reflective safety stitching keeps you both safe on nighttime walks.
EzyDog Quick Fit Custom Fit Adjustable Dog Harness
No complicated buckles here. This harness is as simple as a collar to put on and adjust.
This rugged adventure dog harness is lightweight and durable, made from no-rip nylon with comfortable padding. It has several points of adjustment for a secure fit, and two attachment points to suit your walking needs. It’s perfect for hiking with your Golden Retriever!
Embark Active Dog Harness
Constructed with no-rip nylon and neoprene padding, this lightweight harness is a great option to use while hiking with your Golden.
A quality dog harness doesn’t have to break the bank. This colorful harness from Copatchy is inexpensive and reviewers praise its fit and ease of use. It’s made from lightweight, breathable mesh, with an attached handle for extra control.
Copatchy Adjustable Dog Harness
For an affordable but quality harness, this one is a nice option that’s made with lightweight, breathable mesh.