Dogs are a lot of work! They need to be walked, groomed, and exercised. You also have to make sure they get enough water and food. But dogs can be hard to control sometimes because their excitement can cause them to pull on the leash or run off in another direction. Thankfully there is a solution for this problem: dog harnesses with handles! These harnesses have an extra strap that loops around your hand so you can quickly pick up your pup when necessary or hold him back if he tries to bolt from his spot outside the store entrance while you’re browsing inside
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Best For Large Dogs
Allow your dog to be a part of a doggie parade with this Tactical Dog Harness for Large Dogs. This easily adjustable, padded harness is the perfect tool for all your training needs even when you’re on the go and have limited access to water or treats! Keep it simple and attach bottles, pockets, or whatever else you need direct to straps so this bunny doesn’t slow down.
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Pros
- For medium, large, and extra-large dogs (there aren’t a lot of extra large dog harness with handles that offer good chest support)
- Comes from the front ring for no-pull training
- Padded and soft on your dog’s skin
- Comes with attachment capability so you can add water bottles, food/treat pouches, and more
Cons
- Clips are plastic and prone to breaking after long use
- Straps are a hassle to adjust and may loosen over time requiring multiple re-adjustments
Best For Lifting Small Dogs
Stay safer on walks with the help of this easy-to-use PetSafe harness that is designed for small dogs! Simply slip it over their head, adjust the strap so they are comfortable and you’re ready to go. With a padded lining that doesn’t dig into your pet’s skin or chafe delicate skin there will be less risk for chafing, rubbing, and irritation as well.
Whether you have a long-bodied dog or a dainty pup who can easily slip out while walking, its back loop closure will ensure stability throughout your strolls. The handle also has padding making it easier to lift or hold back when needed.
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Pros
- Ideal for extra small and small dogs
- Comfy handle that’s easy to grip fast and lift your dog or hold them back when needed
- Padded harness that’s soft on your dog’s skin – doesn’t dig into your dog’s chest
- Works great with small longer breeds
- Can’t back out of this harness
Cons
- Doesn’t include a no-pull front ring
- Elastic side straps wear out after a few months of use so it’s not as snug on your dog
Best For Service Dogs
Finally, a high-quality service dog vest at an affordable price. It comes with 50 cards explaining the ADA and what it means – you can hand out these helpful cards to passersby!
Fits all sizes from extra small (13″ chest) to extra large (43” chest), but be sure to measure your pup before ordering (we don’t recommend getting this one for extra small dogs).
Doggy approved with its padded back and strong stitching – we found none of this in other vests when searching. We hope others will try this as well!
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Pros
- Actually looks like a service dog vest (beware vests that just say service dog!)
- Comes with 50 Cards explaining service dogs and the Americans With Disabilities Act – remember to use this legally! Please don’t buy or use a service vest unless you are entitled to do so. It’s illegal in some states to falsely use these vests.
- Fits all dog sizes from extra small (13-inch chest) to extra large (43″ chest) – Be sure to check availability and measure your dog’s chest before choosing the right size
- Fast to put on with one easy belly buckle
- Padded for your dog’s comfort
- Sturdy stitching, durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Not for all-day wearing – the buckle can cut into some dogs – take this off after walks
- The cards are nice but don’t give the best explanation for all service dog users.
- Not great for extra small dogs like chihuahuas
Best For Swimming
The Outward Hound Dog Life Jacket is perfect for active dogs that love water sports. Keep your dog safe this summer with this durable life jacket designed for all types of swimming. The high visibility and reflective stripes make it easy to see when the sun goes down, while the strong handle helps you pull out those small ones!
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Pros
- High visibility to see your dog swimming at a distance easily
- Reflective lines for safer night walks to and from the lake or pool
- Lots of sizes from extra small (12-inch chest) dogs to large 30-inch chest (no XXL sizes though)
- Strong handle to quickly pull your dog out of the water – great for getting small to medium dogs in and out of a boat
- Durable high-quality materials
- Comes with a neck float to help keep your dog’s head above water
Cons
- Be careful about flipping – Some dogs and dog bodies are more prone to flipping over in life jackets. We tried hard to find a model that didn’t do this for all dogs but couldn’t. This is the best model with the least flipping but still, some dogs will flip and can’t use this life jacket.
- The jump in size from L to XL is too much. It doesn’t fit a lot of dogs in the middle. Measure the chest carefully and buy the next size up!
Best For Disabled Dogs (Small, Medium, or Large)
The durable and comfortable COODEO Dog Lift Harness will ensure recovery for your furry family member. It includes full body support which is ideal for injured or older dogs. The adjustable handle on the sling makes it easy to quickly pick up your dog when necessary or offer support on long walks, all while protecting their sore paws.
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Pros
- Professional quality materials
- Full body support
- Ideal for injured or older dogs
- Fits most body types (see model below for short, long dogs)
- Adjust the handle to be short for lifting your dog (in and out of cars) or long to offer support on walks
Cons
- This harness is long. Be careful with measuring the chest and getting the right size for male dogs. The long underbelly part can rub against your dog’s penis if you get a size that’s too big.
Best for Short & Long Disabled Dogs
Careful design and high-quality construction make this COODEO Dog Lift Harness and recovery sling for long dogs the perfect solution for carrying or recovering a dog that has spinal issues, difficulty walking, or is injured. This harness will help you easily carry your dog around. Plus, it can be washed in a machine since there are no metal parts in the material – simply allow it to air dry before using again.
Carry your pet like a suitcase when going up or down steps, making it easy to get them where they need to go no matter what size they are. With reinforced stitching and strong material in key areas, the harness is built to be both safe and comfortable for your little long friend.
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Pros
- Better support for long-bodied dogs
- High-quality materials
- Dogs won’t slip out
- Washable
- Carry your dog easily like walking with a suitcase – great for going up and down stairs or in and out of a car
Cons
- Not easy to put on and take off
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.
