9 Best Harnesses for Goldendoodles: Our Walking and No Pull Picks

30 years ago, very few people knew that a Goldendoodle was anything other than a funny word, but since the 1990s this designer breed has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity.

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These lovable dogs combine the alert, intelligent disposition of poodles with the friendly, boisterous nature that golden retrievers are famous for. When full grown, Goldendoodles can max out around 90 pounds, meaning they are not always easy to control.

Whether you want to mitigate pulling, or just ensure that your Goldendoodle cannot slip out of your grasp while on a walk or hike, a harness is a great investment—but how to go about choosing one? Just follow this guide!

We will take some time to offer information about different types of harnesses and the materials they’re made of, then list our favorites harnesses for Goldendoodles in a number of categories. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.

Popular Types of Goldendoodle Harnesses

• Step in harness — This harness style will usually look something like a vest from the front with two holes that your Goldendoodle will need to step through before you can fasten it. These harnesses are ideal if you feel more comfortable with something that offers a greater degree of coverage than other styles.
• No pull harness — Probably one of the most useful functions of a Goldendoodle harness, this type is specifically designed to reduce pulling. These harnesses are usually equipped with a front ring across the chest to gently and painlessly discourage your Goldendoodle from pulling by adding pressure when they start.
• Hiking harness — Given their athletic and adventurous nature, Goldendoodles are a popular hiking companion. Hiking harnesses are generally made of a strong but lightweight material with padding to ensure that all day wear is comfortable. The fixtures on hiking harnesses are usually metal so there is no risk of a clasp breaking while hiking.
• Reflective harness — Sometimes you just won’t have a chance to exercise your Goldendoodle until the evening, or maybe you like to wake up early and take your pup for a sunrise jog. Whatever the reason, if you’ll be outside when there is minimal sunlight, a reflective harness ensures that your dog will be visible to passersby.
• No escape harness — If your Goldendoodle is a little older and does not necessarily need a lot of direction, a no escape harness is a great option. These are a much simpler design, and usually feature just a cord fastened around the dog that you can also use as a lead.
• Auto harness — Goldendoodles are great overall companions, including while traveling. Don’t put your dog in jeopardy while you are in the car, though. Just like people need seatbelts, dogs need to be properly secured. An auto harness will be a strong, comfortable one that fastens securely to a seatbelt via a loop on the back, and will keep your Goldendoodle safe should an accident occur.

Different Goldendoodle Harness Materials

• Nylon — Nylon is the most common material you will find harnesses made from, and for good reason. It is durable without being too rigid, incredibly versatile, and easy to clean. Nylon harnesses are especially good for larger, energetic dogs like Goldendoodles because they will hold up well to wear and tear.
• Polyester — Another popular choice in harness material, Polyester is like Nylon in that it is a strong, synthetic fabric. You will often see harnesses that include both of these materials, as polyester alone can be a bit uncomfortable.
• Mesh — Usually made of either Nylon or Polyester (or some combination of the two), mesh adds a degree of breathability to a harness that may otherwise become stuffy for big dogs with substantial coats, like Goldendoodles. This material is most commonly used on the chest pad of a step in harness.
• Leather — Leather is a good option for dogs like Goldendoodles who have coarse or longer coats that are easily matted. Harnesses made of leather are strong and generally feature simple designs; leather may be stiff until it’s broken in, and may crack once the harness gets too much use without additional care.
• Cotton — It isn’t all that likely that you will come across cotton harnesses unless your dog has very sensitive skin and needs a gentle material option, but for this objective they are great. Though not as durable or strong as their synthetically made counterparts, cotton harnesses are certainly softer and can be more comfortable.
• Neoprene — Neoprene is a malleable material used to create padding in dog harnesses. It molds to your dog’s shape to ensure a high degree of comfort during long stints in their harness. If you associate Neoprene with scuba diving, you may be able to guess that it is not the most breathable material, and so it can get hot for big dogs.

Many times, a Goldendoodle harness will be made of a combination of several materials so that the result is a more versatile product.

5 Key Components of a Harness for a Goldendoodle

Every dog is different, but here are some of the harness features that any Goldendoodle will benefit from.

• Breathable design — Because Goldendoodles have coats that tend to be on the longer, heavier side, you should try to choose a harness that won’t make them too hot. This isn’t a huge concern in more moderate months or if you live somewhere with comfortable summers, but be mindful of the potential for overheating when you select a harness.
• Durable material — Not only are Goldendoodles big dogs who could break poorly made harnesses with the force of their strength alone, but they also sometimes exhibit chewing tendencies. A strong material without apparent weak points will keep either of these things from happening.
• Heavy duty hardware — You should seek out a harness with strong clips and rings for the same reason that you should find one made of a durable material: they could break otherwise. Metal attachments are the safest bet for keeping your Goldendoodle in line.
• Full control ability — Because of their friendly nature, Goldendoodles have a habit of pulling toward people and even jumping (particularly when they are puppies). A harness that offers you a higher degree of control over your pup will help train them to reign in their exuberance, even when they meet new human friends.
• Multiple adjustment points — Perhaps the most important part of a good harness is a proper fit. You may get lucky ordering a harness that does not allow for additional adjustment, but the most certain way to know if a harness will perfectly fit your dog is to order one that allows for multiple points of adjustment.

