While some owners may resort to pinch or prong collars for their pitbulls, we’ve found that most dogs thrive with the proper harness and training. To help you find the perfect fit, we reviewed the top 23 harnesses for pit bulls. We’ve selected our overall favorite: Embark Adventure Harness. It’s an all-in-one solution that’s comfortable, well-fitting, built to withstand lots of stress over time, and will also help you stay in control during walks.
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Best Harness for Pitbulls

Best Products Best Harness for Pitbulls
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Best Overall. Embark Adventure Harness
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Best for Training. 2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness
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Best for Outdoors. Ruffwear Front-Range Harness
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Best for Security. Kurgo TRU-Fit Harness

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- What we Like
- Easy to put on and take off
- The padding is nice and thick
- Fully adjustable
- Extremely sturdy with reinforced seams
- Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- What we Dislike
- High price point
- Not a large color selection
- Front-clip is not very well reinforced
- Sizing is tricky, so be sure to check before purchase
Product Details | |
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Material | Made with nylon and anti-chafing padding |
Design | Designed to evenly distribute stress from pulling |
Leash Attachment | 2 leash attachments (back-clip and front-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (two front buckles and two back plastic clips) that are quadruple reinforced |
Colors | 3 |
This is our winner! It’s kind of an all-in-one package and will give your pitbull comfort on those long walks. They really went all out on the padding, making the risk for chafing much lower than on other cheaper harnesses. The adjustment points on the harness are also reinforced and secure, making escapes near impossible (as long as you get the right size). It is more expensive than some of the other options and the color selection is limited. But if you needed an all-in-one solution quick, this is the one for you.



- What we Like
- Offers gentle and easy control
- Easy adjustments
- Fits easily on large dogs
- Employs the two leash design
- What we Dislike
- Tricky getting used to two leashes
- Training tool for pullers, not ideal for everyday use
- Causes sores and rashes
Product Details | |
---|---|
Material | Made from a high quality nylon |
Design | Martingale design |
Leash Attachment | Both back-clip and front-clip in a tightening harness design |
Points of Adjustment | 2 straps on the back and chest for adjustments |
Colors | 8 |
This is a funny one. It’s primary purpose is for training your pup not to pull and how to walk properly. So, in that regard, this is an A+ harness. However, we can’t recommend this for everyday use, as it has been known to cause sores and rashes. But, for people looking to leash train their pitbull pup, then this unique pick could be the perfect fit for your situation.



- What we Like
- Chest is fully adjustable
- Tuck ID pocket built in
- Easy to put on and take off
- Strong aluminium rings and are reinforced with webbing
- What we Dislike
- High price point
- Neck size is not fully adjustable
- Weak attachment point webbing
Product Details | |
---|---|
Material | Made from premium nylon and foam padding panels |
Design | Designed to slip over your dog’s head and has tuck ID pocket |
Leash Attachment | 2 leash attachments (front-clip and back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 front and 2 back) |
Colors | 6 |
Probably one of the best daily harnesses you can get. It’s very well padded to help reduce chafing and abrasions. The leash attachments on the back is very well reinforced, but note that the front-clip isn’t. You do have to look out for the neck size, as the neck isn’t adjustable at all. Other than that, this harness is great (if not the best) for day-to-day use–with the important caveat that if you have a puller, you should consider other options for training.



- What we Like
- Very easy to fit and adjust
- Extremely high quality and durable
- Additional strap for seatbelt use is very useful for car rides
- Very adjustable around chest
- Perfect for short haired dogs
- Lifetime warranty
- Machine washable
- Front-clip does cause harness to be tugged to one side if your pitbull is big puller
- What we Dislike
- Front-clip is not ideal for daily use
- Some of stitched edges are pointy
- No points of adjustment in the neck
- Plastic buckles rest on skin
- Not too easy to put on
Product Details | |
---|---|
Material | Made from premium nylon and interior is padded |
Design | Designed to slip over your dog’s head |
Leash Attachment |
2 strong metal leash attachment points (back-clip and front-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 5 points of adjustment (1 chest and 4 girth) |
Colors | 1 |
The Kurgo is an amazing harness that seeks to provide safety on walks and car rides. It does both pretty well. The only big gripes we have with this harness is that the plastic buckles rest on the skin and the neck size is not adjustable. Also, you have to fit your dog’s head into the harness, which can be tricky. With all that said, though, if you need a harness you know will be secure, offer you control, and be a safe choice for car rides, then this harness is for you. (Kurgo offers another option that’s even more secure with metal buckles, but these are a bit trickier to put on.)


