Golden Retrievers are very friendly dogs who’re known for their outgoing personality and luscious golden coat. Often popular for obedience and dog sports, they are extremely happy and active and love to get a significant amount of exercise. If you own a Golden Retriever, you should be glad to have a loving yet powerful canine as your pet.
Golden Retrievers do make excellent family dogs as they are loving and trustworthy, but they often become unruly if they don’t get enough exercise. Golden Retrievers need more exercise than most of the other breeds. If you are to take your dog for exercise more than usual, you should have a dog harness. You will find it hard to control your Golden Retriever if you don’t get a dog harness. To ensure that your pooch doesn’t constantly pull you and jump during outdoor fun, get a quality harness. We have listed some of the best harnesses for Golden Retrievers to help you choose the one that suits your dog’s needs.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Things to Look for When Buying a Harness for Golden Retrievers
Due to their high energy levels, Golden Retrievers need a strong harness that’ll last through rugged hikes, strenuous jogs, and long walks. When choosing a harness for your pooch, it is important to get one that is made from heavy-duty material. A durable material that can withstand excessive daily use is imperative since Golden Retrievers are large and active dogs. Look for a dog harness that is made out of nylon with reinforced webbing, military-grade fabric, leather or other high-grade materials.
Golden Retrievers are hyper dogs so if they’re trying chase after something, they may wriggle out of the harness. Therefore, it is imperative for you to get a secure harness for your canine. It is also important to choose the right size harness for your pooch. Also, consider attachments and metal buckles as they will help keep the harness in one piece if your Golden Retriever pulls hard.
Safety features like a reflective trim or LED light attachment will help keep the dog visible on late night or early morning adventures. You could consider them when you are buying a harness for your pet. However, they aren’t an absolute must so you can skip them if you are short on budget.
It is also important that your pooch is comfortable while wearing the harness. A harness made of a cozy and high-quality material will ensure that your Golden Retriever is feeling great while wearing the harness. If the harness is made from a low-quality material or is too tight, it can cause irritation, chafing, and even injury.
If your Golden Retriever is an escape artist, consider purchasing a harness with more than one points of adjustment. This way you will be able to thoroughly adjust your Golden Retriever’s harness.
Different Types of Dog Harnesses
No-pull harnesses are popular among Golden Retrievers owners. The outgoing and playful behavior of the breed can be very challenging to keep in control. No-pull dog harnesses provide more stable control of the dog. When you have them, you will be able to redirect your Golden Retriever’s behavior in a safe, secure manner without causing injury.
There are 2-in-1 harnesses available for Golden Retrievers and they act as both a harness and car safety restraint. These harnesses are designed with extremely tough materials and are often crash-tested. Typically, a 2-in-1 harness has a handle through which you can get the seatbelt and secure your Golden Retriever in the vehicle.
Benefits of Using a Harness for Golden Retrievers
1. Little Pressure on Your Dog’s Neck
The best dog harness hugs your Golden Retriever’s neck to ensure that they don’t experience any pulling around the delicate neck area. The pressure to the neck can cause strain or injury if you use a collar around your dog’s neck and it has a habit of pulling very hard. A harness discourages pulling and helps to keep the pressure off the neck, directing it to the chest.
2. Better Control
A dog harness will give you better control over your Golden Retriever. Since these dogs are strong, they can create some resistance while you are trying to walk them. They may even free themselves out of their collar and runoff. A harness has multiple points of contact and they can be adjusted to fit the dog so that they don’t get out if it and are easier to control.
Best Harness for Golden Retrievers
After looking at all the dog harnesses on the market, we’ve narrowed it down to 6 of the best harnesses for Golden Retrievers. After looking through these options, you should have a good idea of which to buy for your Golden.
Julius-K9 IDC Power Harness
This is one of our favorite harnesses for Golden Retrievers. It’s an attractive and sturdy harness. The Julius-K9 features an adjustable handle which is quite large. There is a metal ring on top for lead attachments. Like other dog harnesses, the Julius-K9 can be easily fitted and removed and is breathable. It also has attachments for a torch and saddlebags, which do prove to be convenient. You can carry your golden treats with you easily thanks to these attachments.
The Julius-K9’s front strap is reflective providing additional safety to dog owners. Moreover, the outer shell of this harness is weather-proof. The Julius-K9 dog harness is expensive which is a given considering its quality and popularity.
One downside to the Julius-K9 is that it doesn’t have a chest ring. This may not be an issue for some dog owners, but others may find it inconvenient given the price range.
Pros of the Julius K-9
- Very reliable and sturdy design
- Breathable, waterproof material
- Additional features such as saddlebag attachments
- Strong buckles
Cons of the Julius K-9
- A little expensive
- No chest ring
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness resembles the Pets At Home Step In Harness. However, it has received a higher rating from dog owners and the leads attach to the dog’s chest instead of the back to provide extra control.
