Last Updated on October 26, 2021 by Marco C.
Labs are very active and energetic dogs. And even though they are easy to train, leash pulling can still be an issue. For that and other reasons, you may want to know what is the best harness for Labrador Retriever dogs.
Especially these days, there are not hundreds but thousands of different products on the market. Many of them are with seemingly different designs too. So, which should you choose and why? Below, we’ve listed our 8 suggestions for the best harness for Labrador Retriever dogs.
Why Do You Need The Best Harness For Your Labrador Retriever?
Harnesses are rising in popularity but many people still feel comfortable with simple collars. So, what benefits can the best harness for Labrador Retriever dogs bring to you and your pooch?
- Better control – this is especially useful for large and hyperactive dogs such as labs.
- Safer for the dog – dog injuries are fairly common with collars as your dog can easily bruise or hurt itself by pulling on a collar.
- Easier to pull up your dog – this is great for senior dogs or those with joint issues as a harness allows you to help pull your dog upstairs or from a lying position.
- Discourages leash pulling – by covering a larger part of the dog’s frontal body, a harness reduces the canine’s instinct for leash pulling.
- Harder to escape – some dogs are escape artists and are quite good at getting out of their collars. With a good harness, that’s all but impossible.
What Makes The Best Harness For Labrador Retriever Dogs?
Safety and control are the two main goals of a good dog harness. Any good item should accomplish those while also being sturdy and durable. After all, you don’t want to have to get a new harness every other year.
So, first and foremost, look for dog harnesses that are:
- Safe for your dog
- Have a durable design
- Are made of high-quality materials
- Fit your dog well
Everything else is a matter of preferences.
8 Of The Best Harnesses For Labrador Retrievers
There are many great dog harnesses on the market with newer models coming out every other month. However, as of the writing of this article, the following 8 models are among the very best you can get for your lab:
The Kurgo Tru-Fit is an exceptionally safe and easy-to-use dog harness. It has a padded chest and extra-wide straps which ensures that your lab will be as comfortable and safe from trauma as possible. The harness also comes with two attachments point for extra versatility and control. It has a car leash tether too.
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness
This is possibly the best harness for dogs that pull too much. It is outfitted with two different leash attachment points – one at the back which discourages pulling and one on the front. This gives you both the versatility to choose either one and the extra control of using both at the same time with two separate leashes.
Another excellent option for labs who love pulling, the Rabbitgoo is very comfortable for dogs thanks to its wide frontal part. It’s also very durable and has reflective stitching which makes labs easier to see in the dark. This safe and bulky harness is also pretty easy to put on despite its look. It’s quite affordable compared to other similar options too.
With a lightweight and classic webbed strapping design, the Sure-Fit is a very easy choice. It has five separate adjustment points with easy to work with on-and-off clasps. It also comes in multiple colors that all look great on black, brown, and yellow labs alike. Being lightweight, this harness is also pretty easy to just fit in your bag or pocket for when you don’t need it.
PetSafe Easy Walk Deluxe Dog Harness
A second option from PetSafe, this model has 4 different points of adjustment. Despite its lightweight look and thin straps, it’s also padded for extra comfort and safety. It has reflective accents too which is useful for walks in the dark when finding your lab can be tricky. Thanks to its two quick-snap straps, the model is also very quick and easy to put on and off.
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
This Ruffwear harness is anything but rough to use or wear. It has excellent padding that will make your dog very comfortable. It also has a wide chest portion and straps for extra safety. Despite its bulky look, this model is also quite lightweight and easy to carry around. It seems very durable too, so it’s excellent for long-term use.
Featured on Amazon’s Choice list, this Barkbay harness is another excellent option for labs who love to pull when they walk. It’s made out of a very durable no-rip nylon and it has plenty of padding for extra comfort. It’s outfitted with a top handle too, which is excellent for senior dogs as well as for extra comfort.
The unique Powerharness of Julius-K9. It has a simple but very heavy-duty design and is suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities. Its thick padding makes your lab’s life very easy, safe, and comfy too.
In Summary, Which Is The Best Dog Harness For Labs?
What makes the best Labrador harness is a combination of subjective and objective factors. Obviously, a good harness needs to be made out of quality materials and to have a comfortable, versatile, and durable design.
A great harness should succeed in doing two things above else, however – 1) easily prevent your dog from pulling too much and 2) keep your dog safe while doing so. Such a harness should comfortably cover your dog’s chest, shoulders, and neck. It should redistribute the dog’s weight through the harness’ different straps for the best and safest possible hold.
Everything beyond that, however, is highly subjective. Material, exact design and cosmetics, color, versatility, size, and so on these are all a matter of personal preferences and circumstances. So, pick a harness you like, make sure it’s safe and durable, and go conquer the dog park!
Read more about: The Best Toy For Lab Puppy – Here Are 31 Amazing Ideas
