A dog harness is an accessory used for both larger and smaller breeds of dogs and there are a variety of designs to choose from, depending on the strength and size of the dog. They can be very useful for those who are training their dogs, as they provide the owner with more control over the dog's movements. They're generally used by dog owners who have pets who tend to pull on standard leads.

A dog harness is generally worn along with a dog collar and is a good alternative to the lead. Whilst a collar will simply cover the dog's neck, a harness is made up of straps that will go around the torso of the animal; these straps connect to one another for extra reinforcement. This design provides both the dog and the owner with more comfort when walking or training, as the even distribution of force when the dog pulls prevents any danger of the animal choking. It also prevents the dog from slipping free, which they could do much more easily with just a standard collar and lead. The use of a harness is becoming increasing popular with dog owners, particularly those with smaller pets.

A dog harness serves two main purposes; firstly, it can train the dog to stop pulling on the lead. Training harnesses tend to be more padded than walking harnesses, to prevent the material from digging into the dog's skin when they pull away. A training harness gives the owner of the dog more control over the how far the dog can move, without placing unnecessary pressure on the dog's throat.
Secondly, a harness can make taking your dog for a walk a much more pleasant experience, for both you and the pet in question. A walking harness is suitable for dogs that may have some minor obedience issues, such as slight pulling when they walk, or mild aggression towards other dogs. Whilst trying to control an agitated dog when they are on a standard lead and collar can be difficult and stressful, a dog in a walking harness is far easier to manage. Dog harnesses are a great option for pet owners who want to avoid using pinch collars or choke collars. Unlike these collars, which can inflict pain on the animal and make it hard for them to breathe when they pull on the lead, a harness will give the same amount of control without hurting the animal in any way.