10 Best Harnesses for Labradoodles in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks

A brown labradoodle with a soft, fluffy coat and a pink hiking harness

Recently adopted a Labradoodle? Then, by now, you’ve probably realized these pups need a ton of exercise because they have so much energy! Some of the best ways to keep a Labradoodle exercised are via walks, runs, and hikes. But for that, you’re going to need an excellent harness. Why a harness? Harnesses put less pressure on a canine’s neck, which lessens the risk of pain and injury. Having minimal pressure on your pup’s throat also reduces coughing fits while walking. Plus, a harness makes it easier to control your dog when it’s trying to pull (super important when it comes to Labradoodles!).

What harness is the best to get for your dog, though? There are so many options available, but so little time to choose the perfect one. That’s why we’re here with reviews and breakdowns of the 10 best harnesses for Labradoodles. Read on to find the one that’s just right for your pet!

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A Quick Look At Our Favorites in 2023

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Winner

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness
Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

  • Heavy-duty, break-resistant buckles

  • Reflective

  • Skin-friendly inner lining

  • Best Value

    Second place

    Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness
    Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness

  • Strong but comfortable

  • Contains one of the strongest side-release clips around

  • Comes in several colors

  • Premium Choice

    Third place

    Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
    Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness

  • Excellent for dogs riding in the car

  • Has a padded chest plate for comfort

  • Most pet parents found it effective

  • Best for Puppies


    Puppia Vest Polyester Dog Harness
    Puppia Vest Polyester Dog Harness

  • Super comfortable

  • Step-in rather than over the head

  • Comes in a huge range of sizes

  • Best Pet Supplies Voyager Dog Harness
    Best Pet Supplies Voyager Dog Harness

  • Basic and simple

  • Step-in harness

  • Designed for ultimate comfort
  • The 10 Best Harnesses for Labradoodles

    1. Julius-K9 IDC Nylon Reflective No Pull Harness – Best Overall

    Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 26 to 33.5 in
    Recommended Weight: 5 to 66 lbs
    Features: Reflective
    Harness Type: No pull, back clip

    When you want the best overall harness for your Labradoodle, you want the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness! It’s not only designed for larger breeds but made specifically for working dogs, so it offers the most durability and comfort around. The inner liner of this harness is made from Eco-Tex, a skin-friendly material, meaning less irritation to your pup’s skin (excellent for Labradoodles prone to skin allergies). The outer part of the harness is water-repellent, so you can take your Labradoodle through river crossings and more. The buckles are not just heavy-duty but break-resistant and even freeze-proof, so they can withstand a lot, keeping your dog safer than ever. And the harness is reflective, so no matter what time of day you take your pup out, people will be sure to see it when needed.

    The biggest downside to this harness seems to be the Velcro straps. A couple of people had issues getting the Velcro to stick properly, and at least one heavy chewer managed to chew through the Velcro, so be aware of that!

    Pros
    • Heavy-duty, break-resistant buckles

    • Reflective

    • Skin-friendly inner lining

    Cons
    • Velcro sometimes doesn’t stick properly

    • Heavy chewers may chew through Velcro


    2. Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness – Best Value

    Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 2 to 21.3 in
    Recommended Weight: N/A
    Features: N/A
    Harness Type: Back clip

    Classics never go out of style, and if you want the best Labradoodle harness for the money, you’ll want this classic! This harness is made from premium nylon designed for maximum strength to hold up against pulling and outside elements. Despite its strength, the material is still soft and comfortable enough not to irritate the skin. It also features a Bucklebone clip, which is one of the strongest types of side releases available. Plus, this harness comes in several fun colors!

    Be careful when ordering, though, as a few people mentioned the harnesses were sized slightly off (mostly being a bit smaller than advertised). This harness might also not be best for heavy chewers, as a few pups chewed through it in two weeks or less.

    Pros
    • Strong but comfortable

    • Contains one of the strongest side-release clips around

    • Comes in several colors

    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for heavy chewers

    • Sizes seem to be slightly off


    3. Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Smart Car Dog Harness – Premium Choice

    Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 24 to 44 in
    Recommended Weight: 50 to 110 lbs
    Features: Dual clip
    Harness Type: Front clip, back clip, car safety

    If you’ve been searching for a premium harness for your Labradoodle, we suggest this one by Kurgo. Not only is it excellent for walking your pup, but it’s designed to keep your pet safe while traveling in a car, too. This harness has been crash tested to be safe for dogs up to 75 pounds and comes with a tether and carabiner for a seat belt. It also features a padded chest plate, five points of adjustment for the best fit, and a no-pull D ring.

    This is definitely one of the pricier harnesses out there, but the majority of pet parents seemed to find it effective and sturdy. However, some dog owners did find it difficult to put this harness on wiggly dogs.

