7 Best Dog Harnesses for a Golden Retriever in 2024

Finding the best Golden Retriever harness can feel like a big job. Fortunately, harnesses are becoming much more popular, and people are picking them instead of an ordinary collar and leash.

If you’re familiar with Golden Retrievers, you already know that they are highly trainable. That’s why they are commonly used as service dogs and make a fantastic family pet. However, they are still a large breed of dog and will need a lot of patience and attention as they learn and grow.

Leash training is a huge part of any dog’s training process. That is why the right harness is so important. We’re here to give you some pointers on what you should look for. We also want to give you some highly sought after options on the market.

Before you know it, you and your puppy will be well on your way to finding the best Golden Retriever harness that fits your style, purpose, and budget.

Different Types of Dog Harnesses for Golden Retrievers

There are four basic harness styles that you can find for large breeds, such as Golden Retrievers. The first, and most common, is a back-clip harness. This harness fits the same as most harnesses, covering their chest, going around their front legs, and fastening in the back.

A back-clip harness has a D-ring on their back that you can use to attach the leash. While this is a common harness option, it is not the best Golden Retriever harness, unless your dog is already trained and well-behaved.

The next best option may be more suited for a high energy large breed, such as a young Golden Retriever. That is the front-clip harness. It is exactly the same as the previous option in every aspect, except the metal D-ring is located on their chest. A front-clip harness is better for large breeds because it will give you more control over their tendency to pull.

If you’re uncertain which you should choose, you could opt for the front and back-clip harness. It merely combines these two options so you can clip the leash on the front or back, depending on your preference based on your dog’s personality.

The last harness option is the head-halter harness. It is a fantastic choice if you have an extremely high energy or unruly dog. The head-halter harness will discourage pulling and lunging in a pain-free way. Many people are trying these over traditional choke-collars or pronged collars because they don’t cause as much discomfort or irritability.

Overall Best Dog Harness for Golden Retrievers

To kick things off, we wanted to give you our top choice for the best Golden Retriever harness. This harness has a combination of high-quality features that sets it above the rest, but you’ll still have to determine whether it’s right for your furry friend.

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Reflective
• Lightweight
• Back-clip style
• Durable handle

The Chai’s Choice dog harness is our top choice on this list for several reasons. For one thing, it’s highly adjustable for your dog’s comfort and adds extra safety on nighttime walks with reflective stripes.

All the different sizes and color options make this harness easily customizable to your dog’s size and personality. Not to mention, it is lightly cushioned and extremely lightweight for comfort.

Best of all, this harness is a front and back-clip style and has a durable handle. That makes it a fantastic option if you’re unsure what your dog needs and whether they have a tendency to pull. Plus, the sturdy handle can be used with a seatbelt for safer car rides.

The combination of these convenient features and the fantastic rating puts this harness on the top of our list.

5 More Highly Rated Dog Harnesses for Golden Retrievers

Finding the best Golden Retriever harness is much easier than you might think. There are plenty of high rated and affordable options on the market. We want to give you some high-quality options that will keep up with your pup’s active lifestyle.

Frisco Padded No Pull Front Lead Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Many different sizes
• Affordable price
• Dual-clip
• Soft, breathable mesh

This particular Frisco dog harness ranges in size from small to X-large. It’s extremely affordable and comes in four colors. It’s also a front and back-clip harness for versatility, and it is made with soft, breathable mesh.

If you’re unsure about whether you will be able to get a harness on your dog easily, this is a great choice. You can either slip it over their head or have them step into it.

Overall, this is another simple but versatile option. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who is uncertain about what type of harness will work best. It gives you all the extra control you need and extra comfort for your furry friends.

PetSafe Gentle Leader Chic Dog Headcollar & Leash

Key Features :

• Pressure on back of neck, not throat
• Training DVD
• Range of sizes
• Comfortable

If you’re interested in trying a head-halter style harness, the PetSafe headcollar is an ideal place to start. This harness is gentle and offers fantastic control if your Golden Retriever tends to jump, lunge, or pull excessively.

Rather than putting a strain on your dog’s delicate throat, it will put more pressure on the back of the neck. With that in mind, you still need to be careful and can’t use this harness to yank your dog back. But if you let the harness do its job, it will naturally deter your dog from unwanted behavior.

If you’re unsure about how to use this harness properly, you might be excited to find that it also includes a training DVD. Plus, it comes in sizes small to large and can work well for dogs up to 130 pounds.

Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Back-clip, step-in design
• Reflective stripes
• Range of sizes
• Chest padding

When it comes to a back-clip harness, Pawtitas won’t let you down. This harness is made for large breeds but comes in sizes XX-Small to X-Large. It has a step-in design, chest padding for added comfort, and reflective stripes for safety during late walks.

A back-clip, step-in design like this one is best for a dog that isn’t too excitable. Otherwise, it may be a little difficult to get them into the harness. Plus, if your dog tends to pull while on a walk, this isn’t going to hinder that behavior as much as a front-clip harness.

Since many Golden Retrievers are well behaved and calm, this is a fabulous option for many. But you’ll have to determine that for yourself.

OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Perfect for service animal
• Highly adjustable
• Small pouches for gear
• Fits securely

If you’re on the market for a harness that is durable and perfect for a service animal, the OneTigris dog harness is a fantastic option. It doesn’t come with any patches, but it is ready to be customized based on your puppy’s profession.

