The Best Harness for Husky (Our Research)

Huskies are a large breed of dogs characterized by high activity. They move in a dogsled and often pull the harness. Such pets need constant physical activity and long-distance running. The most suitable harness for a husky must help control an energetic dog.

Dog handlers recommend buying only best harnesses for huskies. This accessory does not cause injuries to the animal’s musculoskeletal system as, unlike a collar, it puts pressure on the chest, not on the neck. Thus, during walks, the dog feels more comfortable.^[1]

Photo by @y_seleznev FreePik

A harness does not cause the pet pain, squeezing, suffocation, or unpleasant sensations. Thanks to this device, huskies can safely move in jerks. At the same time, the pet owner does not lose control of the animal and can gently change its trajectory at any time.

A harness is a set of fabric strips or belts that encircle the pet’s body. It is attached to the chest to withstand jerks and strength. Unfortunately, the harness can also rub the pet’s body, which is why it should be removed after a walk.^[3]

A Quick Look at Our TOP 3 Choices

Siberian Husky owners often have to choose between a collar and a harness. Owners of Siberian dogs prefer the latter device due to its safety for the health of the pet. Collars can damage the husky’s spine due to jerks. The pet supply market presents a vast range of harnesses of various shapes and colors for dogs of all breeds. In this article, we will help you choose the greatest harness for a Siberian husky.^[2]

In pet stores today, you can find dozens of brands. This article will look at how to choose the most suitable harness. We researched more than 55 products from 30 brands and selected 7 of the best harness.

200+

Hours of Team’s Work

30

Brands Reviewed

55

Products Checked

7

The Best Pick

Products	Benefits	Links
Best Overall	1. Kurgo Tru-Fit Padding for extra comfort. Front and rear leash attachments. Very adjustable. Made for outdoor adventures. Durable and lightweight.	View Price
#1 No-Pull	2. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness The rear handle provides maximum control. No-pull features for pulling Huskies. Comes in multiple sizes.	View Price
#1 Load-Up	3. Ruffwear Load-Up Harness No-pull design. Strong handle on the back. It washes well.	View Price

The Best Harness for Huskies Reviews

1. Kurgo Tru-Fit

Best Overall

View on Chewy

This comfortable and adjustable, high-strength Kurgo Tru-Fit harness ensures the safety of your dog while walking or in the car. The steel buckles of this harness are designed according to the standards of the suspension systems used by rock climbers.

The harness has five adjustment points, so you can easily adjust the accessory to the size of your husky. The lining reduces the dog’s trachea and sternum load, distributing kinetic energy across the dog’s chest. This is a tremendous advantage for husky owners, as these dogs often pull.

The chest pad and straps will not create discomfort for your dog. An adult husky of 45 – 60 pounds will most likely need a larger model. This harness is a great everyday accessory.

Harness features:

• Padding to protect neck and trachea.
• 5 adjustment points.
• Functions as an auto or walking harness.
• Front D-ring.
• Crash tested up to 75 lbs to keep you and your pup safe while driving.

2. Rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness 

#1 No-Pull

View on Amazon

This Rabbitgoo accessory is one of the most popular dog harnesses. It is great harness for Husky pulling. This model has 4 adjustable straps – 2 for the neck and 2 for the chest. Thanks to the ability to adjust, you can perfectly fit the harness to the size and proportions of your dog, even if your husky is a little bigger or smaller than you thought.

A wide harness surrounds the chest and neck of the dog. So, your husky is safe – even when pulling. Even if the dog often makes sharp jerks, this accessory will not harm the pet. Light fabric will not create discomfort for the pet.

It is also equipped with bright, reflective straps to increase visibility in the evening or at night. The structure of this accessory helps you to perfectly control the behavior of your dog.

Harness features:

• Made of durable nylon for comfort.
• Four adjustment points for fit flexibility.
• Easy-on and easy-off overhead harness.

3. Ruffwear Load-Up Harness

#1 Load-Up

View on OnlyNaturalPet

Ruffwear harness is suitable for cargo purposes. This accessory ensures that your dog will remain safe and healthy under all loads. There are several sizes available for sale.

You can use this harness together with the seatbelt in the car. The accessory is easy to install. Simply attach it to your car’s existing seatbelt for a versatile fit.

This model is made of high-strength material. The harness has been thoroughly tested, and it holds the dogs securely during sudden movements. The accessory is designed with comfort in mind and is perfect for even the most stubborn pets.

Key features:

• Adjustment points.
• Easy-on and easy-off overhead harness.
• Includes leash attachments.

4. PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness

Our Choice for Puppies

View on Amazon

The PoyPet dog harness has 4 adjustable buckles that allow you to perfectly adjust the size to your dog’s proportions. Soft and breathable material does not create discomfort for your pet, nor does the breathable mesh cause irritation. This accessory is equipped with a front metal D-ring for attaching the leash without tension.

