A harness can be a great tool for training and walking your dog without putting pressure on its neck and trachea.
Getting the right harness, though, is a stressful process.
We’ve tested and reviewed all of the major harness brands here at Pet News Daily, and in reading a ton of dog harness reviews from unhappy customers there are typically a few common complaints:
- The harness doesn’t fit right
- It slips off
- The material frays or breaks with use over time
Any of these can be a nightmare if you’re a dog owner. It’s not just about having to get a new harness: these are legitimate safety issues if your dog gets off the harness at the wrong time (or hurts its neck or back because of the wrong fit).
For the right dog, a step-in dog harness can really solve a lot of these issues. But for the wrong dog or with the wrong harness, they can make them worse.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we asked our veterinary advisor Dr. Jamie Whittenburg (who created our free course on raising a healthy puppy, some of the insights from which you can also find in our free new puppy checklist) to review the top step in dog harnesses on the market.
Dr. Whittenburg chose the Gooby Comfort X Step in Harness as the best overall step in harness due to the patented X shape to avoid choking and putting pressure on your dog’s neck.
While this is Dr. Whittenburg’s top pick, you’ll also find a buying guide with tips for what to look for in a harness, a list of factors that may indicate a step-in harness isn’t right for your dog, and Dr. Whittenburg has also shared her recommendation for the best step-in harness models for a variety of purposes.
The 5 Best Step In Dog Harnesses
- Best Overall – Gooby Comfort X Step in Harness
- Best Budget – AIITLE Soft Dog Harness and Leash Set
- Best Padded – Voyager Step-In Plush Dog Harness
- Best for Small Dogs – EcoBark Step in Dog Harness
- Best for Large Dogs – PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness
Step-In Harnesses Compared
Below are Dr. Whittenburg’s top picks. Compare the ratings and key features of each of the harnesses to decide which one is the best car harness for your dog.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Material | Closure Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Gooby Comfort X Step in Harness | Micro suede; nylon strap | Buckle | X Shaped Design | |
| Best Budget | AIITLE Pet Supply No Pull, Step in Adjustable Dog Harness | Nylon | Buckle | Reflective strips | |
| Best for Small Dogs | Voyager Step-In Plush Dog Harness | Plush corduroy | Pull On | Soft & warm plush fabric | |
| Best for Large Dogs | EcoBark Step in Dog Harness | Neoprene | Buckle | Padded vest with recycled straps | |
| Best for Escape Artists | PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness | Nylon | Buckle | ID tag included |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Step-In Dog Harness?
- Owners who don’t want to use a collar on their dog (often out of concern for your dog’s neck and trachea if they’re a puller) should opt for a harness generally.
- If your dog has an issue with getting a standard (aka adjustable) harness on, a step-in harness may be a good alternative. Standard harnesses go on over the neck of your dog, whereas a step-in is obviously something they step in so it may be more comfortable for the dog.
- Dogs that are the right shape for a step-in harness – you want to think about the fit for the harness as it relates to your dog’s shoulder blades and use sizing charts to make sure the harness will work for your breed and the size of your dog.
Who Should Not Buy One (Step In Harness vs. Regular Harness)?
- Some step-in harness owners report issues for small dogs particularly those who are “wigglers” being able to escape from some step-in harnesses.
- The opposite of the above points is obviously also true: if you’re someone who prefers a collar as a tool for teaching your dog not to pull (which is a theory some dog trainers subscribe to) you won’t want a harness, and if your dog fits better into an adjustable harness a step in harness won’t be right for your dog.
This is a great video walkthrough of things to think about in selecting the type of harness that’s right for your dog:
And, if you are looking for a step-in harness, below are some additional tips for making the right call from our vet advisor Dr. Whittenburg.
“Step-in dog harnesses should be made out of high-quality, durable materials. The fabric should be soft and breathable for your dog’s comfort. Depending on your use, you will want to ensure that the harness has the leash attachment sites you desire. A harness with multiple adjustment points may be the best choice for oddly shaped dogs. “
How Much Does a Step In Harness Cost?
Between $10 and $25
Step-in harnesses cost roughly $10 to $25, but most tend to run closer to the $10-20 range, depending on the style of harness, the size harness you’re buying, and what material they’re made from.
