How to choose a dog harness in Australia
The best dog harness in Australia for most dogs is the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness, rated 4.6 from 192,129 ratings on Amazon AU. Its front ring handles pulling and its back ring suits calm walks. The PetSafe Easy Walk is the front clip trainer, and the Voyager Step-in Air is the step in vest for small dogs.
A harness takes pressure off a dog's neck and gives you far more control, especially for a puller, but the type matters enormously, and the wrong one will not stop pulling at all. There are a few distinct types. A front clip harness like the PetSafe Easy Walk redirects a pulling dog by turning them back towards you. A step in vest like the Voyager is built for comfort and easy on and off. A dual clip harness like the Rabbitgoo gives you a front clip for training and a back clip for relaxed walks, and a figure 8 design is built to stay snug around the body. After settling the type, it comes down to clip position, getting the size right, escape risk, padding and car safety. This guide covers six dog harnesses, each suited to a different dog and situation. The Kurgo Tru-Fit, the EzyDog Crosscheck and the Ruffwear Front Range could not be bought on 16 October 2026, so the other three are the current picks.
The table sorts the six by harness type, who each suits and where the lead clips, and shows whether each could be bought.
| Harness | Type | Best for | Clip position | Stock |
|---|
| Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness | Dual clip | Most dogs | Front chest ring and back ring, padded vest | In stock |
| PetSafe Easy Walk Harness | Front clip | A dedicated no pull trainer for light to moderate pulling | Front clip, martingale chest loop | In stock |
| Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness | Step in | Small and medium dogs that dislike an over the head fit | Double D rings, front clip not described | In stock |
| Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness (with Seatbelt Tether) | Dual clip | Everyday walks with a seatbelt tether | Front D ring and back leash attachment | Could not be bought on 16 October 2026 |
| EzyDog Crosscheck Harness | Figure 8 | Dogs that back out of a harness | Multiple leash attachment points | Could not be bought on 16 October 2026 |
| Ruffwear Front Range Harness | Padded harness | Padded comfort on longer walks | Two lead attachments and a V ring | Could not be bought on 16 October 2026 |
How we compared these dog harnesses
We compared the six on clip position, sizing, escape risk, padding and car safety. The sources are the Amazon AU listing for each harness, which gives the rating, rating count, seller and stock line, and Google Australia search results for dog harnesses, which show what shoppers are asked about. Every rating and count quoted on this page comes from the Amazon AU listings and the maker's bullets as they stood on 16 October 2026, and a harness that could not be bought on 16 October 2026 is marked as such.
Last checked: 16 October 2026
What is a dog harness and which types are there?
A dog harness is a supportive strap system that wraps around a dog's torso to spread lead pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck and throat, per the RSPCA Pet Insurance guide that Google's AI Overview cites. Types include front clip, back clip, step in and dual clip.
- Front clip: the lead attaches to a ring on the chest, so a pull turns the dog back towards you.
- Back clip: the lead attaches to a ring on the back, which suits a calm walker and does not stop a puller.
- Step in: the dog steps into two loops and you fasten the vest on top, so nothing goes over the head.
- Dual clip: a front ring for training and a back ring for relaxed walks.
- Figure 8: a girth checking design that stays secure around the body when the dog pulls.
What is a Y shaped dog harness?
A Y shaped harness has a chest piece that splits into a Y at the breastbone, so the straps run down either side of the chest and leave the shoulder joint free. A straight strap across the front of the shoulders sits on the joint instead. ChatGPT's answer to our head query recommends this shape.
Clip position: how to choose a no pull dog harness
A front clip harness is the type that works against pulling, because a lead attached at the chest turns the dog back towards you. A back clip harness suits calm walkers and does nothing to stop a puller. A dual clip harness like the Rabbitgoo gives you both rings, so you train on the front and relax on the back.
Before anything else, decide where the lead clips on, because it decides whether the harness will actually stop pulling. This is worth being blunt about, because it is the easiest way to buy the wrong harness. A front chest clip is the real no pull mechanism: when the dog pulls, the front attachment turns them back towards you instead of letting them lean forward and tow you down the street. A back clip, the standard on a step in vest, is for comfortable casual walking and gives a puller no help. A dual clip harness gives you both rings, so you use the front for training and the back once the dog walks calmly. Match the clip to the dog: a puller needs a front or dual clip, while a settled walker is fine on a back clip. An anti pull harness and a no pull harness are the same thing, and for most dogs the best no pull dog harness in Australia is the Rabbitgoo, rated 4.6 from 192,129 ratings, with the PetSafe Easy Walk as the dedicated front clip trainer. If your dog pulls hard or has a delicate throat, a dog collar is the wrong tool for the walk and is better left carrying the ID tag.
PetSafe Easy Walk: the front clip trainer
The PetSafe Easy Walk is the dedicated front clip option here. The listing describes a front clip chest D ring and a patented martingale loop on the chest piece that rests across the chest instead of the throat, and says the harness stops light to moderate pulling. It also says it was created by a veterinary behaviorist over 15 years ago. The Easy Walk holds 4.3 stars from 47,562 ratings on its Amazon AU listing, sold by Amazon AU. The quick snap shoulder and belly straps make it fast to put on, and PetSafe offers a 1 year chew damage replacement for a minimal fee. It is a training harness rather than a padded everyday vest, and thin strap designs can rub at the armpit, so check the fit there.