- What we Like
- Low price point
- Distributes pulling pressure through harness
- Easy control
- Two buckles make it easy to put on and take off
- Reflective straps
- What we Dislike
- Adjustments aren’t easy
- Padding isn’t great - known to cause chafing with pitbulls
- Can’t withstand long-term stress of pulling
Product Details | |
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Material | Made from premium nylon and interior is soft mesh |
Design | Slip on design |
Leash Attachment | 2 sturdy metal attachment points (front-clip and back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 front and 2 back) |
Colors | 3 |
This is definitely our budget pick for pitbull harnesses. You get a lot of bang for buck with this harness, as it comes with back-clip and a front-clip option. If you can figure out how to adjust it (which users report can be difficult), it’s very secure. But, you are getting what you pay for–unfortunately, this harness isn’t known to hold up for many months under the stress of a heavy puller. The padding helps, but it won’t do the trick for really chronic pullers.


- What we Like
- Very durable
- Belly strap makes it nearly impossible to escape from
- Plastic buckles are padded and do not rest on skin
- Reflective trimming
- What we Dislike
- High price point
- Not the easiest to adjust
- Does not help with pulling
- Will not withstand long-term stress
- Fairly heavy harness
Product Details | |
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Material |
Made from premium nylon foam padded interior and reinforced handle |
Design | |
Leash Attachment | 2 back-clip attachments mid-back and far-back |
Points of Adjustment |
5 (2 across the belly 1 down the chest and 2 at the base of the neck) |
Colors | 3 |
A very secure harness that is practically escape-proof. You need to ensure that it fits tight (but not too tight) and is nice and secure. The chest strap and belly strap ensure that your pitbull can’t back out of it. All the while, it is well padded for comfort. With five points of adjustment, it isn’t a breeze to put on, but once it is, then your good to go. It is bulky and heavy, and does nothing to help with pulling.


- What we Like
- Excellent customer service
- Does not choke
- Perfect for pullers
- Emphasis on “PERFECT FIT GUARANTEE”
- What we Dislike
- Tricky to adjust
- Webbing may chaff if used all day
- Doesn’t hold up when wet
Product Details | |
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Material | Made from durable nylon material |
Design |
-pull design |
Leash Attachment | 1 leash attachment point (front-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 chest and 2 girth) |
Colors | 7 |
PetSafe makes a great harness and we think it’s definitely worth considering. From the reviews, there’s a lot of mixed feelings from other pitbull owners. Some people say that this harness is incredible, while others have had terrible experiences. If you have a pitbull pup that pulls only a little bit every now and again, then this is a good choice. If your pitbull is a chronic puller, then there are likely better options for you.


- What we Like
- Elastic handle takes off the impact on the shoulders
- Padded breastplate to reduce chafing
- Handle offers great control
- Reflective stitching
- What we Dislike
- Does not help with pulling
- Elastic handle will stretch over time under stress
- Sizing is a little off (runs big)
Product Details | |
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Material | Made with nylon straps and soft-comfortable mesh padding |
Design | Special elastic handle design |
Leash Attachment | 3 points of adjustment |
Points of Adjustment | 1 leash attachment point (back-clip) |
Colors | 1 |
This harness is very hardy and durable, which is good for us pitbull lovers. The handle offers a lot of control and acts like a built-in short lead. It’s kind of a backup leash in a worse case scenario. The padded interior is very soft and greatly reduces the risk of chafing. It’s overall a tough harness but does not help with pulling whatsoever. If your pitbull is a dream on leash and you want a nice soft harness with a handle, this is the one to pick.