Budget-friendly harnesses are a less-frills option that is typically still effective. A more expensive dog harness option often features tougher materials, additional points of adjustment for a more customized fit, or may have extra attachment options (some of those listed here have ID tags as well, for instance).
Buying Guide: How to Find the Perfect Step-In Harness
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
“Comfort and security are the most important features to look for in a step-in dog harness. When we test products we look for comfort and security, even in selecting the best budget options. If you have questions beyond what’s covered in this post, I suggest speaking to your veterinarian, and other dog owners, and reading the product reviews for guidance.” – Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM.
Buying Guide: Finding the Perfect Step-In Harness for Your Dog
When it comes to finding the perfect harness for your pup, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing a step-in harness for your four-legged friend. In this guide, we’ll break down the key features of a good step-in harness, what to avoid, specific brands to steer clear of, alternative options (such as collars and a DIY approach), types of dogs that may experience neck and trachea issues with traditional collars, how these issues can start developing in your pup, and tips for fitting and putting on step-in harnesses.
What Makes a Good Step-In Harness?
The best step-in harnesses are designed with maximum comfort and safety in mind. A good step-in harness should have adjustable straps that allow you to tailor the fit to your pup’s body shape for a snug, but not too tight, fit. Look for features such as:
- Breathable mesh material
- Reflective detailing (for extra visibility when out and about at night)
- Padding around the chest area to provide cushioning.
- The buckles should be sturdy, durable, and easy to attach – so you don’t have to struggle to try to get your pup ready for a walk.
- A detailed sizing guide to make sure the harness will fit your dog.
What Makes a Bad Step-in Harness?
When it comes to harnesses, quality matters. Some of the lesser-quality step-in harnesses are made of thin material that can easily stretch and loosen over time, allowing your pup to slip out. These harnesses are also not designed with any kind of padding or cushioning in mind, which can be uncomfortable for your pup to wear for extended periods of time.
Other features to avoid include:
- Cheap metal buckles, which can easily lose their strength over time
- Thin or flimsy material that stretches easily
- No reflective detailing for added visibility
- No adjustable straps
- No sizing guide
Specific Step-In Harness Brands to Avoid
Based on our testing and experience, we’d recommend avoiding Fancy Fido, Big Dogz, All Paws, and Mutt Mate.
A few issues common to these harnesses (and others you may want to avoid):
- They lack adequate adjustable straps and materials that provide the necessary support and comfort to ensure a safe fit for your pet.
- They often use clip-on buckles instead of stronger and more durable metal hardware, which means that the buckles may not stay secure over time or when exposed to rough terrain.
- There is limited padding on the chest plate which can cause irritation or rub against your dog’s skin.
- They lack reflective material which is important for safety during nighttime walks or activities.
- Many of the harnesses from these brands use poor stitching techniques which can lead to seams becoming easily torn or frayed.
Alternatives to Step-In Harnesses
If a step-in harness isn’t the right fit for your pup, there are plenty of other options available. Traditional collars can be an effective way to control your pup and keep them safe, but they should be used with caution. Dogs with shorter necks or those that are prone to neck and trachea issues may need a more supportive collar.
A DIY approach is also an option if you’re comfortable enough to take on the challenge yourself. You can use materials like nylon webbing and sturdy hardware to make a custom harness for your pup.
Types of Dogs Prone to Neck and Trachea Issues
Certain breeds are more likely to experience neck and trachea issues, such as those with shortened or flat faces. Breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boxers may be more prone to these issues due to their anatomy, and as such should be fitted with a more supportive type of collar.
How Do Dogs Start to Experience Neck and Trachea Issues?
Neck and trachea problems can start developing if your pup is regularly pulling against the collar while on walks.
This kind of pressure can cause the cartilage on their neck and trachea to be strained, leading to issues such as coughing or trouble breathing. To minimize this risk, you’ll want to make sure your pup is properly fitted with the right type of collar for its size and anatomy.
Tips for How to Fit and Put On Step-in Dog Harnesses
When fitting a step-in harness, it’s important to make sure the straps are adjusted properly and securely fastened. Here are a few key tips:
- Measure your pup’s girth (the widest part of their chest) before fitting the harness. This will help you find the right size for your pup.
- Check that all buckles and adjustable straps are securely fastened before each use.
