The Best Dog Harness For Running | The Ultimate Jogging Gear
If you have an energetic dog who loves exercise and the outdoors, then it’s highly unlikely that you will ever find a better running partner. However, running with your dog requires appropriate equipment if you want to keep both your pooch and yourself safe and comfortable (1). Luckily, a good harness is all you really need. This guide will help you find the best dog harness for running.
Dr. Sara Redding Ochoa | Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine
Sara is Wileypup’s Veterinarian Adviser and helped compose this article to ensure the information is up to date and accurate. For more information on Sara click here
Running Harness For Dogs - Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Chai's Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness | ||
 | Puppia Soft Black Trim Dog Harness | ||
 | Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness | ||
 | Kurgo Journey Dog Harness | ||
 | EzyDog Chest Plate Dog Harness | ||
 | Noxgear LightHound Dog Harness | ||
 | OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Vest |
How to Choose the Best Dog Running Harness?
Not all dogs are cut out for long runs. Before you decide if your dog is up to the task, you have to take the breed, the age of your dog, and any existing health issues into consideration (2). If unsure, always check with your vet. In any case, once you get the green light for jogging with your pooch, it’s time to look into dog running gear.
But how exactly do you choose the best harness for running with a dog? These are our tips:
Size
When it comes to choosing a running harness for a dog, the first thing to consider is the same as with any kind of dog harness - the size needs to be right. If a harness is too small, it will make your pooch uncomfortable and nervous. It’s not good if it’s too big either as then the harness will be moving around and rubbing your puppy's skin, especially during intense activities like running.
When you are buying a harness online, you’ll always find a sizing chart. To find out the size of your dog, you’ll need to find out your pooch’s chest girth, neck girth, and sometimes the weight. Check out this guide for more information on how to measure a dog for a harness.
Additionally, some breeds have unique body shapes, which means not all harnesses will fit perfectly (3). If you need breed-specific tips for choosing a running harness, check out our dedicated single-breed harness buying guides for more information:
A regular walking harness should be fine, but if you’re running regularly, you might consider going with a special running harness instead- to reduce your pup’s risk of chafing - Will Storie, BarkPost.
So how do you find a harness that is most comfortable? Well, first of all, you can look for harnesses that have soft padding on the inside like the Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness. You can also choose a harness that’s made of soft fabric like the Puppia Soft Black Trim Dog Harness, although it is probably not the best choice for big and strong dogs.
Pro Tip: A good fit is also important for comfort (check out the section above). If there is any friction while the dog is moving, this can lead to chafing and painful pinches.
Safety
While running with your dog will probably be an enjoyable activity for both of you, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. Always make sure the harness fits right so that the dog can’t wiggle out of it.
Reflective strips or reflective piping is also a good thing to have on a running harness. If you’re running anywhere near a road, you’ll want to be visible.
Best Dog Running Harness: The Top 7
Even if you know what kind of harness you need for running with your dog, this still leaves you with a lot of options to choose from. Check out these 7 dog running harness reviews for some tried-and-true suggestions pet parents around the world have loved.
#1: Best Dog Harness For Runners: Chai's Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness
The Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is one of the best harnesses for long runs with your pooch we’ve encountered. This harness is super comfortable for the dog, while also being a great escape proof option by keeping your pooch securely buckled in. This is possible thanks to the perfect design that combines comfort with strength and durability.
How is this possible? Well, the exterior of this harness from Chai’s Choice is made from strong but lightweight nylon fabric. The harness features a chest plate and a back plate that both have really soft and fluffy mesh padding that keeps your pooch comfortable and prevents the harness from rubbing against their skin. Moreover, all of the connecting straps are completely adjustable, which allows you to achieve a perfect fit.
Another great thing about this harness is that it offers two attachment points for attaching the leash. There is an O-ring at the front which is perfect for discouraging young dogs from pulling and jumping at the leash to bring them back towards you if they try. This is not really good for running sessions, though, but this harness also has a clip on the back where you can attach the leash when you go for a run.
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#2: Budget Pick: Puppia Soft Black Trim Dog Harness
If you want your dog to enjoy running with you, comfort is of utmost importance. This is where the Puppia Soft Black Trim Dog Harness excels. This harness is made of soft, breathable mesh that gently envelops your pooch’s body in a way they won’t even feel.
The soft mesh covers the chest and goes around the neck. There is a single adjustable strap that goes around the belly. The strap also features a quick-snap buckle which makes the harness easy to put on and off. Unlike other soft harnesses, this one is not a step-in harness. You just need to put the harness over your dog’s head and snap the buckle in place. This shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds, which is something pet parents who like running every day will appreciate.
The harness is made of 100% polyester which means it will dry quickly if your dog sweats or if it’s raining. The Puppia Soft Black Trim Dog Harness also comes in 4 different colors, so you can choose one that best suits your pet’s personality. We especially love the camo print!
That being said, this harness is very soft and comfortable, but it is not the strongest harness out there. For this reason, it is best suited for small and medium breeds.
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#3: Best Value For Money: Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness
The Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness is a well-made dog harness that combines comfort with durability. This harness features a wide panel across the chest and a smaller one on the back. Both of these panels have soft mesh lining which is what makes this harness very comfortable for the dog.
The outer layer, on the other hand, is made of durable but lightweight Oxford fabric. The two panels are connected by adjustable straps which are exceptionally strong thanks to reinforced stitching which also makes it a good chew-proof dog harness option. A metal D-ring allows you to attach the leash to the back of this harness. The lead attachment is just in the right place so that it allows the harness to distribute the weight evenly and keep your pooch comfortable even on long runs.
