7 Best Dog Harnesses for German Shorthaired Pointer Harness in 2024

German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic, affectionate, and enthusiastic dogs. These hunting dogs thrive on being active and will love going on outdoor adventures with you.

Your German Shorthaired Pointer needs daily exercise to be healthy. These athletic dogs love walking, running, and swimming. You can introduce agility courses to add some diversity to their exercise regimen.

German Shorthaired Pointers are excitable dogs who might luge at squirrels or pull on their leash because they’re eager to explore a new area. Collars aren’t ideal for these dogs because they can result in pressure on the trachea.

Using a German Shorthaired Pointer harness is a safer alternative that reduces pressure and gives you more control. This breed can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70lbs, and controlling your pooch can be challenging.

Collars aren’t safe for a lot of outdoor activities because they can get caught on low branches, and some German Shorthaired Pointers are smart enough to figure out how to slip out of their collar. You can easily prevent these issues by opting for a harness.

Main Types of Harnesses for Your German Shorthaired Pointer

You’ll find four types of harnesses worth considering.

Back-Clip Harness

Back-clip harnesses allow you to attach the leash on the back of your dog. It’s a more natural spot for the leash compared to a collar.

This design reduces pressure on the trachea by spreading pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders. These harnesses give you plenty of control over your dog.

Back-clip harnesses are ideal for dogs who know how to walk on a leash with minimal pulling.

Front-Clip Harness

Instead of having the leash clip to the back of the harness, these harnesses feature a front clip. The benefit of this design is that you can easily steer your dog away from something, and pulling on the leash will redirect your pup towards you.

A front-clip design is ideal for dogs who tend to pull on their leash. A young dog with a lot of energy can be difficult to control, and this type of harness is ideal for automatically redirecting your pooch’s attention to you. It also reduces pressure on your dog’s chest.

Dual-Clip Harness

If you want a versatile German Shorthaired Pointer harness, we recommend opting for a dual-clip design. You can choose to attach the leash on the front or back of the harness.

You can, for instance, use the back-clip for your daily walk and switch to the front clip when you explore a new area and need more control over your German Shorthaired Pointer.

Some dog owners use these harnesses with two leashes. The back-clip leash is the main leash, and the front-clip one is a tool they can use to teach their pup to walk on a leash calmly.

Step-In Harness

While most harnesses have a strap across your dog’s chest, a step-in harness uses two large loops for your dog’s front legs.

This design distributes pressure more evenly across the shoulders. It gives you less control but feels more comfortable. It’s ideal if you have a well-behaved German Shorthaired Pointer who knows how to walk on a leash.

Here are seven products we recommend for your German Shorthaired Pointer

Best Dog Harnesses for GSPs

Best Harness Overall: PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Reduces pulling
• Multiple sizes
• Martingale loop prevents twisting
• Adjustable

We recommend this front-clip harness for your daily walks. The front-clip design reduces pulling and gives you plenty of control over an enthusiastic pup.

The medium, medium/large, or large sizes should be suitable for your German Shorthaired Pointer. The harness uses a martingale loop to prevent twisting, and there are four adjustment points for a comfortable fit.

It’s a durable and affordable option with seven different colors to choose from.

Four Highly-Rated Dog Harnesses for Your German Shorthaired Pointer

Here are a few additional options to consider.

Eagloo Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Lightweight
• Two clips for versatility
• Adjustable
• Quick release for safety

We recommend this lightweight dog harness for your outdoor adventures. This harness uses a large and breathable fabric panel to distribute pressure across the chest area. There is an elastic band that provides a soft and comfortable fit.

There are two clips you can use to attach a leash, making the harness more versatile. You’ll find four points of adjustments and some non-slip straps you can use to secure the harness. The quick-release buckles make the harness safer in case your dog gets caught on something.

Icefang Tactical Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Two clips for versatility
• Nylon fabric for comfort
• Insulation for cold weather
• Pressure distributed more evenly

This tactical harness uses resistant nylon fabric and wide straps for a comfortable fit. The metal hardware makes this harness more durable than other options.

You’ll find a front-clip for ideal control and a back-clip for dogs who know how to walk on a leash. There is a wide loop on the back of the harness you can use to help support your dog or hold it back if needed.

We like the tactical harness design because the large fabric panels provide your dog with an additional layer of insulation in cold weather, and they help distribute pressure more evenly.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Ideal for dogs who pull/lunge
• Does not restrict airflow
• Restraints deter pulling
• Uniquely designed

This non-pull harness uses a unique design to help you control your pooch. It’s ideal for German Shorthaired Pointers who tend to pull and lunge a lot.

The harness uses a large mesh panel to spread pressure across the chest and avoid restricting airflow. The panel won’t feel restrictive, even when your dog pulls on the harness.

The harness uses restraints that will deter pulling. If your dog pulls on the harness, the restraints will tighten under your dog’s front legs and teach them not to pull.

PetSafe EasySport Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Sturdy
• Slip-on design
• Easily adjustable
• Elastic fabric reduces pressure across the chest

We like this sturdy harness because of the wide straps and slip-on design. The padded straps will keep your pooch comfortable, and the elastic fabric reduces pressure across the chest and neck.