- What we Like
- Made specifically for big dogs
- Very easy to put on and take off
- Wriggle resistant
- Fitting instructions are easy to follow
- What we Dislike
- Chest size runs big
- Does not help with pulling
- Will rip under constant stress
Product Details | |
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Material | Made from high-quality nylon and has soft mesh interior |
Design | Designed with reinforced nylon handle for control |
Leash Attachment | 1 metal leash attachment point (back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 2 points of adjustment (strap under the belly and chest piece) |
Colors | 1 |
The PYRUS offers an easy to put on harness solution with a handle for control. We thought this harness was ideal for the pitbulls out there that don’t have a pulling problem and have some training not to run after things. The soft interior is also perfect for short-hair, and the harness runs big in the chest (which could be an advantage, based on your pup). With that said, this harness does nothing to help with pulling and your pitbull will go into full-on sleddog mode.


- What we Like
- No stress on dogs neck
- Low price point
- Very easy to adjust and secure
- What we Dislike
- Plastic buckles lay on skin (may cause chafing)
- Performs more like a collar than a harness
- Does nothing to prevent pulling
Product Details | |
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Material | Made with soft mesh and nylon handle on the back |
Design | Reinforced handle for emergency situations |
Leash Attachment | 1 back-clip leash attachment point |
Points of Adjustment | 2 points of adjustment (chest and belly) |
Colors | 4 |
A very common harness to consider and it has a lot of appeal. Low price point, a lot of style points for all the colors to pick from, and it’s easy to put on your pup. But it offers next to no control, aside from the handle on the back. We would recommend this for you if you have a pitbull puppy and don’t want to put any pressure on their neck (which is ideal!).


- What we Like
- Low price point
- Very durable and sturdy
- 180-day warranty
- Comes with a matching leash
- What we Dislike
- Sides of harness and leash will fray over time
- Much heavier than it looks
- Constantly needs adjusting
- Doesn’t help with pulling
Product Details | |
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Material | Made of-high density nylon layers and cotton padding |
Design | Step-in harness |
Leash Attachment | 2 stainless D-rings attachment (back-clips) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment |
Colors | 2 |
Serves a good place in the market for people looking for an affordable harness. For the price, it’s reasonably durable and secure for short walks. However, this harness will not last forever and the adjustments on it are not great. Overall, we would only recommend this harness if you need a cheap option and you’re not worried about pulling.


- What we Like
- Durable in most areas
- Buckles are situated for reduced chafing
- Great for service dogs
- MOLLE system on both sides (details below)
- 4 quick-release plastic buckles
- What we Dislike
- Handle known to tear over time
- High price point
- Does not hold up to chronic pulling
Product Details | |
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Material | Made with high quality nylon and padded in all pressure areas |
Design | Slip on harness with MOLLE system integrated into the harness |
Leash Attachment | 1 back-clip |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 across the chest and 2 under the belly) |
Colors | 4 |
This is not the harness for everyone. But we thought it was important as it is a popular choice for pitbulls who are also service dogs. This is a TOUGH harness and will last a long time, with only one exception. If your pitbull isn’t trained and pulls very hard on leash, then this harness will not hold up. This harness is not meant to train your pitbull puppy. It’s meant for trained dogs and is able to be customize for your needs. The customization of this harness shines with the MOLLE system allowing you to add anything to the side of the harness.


- What we Like
- Sturdy handle
- Plastic buckles are on the padding to prevent chafing
- Soft mesh padding to reduce chafing
- Very easy to adjust
- Reflective stitching
- What we Dislike
- The plastic clips are not durable
- D-ring isn’t metal or very cheap metal
- Not ideal for super pullers
Product Details | |
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Material | Made from lightweight nylon oxford material |
Design |
-pull design that evenly distributes pressure throughout the body |
Leash Attachment | 2 D-ring leash attachment points (front-clip and back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment |
Colors | 1 |
Overall, this harness has the makings of an all-in-one solution for pitbull lovers everywhere. It isn’t too expensive and offers a lot of control for walks. But when you have a pitbull who pulls with all their might, this harness just doesn’t hold up. If your beloved pitbull isn’t a “super” puller, then you may want to consider this harness due to its awesome reflective stitching and nice soft mesh interior.