This harness is quite simple but works great for exerting more authority over your Golden Retriever during a walk or jog. The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is designed keeping in mind the opposition reflex. When the lead is pulled, the pooch instinctively leans away because of the pressure exerted on its chest. This makes it much easier for you to walk your Golden Retriever. Chest ring on this harness is off to the side and this automatically directs the canine towards the owner. The design is simple but clever.
If you have a strong Golden Retriever, you should consider getting the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. If you aren’t able to control your dog during the walk or exercise, this harness might just help.
Pros of the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
- Inexpensive
- 1-year warranty
- Easy to put on and off
- Reduce pulling due to the opposition reflex
Cons of the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
- Not suitable for all breeds especially very strong canines
- Some owners may find it too basic
EzyDog Quick Fit Harness
This is an attractive dog harness with a basic design. It is aimed at removing the common frustrations of dog owners around finding a suitable fit for their dog. The EzyDog Quick Fit Harness is made from neoprene material. It is waterproof and features reflective stitching throughout, improving night-time visibility. A single buckle secures your Golden Retriever firmly in the dog harness and the D-ring made of stainless steel at the back can be used for easy attachment of leads.
This is one of the best harnesses for active and bigger dog breeds such as the Golden Retriever. It is simple to fit, durable and strong. However, unlike other harnesses, it doesn’t have many features. If you want a simple and durable dog harness for your Golden Retriever and don’t fancy additional features, then the EzyDog Quick Fit Harness could be a good option for you.
Pros of the EzyDog Quick Fit Harness
- Easy to fit
- Durable and strong design
- A wide range of sizes and colors
- Reflective stitching offers increased visibility
Cons of the EzyDog Quick Fit Harness
- Doesn’t include a chest ring
2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
This is another top harness for Golden Retrievers. We recommend this to you because of its double connection leash design that makes it easier for you to steer your pooch in the direction of your choosing. Step-in design of the 2 Hounds Design Freedom’s harness makes it easier to put it on your dog. Moreover, multiple points of adjustments are there allowing a snug fit.
A leash attachment is there on two parts of this harness allowing you to redirect your pooch’s attention if they start pulling or try to chase prey. Reinforced padded nylon is used to build the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness and it comes with a leash. If your Golden Retriever is an escape artist, you should consider getting this harness for it to maintain more control over it during exercise.
Pros of the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No–Pull Dog Harness
- Multiple points of adjustments that allow a snug fit
- Provide greater control
- Reduces pulling, straining and twisting
Cons of the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
- Expensive
- Not weather-proof
Chai’s Choice Service Dog Vest Harness
Chai’s Choice Service Dog Vest Harness is pocket-friendly, ergonomic, and beautifully designed. Featuring a reflective material, this dog harness makes it safer for you to take your dog out for exercise at night. The Chai’s Choice Service Dog Vest Harness is available in a variety of colors and different sizes making it easier for you to choose the one that suits your needs.
This harness is tough and can withstand hard pullers like a Golden Retriever. If you’re looking for a dog harness for your Golden Retriever to keep it in control during a walk, then the Chai’s Choice Service Dog Vest Harness should be on your shortlist.
Pros of the Chai’s Choice Service Dog Vest Harness
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Padded for greater comfort
Cons of the Chai’s Choice Service Dog Vest Harness
- Slightly pricy
Kurgo Journey Dog Harness
Do you love taking your Golden Retriever to accompany you on your outdoor adventures? Then, consider getting the Kurgo Journey Dog Harness for your pooch. It is a great harness for high-performance dogs like the Golden Retriever. The chest plate of this harness is comfortable and breathable. Even if your Golden Retriever pulls hard, the plate won’t put the strain on their neck. For a no-pull design, you can attach your leash to the harness. There are multiple points of adjustment in the Kurgo Journey Dog Harness allowing for a snug fit. It is machine washable, which makes it suitable for your pet who loves getting dirty in the mud.
Pros of the Kurgo Journey Dog Harness
- Multiple points of adjustment
- A Comfortable and breathable chest plate
- Ideal for high-performance dogs
Cons of the Kurgo Journey Dog Harness
- Little pricey
- Not many additional features
Our Final Thoughts
We have discussed some of the best harnesses for Golden Retrievers. Now it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and the needs of your pooch. Take your time to consider the features and price of each harness we have discussed. If the price is a major factor for you, choose a harness that offers the best value at a low price like the EzyDog Quick Fit Harness. If budget isn’t an issue for you, go for a high-end harness like the Julius-K9.
We hope you find our Golden Retriever dog harness buyers guide to be helpful in selecting the right harness for your Golden Retriever.