- Check that the straps are not too tight and do not cause any discomfort or restriction of movement.
- Make sure your pup can still move freely while the harness is on, and adjust as needed.
- double-check all buckles to make sure they are securely closed before walking your pup.
Once you’ve found a suitable step-in harness for your pup, it’s important to get them used to wear it before taking them out on walks.
To do this, start by introducing the harness indoors and allow your pup to get used to it without any pressure or expectations.
Once they seem comfortable with the harness, you can take them outside and gradually increase the duration of their walks until they become accustomed to wearing the harness in public.
The Best Step-In Dog Harness Reviews
1. Best Overall – Gooby Comfort X Step in Harness
- Available in 5 sizes
- Step in design to avoid putting harness over dog’s head
- 4 points of adjustment for the perfect fit
- Patented X shape to avoid choking and putting pressure on your dog’s delicate neck
- Multiple owners had issues with the harness tearing or being easily chewed through by their pet.
- Multiple owners mentioned their dogs being able to easily escape or slip out of the harness, particularly for dogs that are aggressive pullers (and smaller dogs with a difficult fit).
The Gooby Comfort X Step in Harness is the best overall step in harness according to Dr. Whittenburg.
The X-shaped harness is very easy for most dogs to step into – if you’re opting for a step-in harness because of issues with your pup getting an adjustable harness on, or you want to keep pressure off your dog’s neck and chest. this is a great option.
Overall the harness gets relatively strong reviews (though not the best reviews on this list – that’s the Voyager and Eco Bark):
The negative reviewers mention specific issues with the harness, including:
- Durability- Multiple owners had issues with the harness tearing or being easily chewed through by their pet.
- Escapability – Multiple owners mentioned their dogs being able to easily escape or slip out of the harness, particularly for dogs that are aggressive pullers (and smaller dogs with a difficult fit).
That said each of those is a common complaint across harnesses in general and particularly for step-in harnesses and many customers are very happy with the quality of materials and the X-shaped approach, which is why we recommend this harness even more highly than the standard reviews.
2. Best Budget – AIITLE Soft Dog Harness and Leash Set
- Made with soft, breathable mesh material for your dog’s comfort
- Reflective material for safety in low light
- Vest-style step-in fit is easy for putting on and taking off
- Some customers complained about the fit of the harness (being too big or too small for very small dogs)
- Some customers complained about the quality and durability of the harness
The AIITLE Soft Dog Harness and Leash Set is our best budget pick.
It feels very lightweight but does have some padding and breathable mesh. It’s geared towards small to medium sized dogs and is a vest-style harness (we prefer the X-shaped design of the Gooby harness but this design may be a better fit for some dogs).
Overall the harness gets reasonable reviews for the price, but is the worst reviewed of those in this post:
The negative reviews tend to center around a few core issues:
- Some customers complained about the fit of the harness (being too big or too small for very small dogs)
- Some customers complained about the quality and durability of the harness
All in all, this is a good option for budget-conscious customers looking for a step in harness.
3. Best Padded – Voyager Step-In Plush Dog Harness
[pros title=Pros]
- Padded and made of push, soft corduroy – keeps your dog comfortable
- Reflective bands on the sides of this harness enhance your pet’s visibility in low light
- Easy to put on and take off step-in design
- D-rings and buckles to add safety and security
[/pros][cons]
- The harness being difficult to fit into a dog is the biggest customer complaint
- If your dog is particularly furry and gets tired in the heat the material is relatively heavy and thick
[/cons]
The best-padded step-in harness is the Voyager Step-In Plush Dog Harness.
This is by far the heaviest and most substantial harness on this list. Obviously, the corduroy material makes the harness feel much more durable and it has additional features for durability and security like multiple buckles and a D-ring attachment.
Below is a video of the Voyager being put on a medium-sized dog:
The Voyager is tied for the highest-rated harness among those listed here:
Complaints from customers who had issues with the harness included:
- The fit was the main complaint from upset customers, with some dogs having a tough time getting into and staying in the harness.
- One customer also highlighted that the material stretched over time, so be aware of fit over the life of the harness
All of that said, if you’re looking for a padded step-in harness we highly recommend this one.
