Top-notch pups deserve top-notch harnesses for their daily excursions.

Taking your little guy or gal out for a walk should be fun and hassle-free, but we all know that’s not always the case.

Here’s a look at the best harnesses that make life easier and also cater specifically to the needs of French Bulldogs.

We’ll take an in-depth look at each of these industry-leading harnesses and how they each address the potential challenges we face while on walks with our Frenchies.

Why Your Frenchie Needs A Harness

At this point everyone is pretty much up to speed on the fact that harnesses are, in nearly all cases, superior to collars when it comes to walking your dog.

The main point of a harness is to redistribute the force of the leash to the dog’s body and legs rather than his neck.

This is actually even more important for Frenchie owners because French Bulldogs are Brachycephalic dogs.

That’s a scientific word meaning that Frenchies have substantially shorter snouts than dogs of most other breeds.

Because of this, most Frenchies have one or more physical traits that may impact the amount of oxygen Frenchies are able to take in:

• Narrow Nostrils, which can restrict airflow
• Elongated Soft Palate, which can cause blockage to the trachea
• Hypoplastic Trachea, which means the trachea is more narrow than normal
• Everted Laryngeal Saccules, which is a condition that can further obstruct the airways

As a result, the force applied by a traditional collar typically puts additional stress on Frenchies’ necks, further exacerbating the problem.

Walking and running require more oxygen than the usual activities around the house, so when Frenchies go out for a walk, it is important that they have a good harness to ensure they get the proper airflow that they need.

Two other reasons to get you and your Frenchie a good harness are the fact that most Frenchies are notorious leash pullers and also the fact they have a slightly thicker chest than most dogs their size.

These are two things that the features of a good harness will take care of.

What We’ll Look For In A Good Harness For Frenchies

Below are the main features you should look for in a good harness. You can also check out the article “Dog Harnesses: A Complete Breakdown Of The 6 Types” to understand the significance of each of these elements.

• Dual Leash Attachment Clips
• Dual Buckles
• Padded Vest
• Breathable Material
• Adjustable Straps
• Back Handles
• ID Pocket
• Durability
• Reflectivity

Top Dog Harness Picks For French Bulldogs

Here are our picks for the best harnesses for French Bulldogs. Each of the harnesses on this list have all received outstanding reviews across the net and in-store.

Ruffwear

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is one of the best harnesses on the market today.

It’s an activewear harness that is designed for extended periods of play and exercise outdoors.

It boasts a features list to be reckoned with.

The dual leash attachment clips provide options for your adventure. Attach your leash to the front clip to take advantage of the harness’s no-pull mechanism during casual walks.

It helps your dog not to walk or run too far ahead of you. The back clip is better suited to more rigorous activities like running, biking and hiking; activities where it’s ok to let your little guy or gal lead the way.

This harness has 4 adjustable straps and 6 points of adjustment which ensure that you’re able to get a great fit customized to the shape of your Frenchie’s body without worrying about him slipping out and running away from you.

When it comes to the fit of the Ruffwear Front Range, we’ve found that it has two features at the front of that harness that are particularly good for Frenchies.

These are the padded vest panel and the adjustable neck straps.

In terms of protecting the Frenchie’s sensitive airways, these features work together to keep pressure off of the Frenchie’s neck and allow for a fit that covers the exact size of his neck.

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is a harness that leaves little to be desired, covering all the bases necessary for a safe and comfortable walk for you and your Frenchie.

Puppia

The Puppia Rite Fit Harness is a simple harness that caters to small-to-medium sized dogs perfectly.

It’s lightweight, breathable and constructed with a padded polyester mesh. The Rite Fit was designed to do exactly what the name suggests – fit correctly.

This harness is one of few dog harnesses that features an adjustable neck which, once again, caters well to Frenchies when sized properly. The simple design also makes it extremely easy to put on.

Style and comfort prevail with Puppia Rite Fit.

This one is already a heavy favorite with small-to-medium sized dogs and has even attracted a niche following of cat owners.

Ecobark

The last harness on the list also comes highly recommended.