Padding and chafing: thin straps or a padded vest
How a harness is built affects whether your dog is comfortable on a long walk. Thin strap front clip harnesses, including dedicated trainers like the PetSafe Easy Walk, can rub the armpits if they are not fitted carefully, because narrow webbing concentrates pressure on a small area. The Rabbitgoo sits at the other end with a padded nylon Oxford and air mesh vest, and its listing says it is padded with a soft cushion to protect the dog's skin. If your dog walks a little, a thin trainer is fine; if you walk a lot, a padded vest is the more comfortable choice. Match the padding to how far you actually go.
Visibility matters on early morning and evening walks. The Rabbitgoo listing describes reflective strips and the Voyager listing describes two reflective bands, while the PetSafe bullets do not mention reflective trim.
The EzyDog Crosscheck Harness could not be bought on 16 October 2026. The listing says its figure 8 configuration keeps the harness fitting securely around the dog's body and that it has been tested to be escape proof, and it describes a girth checking system to ease pulling, multiple leash attachment points, a silicone lined neck section and reflective webbing. It holds 4.2 stars from 1,004 ratings, and the captured size S lists a girth of 38 to 52cm. EzyDog sells in Australia through its own ezydog.com.au store.
How to size a dog harness correctly
Measure your dog's chest girth at the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs, plus the neck girth. Match both to the size chart on the listing, not to breed or weight. With the harness on, two fingers should slide comfortably under each strap. Too loose lets a dog slip out and too tight chafes.
Fit is worth doing properly, because a loose harness lets a dog slip out and a tight one chafes. Two dogs of the same breed can be very different around the ribs, which is why the Voyager listing says sizing does not directly correspond to breed or weight and asks you to measure. The captured sizes show how much the ranges differ: the Rabbitgoo size L lists a chest girth of 17 to 34 inches, and the Voyager size XS lists a chest of 13 to 14.5 inches. A loose harness lets a dog slip out, which is dangerous near a road, and a tight one chafes and rubs. A soft tape measure is all you need, and it saves a return and a sore dog. Write the chest girth down while the tape is out, because it is the same measurement that sizes a dog life vest.
Escape proof dog harness: what stops a dog backing out
Choose a figure 8 or escape proof design. The EzyDog Crosscheck listing describes a figure 8 girth checking design that has been tested to be escape proof, but it could not be bought on 16 October 2026. In the meantime, fit a dual clip vest like the Rabbitgoo snugly and use the two finger check.
Some dogs, especially anxious rescues, can reverse out of a simple two strap harness when they panic or back up: they drop their head, the harness slides forward over the shoulders, and suddenly they are loose on a busy road. If your dog is a known escaper, this is the feature that matters most. A figure 8 or escape proof design is meant to stay secure around the body, and a third strap or a martingale chest piece adds a second point that has to give before the dog is free. The PetSafe Easy Walk has a martingale loop on the chest piece, but its listing makes no escape proof claim. For a flight risk dog, an escape proof harness is the whole point of buying one, so do not compromise on it.
Is a walking harness safe in the car?
Not as a crash restraint. A walking harness is not a crash tested car restraint, even when it includes a seatbelt tether. The Kurgo Tru-Fit listing states the harness is not crash tested, and it could not be bought on 16 October 2026. For collision protection, look for a harness the maker says is separately crash tested.
It is easy to assume any harness with a seatbelt tether will protect your dog in the car, and that assumption is wrong. A tether stops a dog roaming the car and distracting the driver, but it manages distraction, it does not promise to protect the dog in a crash. Use a tethered walking harness for everyday low speed containment, and if real crash safety is the goal, buy a harness that specifically says it is crash tested. The tether end of the job is covered in our dog seatbelt guide, and a seat cover is what saves the upholstery once the dog is clipped in.
Flat faced breeds and comfort
A step in or wide chest vest suits a flat faced dog better, because it avoids a tight neck loop and the over the head motion many of these dogs dislike. The Voyager Step-in Air is a step in vest for small and medium dogs. A head halter sits across the muzzle, so it is a poor fit.
Brachycephalic dogs, flat faced breeds like pugs, French bulldogs and bulldogs, have special needs here. Anything that restricts an already compromised airway is a real problem for these dogs, and Google's AI Overview lists a back clip harness as a fit for small and flat faced dogs. Head halters, which are a different category of walking aid, suit some pullers but are a poor fit for flat faces, since they sit across the muzzle and nose. For a brachycephalic dog, prioritise an open, wide chested fit and steer clear of anything that loads the neck or the face. This is our advice, not a claim from any listing.
Which dog harness suits which dog
Start with the biggest problem, then match the harness to the dog.