    Pros
    • Excellent for dogs riding in the car

    • Has a padded chest plate for comfort

    • Most pet parents found it effective

    Cons
    • Pricier than other harnesses

    • Can be challenging fitting on wiggly pups


    4. Puppia Vest Polyester Step In Back Clip Dog Harness – Best for Puppies

    Puppia Vest Polyester Step In Back Clip Dog Harness 2

    Chest Girth: 9 to 27.6 in
    Recommended Weight: N/A
    Features: Step in
    Harness Type: Back clip

    The quickest way to get your puppy used to wearing a harness is to start it off with one immediately, and our recommendation for a great puppy harness is this one by Puppia. This harness comes in a variety of sizes, from XS to XXX, so you’re sure to find a fit no matter the size of your pet. And because it’s a step-in harness, you won’t have to fight your puppy to get it over its head. Air-mesh padding provides extra comfort for your dog, while the quick-release clip and pair of D-rings provide security.

    The biggest complaint about this harness seems to be sizing issues; apparently, the harness runs a bit smaller than stated, so you might need to size up.

    Pros
    • Super comfortable

    • Step-in rather than over the head

    • Comes in a huge range of sizes

    Cons
    • Sizing is off; runs smaller than stated


    5. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Lock Dog Harness

    Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Lock Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 20 to 28 in
    Recommended Weight: N/A
    Features: None
    Harness Type: Basic

    Sometimes a simple, basic harness is the way to go, and if that’s what you want, this harness is a fit. This step-in harness features a rounded neckline and wider padded shape that offers the ultimate in comfort and safety. The snug fit will help keep your dog in the harness instead of letting it wiggle out. And the harness distributes pressure evenly to prevent any strain on your dog’s neck. Plus, with strong side buckles and four sliders to adjust the fit, you have everything you need in a harness!

    Most pet parents loved this harness, but a couple did mention that they had a bit of difficulty adjusting the fit.

    Pros
    • Basic and simple

    • Step-in harness

    • Designed for ultimate comfort

    Cons
    • A couple of people had trouble adjusting the fit


    6. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness

    Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 27 to 42 in
    Recommended Weight: N/A
    Features: Reflective, dual clip
    Harness Type: Front clip

    Keep your Labradoodle both secure and comfortable with this harness by Chai’s Choice! With belly straps and a padded chest, you won’t have to be concerned about too much pressure on your pup’s neck with this harness. Plus, the durable nylon the harness is created with is woven through with reflective piping to ensure your dog is seen in any type of light while out and about. And if you take your Labradoodle on car trips often, this harness will let you buckle your dog in. Add in several sizes and colors, and you can customize this harness to best fit your canine’s personality.

    Like some of the other harnesses on this list, there were complaints of this one running smaller than advertised, so be aware of that. A few people also had trouble when it came to adjusting the fit of the harness because the clips were tight.

    Pros
    • Disperses pressure evenly to protect neck

    • Reflective piping for low-light situations

    • Customizable

    Cons
    • Sizing chart is off

    • May have trouble adjusting fit of the harness


    7. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

    PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 5 to 40 in
    Recommended Weight: 40 to 95 lbs
    Features: Waterproof
    Harness Type: No pull, front clip

    It doesn’t get much simpler than this harness! Designed by a veterinary behaviorist, this harness has been around since 2004 and is designed for dogs who like to pull during walks. Because this harness has a strap across the chest and a martingale loop, it is able to stop your dog from pulling by putting gradual pressure along the shoulders, allowing you to get back in control. This also helps teach your dog the correct way to walk on a leash. And due to this harness having less coverage and being waterproof, it’s an excellent harness for outdoor adventures.

    A big downside of this harness seems to be quality control; people reported having great experiences with the harness, then ordering another, only for it to fall apart quickly. There also appeared to be an occasional issue of the harness chafing the underarms of dogs, though this was rare.

    Pros
    • Teaches dog leash manners

    • Designed to prevent pulling

    • Great for outdoor adventures

    Cons
    • Quality seems a bit hit or miss

    • Risk of chafing to a dog’s underarms


    8. EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

    EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

    Chest Girth: 21 to 43 in
    Recommended Weight: N/A
    Features: Reflective
    Harness Type: Front clip, back clip

    This no-pull harness has a non-restrictive design that allows a dog’s shoulders to move naturally. With breathable mesh fabric and soft padding, the harness stays comfortable, while the durable nylon and reflective strips ensure your pup’s safety while out on strolls. There are both front and back D-rings to attach the leash to, as well as a handle you can grab if your pet starts pulling too firmly. And with quick-release clips and straps that adjust, getting your pup in and out should be a breeze.

    This harness was fairly popular and didn’t seem to have many issues. One person commented it wasn’t great for deep-chested canines, while one or two mentioned one of the D-rings breaking within a couple of months.

    Pros
    • Allows natural shoulder movement

    • Has reflective strips for low light

    • Handle to gain more control over dog

    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for deep-chested dogs

    • Possibility a D-ring may break within months


    9. Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness

    Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness

    https://www.chewy.com/frisco-padded-nylon-no-pull-dog/dp/166944

    Chest Girth: 22 to 40 in
    Recommended Weight: N/A
    Features: Training
    Harness Type: No pull, back clip, front clip

    This no-pull harness is excellent for training your Labradoodle to walk properly on a leash. The D-ring placed on the front of the harness discourages your dog from pulling so much by getting your pup’s attention back on you without putting strain on the neck. Add in a padded chest piece made of mesh and straps that adjust, and you’ve got one comfy harness! It also comes in a host of colors and sizes, so you can find the one that suits your dog’s personality to a tee.