The EcoBark Classic Dog Harness was designed specifically not to constrict the trachea.

Its design puts comfort and fit first with features like its dual-layered, all-weather mesh and anti-rub fabric that prevent chafing and other discomfort.

EcoBark claims that their harness is escape-proof as long as the correct size is chosen.

It’s designed to sit up a little higher on the body than a normal harness, making slipping out of the harness next to impossible.

The front of the harness sits around the neck comfortably, while the back leash attachment sits low enough on the back to distribute the leash tension to the shoulders and away form the neck.

Why These Are The Best Harnesses For Frenchies

The Ruffwear Front Range, Puppia RiteFit and EcoBark Harnesses were all chosen specifically for Frenchies because they cater to small-to-medium sized dogs.

Their adjustable straps allow for a completely custom and secure fit and they do not put any unnecessary blockage or constriction at the neck.

Besides that, they’re decked out with features that cater to comfort, style and durability without sacrificing functionality.

Each of these harnesses has also been highly reviewed across the net by satisfied purchasers.

Biggest Problems With Cheap Harnesses

The biggest problem with cheap harnesses is that they don’t protect against a dog walker’s biggest problems – leash pulling and harness escapes.

Most seasoned dog owners have experienced one or the other at some point in time.

We’ve all either had a dog who’s so excited that he almost pulls your arm off or a rambunctious dog whose harness escape skill rivals that of Houdini himself.

Either way, a good harness will protect you from both of these less than ideal situations. 

Conclusion

The right harness will make life easier for you and more comfortable for your Frenchie.

The 3 harnesses recommended in this list have a brilliant set of features that cater extremely well to Frenchies and their needs.

If you’re using an old or out-of-date harness, upgrade today and make your next walk a better experience.

The post What’s The Best Harness For A French Bulldog? appeared first on Frenchie Talk.

Spend 15 minutes researching the best dog harnesses available today and you’ll find pretty much the same results on every article you come across.

There are some major players in the dog harness industry that are basically dominating the competition.

Most of these few names mentioned on nearly every review of the best dog harnesses on the market have indeed populated these lists for good reason, but in this article we will take a closer look and see if all the hype is worth it.

You can also check out the article: “Dog Harnesses: A Complete Breakdown Of The 6 Types” to understand the different structures and configurations that define every dog harness.

We’ve done our research and judging by the fact that you’re reading this article, you have too.

Whether you’re here looking to find your pup’s next harness or just checking to see how your current harness compares to the industry’s best, let’s take a deeper dive into the features and benefits of each of these impressive dog harnesses and listen to what buyers from Amazon, Wal-Mart, PetCo, etc. have to say.

RabbitGoo 3M Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

Reviews

• Over 29,000 Ratings
• 85% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

Description

RabbitGoo’s 3M Reflective No Pull Dog Harness has basically every feature imaginable in a dog harness.

It’s extremely easy to put on.

It has 4 adjustable straps to achieve a custom fit for your dog that reviewers have reported is very effective against dogs who are good at slipping out of their harnesses.

It’s apt for both daytime and nighttime strolls as the chest panel and other components throughout the harness are made of 3M reflective nylon.

The harness has a back handle whose purpose is 2-fold.

First, it allows you to instantly gain control of your dog in situations where you need to make sure he stays put.

Second, you can slip a seat belt through it to secure your dog on car rides.

RabbitGoo’s 3M Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is genuinely top of the line.

It’s durable, comfortable and available at a great price point.

This harness definitely lives up to the hype and deserves its spot at the top of every Top 10 list out there.

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

Common among praisers of the RabbitGoo 3M Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is the fact that it does indeed work to correct the issue of dogs pulling on the leash.

Another common point of praise is that it works well to prevent the dog from slipping out of the harness.

This functionality coupled with nearly every bell and whistle available in a dog harness has made for 1000’s of satisfied customers worldwide.

Negative Reviews

A common point of critique among negative reviews was that the harness either chafed or left a rash on the dog after a while.

The number of complaints of this type is very low relative to the number of reviews from satisfied customers who did not have the same problem.