- What we Like
- Heavy-duty and durable
- Built specifically for bigger breeds
- Offers some control (but no front-clip)
- What we Dislike
- High price point
- Little adjustability
- No padding in chest area
Product Details | |
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Material | Harness and straps are all one piece of high-grade nylon |
Design | Designed to distribute pressure across the padded chest piece |
Leash Attachment | 1 back clip with 2 metal 2 D-rings |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment |
Colors | 1 |
This is a remarkable harness and you can tell it’s made with bigger dogs in mind. It’s tough, durable, and will not break over years of use. This is a testament to the design being one whole piece. However, the downside of that is there is only one size. If your pitbull somehow is out of range for the chest or neck measurements of this harness, you’re out of luck. Otherwise, this is an amazing harness for pitbull lovers to consider.


- What we Like
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lightweight mesh padding for chest and belly
- Strong draflex buckles
- Extremely durable
- Wonderful range of color options
- What we Dislike
- Improper sizing will allow your dog to escape
- Puts pressure on the neck
Product Details | |
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Material | Made from durable scratch-resistant oxford material (resembles nylon) |
Design | Designed for distribute pressure on the chest and handle on back for added control |
Leash Attachment | 2 leash attachment points (O-ring front-clip and V-ring back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 front and 2 back) |
Colors | 9 |
This harness is another winner in our books, but there are some things you need to know. First, be sure to follow their measurements as closely as you can. Some pitbull owners noted that it fit a little too big and their puppy was able to escape (!!!). However, when the sizing is right, this harness offers a lot of control and may be the one for you.


- What we Like
- Easy to put on and take off
- Designed specifically for big dogs
- Handle offers some control
- Made with sturdy material
- 90-day no-risk money-back guarantee
- What we Dislike
- Mesh collects hair like a lint roller
- Does not help with pulling (be ready for “sleddog mode”)
Product Details | |
---|---|
Material | Fully padded with lightweight mesh lining with nylon handle |
Design | Completely adjustable to fit chest girth |
Leash Attachment | 1 leash attachment point (back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 2 points of adjustment (1 front and 1 back) |
Colors | 1 |
This is a harness we would recommend for calmer dogs who don’t instinctually pull and have been well-trained. It’s a tough harness and is incredibly well-made. If you buy this harness, you’re definitely making a long-term investment. However, it does not help much with control, aside from the nylon handle on the back. If you’re look for just a back-clip harness, you should strongly consider this option.


- What we Like
- Handmade quality
- Extremely durable
- 3-in-1 (comes with a matching collar and leash)
- What we Dislike
- Offers very little control
- Sizing is very restrictive
- Metal studs cause rubbing and chafing
- Can be an intimidating appearance
Product Details | |
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Material |
Handmade with genuine leather studded with metal spikes |
Design | Slip-on with design |
Leash Attachment | 1 leash attachment point (back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 front and 2 girth) |
Colors | 9 |
The Didog leather harness offers you a handmade options and really shows of craftsmanship. Because it’s made of genuine leather it’s also extremely durable. However, leather is not an ideal material for harnesses because it causes chafing. Likewise, the metal studs will rub against the skin of your dog and cause chafing. Though it is a back-clip harness, it doesn’t really offer any other kind of control and may choke your dog when they pull.


