We've tried a couple different types and each have their positives and negatives. Right now I'm using a step-in for most walks but my dog walker still uses the no-pull over the head since I am still getting Molly used to and comfortable with the newer style.
No-Pull (Over the Head)
The first type of harness I tried was an over the head no-pull style harness called the Freedom Harness. There are several types of no-pull harnesses, but I really liked this one because:- It had a velvet section for the part that went under her stomach to minimize rubbing
- It has options to hook to either the front of the chest or the back
- It is well built and has appropriately thick straps. Thick enough that I feel that they won't be cutting into her skin, but thin enough that they don't bother her.
On the downside, she is just *slightly* too small for the 'XS' (their smallest size). However, I'm finding that this is a common theme for her. She seems to be right in between most companies standard harness sizes at a 16" girth. So they are either too small and thin, or just a teeny bit too big. We've been erring on the side of too big and things seem to be working well enough.
She also doesn't love it when it goes over her head. She will tolerate it for me, but my dog walker has found that she is submissive peeing for her when she puts it on, indicating that it isn't a comfortable situation for her. So, I decided to try another style as well to see if that was any better.....
Step-In
This seems to be the most popular overall style from my totally non scientific overview of the internet. It doesn't have the front attachment style that the no-pull has, but in my experience the difficulty of keeping that arrangement from getting tangled up wasn't worth the marginal improvement it gave in the amount of pulling (at least for my small dog). These harnesses wrap under the dog and have a buckle in only one place, right at the top of the dog's back.
In theory, these are better because the dog can step right into them. So far, my practice, Molly doesn't quite get the concept and I usually end up having to lift her in and then quickly snap it closed before she can realize what I've done. I'm hopeful at some point the lightbulb will go off and she will start stepping in on her own since it sounds like most other dogs eventually start doing that.
It's a small thing, but one annoyance for me about this style is that because there two rings that the leash attaches to (one on either side of the top buckle), I can't leave the leash always attached to the harness like I can with the over the head style. Again, not a big issue, but it makes it a little harder to hang everything on my leash hook without some rearranging when I get home from a walk.
While there are many vendors of this style of harness, I do really like the particular step-in harness I bought her. It's called the New Earth Harness and instead of the usual thick nylon which can rub and catch fur, mine is made from a soft 'soy' fabric that is almost as gentle as the velvet loop on the freedom harness. I wish it came in a more neutral black color (I like to keep the harness and leash boring and have a fun collar) but other than that I'm really happy with it. Again, she is right between sizes so it's just the tiniest bit too big, and unfortunately if I tighten the stomach strap as much as I'd like it falls right by her 'elbow' in a way that looks like it would be irritating for long distances.
Winner: Still TBD, we are using both right now.
The style of harness that works best for you is going to vary based on your dog and their build, pulling habits, and particular eccentricities. Whatever style you go with, I do highly recommend a harness though! Especially for dogs with sensitive throats and strong pullers, it is so much better for them even if it does require just a little more work on your behalf.
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