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventurer

Reviews

• Over 280 Ratings
• 64% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

Description

Kurgo is another brand that you will see at the top of a lot of Best Harness lists.

As far as features go, the harness is top of the line.

Boasting a features list nearly identical to the Rabbitgoo harness above, Kurgo’s Go-Tech Adventurer is ideal for active outdoor activities like running, jumping and hiking.

The harness is designed to be more lightweight and breathable than the typical harness in order to be as comfortable as possible on your dog for any adventure, as the name suggests.

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

Praisers of the Kurgo Go-Tech Harness commonly cite the harness’s high points to be its effectiveness as a pull stopper and as an active dog harness.

Quality is another boasting point for this harness.

There are quality complaints found in the reviews of even the very best harnesses on the market but very few negative remarks are made toward this harness’s quality.

Negative Reviews

The most common point of concern amongst purchasers is the sizing of the neck hole and the lack of sufficient points of adjustability.

Many people love the harness in most other aspects, but many reviewers have cited the fit of the harness as the reason for not being able to give it higher marks.

The problem is that while the straps that connect at the back of the harness have 4 adjustment points, the head hole is not adjustable at all.

So what has happened is that for everyone who has a dog with a head and neck that naturally fit the head hole, most of the reviews are positive.

But for those that do not have dogs this size, most cite the sizing and fit of the harness to be a fatal flaw.

Freedom No Pull

The Freedom No Pull Harness is reportedly very effective in communication and control of dogs and for this reason comes highly recommended by dog trainers.

The enhanced control of this harness comes from the positioning not only of the front clip leash attachment (which provides the traditional anti-pull mechanism) but also the positioning of the back clip which is located between the shoulders, quite a bit closer to the back of the neck than most other harnesses.

The Freedom No Pull harness also comes with a dual-headed leash which can attach to both the front and back leash clips on the harness at the same time which sets up a very effective system of leash training when used correctly.

Reviews

• Over 170 Ratings
• 73% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

Reviews for the Freedom No Pull Harness are largely mixed but in an interesting fashion.

The positive reviews nearly all confirm that the harness is extremely effective in leash training and keeping the dog from being able to pull you. 

Negative Reviews

The negative reviews almost all come from purchasers who have bought the harness and said that it only lasted a very short time, in some cases less than 2 weeks.

Some reviewers report that they have also not been able to utilize the company’s lifetime chewing replacement policy as the company, 2 Hounds Design, has informed them that the damage that they incurred was not a result of chewing.

Though there are many negative reviews of this type, there are very few negative reviews that claim that the harness itself is ineffective when fully intact.

PetSafe 3-in-1

The PetSafe 3-in-1 is a highly versatile harness with nearly every feature imaginable.

This one has topped many-a-list because of its no-pull functionality, it’s ease of use in running, jogging and hiking, its reflective material, its 5 adjustment points, its 3 breakaway buckles, its neoprene-lined straps for ensured comfort, its car seat belt attachment loop and its dual front and back leash attachment clips.

The PetSafe 3-in-1 covers most dog owners needs in a durable harness.

Reviews

• Over 900 Ratings
• 80% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

The PetSafe 3-in-1 has received relatively high marks both across the net and in customer reviews.

Purchasers are largely blown away by the versatility, convenience and effectiveness of this harness especially among larger breeds.

Negative Reviews

Little can be found in terms of dissatisfaction aside from the traditional reviews reporting breaks and damage that are typical to nearly every dog harness.

The PetSafe 3-in-1 does not have a lot of these types of reviews which likely suggests that the majority of these reviews are anomalies.

Another good sign is that there are few reviews if any that state that the company has not, or will not honor its chewing and scratching replacement policy.

Overall, reviews and blogs suggest that the PetSafe 3-in-1 is a good purchase.

Ruffwear Front Range

The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is another all-inclusive, feature-boasting harness that rightfully deserves its place in the discussion of best dog harnesses on the market.

It boasts all the necessary bells and whistles, dual leash attachment clips front and back, padded vest for comfort, 4 adjustable straps providing a custom fit, bright fabrics with reflective trim for both day and nighttime outings.