    This is yet another harness that had some sizing issues (mainly with being smaller than advertised), so be careful when ordering. A few dogs also found the material of the harness to be too scratchy.

    Pros
    • Helps train dog to walk on leash

    • Discourages pulling

    Cons
    • May be smaller than advertised

    • A few dogs found the material too scratchy


    10. Kurgo Journey Air Polyester Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

    Kurgo Journey Air Polyester Reflective No Pull Dog Harness 1

    Chest Girth: 24 to 44 in
    Recommended Weight: 50 to 110 lbs
    Features: Dual clip, reflective
    Harness Type: No pull, front clip, back clip

    Finally, we have the Kurgo Journey Air Harness. This no-pull harness is advertised as being excellent for hiking, running, and daily walks and is made from breathable material that keeps active pups nice and cool. The padded chest piece and deep V-neck help keep your Labradoodle from pulling too much (though there’s also a back handle if you need to regain control quickly). The four-release buckles are all rust-proof and quick to open, plus the trim of this harness is reflective so your dog can always be seen.

    Again, there seemed to be some issues when it came to sizing with this harness (both the too-small and too-big variety). A few pet parents also mentioned the clips getting broken too easily.

    Pros
    • Great for outdoor adventures

    • Breathable material keeps dogs cool during activity

    • Reflective trim

    Cons
    • Sizing issues

    • Some had issues with the clips breaking

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    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing The Best Harnesses for Labradoodles

    Since harnesses are designed to prevent strain on your dog’s neck while allowing you more control, you need to get a harness that does its job. A good dog harness will provide security so your pet doesn’t get out, while not being so tight it chafes or causes skin irritation. You’ll also want something easy to get your dog in and out of and durable enough to last. So, you’ll need to look at a few factors.

    Type of Harness

    You likely noticed a few different harness types on this list, but do you know which type would be best for your pup?

    • If your Labradoodle is a big puller, you’ll want to avoid the basic harness type, which just consists of a series of straps. This type isn’t great for helping control dogs that pull. But if your pet is calm on walks, this could fit your needs.

    • A padded harness offers more comfort, as it prevents the harness from digging into the skin. However, it’s also a bit more restrictive than other harness types, which some canines may hate.

    • If your pup has anxiety, it might prefer a vest type of harness. This harness fits snugly, is padded, and offers a bit of restriction, which can ease anxiety. That same restriction may turn other canines off this kind of harness, though.

    • Then there’s the step-in harness, which is just what it sounds like. Rather than having to deal with trying to slide a harness over your pet’s head, your dog merely steps into this harness, making taking your pup on walks so much simpler!

    Harness Size

    Once you know the harness you want, your next focus should be getting the correct size. You’ll want to measure the girth of your dog’s chest to get accurate measurements and compare those to the size chart to see if it will fit. Unfortunately, many harnesses seem to have size charts that are slightly off, so be sure to read through reviews of a harness to find out whether it’s true to fit before ordering.

    Handle or No Handle

    If your Labradoodle is a powerful puller, you’ll likely want to get a harness that has a handle on the back. This handle will allow you more control over your dog when it’s pulling, so you can get it back under control quickly. You can also use this handle to make it easier to pick your dog up when needed.

    Reflective Harnesses

    Do you often walk your dog in the early morning or twilight hours? Then it’s probably wise to get a harness that contains reflective trim or panels of some kind. This ensures your dog can easily be seen no matter how much light there is, which keeps it and you safer.

    Materials

    Look at the materials used to make a harness to ensure you’re getting one that’s comfortable for your pet. Some fabrics may be more breathable or softer on the skin than others, while some might be too scratchy or chafe too much.

    Price

    Harnesses come in a wide range of prices, so you should find one that fits your budget. And because many harnesses tend to have the same sort of features, you can shop around to find the most affordable one that fits your needs.

    Reviews

    There’s no better way to get a good idea of how a harness works than by reading reviews from other pet parents. Fellow dog owners will be able to inform you whether a harness is properly sized and how quickly it might break down. So, always take a quick look at a harness’s reviews!divider-paw

    Conclusion

    Now that you’ve looked through these reviews, you should have a better idea of which harness will be the perfect fit for your Labradoodle. If you’re looking for the best overall harness, we suggest the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness for its inner skin lining that keeps skin from being irritated and its durability.

    If you want the best harness for the money, check out the Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Dog Harness, as it’s strong but comfortable. And if you’re looking for a premium option, we recommend the Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Crash Tested Smart Car Dog Harness since it’s great for walks and car rides, and most found it effective.


    Featured Image Credit: Ann Lillie, Shutterstock

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