In a rush and just want my recommendation? I think the PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness is a great choice.
If you love running, and you have a dog, why not put those two things together! If your hound is adult age, there are loads of great reasons you should let them join you on your run.
Whether you pound the pavements or get away into the great outdoors, good preparation and having the right equipment is essential in keeping you and your running buddy safe and happy. A sturdy harness is one of those important items that needs to be fit for purpose, and just right for your particular dog.
In this article, I’m reviewing the following dog harnesses for running.
- PetSafe EasySport Dog Harness
- ComfortFlex Sport Harness
- ThinkPet No Pull Breathable Sport Harness
- PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness
- Coastal Sport Wrap Adjustable Dog Harness
There are many things to think about before you start running with your dog. I’ve written a comprehensive guide which covers all the things you need to know. It’s absolutely packed full of advice, information and tips.
Things like, which dogs should NOT run with you. How to get your dog run-ready. Keeping you and your hound safe on runs. Training your dog to run with you, and much, much more. Have a look here.
5 Best Dog harnesses For Running Reviewed
PetSafe EasySport Dog Harness
The PetSafe harness comes in four sizes, and several bright colors to choose from. The reflective piping makes this a highly visible product.
It has an elastic neckline for comfort, and this would work well. Always make sure you can get two fingers in between the harness and your dog’s neck. There is a top handle, for quick control of your hound, and an adjustable girth strap for custom fitting around the chest area.
There is one leash attachment at the top of the harness, and the material is lightly padded for added comfort.
This is a nice, sturdy product which is very visible. Manufactured in the USA.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to fit
- Value for money
- Comfortable
- USA manufactured
Cons:
- Cannot adjust neck
- No front leash attachment
ComfortFlex Sport Harness
This is an ergonomic design, light sports harness which is perfect for active hounds. It’s simplicity gives it an elegant look, and the fully padded nylon material means it’s comfy for your dog, and gives them unrestricted range of movement. The non-stretch fabric means this harness is very secure, for longer.
ComfortFlex comes in 10 sizes from petite through XXlarge. There are a whopping 11 bright colors, as well as Canadian and USA patriot patterns. Reflective strapping across the chest ensures good visibility.
The top leash attachment doubles as a grab handle, just in case you need full control of your dog in a hurry. Easy to fit, with a Velcro girth strap and safety clip.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy build
- Good fit, accurate fitting guide
- USA made
- Great customer service
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Hard to adjust chest component
ThinkPet No Pull Breathable Sport Harness
The ThinkPet Adventure Sport Harness comes in five sizes and four bright colors. Made from premium nylon, with bright reflective strips, this harness is extremely sturdy and visible.
Two metal D-rings provide the leash attachments, front and back. These give you greater flexibility with how you might use the harness. Front attachment for training and better control, back attachment for casual activity or a well trained dog who won’t pull or lunge.
A breathable layer of soft mesh within this padded harness means your dog will be comfortable, and the wider strapping will distribute any pressure more evenly.
A strong grab handle tops off this nice looking harness.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Value for money
- Durable
- Plenty of adjustment options
- Good sizing
- Well made
- Great design
Cons:
- Clip locking mechanism may be unreliable
- Some customers report poor quality
PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness
Available as a harness, or harness and leash combo, the Petsafe comes in three colors and four sizes. It ticks all the boxes for simplicity of design, unobstructed range of movement for your dog and good visibility by way of reflective material.
The straps are padded, and there are front and rear leash attachments, giving you that all-important versatility. The top mounted grab-strap is unobtrusive, so won’t flap or bounce when your hound is active.
Five adjustment points means a great fit for your dog, and there are tags to help you with initial fitting for the shoulders, chest or girth.
This is a classic, simple harness for dogs on the run.
Pros:
- Leading US manufacturer
- Prompt customer service
- Sturdy
- Value for money
- Can be secured in car
- Comfortable
- Wide range of movement
- Good visibility
Cons:
- Can be hard to adjust for perfect fit
- Quality issues
Coastal Sport Wrap Adjustable Dog Harness
The Coastal Sport Harness is a basic, lightweight sports harness. Built for active pursuits with a breathable mesh and tough, bright colored nylon. There is a little padding to ensure your hound is comfortable.
This harness is strong, and features good quality strapping with dual D-rings and added reinforcement. It’s easily adjusted to fit all dog shapes. Comes in six sizes and four colors.
Measure your dog round the girth to be sure you order the correct size.
Pros:
- Very sturdy
- Well constructed
- Easy to fit
- Comfortable
Cons:
- No grab handle
- No front leash attachment
Guide To Buying A Dog Harness For Running
Can I Run With My Dog Using A Harness?
A harness is the best way to run with your dog. If anything frightens your dog, they (or you) have to stop suddenly, or they lunge for some reason, a collar can cause a neck injury. The main thing to consider when thinking about running with your dog in a harness, is the design and durability of the harness. A sturdy leash is an essential piece of equipment, to ensure good control of your dog when necessary.
Attachment Points
Front-attaching harnesses redirects the dog’s attention back to you. That means that if they pull or lunge, their body will be directed toward the point of attachment, you.
Top-attaching harnesses allow the dog free forward movement. If the leash is attached to you, you will be pulled along with them. In effect, they will be leading you. If they are pulling forward, you are not in control.
If your hound pulls a lot, they may need a period of training before you try and run with them in any type of harness.
What to Look For in a Running Harness
Safety
- Simple design with no extra straps that can tangle the leash and cause injury.
- Two attachment points, if you need to go through a training period. Front attachment desirable for control.
- Design which allows free movement of dog’s shoulders, chest and front legs.
- Good quality materials and sturdy clips.
Adjustable
Lots of buckles and ties can sometimes result in a bulky product. A sports harness should be very streamlined, since you don’t want to use it to hold items like keys, or to keep your dog warm. You need enough adjustment points to make the harness fit for purpose, safe and easy to wear.
Good fit
The comfort of your hound is paramount. A good fit is simply the result of the best harness having adequate adjustment capabilities. If they can run along without being distracted by noisy material rubbing, or pinching round the chest, neck and legs, the more they’ll enjoy it. Plus you’ll be pretty confident that no skin injuries will occur.
Visible
It’s always a good idea to have your hound in high visibility colors. If you’re running on busy streets, pedestrians as well as drivers need to be aware of the dog next to the runner. If you’re out in the wilderness and let your dog run free, you’ll be able to spot them easily if they get too far away.
How To Fit Your Dog For A Harness
Dogs of the same breed and weight can be vastly different shapes. Some have deeper chests, thicker necks or longer legs than their counterparts.
When sizing your dog for a harness, measure the girth first. Put a flexible tape measure around the broadest part of the chest. Your dog’s weight is secondary, but useful.
Conclusion
All these harnesses have some great features. For me though, safety, good construction and comfort are really important if I want my dog to run with me. That’s why the PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness is my choice.
The PetSafe fulfills all the criteria for a sport and running dog harness. I like the multiple adjustment points, and the functional grab strap. It has excellent visibility, strong stitching and allows free movement, so I’d feel confident that my dog is safe.
It is extremely durable, well made and fit for purpose. I think this product is great value, and I always appreciate good customer service.