- A dog that pulls: choose a front clip or dual clip harness. The Rabbitgoo is the dual clip pick at 4.6 stars from 192,129 ratings, and the PetSafe Easy Walk is the front clip trainer at 4.3 stars from 47,562 ratings, with a listing that says it stops light to moderate pulling.
- A small or medium dog that dislikes going over the head: the Voyager Step-in Air is a step in vest with double D rings, and its listing does not describe a front clip.
- A calm walker: a back clip suits a dog with good lead manners, according to Google's AI Overview.
- A dog that backs out of harnesses, or a car tether: the two harnesses built for those jobs, the EzyDog Crosscheck and the Kurgo Tru-Fit, could not be bought on 16 October 2026, so fit a snug dual clip vest, use the two finger check and read the car section below before you buy anything else.
Measure first: the captured listings size by neck or chest girth, and the Voyager listing says sizing does not follow breed or weight.
Australian dog harness brands worth knowing
EzyDog sells harnesses in Australia through its own ezydog.com.au store, which Google Australia lists among the top results for dog harness searches. Halti no pull harnesses are listed by Petbarn, and Pawezy sells its EasyFit No Pull Dog Harness through pawezy.com.au, according to the same results. Neither Halti nor Pawezy is one of the six picks, so there is no link or recommendation for them here. If you want to try a harness on the dog before you buy, ask a pet store which brands it stocks, and bring the chest girth measurement from the sizing section.
Our verdict
For most dogs the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness is the best overall pick: 4.6 stars from 192,129 ratings on Amazon AU, the most ratings of the six harnesses here, with a front chest ring for pulling and a back ring for casual walks. If you want a dedicated front clip trainer, the PetSafe Easy Walk uses a patented martingale chest loop to stop light to moderate pulling. For a small or medium dog that dislikes the over the head motion, the Voyager Step-in Air is a soft step in vest, but its listing does not describe a front clip, so it is not a no pull pick. The Kurgo Tru-Fit, the EzyDog Crosscheck and the Ruffwear Front Range could not be bought on 16 October 2026, so none of the three is a current pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a front clip or back clip harness stop a dog pulling?
A front clip harness is the type that works against pulling, because a lead attached at the chest turns the dog back towards you. A back clip harness suits calm walkers and does nothing to stop a puller. A dual clip harness like the Rabbitgoo gives you both rings, so you train on the front and relax on the back.
How do I size a dog harness correctly?
Measure your dog's chest girth at the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs, plus the neck girth. Match both to the size chart on the listing, not to breed or weight. With the harness on, two fingers should slide comfortably under each strap. Too loose lets a dog slip out and too tight chafes.
What kind of harness can a dog not slip out of?
Choose a figure 8 or escape proof design. The EzyDog Crosscheck listing describes a figure 8 girth checking design that has been tested to be escape proof, but it could not be bought on 16 October 2026. In the meantime, fit a dual clip vest like the Rabbitgoo snugly and use the two finger check.
Is a walking harness safe in the car?
Not as a crash restraint. A walking harness is not a crash tested car restraint, even when it includes a seatbelt tether. The Kurgo Tru-Fit listing states the harness is not crash tested, and it could not be bought on 16 October 2026. For collision protection, look for a harness the maker says is separately crash tested.
What harness suits a flat faced dog like a pug, French bulldog or bulldog?
A step in or wide chest vest suits a flat faced dog better, because it avoids a tight neck loop and the over the head motion many of these dogs dislike. The Voyager Step-in Air is a step in vest for small and medium dogs. A head halter sits across the muzzle, so it is a poor fit.
Will a harness stop my dog pulling completely?
No. A front clip or dual clip harness like the Rabbitgoo or the PetSafe Easy Walk redirects a pulling dog and makes the walk easier, but it works best with loose lead training: stop when the dog pulls and reward a slack lead. A step in vest like the Voyager is not sold as a no pull harness.
Which dog harness is best overall?
The Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness is our pick for most dogs. It is a padded dual clip vest with a front chest ring for pulling and a back ring for casual walks, and it holds 4.6 stars from 192,129 ratings on Amazon AU. For small or flat faced dogs, see the Voyager.
How do you put a dog harness on?
For a step in vest like the Voyager, lay it flat, walk the dog forward so both front paws land in the two loops, then lift the sides over the back and clip. For an over the head design like the Rabbitgoo, slip the neck opening on first, then buckle the belly strap behind the front legs.
Which dog harness do vets and trainers recommend?
No vet or trainer body recommends one brand in our saved sources; the PetSafe Easy Walk listing calls itself vet and trainer recommended, which is the maker's claim. The consistent reasoning is a front chest clip for a dog that pulls, and a Y shaped fit that leaves the shoulders free, as ChatGPT's answer advises. NestPath holds no vet or trainer endorsement.
What is the best harness for an Australian dog?
The best dog harness for an Australian dog depends on size, shape and how much it pulls. For most dogs, the Rabbitgoo dual clip vest, rated 4.6 from 192,129 ratings, is the safe start. Measure the chest girth first, pick a front or dual clip if your dog pulls, and choose a figure 8 design if it backs out.