This harness will help the stubborn husky owner cope with such undesirable behavior as jerking and pulling on the leash. The accessory is easy to put on and take off.

Key features:

• Extra control.
• Reflective stitching for night use.
• Elastic straps.

5. Petmate Adjustable Standard Core Mesh Harness

Budget Pick

View on Petmate

The Petmate harness is a stylish, comfortable, and ultra-light accessory. It is made of mesh fabric. This reduces tension and helps distribute your dog’s body weight evenly. With this accessory, you can provide yourself and your dog with a comfortable and safe walk.

Lightweight, soft, breathable mesh provides maximum comfort for your pet, even in the hot season. Adjustable straps will help you perfectly adjust the size to the proportions of your dog.

This accessory also includes a heavy-duty plastic buckle. The nylon strap has a metal D-ring for attaching the leash. The harness is available in several sizes.

Key features:

• Lightly padded material.
• Metal D-ring for attaching a leash.
• Adjustable slide.

6. Canadian Canine Mesa Harness

Great Support

View on PetProSupplyco

The perfect anti-pulling harness for long walks. This harness is made of comfortable and breathable mesh with soft padding that provides four adjustment points for the best fit.

The harness vest is a modern and practical attribute of dog ammunition. The model can replace the traditional collar. This is used for walking, training, and developing the strength and endurance of a four-legged friend.

Reflective elements allow you to control your dog in low-light conditions. The two leading points make the Mesa a versatile harness.

Key features:

• Light attachment point.
• Comfortable.
• Breathable padding.

7. Chai’s Choice

#1 Ergonomic

View on Chewy

Chai Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is ideal for both training and regular walks. The soft padding located on the inside will allow your dog to enjoy comfort during physical activity. The husky will not feel any discomfort – even after several hours of wearing this harness.

Thanks to the thick nylon straps with good stitching, this harness can withstand even the strongest dog. The harness has a ring on the chest for attaching the leash. This also has a leash clip on the back. This accessory is great for situations where you need to quickly take control of your dog. Also, it has reflective elements that make the dog visible during night walks.

Key features:

• Perfect for nighttime strolls.
• Comfortable and secure padded chest.
• Easily adjustable straps.

Final Thoughts

Our favorite choice is the Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness. This harness is universal equipment that will help make walking comfortable for you and your pet. It is great for active dogs who like to walk in the fresh air. You can use this accessory for any physical activity: training, running, regular walks.

Your furry friend can run along with you using this harness. The padded chest plate and V-neck provide freedom of movement, preventing pressure on your dog’s neck and chest during activity.

The harness has 4 adjustment points in the neck and chest area. Even if your pet’s size changes, you won’t have to buy a new accessory. You can adjust the harness to fit your pet’s size.

Husky Harness Owners Guide

First, you should decide the harness’s purposes: training, rehabilitation of the dog after injuries, training, walking. When choosing a product, you must consider the age, size, and weight of the pet.

 Before buying, it is recommended to take your husky’s measurements.

When buying, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• Material of manufacture. It should be characterized by high strength; it should be easy to wash.
• Belts and fasteners. They should not squeeze and rub the pet’s skin. To check the ammunition’s comfort after the purchase, you should put your hand between the harness and the pet’s body. If the hand passes freely, the dog will not experience unpleasant sensations during use. It is necessary to check that the back strap is well secured and the side straps do not touch the animal’s armpits.
• The model of the accessory. The product should not be too large and should fit snugly on the body to not fall off during walks.

READ MORE: 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Snore

Photo by Alexander Dimitrov on Unsplash

Benefits

A harness is a system of straps covering the chest and part of the back of the animal. The harness’s design is arranged so that even when the leash is pulled, the straps do not squeeze the chest and do not interfere with breathing. Saddles are made of leather, cotton, or synthetic material.

Wearing a harness creates the illusion of freedom, as the load is distributed evenly throughout the animal’s body. Also, the following advantages of the harness are important:

• Provides freedom of movement.
• Suitable for any breed.
• It may be used both for walking and in a car with a seat belt.
• Does not injure the dog; does not rub.

A properly sized harness does not cause the dog discomfort during walks. If the dog pulls you forward, the harness will not squeeze its throat and will not make it difficult to breathe.^[4]

Harness Types

There are several types of this accessory, which differ depending on the purpose of use:

• Riding.
• Cargo harness.
• Sport.
• Regular walking.

Riding harnesses are made of cross belts that connect in the form of the letter “X”. The straps are fixed at 4 points, encircling the chest of the husky. During traction, the physical load is evenly spread along the body without exerting pressure on the cervical spine. The harness does not interfere with the movement of the paws. Between the harness and the animal’s body, the palm of an adult male should pass freely. Riding accessories are made of soft material.