Finally, the Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness features patches made of reflective fabric on the back. Those really make you more visible when you are out at dusk or at night, so it’s definitely good to have them. Better safe than sorry!
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#4: Best For Car Rides: Kurgo Journey Dog Harness
If getting to your favorite running track involves a car ride, you’ll definitely want to get a dog jogging harness that also doubles as a car safety harness. The Kurgo Journey Dog Harness comes with a 100-inch loop that quickly turns it into a car safety harness if you pull the seat belt through it.
This harness is made of fabric that is sturdy but breathable at the same time. The wide chest panel also has soft padding on the inside which ensures your pooch stays comfortable even on extra long runs. Durable straps connect the front and back panel. They are also adjustable at 4 places, so you can definitely get this harness from Kurgo to fit just right.
All hardware on the Kurgo Journey Dog Harness is made of metal. This includes the buckles and the two attachments for the leash. One is one the front, which can be good for walks, and the other one is on the back which is what you need for running. Additionally, a handle at the top lets you have control over your pooch at any moment.
Durable, but comfortable and breathable at the same time, this harness is perfect for all kinds of activities ranging from daily walks to long trail runs.
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#5: Easiest To Set Up: EzyDog Chest Plate Dog Harness
The EzyDog Chest Plate Dog Harness is a lightweight harness that is super comfortable and really easy to put on. Sounds like the perfect dog jogging harness for everyday use, right?
This harness features a comfortable chest plate with ergonomic EVA foam inside. The foam in the chest plate conforms to your pooch’s body, thus ensuring a perfect fit for their body shape. Moreover, the EVA foam also absorbs impact, so you can rest assured your dog will be fine in any situation. If they start pulling or you have to pull the leash for any reason, the chest plate distributes the weight evenly in the healthiest possible way for your pup.
The chest plate is attached to the two straps - the chest trap and the belly strap. They are both adjustable, and they criss-cross on the back so there is no back panel. This means the harness doesn’t cover too much of your pooch’s skin. As a result, there is less trapped heat which makes this harness perfect for those who often find themselves running in warm weather.
This harness is actually perfect for all kinds of weather conditions. The D-ring for attaching the leash is made of stainless steel, so it won’t rust or corrode even if you run in the rain! Finally, this EzyDog harness also has reflective stitching which is good to know in case you find yourself outside with your pooch in poor visibility conditions.
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#6: Best Harness For Night Running: Noxgear LightHound Dog Harness
If you have a daily schedule that only allows you to go for a run when it’s already dark, or you simply like super-early or late runs, it is important to keep safety in mind and stay visible to anyone passing by. Well, with the Noxgear LightHound Dog Harness you definitely won’t have visibility issues! This harness comes with bright LED lights on the back and the sides, made in such a way that your dog remains visible from any angle.
But before we talk more about the lights, let’s talk about the harness itself first. This lightweight harness is made from military-grade Cordura fabric. This makes it really durable and almost impossible to rip apart. At the same time, this harness is quite comfortable due to its lightness. However, it doesn’t have soft padding on the inside like some other harnesses.
Back to the LED light that makes this harness so special. The light has a built-in battery that can be charged with a micro USB cable. The light can stay on for up to 12 hours on a single charge.
You can even choose the color of the light you want, and the lights are weather resistant - which means you can use this harness even in the rain.
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#7: Best Tactical Harness For Running: OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Vest
The OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Vest is the perfect choice for active dogs who enjoy outdoor adventures. If you take your dog on trail runs, or just exploring the great outdoors, you should definitely think about this harness.
This harness features a heavy-duty nylon outer layer paired with soft padding on the inside. In combination with fully adjustable straps, we must say this harness is one of the most comfortable around. The leash attachment is on the back, in a perfect place for a comfortable running session.
This is also a great option to use as a hiking harness.
In addition to this the OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Vest is full of velcro strips and webbing that allow you to attach patches and MOLLE pouches. Most healthy dogs don’t mind carrying a bit of weight, so you might consider letting your pooch carry their own water and a collapsible water bowl, for example (5)
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Dog Harness for Runners: Final Thoughts
Running with your canine buddy can definitely be a joy for both of you, but the right gear can make the world of difference. When it comes to choosing the best harness for running with your dog, there are a couple of factors to think about.
Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is a comfortable and functional harness that fits most breeds. However, if you like exploring the great outdoors with your pooch, you might also want to check out the OneTigris Tactical Service Dog Vest.
FAQ
For more harness information, check out our below guides:
References
- Paturel, A. “Running, Hiking, and More with Your Dog”. Fetch by WebMD. Retrieved March 31, 2021. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/running-hiking-dog
- Becker, M. June 4, 2013. “Ready, Set, Go: Running With Your Dog”. Vetstreet. Retrieved April 1, 2021. http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/ready-set-go-running-with-your-dog
- Schade, V. “Get the Best Dog Harness for Your Dog’s Body Type”. PetMD. Retrieved March 13, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/get-best-dog-harness-your-dogs-body-type
- Storie, W. “10 Important Things to Know Before You Go Running with Your Dog”. BarkPost. Retrieved April 1, 2021. https://barkpost.com/life/running-with-dog/
- “Running and Staying Safe with Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved March 31, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_running_and_staying_safe_with_your_dog
- “Jogging with Your Dog Improves Overall Fitness and Health”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved April 1, 2021. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/jogging-with-your-dog-improves-overall-fitness-and-health/
Vedrana Nikolić (B.A. in Cultural Anthropology) - Professional Writer.
Vedrana is a writer, anthropologist & dog lover. Currently pursuing a Masters degree in Semiotics studying, among other things, the communication between animals and humans.
For more info on Vedrana click here