Our Picks for The Best Harness for a Goldendoodle

Now that you know what exactly you should be looking for, let’s put that knowledge to practical use and begin shopping for a harness! We have compiled a list of our favorites in several different categories so you can see a good variety of highly rated option. Check them out and see if any feel like the right fit for your Goldendoodle.

Our 2024 Picks: Best Harness for a  Golendoodle
	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness With Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength Made of Nylon with nested metal buckles 5 adjustment points for perfect fit Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Chest and back rings for high level of control Reflective material woven into straps Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Frisco Padded Front Lead Dog Harness Sized according to inches so there is no guesswork Made of Nylon straps with Polyester mesh chest pad Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness With Seatbelt Loop Reflective trim for safety Handle to help control your Shih Tzu Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Harness Lead Dog Harness Comprised of one long Nylon cord Tensile strength up to 3700 pounds Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness Metal rings, plastic buckles Chest ring to prevent pulling Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness Comfortable and easy-to-wear step-through design Comes in an assortment of bright colors Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe 3 In 1 Dog Harness Soft inner padding for superior comfort Made from cotton and polyester Price: $	CHECK PRICE

Kurgo Tru-fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength

Key Features:

• Made of Nylon with nested metal buckles
• 5 adjustment points for perfect fit
• Crash tested up to 75 pounds
• Step in design with chest pad
• Durable design for big dogs

Best Overall — This harness features some of the best components of different harness types all rolled into one. It is a heavy duty, durable material that can be fitted to your dog’s body through its many adjustment points. It is also designed to function as an auto harness and comes with the necessary equipment to attach your Goldendoodle to the seatbelt.

The chest pad ensures that your dog will remain in your control while walking, and also safely disperses the impact should you get into an accident. Its versatility and ability to hold up even under the pressure of a big dog place this harness at the very top of our list.

Pros:

• Highly adjustable
• Heavy duty material and metal fixtures
• Comes with necessary equipment for car use

Cons:

• Only crash tested up to 75 pounds (Goldendoodle can get bigger than this)
• May be cumbersome in long term use
• May need to size up if your dog has a heavy coat

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Chest and back rings for high level of control
• Reflective material woven into straps
• Padded in chest, belly, and back
• 9 color options, 5 size options
• Additional points of adjustment

Runner up — This lightweight, step in design is perfect for exercising your Goldendoodle during low light times of day or night. The reflective material will ensure that your dog doesn’t get lost in the darkness, and the padded design means that your pup will be comfortable during your walk, run, or hike.

With 9 different color options, this Chai’s Choice harness is sure to please aesthetically focused owners. Additionally, you can choose to attach your dog’s leash to the chest or back ring depending on what level of control you need.

Pros:

• Durable material will keep big dogs in line
• Customization available in terms of both color and size
• Lightweight and padded for comfort

Cons:

• Plastic clips may not hold up to strong Goldendoodles
• Straps may come loose
• Sizing runs somewhat small for larger dogs

Frisco Padded Front Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Sized according to inches so there is no guesswork
• Made of Nylon straps with Polyester mesh chest pad
• Chest and back rings
• Adjustable slides on both straps
• Costs less than $15

Most Affordable Pick — This highly affordable harness slips over your dog’s head and buckles around the belly with a chest pad connecting the two straps. The Nylon straps mean that the integrity of the harness is similar to many other, more expensive designs, and the chest pad ensures comfort.

Both of the straps can be adjusted to your dog’s size, and the harness features back and chest rings so you can reign in an especially exuberant Goldendoodle. Though the rings are metal, be aware that the clips on the belly strap are plastic.

Pros:

• Highly cost effective and comparable to more expensive harnesses
• Multiple color options
• Clearly spelled out sizing

Cons:

• Plastic clips may not hold up to strong Goldendoodles
• Crafty pups can slip out
• May slide around a bit even when tightened

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Thick Nylon chest strap and Neoprene pad
• Reflective chest strap
• Heavy duty clips and rings
• Water repellent exterior
• 4 sizing options

Best No Pull Harness — A much different design than the ones we have featured so far, this harness simply slips over your dog’s head and hooks under the belly. Because the chest strap is so wide and the belly strap is so sturdy, no additional enclosure is needed.

The back pad will sit on top of your dog’s shoulders, so you can keep close control of any pulling. This sturdy design is perfect for training growing Goldendoodles who are learning their own strength and trying to use it to their advantage by pulling you along.