Suitable for dogs taking part in exhibitions, a cargo harness is often used by veterinarians or dog handlers to strengthen the animal’s muscles. The product distributes the load on the chest of the pet and the hind legs. The traction belt is fixed below the tail.

Sports necks are a more advanced form of a riding accessory.

The walking type has a ring for fixing the leash. It can be used during the rehabilitation period after an injury. The product has removable elements to adjust the load depending on the condition and size of the animal. Unlike riding harnesses, the walking accessory does not distribute the traction force along the spine. Such a harness cannot be used for sledding.

Any kind of harness provides comfort to the husky and prevents the appearance of injuries.

READ MORE: How to Stop Dogs from Fighting?

What to look for in a Harness for a Husky?

The correct harness has a Y-shape. This form protects the dog’s neck from the tension of the leash and does not injure it. From above, it looks like the letter H. This form allows you to avoid stiffness of movements.

The harness straps, located behind the front paws, should not rub the armpits and interfere with the paws’ movement. They should not be too narrow so as not to hurt the body of the dog. To check which harness is most suitable, you need to harness the dog and try to put your hand under the straps. If the hand passes without much effort, then the harness is put on correctly. If you can’t put your hand through or apply force, you need to choose a larger size; otherwise, the pet will be uncomfortable.

The material should be solid and light, soft and smooth, and wear well and dry quickly. It is undesirable to purchase models made of hard material, such as tarpaulin or leather. They are not comfortable to wear, as they restrict movement by digging into the skin.

Photo by Kateryna Babaieva from Pexels

You should also not choose a rough cut with strongly protruding seams and rivets on the inside, leading to chafing and irritation of the skin.^[5]

What size Harness for my Husky?

When choosing a product, you must consider the age, size, and weight of the pet. Before buying, it is recommended to take the husky’s measurements. When you are doing this, the dog should stand straight to not allow errors in the measurement.

It is necessary to take the following measurements:

1. From the head to the base of the tail.
2. The chest at the widest point.
3. Coverage of the neck at its base.

After that, the dog should be weighed. Usually, for an adult husky, the size of the harness is 4XL-5XL. If the measurements were taken incorrectly, the product would cause discomfort. Too tight a model will restrict movement and rub in places where it fits the body, while the larger product will hang loose on the dog.

How to Train a Husky to wear a Harness?

It is recommended to prepare huskies to harness from the age of 2-2.5 months. After purchase, you should carefully try it on the husky. If the pet feels uncomfortable, worried, and constantly tries to get rid of the accessory, it is necessary to calm the animal by stroking, distracting with a treat, or with a bright toy. If the dog’s anxiety does not go away, you need to remove the harness and repeat the training after 1-2 hours. During the day, you should place it on your pet at least 3-4 times. When the husky gets used to the new product, it is necessary to quietly attach a leash to the harness before the walk. After 3-5 minutes, you need to slightly tighten the leash. When the pet rushes forward, you need to loosen the tension. These manipulations should be repeated up to 4-5 times a day. At the same time, you can not allow the dog to gnaw or pull the leash on itself.

You can not use a leash or harness straps as a punishment! When using accessories, the husky will become afraid of these products. Because of fear, the pet will constantly run away and hide at the sight of the harness and leash.

To make the taming process go more smoothly, you should first give the dog a sniff of the product. The husky must understand that the accessory will not harm. Dog handlers recommend wearing a harness before putting food in a bowl for the animal. A hungry dog will quickly forget about the existence of the accessory and concentrate on eating food.

READ MORE: Dog Potty Training

FAQs

Article Sources:

1. ​ Neary, Kathleen Seiler. “How Sled Dogs Work.” HowStuffWorks, 27 Jan. 2020, adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/sled-dog.htm.
2. ​ “Agouti Husky Breed Informations And Images.” Pet Animal World, 23 Dec. 2020, petanimalworld.com/agouti-husky-breed-informations-and-images/.
3. ​ “A Deeper History of the Origins of the Alaskan Husky By Stephanie Little Wolf.” Sled Dog Central, sleddogcentral.com/features/little_wolf/alaskans.htm.
4. ​ Vercelletto, Christina. “All the Essentials Your Dog Actually Needs, According to Vet.” CNN Underscored, 10 Mar. 2021, us.cnn.com/2021/02/26/cnn-underscored/dog-supplies/index.html.
5. ​ Suarez, Ana. “Keep Your Dog’s Neck Safe by Switching to a Harness.” SFGATE, 5 May 2020, sfgate.com/shopping/slideshow/no-pull-dog-harness-roundup-202018.php.