Reversible Harness vs No-Pull Harness: What's Best for Your Dog?

Few things are quite as enjoyable as the simple pleasure of taking our pups for a walk. That's why choosing accessories that keep dogs comfortable and safe are so important! Not all accessories are suitable for every dog however, so picking the right option for your fur-baby can be tricky. Don't worry though; we're here to help.

This guide compares the two types of harnesses we offer - reversible harnesses and no-pull adjustable harness. We'll go over the importance of harnesses and the benefits of each so you can make sure your dog feels as good in one as they'll look.

Dog harness vs collar & lead combo

 Smiling Shiba Inu in Don't Quit Your Daydream reversible harness.
Rollo in the Don't Quit Your Daydream reversible harness.

Before we talk about the differences between harness types, it's important to understand the three reasons we recommend them over a common collar and lead combo.

  1. Safety. Say you're out on a walk, and your dog makes a sudden detour towards the road. Pulling back on the lead can cause the collar to hurt your dog's neck. Even a soft tug on the wrong angle can be very painful. A harness, however, restrains a dog by putting equal pressure across their chest.
  2. Comfort. Most dogs love the feeling of being wrapped up! Harnesses actually provide the same sense of security as a calming dog bed.
  3. Behaviour. Studies have shown that dogs walked on collars are more likely to develop behavioural problems that lead to health issues.

Comparing harness styles

 Happy pup in Don't Worry, Don't Hurry no-pull adjustable harness.
Molly in the Don't Worry, Don't Hurry no-pull adjustable harness.

What's similar?

Let's look at what reversible harnesses and no-pull harnesses have in common. We'll be comparing the harnesses we created, but everything below is relevant no matter where the product comes from.

Material. Both our harness styles are made from neoprene, a breathable material that keeps dogs cool and safe from irritation. We chose neoprene over the common polyester or nylon because those are more likely to cause chafing and general discomfort. This is especially true in the Aussie summer heat!

Hardware. High-quality clips and d-links are crucial to make sure your pup stays in their harness and on their lead. Our harnesses use zinc alloy d-links, which are among the strongest and most wear-resistant available. Plus, they come in three different colours chosen specifically to compliment each design!

Strap positions. This one's very important! Our harnesses strap above your dog's shoulder joints and below the neck so they can walk without disrupting their gait. Harnesses that strap across the shoulder, or high on the neck, can restrict your pup's motion, causing pain, and even arthritis.

They're also both super easy to wash!

 AmbassaDOG Evie in the Shell Yeah reversible harness.
AmbassaDOG Evie in the Shell Yeah reversible harness.

What's different?

Now let's look at what sets reversible dog harnesses and no-pull adjustable harness apart, and why it matters:

Lead clip placement. Reversible harnesses have a lead clip over your dog's back. No-pull adjustable harnesses have two clips: one over your dog's back, and one over the chest. The former is perfect for pups who like to walk in front of or beside their humans, and is less likely to get tangled around their legs. The latter is ideal for dogs that prefer to be lead or like to pull against you, and are particularly helpful as a gentle training aid.

Size. While both harness types come in a range of sizes (we even offer alternate-size reversible harness straps for dogs who are between sizes) and both are adjustable at the waist, no-pull adjustable harnesses provide the greatest flexibility. That makes them particularly suitable for dogs who are still growing, as they adjust at both the neck and waist. As always, make sure to follow our sizing guide when deciding what size to choose.

Designs. Every time your pup is wearing a Pawfect Pals product, we want them to be the talk of the park! Our reversible harnesses offer two cute and unique designs for your dog to strut their stuff in, while our no-pull adjustable harnesses are available in our most popular and eye-popping ranges, with more to come soon.

Ultimately, the best type of harness is whichever will be best for your dog. Consider their personality, their size, and favourite colours (check out our blogs about colour if you can't decide) and you'll figure it out in no time! Or, if you still can't decide, send us a message and we'll be happy to help.


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