But the Ruffwear Front Range is unique in that it is designed to be lightweight and durable specifically for long periods of outdoor exercise or adventure and appears to carry this out effectively.

Reviews

• Over 5,500 Ratings
• 86% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

The list of reviews for the Ruffwear Front Range Harness across blog lists and customer reviews are largely favorable.

In fact, this harness has received the most positive remarks from any medium to large dog harness on this list.

Purchasers love the harness’s effectiveness, versatility, durability and craftsmanship.

It’s an all-situation harness ready for anything you and your dog can throw at it. 

Negative Reviews

The majority of dissatisfaction stems from customers who have had their dog escape from the harness.

This has been reported in multiple reviews, but even so the total number of reviews of this type are relatively very low out of all the reviews that this harness has received.

Another point to note is that many unsatisfied customers were those who ordered the wrong size for their dog.

Based on this and the fact that all four straps on the Ruffwear Front Range Harness are fully adjustable, a likely reasoning is that a number of the escapes were due in part to customers who did not order the correct size to begin with.

Puppia Rite Fit

The Puppia Rite Fit is a special harness that caters more to small breed dogs.

It’s selling points are comfort and the fact that it does not necessarily have to go over your little dog’s head.

The harness has an adjustable neck, a key feature that is not found in most harnesses.

In relation to the other best-sellers on this list, the Puppia Rite fit is in a league of its own and serves a niche audience of dog and dog owner.

There is even a large group of cat owners who have adopted this harness for their cats because of its high level of comfort and non-over-the-head style attachment.

The mesh of the body is another feature that plays a role in comfort. The harness is padded, lightweight and breathable, which is a very good combination especially for small dogs. 

Reviews

• Over 1,900 Ratings
• 85% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

As far as harnesses for small dogs, the Puppia Rite Fit really dominates the market for good reason. Online reviewers have given this harness very good remarks and high praise for the way it caters to the population of small breeds… and even cats. 

Negative Reviews

The most common negative reviews concern sizing issues but with such a high population of buyers using this product for cats, many of these sizing reviews come from people using this product outside of its intended use.

Dog owners report many fewer sizing issues. The harness has an adjustable chest belt and an adjustable neck strap making it very easy to custom fit for dogs. 

Voyager All Weather

The Voyager All Weather Harness is another great choice for small dogs.

It’s made of a breathable mesh and includes a velcro closure for a truly custom fit.

This is the only harness on this list that does not have a front leash attachment so it’s not really a harness made for pullers.

It is also the only harness on this list that is a step-in rather than over-the-head harness.

Step-in designs are extremely easy to put on if you have a dog that will stand still while you close it.

And even if you don’t this harness caters to small dogs which are often lifted to put this kind of harness on.

The reason why this harness makes this list is because, like all the others, it has been cited among several lists as being one of the best in the business and the reason may be because it is the perfect alternative to the other popular harnesses on the market.

The harness’s features serve smaller, calmer dogs extremely well and offer a simple, comfortable, easy-to-put-on design for the little guys and gals.

Reviews

• Over 12,000 Ratings
• 88% were 4-Star or 5-Star ratings

What Purchasers Had To Say

Positive Reviews

The Voyager has received very high marks across the net.

Comfort and fit are the main highlights of purchasers who praise this harness.

The composition of the harness keeps smaller dogs warm in cool weather and yet allows the necessary breathability in warmer weather thus catering to comfort year-round. 

Negative Reviews

Most negative remarks come from purchasers whose dog was able to slip out of the harness.

The amount of comments of this type are extremely low and like the majority of slip-outs, are likely due to buying the incorrect size and/or incorrectly utilizing the available adjustment straps.

Reports of escapes are alarming but in cases like this where the number of people who haven’t had any problems with harness escapes drastically outnumbers those who have, it is safe to conclude that the majority of slips occurred as a result of something other than the harness itself.

Conclusion

This list of 7 well-designed dog harnesses has something to offer each type of dog regardless of size, shape or demeanor.

Each has garnered high marks in the areas of safety, comfort and durability which is why they top the lists of so many reviewers throughout the industry.