- What we Like
- Easy to put on and take off
- Padding offers excellent protection to chafing
- Bottom section designed to stretch
- Reflective material stitched directly
- What we Dislike
- Underside material attracts dog hair
- Not ideal for pullers
- Puts pressure on the neck
- No measurements provided online for the neck
Product Details | |
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Material | Made with premium nylon and extra padding in the interior |
Design | Slip on harness with top easy-lift handle for extra control |
Leash Attachment | 2 leash attachment points (front-clip and back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment (2 front and 2 back) |
Colors | 4 |
This harness is situational. The price is pretty good for the quality you’re getting and is ideal for a long-term investment. It’s durable, comfortable for your pitbull, and leaves a lot of room for adjustment. This isn’t ideal for pullers, though, as it puts a lot of pressure on the neck. There are better harness out there for helping you control your pitbull while on walks.


- What we Like
- Extremely durable
- Handmade
- 3-in-1 (comes with a matching collar and leash)
- What we Dislike
- Offers very little control
- Sizing is very restrictive
- Metal studs cause rubbing and chafing
- Can be an intimidating appearance
Product Details | |
---|---|
Material |
Handmade with genuine leather studded with silver spikes |
Design | Slip on harness |
Leash Attachment | 1 leash attachment point (back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment |
Colors | 3 |
The Berry Pet Spikes is a handmade leather harness that comes with a matching collar and leash. Though the craftsmanship is excellent, leather is not an ideal harness for any dog. It causes chafing and rubs of fur. Since pitbulls have short fur to begin with, this is a major concern. It also is decorated with metal spikes that will also be rubbing against the skin of your dog. This harness also offers very little in terms of control and should only be considered purely for aesthetics.


- What we Like
- Easy to put on and take off
- Durable nylon handle
- No neck pressure
- Very sturdy construction
- Handle offers a lot of control off-leash
- Low price point
- What we Dislike
- Does not help pullers
- Not adjustable in the front
Product Details | |
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Material |
Nylon exterior with soft padded mesh interior |
Design | Unique no-pull design with adjustable locks/buckles |
Leash Attachment | 1 Back-clip leash attachment |
Points of Adjustment | 2 points of adjustment |
Colors | 2 |
The Lifepul harness is a good fit for those pitbulls that have been well-trained for walks. But if you have a chronic puller, then another harness is going to make your life much easier. With that said, there are a number of pitbull owners claim to adore this harness.


- What we Like
- Perfect for big dogs
- Low price point
- Extra rubber handle for additional control
- Wide, long reflective material stitched into harness
- What we Dislike
- Does not stay snug
- Tightening the strap and back securely causes severe chafing
- Not easy to control a bad puller
Product Details | |
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Material | Made with high-grade nylon |
Design | Designed with a rubber handle for quick control |
Leash Attachment | 1 heavy-duty metal D-ring leash attachment point (back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 2 points of adjustment |
Colors | 7 |
A low-budget harness that could really meet your needs very well. However, some of the downsides can’t be ignored. A reviewer of this harness pointed out that by making it tight enough not to rotate on the back of their dog caused terrible rubbing, to the point of making their skin raw. If an absolutely tight harness isn’t your priority and you just need a tough harness with a handle, this may be the one for you.


- What we Like
- Chest made of comfy composite mesh
- Designed for burly dogs
- Heavy padding for comfort
- Reflective straps stitched into the harness
- What we Dislike
- Adjustment straps come loose easily
- Manufacturing flaws can lead to durability issues
Product Details | |
---|---|
Material |
Made of luggage-grade ballistic nylon webbing |
Design |
-pull design with an emphasis on the nylon handle for control |
Leash Attachment | 2 leash attachment points (front-clip and back-clip) |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of attachment |
Colors | 3 |
The DogJog harness is one that may suit your needs if you’re look for an affordable option. It has some impressive reflective stitching and the interior is padded very well. But there have been a lot of complaints about the adjustment straps constantly coming loose.