Pros:

• High quality, durable materials
• Relatively open design won’t be too hot on top of dog’s coat
• Thick chest strap gently discourages pulling

Cons:

• Velcro connecting chest and back may wear out with repeated use and strain
• Will be uncomfortable if you try to pull your dog along
• Will require some strength on your part

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seatbelt Loop

Key Features:

• Metal hardware and back handle
• Padded chest and back pieces
• Care safety materials included
• Durable Nylon design
• Multiple attachment point options

Best Hiking Harness — This hiking harness is just as tough and versatile as you would expect. It comes equipped with metal attachments and nesting buckles, as well as a handle incorporated into the back pad so you can catch your adventurous Goldendoodle if they get a little too curious near the bank of a river or the end of the trail.

This harness also comes with the necessary attachments for car rides, so your dog will stay as you travel to and from the hiking trail as well.

Pros:

• High quality materials perfect for larger, excited dogs
• Padding will keep your dog comfortable on longer hikes
• Lightweight design will ensure your Goldendoodle doesn’t overheat

Cons:

• No adjustment option in neck
• Can be difficult to put on and take off
• Edges may fray with long term use

Harness Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Comprised of one long Nylon cord
• Tensile strength up to 3700 pounds
• Adjustable rubber stops
• Two lips slip over the head and under the belly
• Slip lead design creates tension when dog pulls

Best No Escape Harness Lead — This slip lead harness is a soft, open option that will work well for dogs who do not need a ton of correction, but who have penchant for escaping harnesses. This design essentially wraps your pup in a loose knot that tightens when they pull or struggle.

Because the only material used in this harness (aside from the rubber adjustment pieces) is a strong Nylon rope, you do not need to worry about a strong Goldendoodle breaking out of this harness. The simplicity of this harness is one of its greatest strengths.

Pros:

• Made of durable Nylon cord
• Easy to size to individual dogs
• Highly breathable since it doesn’t cover much of the body

Cons:

• Round cord may create mats in Goldendoodle fur if used for too long at once
• Not chew proof
• Rope may twist

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Many size options and additional adjustment points
• Metal rings, plastic buckles
• Chest ring to prevent pulling
• Shoulder and belly strap buckles
• 7 color options

Best Walking Harness — The PetSafe Easy Walk harness truly is easy for both you and your dog. With nothing but a chest, shoulder, and belly strap that attach at two metal rings, this harness is a traditional and effective design. With 4 adjustment points, there is no worry of the harness not fitting correctly, and the martingale loop at the front ensures that the attachment ring won’t get lost in your Goldendoodle’s coat.

Color coding makes putting this harness on extra simple, though you should take note that while most of the hardware is made of metal, the buckles are made of plastic.

Pros:

• Simple, easy to use design
• Chest ring to prevent pulling during walks
• Many sizing and adjustment options

Cons:

• Plastic buckles may not hold up against heavy pulling Goldendoodles
• Not great at correcting pulling
• Straps may come loose during long walks

2 More Top Rated Harnesses

Want a few more options to peruse before deciding on a harness for your Goldendoodle? No problem! Here are a couple more top rated choices.

Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness

This vest style design slips over your dog’s head and buckles near the belly. It is reflective for added safety and padded to increase comfort. Since the only attachment point is at the back and the buckles are plastic, this harness is ideal for Goldendoodles who aren’t strong pullers.

PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness

Another highly rated option from PetSafe, this harness features neoprene-lined straps for ultimate comfort. It is equipped with chest and back rings for any level of pulling control, and comes with car safety restraints.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Goldendoodle Harnesses

In order to give you a comprehensive overview of Goldendoodle harnesses, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common FAQs related to the subject!

• What size harness should I get for my Goldendoodle? – This depends on your dog’s specific size. Generally speaking, Goldendoodles are large dogs, and if you keep your dog’s coat long, it will need a slightly larger size. Measure your Goldendoodle and compare its measurements with the size chart provided by the harness manufacturer to get the best possible fit.
• What kind of harness is best for a Goldendoodle that pulls? – Try to find a strong no pull harness with a chest ring, metal hardware, and that is made out of a very sturdy material. No chest ring will discourage pulling without causing your Goldendoodle any pain, and the other characteristics will ensure the harness doesn’t break under pressure.
• How much exercise do Goldendoodles need? – At least half an hour everyday, but more is a good idea. People often avoid walking excitable or friendly dogs like Goldendoodles because of the stress of constantly correcting their pups. If you take the time to find the right harness, walking will become enjoyable for both of you, and you won’t feel any dread about exercising your dog.
• How can I loose leash train my Goldendoodle? – With a harness, of course! After walking with a no pull harness, or correcting your dog for a while with any other type of harness, they will begin to learn that pulling is not an effective way to move about with you.

We hope these questions, and this entire guide, have helped clear up any confusion you were having about finding a harness for your Goldendoodle.

Conclusion

As you now know, a good harness will improve your quality of life as well as your pup’s. Every dog is different, and you alone are the best judge of which harness is right for your dog.
Whatever harness you choose to go with, we hope you buy one for your Goldendoodle soon so both of you can enjoy the many benefits!