Have another look through to see if one might serve as your next upgrade for an enhanced outdoor experience with your furry companion.

The post The 7 Best Reviewed Dog Harnesses of 2020 appeared first on Frenchie Talk.

Walking your furry friend is an on-going ritual.

Every dog is extremely unique in his or her size, shape, demeanor and also in how they walk on a leash.

Because each dog is so different, the pet care industry has created a massive array of different harnesses that aim to make taking your dog for a walk a simpler, safer and more comfortable experience for you and your little buddy.

As a result, we now have so many different harnesses to choose from, that picking the right one can be overwhelming.

Well you’re in the right place! This breakdown will make choosing the right harness a “walk in the park”.

So as it turns out, there are actually only 2 different factors that define nearly every dog harness:

• Where the harness attaches to the leash
• How the harness attaches to your dog

And then there are 2 or 3 different styles within each of those 2 parameters:

• Where the harness attaches to the leash:
  • Front Clip
  • Back Clip
  • Dual Clip

• How the harness attaches to your dog:
  • Over-The-Head
  • Step-In

Every harness essentially combines 1 style from the top list with 1 style from the bottom list to create the basis for the harness design. This gives us basically 6 different styles of harness:

Benefits of Each Type of Dog Harness

Every combination caters to a different type of dog. Here is what to consider about each harness style when choosing the right harness for your pup:

Over-The-Head Harness VS. Step-In Harnesses

Over-The-Head harnesses are much more common than step-in harnesses because you have to put both of your dog’s feet into the step-in holes and he has to leave them there for about 3 seconds while you reach around and pull the harness up around him to snap it in place.

It’s an easy snap but many dogs are likely to move their paws before you can close the harness.

Over-The-Head harnesses are better for dogs who don’t mind things going down over their head and Step-In harnesses are better for dogs who won’t tolerate this, as long as they can stand still long enough for you to close a step-in harness.

Back Clip VS. Front Clip Harnesses

Back Clip leash connections are still the go-to choice on the market today. This is the traditional leash connection.

Everyone knows how it works and how to use it. It is the best choice for certain situations where you actually do want your dog to be able to pull.

For instance, when you’re running, biking or hiking with your dog, it’s good to have a back clip connection so that you and your dog’s paths don’t cross accidently.

This is a situation where a front clip won’t work.

The front clip leash connection does a very special job.

It prevents your dog from being able to pull you.

It does this by redirecting his path when he gets to the end of the leash and there’s no more slack.

This forces your dog to regroup before he can move on and make forward progress.

Since your dog naturally wants to move forward, he tends to start to move closer to your pace to avoid being redirected.

Both configurations have their benefits and therefore each caters to a specific purpose.

Dual Clip Harnesses

As far as leash connections go, dual clip harnesses are becoming an easy favorite and will likely become the norm.

They also make the most sense because they let you choose where you want to connect the leash and allow you to change it whenever you need to.

You can even connect to both clips at the same time if you have a leash with 2 leads.

This configuration is used to provide added stability for bigger, more powerful breeds, or more aggressive dogs in general.

Special Types of Dog Harnesses

Now that we understand the basic harness types, there are a few terms that are often also thrown in the mix which really just describe some additional features rather than another type of harness altogether. These terms are:

• No-Pull Harness
• Vest Harness
• Tightening Harness

No Pull Harness

The “no-pull” feature of a harness has been so widely advertised in recent years that many people believe that it is a completely different type of harness altogether.

It’s not.

It actually just describes one of the features that we mentioned above: the front clip harness.

A no-pull harness is a harness that is designed to not allow your dog to pull you forward by walking too far ahead of you and pulling on the leash.

It does this by putting the leash attachment in front of the dog on his chest so that when he runs out ahead of you, the tightening leash will redirect his path and swing him toward you rather than allowing him to pull you forward.

The name given to the concept is “no-pull” but it really just indicates that it is a harness with a leash clip in the front.

Vest Harness

A “vest harness” like the no-pull harness again describes a certain feature rather than a completely different type of harness altogether.