- What we Like
- Soft and breathable material
- Easy to adjust
- Designed to prevent pulling and choking
- Reflective material stitched into the harness
- Low price point
- What we Dislike
- Needs constant tightening
- Some of the outer stitching is just decoration
Product Details | |
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Material | Constructed from two thick layers of nylon and composite mesh cloth |
Design |
-pull design with soft edges (reduces chafing) |
Leash Attachment | 1 back-clip leash attachment |
Points of Adjustment | 4 points of adjustment |
Colors | 3 |
This harness is designed for those pups that are difficult to size. The four points of adjustment make it a flexible option, but if your pitbull is a big puller, the adjustments will eventually slide. A huge pro is the pressure of the pull is centered on the chest of the dog rather than the neck, ensuring that there is no choking.
Product Name | Best for | Rate |
---|---|---|
Embark Adventure Harness | Best Overall | 9 |
2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness | Best for Training | 9 |
Ruffwear Front-Range Harness | Best for Outdoors | 9 |
Kurgo TRU-Fit Harness | Best for Security | 8 |
How to Choose A Pitbull Harness
The criteria we considered when reviewing these harnesses included:
- Safety: How easy is it to adjust? Is it secure?
- Comfort: Pitbulls have short hair, so we need to be sure we reduce any chance of chafing.
- Control: For a dog with so much strength, it is essential that you–the owner–stay in control at all times.
- Durability: Will it hold up when a dog lives a rough-and-tumble lifestyle?
- Budget: What offers the best bang for your buck?
- Style: Well, you’ve got to look good right?
Challenges of Pitbulls
When selecting the right harness for your pitbull, there are a few factors we need to keep in mind.
First, pitbulls have notably wide chests and stocky necks. Use a soft tape measure to get your dog’s exact measurements to avoid headaches down the road.
Additionally, our pitbulls have short hair, which is means that they’re prone to rashes and chafing with harnesses. So, we want to ensure that there’s plenty of padding for comfort and as little plastic on their skin as possible.
At this point, it would be remiss to not address the negative stereotypes associated with pitbulls. No matter how gentle your giant or unfair the stigma, it is important to keep your pitbull completely under your control at all times, for your dog’s protection as well as others’.
For this reason, we have little to no tolerance for cheap materials that break or harnesses that are unreliable. Lastly, since they are so strong, a pitbull who pulls can be quite the challenge. You’ve got to be smart on picking a harness, or you could end up being the one who’s walked.
(add a graphic of an owner being pulled into the air like a kite by a pitbull)
If you ever find yourself in this situation, we recommend reaching out to a trainer – because no harness is a proper substitute for training. That being said, there are specific types of harnesses that can help mitigate the problem (which we will get into shortly).
Harness Over Collar
Despite it not yet being common knowledge among dog owners, there is very little debate within the veterinary and training community about the superiority of harnesses to collars.
While collars are useful for identification purposes, the constant pressure on the throat and neck can cause lifelong, devastating damage to the trachea. Sadly, this problem is only magnified when owners resort to using choke or prong collars on their pitbulls. Except in extraordinarily rare cases, no professional should ever recommend a choke or prong collar. To keep safe control over your dog, harnesses and proper training win every time. If you choose your harness carefully, you will be able to have just as much control over your dog without causing them pain or discomfort.
Types of Leash Attachment
When it comes to harnesses, one of the biggest choices you’ll need to make is what kind of leash attachment you choose. Generally speaking, the vast majority of harnesses you encounter will offer one of two options: a back-clip or front-clip.
True to their name, back-clip harnesses have leash attachments that rest on the dog’s back. Attaching your leash in the back prevents legs from getting tangled in the leashes and helps to evenly distribute any pressure across the dog’s chest. Overall, back-clips are the most common harnesses–and the one most dog walkers are familiar with. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option.
Front-clip harnesses have a leash attachment right in the center of your dog’s chest and are designed to redirect your dog by using their own force against them. Anytime they pull, their momentum makes them turn to the side, thus giving you a lot more control.
Quick Wins – Our Picks
When shopping for a harness for your pitbull, it is important to consider exactly what you want the harness to do. Is it for training or day-to-day walking? Is your dog exceptionally good at wriggling out of harnesses, or are you on a tight budget?
We’ve assembled our top contenders for each specific situation.