This harness is durable, versatile, and has a multitude of small pouches. It is also a back-clip harness that comes in three different colors and two different sizes. It’s highly adjustable for a secure fit. Just make sure to pay close attention to the sizing, some customers have mentioned that these harnesses can run a little large.

Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Multi-Colored Stripe Padded Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Simple design
• Reflective stripes
• Many colors
• Adjustable straps

The Blueberry Pet harness is a back-clip harness that comes in four different colors. It’s built for comfort, made with lightweight materials, and has four adjustable straps. Altogether, this harness will keep your furry friend happy and secure. In addition, the reflective stripes offer high visibility during your evening walks.

It might seem like a simple harness, but sometimes that’s all you need to keep your Golden Retriever happy and comfortable.

Best Harness for a Golden Retriever Puppy

As we have mentioned, finding the best Golden Retriever harness begins at a young age. The sooner you get them in a harness, the easier it will be for them to get used to it.

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Comes in many sizes
• Easy to get on and off
• Simple design
• Affordable price and great reviews

The PetSafe easy walk harness might not be made specifically for a puppy, but it comes in a multitude of sizes. That includes a petite size, as well as regular sizes from small to large. Make sure to take careful measurements of your Golden puppy to ensure you find the right fit.

The PetSafe harness is a simple design, which will make it easy to get on and off. It also has a front-clip design to deter them from pulling on a walk at a young age. Moreover, this harness has fantastic ratings and an affordable price, so you won’t be digging too deep into your wallet for something they will grow out of quickly.

What to Look for in a Good Harness for Golden Retrievers

When it comes to picking the best Golden Retriever harness, there are a few things you need to consider. You need to know your dog’s personality to find the best harness. We can suggest the best options for a certain breed, but you know your dog better than anyone else. Therefore, only you know what will work best, and it may take some trial and error to figure that out.

First of all, you should start using harnesses as early as possible. This is easy to do if your furry friend joined the family as a puppy. But even if you are working with an older dog or rescue, it won’t take long to get them used to a harness.

Next, you need to pick a harness that is made with durable materials. Golden Retrievers are highly trainable, but they are also a large breed. When they’re young, they need something that will hold up over time as they get used to your training process and the tools that you use.

Last, you need to choose a harness that offers support and adjustability. That’s one of the major perks to harnesses in general. Harnesses provide support in a way that a regular collar can’t. When you are leash training your dog with a harness, you don’t have to worry so much about putting a strain on their neck.

Overall Best Dog Harness for Golden Retrievers

Here are our top 7 picks:

Golden Retriever Harness Comparison Table
Rank	Harness	Price	Rating
#1	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#2	Frisco Padded No Pull Front Lead Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#3	PetSafe Gentle Leader Chic Dog Headcollar & Leash Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#4	Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#5	OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A
#6	Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Multi-Colored Stripe Padded Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A
#7	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#8	Puppia RiteFit Soft Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A

Tips for Getting Your Golden Retriever Accustomed to Using a Harness

If you have always used a leash and collar for any dog, you might already know the problems you can face. Swapping to a harness can be a bit of an adjustment for your furry friend, but it can be one of the best changes you make. All you have to do is get your dog accustomed to the change.

1. The first thing you have to do is get your furry companion used to the harness. The easiest way to do this is to have your dog wear the harness around the house. That will give them a chance to get comfortable before taking a walk.
2. After they seem comfortable wearing their new harness, you can take them on a walk. This may not be much of a different experience if it is a back-clip harness. But a front-clip or head-halter style harness will take a lot more getting used to, be patient as they get used to the feeling.
3. For the best Golden Retriever harness, you need to ensure that the harness fits perfectly. Make sure to measure your dog and take a good look at the sizing guide of the product.
4. Make sure to get the right style of harness for your dog’s personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still got questions about finding a golden retriever harness? We’ve got some answers for you below:

How do I know what style harness is right for my Golden Retriever?

You will have to determine the right style based on your Golden Retrievers personality. If they’re already well behaved on a leash, a back-clip is more than sufficient. If your Golden Retriever tends to pull on walks, you should opt for the front-clip. And if they tend to pull, lunge, or bark at other animals or people, a head-halter harness could be the best option.

How do I pick a harness for a puppy?

When picking a harness for a puppy, you need to focus on size and simplicity. You should make sure to measure your dog for the right size and choose something that is adjustable, so they have a little extra room to grow.

What is the most important thing to look for in a harness?

Look for a harness that suits your dog. You should pick the right style for their personality and energy level. You should also pay attention to the durability and quality of the product.

Why is a harness better than a collar and leash?

A regular collar can put a lot of unnecessary stress on your dog’s throat. A harness will distribute the strain to much sturdier parts of their body. You may notice the difference immediately because they will no longer be coughing and gagging when they pull. You can also choose something that will naturally deter them from bad behavior on walks without hurting them.

Conclusion

Switching to a harness after using a leash and collar can be a big adjustment for you and your dog. However, it could be the best change you have ever made if they tend to pull a lot while taking a walk.

Your dog will be much safer and potentially more obedient with the use of a harness. If you’ve been having trouble with leash training finding the best Golden Retriever harness could be the answer to your prayers.