🐾 What’s the Best Harness for My Dog? A Guide for Bayshore Dog Owners

Ryan R.
Oct 22
3 min read

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with straps, buckles, and a squirmy pup while trying to get a harness on, you’re not alone! As professional dog walkers here at Dog Days NJ, one of the most common questions we hear from clients in Aberdeen, Matawan, Hazlet, Holmdel, and Keyport is:

“What’s the best harness for my dog?”

Dog Days NJ walk in Keyport NJ with a Pomeranian and terrier mix wearing escape-proof dog harnesses.

The right harness makes all the difference—it keeps your dog secure, comfortable, and makes walks more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how to choose the best one for your pup.

🦴 Why a Good Harness Matters

A well-fitted harness isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety. Dogs who slip out of their harnesses (especially when startled by a loud noise or another dog) can quickly get into dangerous situations. A good harness should:

Prevent escapes with multiple adjustment points and a snug fit.
Distribute pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders rather than the neck.
Be easy to put on and take off—because no one wants a pre-walk puzzle.
Keep your dog comfortable with breathable, durable materials.

Boston Terrier wearing a secure dog harness during a Dog Days NJ walk in Matawan, NJ looking back at the camera.

🐕 The Best Dog Harnesses for Escape Artists

After years of walking dogs across the Bayshore, our team has tried them all. These are the harnesses we most often recommend to clients:

Ruffwear Web Master Harness

Perfect for “Houdini” dogs who can wiggle out of anything. It offers five points of adjustment for a truly snug fit and even includes a handle on the back for extra control. Ideal for active dogs and hikers.

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness

Built tough for working dogs, this one features reflective elements for nighttime visibility and sturdy, adjustable straps. Great for medium to large breeds.

Houdini Ultra Harness by Blue-9

Designed specifically for escape-prone dogs, this harness has a double-clip system and multiple adjustment points for maximum security.

Gooby Escape-Free Harness (for Small Dogs)

If your dog is under 20 lbs, the Gooby is a fantastic option. It tightens slightly when pulled, preventing backward slipping without causing discomfort.

OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness

For strong, energetic dogs, the OneTigris offers military-grade durability with both front and back leash attachments for better control.

Dog wearing an escape-proof harness on a safe Dog Days NJ walk in Hazlet, NJ.

🐶 Fitting and Training Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe

Even the best harness won’t help if it’s not fitted properly or used correctly. Here are a few professional tips from our dog walking team:

✅ Get the Right FitYour dog’s harness should be snug but comfortable—you should be able to fit only two fingers under the straps. Check for signs of shifting or slipping after a walk.

✅ Use a Double-Clip Leash SetupAttach one clip to the harness and one to the collar as a safety backup—especially for new clients or rescue dogs who are still adjusting.

✅ Practice Calm Leash BehaviorTeach your dog reliable “Stay” and “Come” commands and reward calm walking. A well-trained dog is less likely to bolt or pull suddenly.

✅ Try a Martingale Collar for BackupFor extra peace of mind, use a Martingale collar along with the harness. These tighten gently when pulled, preventing slipping without choking your dog.

🏡 Keeping Bayshore Dogs Safe on Every Walk

Whether you’re walking your pup around Aberdeen’s residential neighborhoods, Matawan’s tree-lined streets, or Holmdel’s scenic parks, a secure and comfortable harness helps make every outing stress-free and enjoyable.

At Dog Days NJ, our experienced walkers are trained to handle all types of harnesses and dog personalities—we make sure every dog in our care is safe, happy, and enjoying their walk.

If you’re ever unsure which harness is best for your dog, ask us! We’re always happy to share what works best for your pup’s size, breed, and temperament.