The harness is easy to use, thanks to its two buckles, and you can easily adjust the nylon straps. There is a handle in the back to give you more control, as well as a back clip for the leash.

It’s a durable and reliable product that is ideal for daily walks, running, swimming, and even hiking.

Best Harnesses for a German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy

These harnesses are ideal for training a young puppy.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness

Key Features :

• Comfortable
• Disperses pressure evenly
• Prevents slipping out
• Front and back clips

This comfortable harness is an excellent buy for your German Shorthaired Pointer puppy. The large chest pad disperses pressure across your dog’s chest without feeling restrictive.

The design of the harness prevents slipping out, and you can use this harness to secure your puppy during car rides.

There are five adjustment points to find the right fit as your puppy grows, and you can use the front and back clip to teach your new best friend to walk on a leash calmly.

ThinkPet No Pull Harness

Key Features :

• Breathable material
• Prevents pulling
• Escape-proof
• Reflective straps

Getting used to wearing a harness isn’t always easy. The soft mesh material of this harness will help your puppy get used to it.

The breathable material is ideal for hot weather and outdoor activities. There are two comfortable straps to secure the harness around your dog’s chest and neck.

We recommend this product as a first harness to ensure that your puppy has a good experience and gets used to wearing a harness.

What to Look for in a Good Harness for Your German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers are athletic dogs with a square chest and a short back. They are loyal, energetic, and very enthusiastic.

They need a lot of activity, like most hunting dogs. This breed does well when they get the opportunity to spend plenty of time outdoors. New and challenging activities, like running, swimming, or playing, are essential for a healthy and happy German Shorthaired Pointer.

Here are some top features to look for when choosing a German Shorthaired Pointer harness

Proper Fit

Because these dogs have a wide and square chest, it’s best to shop for a medium or large harness with adjustable buckles. Look for wide straps for comport, and check sizes and measurements before ordering.

Safety

A harness that is safe to use outdoors shouldn’t have any elements that could get caught on branches. Look for durable seams and make sure the harness is easy to get on and off.

Think about shopping for a tactical harness since these products often feature wide straps and plenty of padding.

Control

How much control does a harness give you, and how much control do you need? Compared to a collar, any harness will give you more control to steer or slow down your dog safely.

A front-clip harness is your best option if you have a young and excitable pup who can be challenging to handle on a leash. This design is ideal if your dog is still learning not to pull.

Additional Considerations

A small or medium harness with plenty of padding would be ideal for a puppy. Look for an adjustable harness that will grow with your pet since German Shorthaired Pointers experience a fast growth spurt in the first year of their lives.

A dual-clip harness is a versatile choice for a puppy. You can get your new companion used to walking on a leash while using the front-clip for control.

If you have a senior dog, look for a comfortable harness for your best friend. Pick a harness with plenty of padding and consider a step-in design to reduce pressure on the chest.

German Shorthaired Pointer Harness Comparison Table
Rank	Harness	Price	Rating
#1	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#2	Eagloo Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#3	Icefang Tactical Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#4	Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#5	PetSafe EasySport Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#6	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A
#7	ThinkPet No Pull Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A

Tips for Getting Your German Shorthaired Pointer Accustomed to Using a Harness

A harness is a humane way of controlling your pooch, especially if your dog tends to pull or lunge while walking on a leash. It’s a safe way of controlling your dog in an outdoor environment, and it’s suitable for the active lifestyle that German Shorthaired Pointers need.

Here is how you can get your pup used to walking on a harness:

1. Keep training sessions short, and use plenty of rewards, whether it is praising your puppy or offering treats.
2. Get started in a spot where there are few distractions.
3. Ensure the harness fits properly.
4. Use a command that indicates it’s time to go on a walk. Your puppy will memorize it quickly since walks are exciting. Use plenty of commands during the walk to indicate it’s time to turn or slow down.
5. Let your puppy walk and steer them in another direction if they pull.
6. Stopping or slowing down is another technique you can use to teach your puppy not to pull on the leash.

FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about picking a German Shorthaired Pointer harness.

How can you fit a harness for a puppy?

Use a tape measure to get a measurement around your puppy’s neck and chest. Look for a harness with plenty of adjustment points so you can adjust the fit as your puppy grows.

What kind of harness is best for a German Shorthaired Pointer?

We recommend a front-clip harness or dual-clip harness. Due to the energetic nature of the breed, it’s best to pick a harness that gives you more control if your dog pulls.

What kind of harness is best for outdoor use?

Look for a harness with sturdy construction and materials that dry quickly. Inspect the harness for straps and other elements that could get caught on low branches.

Conclusion

Harnesses are a safer option compared to collars. German Shorthaired Pointers are active and energetic dogs who are likely to pull when walking, and wearing a collar in an outdoor environment where your pooch could get caught on branches and other obstacles is unsafe.

The eight products we reviewed above have received excellent ratings from pet owners and are worth considering if you need a reliable harness for your German Shorthaired Pointer.