by Mary Lou on September 1, 2010
After trying out over a dozen makes and models of dog harnesses, a clear winner has emerged which fits the Harness Criteria for Hard-Core Pullers set out last week.
The Top Pick overall is the No-Pull Harness from Wiggles Wags & Whiskers.
Relieve Impact of Pulling on Dog
The design of the harness distributes the pulling force gently across the dog’s body. In addition, the construction of the harness itself is done with the dog’s comfort in mind. 
The harness chest strap is lined with a very cushiony soft Swiss Velvet to help prevent rubbing and chaffing. The straps are also all turned out to prevent the seams from causing friction sores and discomfort. There are four adjustment points to ensure a good comfortable fit. The web site also offers measurement help, to make it easy to order the right size and fit. Of course, no harness is completely “No Pull”, but this one achieves an almost perfect score for reducing pull.
Relieve Impact of Pulling on Human
The No-Pull Harness has a patented “control loop” on the back of the harness that tightens the harness across the dogs chest and really does reduce pulling in a gentle way. It also has ring on the front of the harness. This ring is meant to allow you to optionally connect to the front and the back of the harness simultaneously with a double connection training leash (available through the same etailers/retailers) for even more control if you need or want it. The one connection is ample for my dog. But I like the flexibility of a front or back and single or double connection.
Durability
The no pull harness is very well constructed with tight stitching and strong fabrics. I’ve been using it for a few months now, with little sign of wear even after getting it wet several times.
Simplicity to Put On
The harness is very easy to put on. Put the loop over the dog’s head with the “control loop” at the back of the neck (it’s a different color to help it stand-out). 
In my case, I aim for the brown loop to be at the back of the neck. Then attach the two straps under the dogs front legs. So over the head, click, click.
No-Pull Harness Rating at a Glance
(out of 5 Bones)
Where to Get the No-Pull Harness
The No-Pull Harness is not as easy to find as other harnesses. None of my local pet shops carried it. Here’s where you can order it online. It is worth the wait! I’m amazed by the selection of colors available. Shipping to US, Canada and international.
1 inch No Pull Dog Training Harness (Medium and Large Breeds)$29
5/8 inch No Pull Dog Harness SMALL DOGS $29
Jellybean No Pull Harness $31 (a cute multi-colored version of the harness)
by Mary Lou on August 27, 2010
My dog is not large, but seems to garner supernatural strength when a critter crosses her path. She can go from zero to 60 mph instantly and with great tork!
I’m told this a sign of another training “opportunity”.
In the meantime, I want to make sure she is not hurting her neck and trachea when on a leash. At the same time, I want to ease the impact on me when she goes “turbo”. As such, I put together the following list:
Relieve Impact of Pulling on Dog
The main reason for getting a good harness, is to stop strangling your dog when you walk them on leash. A good harness will spread out the pressure points created by pulling across the dog’s body or nose and relieve pressure on the neck. You don’t want to fix one problem, by adding a new one. So check the harness for sharp metal or plastic, rough feeling clips, abrasive fabrics or stitching that can create new pressure problems. Run your hands along the inside of the harness to check for such irritants. Also check measurements, sizing, strap width, and adjustability to ensure a good and comfortable fit for your dog and to ensure force will be distributed evenly.
Relieve Impact of Pulling on Human
Another feature I want in my harness is to help reduce my arm being pulled out if it’s socket when my dog pulls. There are many designs of products to achieve this. It is important to me that the harness I choose actually helps reduce pulling. Many products out there only ease the pressure on the dog’s neck, but don’t actually address the pulling. I asked friends and research the brands on-line to see if they really are designed to reduce the pull factor. And I’ve tested many products directly. Not all work with my hound.
Durability
No one wants to have to buy a new harness every month. I’ve bought a few that were of a thin nylon with metal hoops that cut through the fabric after only a few uses. You want to start with ensuring the fabric is durable. You can pretty much tell when feeling a harness -as with a leash -if the weave is tight and thick to withstand multiple uses. Also check to ensure the buckles and ring attachments are secure. The stitching should also be tight to withstand wear and tear.
Simplicity to Put On
Not much explanation needed here. I want a harness that I can put on easily and quickly that doesn’t require my dog to have to stand still for 5 minutes and doesn’t require me to have to bring out the manual to figure out what goes where to get it on properly. At 50+ pounds, I also don’t want to have to lift my dog in order to put the thing on her.
See Top Pick Dog Harness for Hard-Core Puller for the outcome of searching for harnesses to meet the checklist above.
The harness is very easy to put on. Put the loop over the dog’s head with the “control loop” at the back of the neck (it’s a different color to help it stand-out). 