A vest harness can be any of the 6 styles of harnesses that we outlined above with the only difference being that the word “vest” describes the width and padded thickness of the straps especially the strap that stretches down from your dog’s neck and shoulders to his belly.

Where many traditional harnesses use thin straps that are all pretty much the same width, a vest harness typically has a much wider middle strap that is also usually cushioned for your dog’s overall comfort and too prevent chafing on this part of the body and in the armpits that can sometimes happen with thin straps.

This larger panel reduces pressure to the areas where it contacts the body, mitigating the possibility of irritation.

This is designed especially with bigger, more powerful dogs in mind but will effectively eliminate chafing and irritation in all breeds.

Tightening Harness

The tightening harness is yet another style, though it is much less popular because of the way it works.

Like the no-pull harness, a tightening harness aims to discourage a dog from pulling on the leash.

It does this with a design that allows the straps on the harness to become much more snug around the dog’s body when he pulls on the leash.

It was designed as a training method using negative feedback to teach dogs to walk with some slack in the leash.

The tension that the dog feels is not excessive, but most owners prefer the no-pull/front clip concept for getting their dog not to pull.

Other Key Features of Dog Harnesses

Other key features to note on dog harnesses include:

• Reflectivity
• Adjustability
• Breathability
• Back Handle
• Car Safety

Reflectivity

Many dog harnesses are made of highly reflective materials like 3M.

Harnesses like these appeal to people who take their dogs for walks/runs after sundown to ensure visibility with passing vehicles.

Adjustability

Good harnesses have 2-4 adjustable straps to customize the harnesses fit to each individual dog.

Typically the number of adjustable straps on the harness indicate just how perfect the fit can become.

This is a VERY important feature for some pet owners because some dogs, known as “Houdini’s”, are innately gifted with the ability to maneuver themselves out of even some of the industry’s highest quality harnesses.

If this describes your dog, you definitely want a harness with at least 2 adjustable straps.

Breathability

Vest harnesses, as we discussed above, add padding and protection for your dog’s skin but can also cause your dog to sweat more on hotter days.

Because of this, some companies have developed vest harnesses constructed with mesh around the padding instead of a solid, less breathable material to enable air to be able to flow through the vest and any perspiration to flow out and evaporate.

Back Handles

A back handle is simply a handle on the back of the harness near the back ring, where the owner can grab hold and have complete control of the dog.

Think of it as an emergency brake for your dog for situations where you need to make sure he stays put.

These can definitely come in handy with bigger dogs, for instance, when small children or small animals like birds and rabbits are present that your dog will want to chase.

Car Safety

Some harnesses are designed with car trips in mind.

Many people drive their dogs to the park or trail for walks and exercise. For this, there are several harnesses that are crash tested and come with accessories for securing the harness to the car like a seat belt to keep him safe.

This is also helpful in making sure your dog stays put while you drive so he won’t distract you.

Examples Of Different Types Of Dog Harnesses

Now that we’ve covered all the different designs, and design elements, let’s look at some of the most popular examples of each type available on the market today.

These 8 examples are the industry-leaders in each category and have all received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

RabbitGoo 3M Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

• Over-The-Head
• Dual Clip
• Vest
• Reflective

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventurer

• Over-The-Head
• Dual Clip
• Vest

Freedom No Pull

• Over-The-Head
• Dual Clip
• Dual Lead Leash

PetSafe Easy Walk

• Over-The-Head
• Front Clip
• Back Handle

Ruffwear Front Range

• Over-The-Head
• Dual Clip
• Reflective

Gooby Perfect Fit X Choke-Free

• Step-In
• Back Clip

Puppia Rite Fit

• Over-The-Head
• Back Clip
• Mesh Vest

Voyager All Weather

• Step-In
• Back Clip
• Mesh Vest

Conclusion

So next time you’re in the pet store or shopping online you’ll be able to make sense of that jumble of straps, pads and clips.

The points in this article can help guide your research but ultimately you’ll need to test a couple harnesses out and determine what’s right for your little buddy. Happy Trails! 

The post Dog Harnesses: A Complete Breakdown of the 6 Types appeared first on Frenchie Talk.