4. Best for Small Dogs – EcoBark Step in Dog Harness
[amazon-box banner="Best for Small Dogs" asin="B096MY9S97" title="EcoBark Step in Dog Harness "]A step-in harness specifically designed for small breed dogs.
- Specially designed for small breed dogs
- Made from soft and breathable fabric for your dog’s comfort
- Specialized safety buckle for added security
- Designed to not put pressure on a small dog’s trachea
- Available in 32 different colors/patterns
- The most common complaint was that the size chart didn’t map correctly to dogs’ sizes and that some dogs have a difficult time fitting the vest
- Additional complaints were that the vest was escapable (again mainly because of fit issues) and the harness chaffed the dog.
The best step in harness for small dogs is the EcoBark Step in Dog Harness.
This is a much smaller, lighter harness that’s specifically designed for much smaller breeds.
The Ecobark harness is tied for the best-rated harness on the list in terms of ratings:
Customers who had issues with the harness had two common complaints:
- The most common complaint was that the size chart didn’t map correctly to dogs’ sizes and that some dogs have a difficult time fitting the vest
- Additional complaints were that the vest was escapable (again mainly because of fit issues) and the harness chaffed the dog.
All in all, for smaller dogs this is a great option.
5. Best For Large Dogs – PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness
- Available in 10 colors and four sizes
- Adjustable straps for the perfect fit
- High-quality nylon fabric with high-density webbing to add durability.
- Wide chest strap for comfort on larger dogs
- Metal, engravable ID tag for identification
- Plastic clip closure and two heavy-duty D-rings for added security
- Issues with dogs escaping the harness
- Issues with dogs chewing and destroying the harness (it’s just strapped, not as thick as some of the other harnesses listed)
The PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness is our top pick for step-in harnesses for large dogs.
This harness has a lot less material than the other options – when you pick it up its light and feels like collar material fastened into a harness. It’s a particularly good fit for larger dogs due to the four adjustments, wide chest strap, and the fact that it has less material while still being made with high-density webbing for durability.
PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness is on the lower end in terms of reviews out of our best harnesses:
The biggest complaints among customers who had issues with the harness included:
- Issues with dogs escaping the harness
- Issues with dogs chewing and destroying the harness (it’s just strapped, not as thick as some of the other harnesses listed)
All in all, if you have a larger dog who doesn’t have issues with wiggling out of harnesses and chewing on the harness, this is the perfect harness for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like most things, it depends on the dog. Step-in harnesses are great for dogs when you want to avoid pressure on the neck and trachea and your dog has trouble with pullover harnesses.
A step-in harness for dogs is a harness that your dog steps into that’s applied from below rather than being pulled over its head.
You lay down the step-in harness, and have your dog put their paws into the harness as instructed (different step-in harnesses will be designed and work slightly differently).
Our veterinary advisor Dr. Jamie Whittenburg selected the EcoBark Step-in Dog Harness as the best step-in harness for small dogs.
A step-in harness should be tight enough that the dog can’t escape but not so tight that it pinches the skin. Different styles of harnesses will fit differently.
Yes – dogs can get out of any harness given the right circumstances. The best way to avoid a dog getting out of a harness is to pick one that’s comfortable enough that the dog doesn’t hate it, and snug enough that the dog won’t escape.
The biggest differences are that the Roman harness pulls over a dog’s head while step-in is put on from the bottom, and a Roman harness is typically better for dogs that pull while step-in harnesses are better for smaller dogs that don’t want a harness pulled over their head.
Additional Sources & Resources
For more on dog harnesses, including everything from how to measure your dog for a harness and how a dog harness should fit the best escape-proof dog harnesses, check out our series of posts:
- The best dog car harness
- The best dog lift harness
- The best no-pull dog harness
- The best harnesses for huskies
- The Best Puppy Harnesses
- The Best Front Clip Harness
- The Best Service Dog Harness
And our individual harness reviews:
- The Ruffwear Webmaster Dog Harness review
- The Icefang Tactical Dog Harness review
- The Gooby Dog Harness (escape free sport) review
- The Ruffwear front-range dog harness review
- The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Dog Harness review
And our breed-specific harness guides:
- The best harness for German Shepherds
- The best Husky Harness
- The best Dachshund harness
- The best Chihuahua harness
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
