- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
One of the most recognizable brands in the pet industry, Kong is synonymous with quality. That’s why many dog owners turn to this Colorado-based pet product company when shopping for essentials. Much like your dog’s favorite chew toy, a Kong harness for dogs is both functional and durable.
Although they come in a variety of styles and colors (and some make quite a fashion statement), the true purpose of a dog harness is to give owners more control of their dogs while out on walks. Dog harnesses also prevent strain and injury to a dog’s trachea caused by pulling too hard on a leash.
A harness is ideal for puppies who haven’t yet learned to walk on a lead. Plus, they offer the advantage of being more escape-proof than a collar since they contain multiple points of attachment on a dog’s body. However, unlike a collar, harnesses are not generally meant to be on around-the-clock and should be taken off when a dog is at home or at rest.
What’s So Great About a Kong Harness for Dogs?
What makes Kong harnesses special are features like reflective materials, sturdy leash attachments, and control handles. Reflective materials improve nighttime visibility while handles on the front or back of the harness make it easier for you to control or pick up your dog when needed. Since comfort is often a key concern for pet owners, some Kong harnesses also contain thick inner padding in the right areas in order to avoid any chafing or irritation to your dog’s skin.
When selecting a Kong harness for dogs, the most important step is to make sure you get the sizing right. Instead of ordering a size based solely on your dog’s weight, it’s a good idea to measure your dog’s chest and neck girth. To do so, you simply need to wrap a measuring tape around the broadest part of your dog’s chest and around their neck. Since you don’t want the harness to be too tight, add two extra inches to each measurement. Then, compare your measurements to the sizing chart for the product to choose the most appropriate size.
See also: How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness, Clothes, and Costumes
Before ordering a harness, you may also want to consider the following:
- Safety: First and foremost, is the harness a good fit for your pet? Is your dog comfortable wearing it? A snug and secure fit is key for keeping your dog safe.
- Durability: Beyond fit, you should also consider the material and whether it seems durable and long-lasting. If your dog is a heavy chewer, you may want to consider the harness’ chew-resistance, as well.
- Cost: While price shouldn’t be the most important consideration in selecting a harness, finding one that’s within your budget and will last your dog as long as possible is often a goal of cost-conscious pet owners.
- Style: Your dog won’t notice or care what color his harness is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick out your own favorite color. Kong harnesses typically come in vibrant solid colors.
Ready to shop? Take a look below at the four best Kong harnesses you can buy.
Available in three colors (red, dark green, and gray), this Kong padded harness has a neoprene lining to help make your dog feel as comfortable as possible while wearing it.
What we like about it:
- The harness is made of strong nylon webbing with durable plastic buckles
- Both the collar and chest straps are fully adjustable to ensure a perfect fit
- A padded handle on the back allows you to grab or redirect your pet
- Reflective striping on the front of the chest panel makes the dog extra visible at night
- The wide front panel distributes weight more evenly to prevent chafing
- Neoprene inner lining makes this one of the most comfortable harnesses Kong makes
With four points of adjustment, this Kong on-the-go harness is an ideal harness for small, hard-to-fit dogs.
What we like about it:
- The harness is made of lightweight paracord material
- It’s fully adjustable with multiple adjustment points
- Simply place the harness over the dog’s head to put it on
- Reflective stripes help make your dog more visible in low-light conditions
Available sizes: Extra-Small and Small
Simple to put on and ultra-comfortable while worn, this Kong comfort padded harness is a great option for an everyday harness for dogs of all sizes.
What we like about it:
- The harness is padded on the inside for maximum comfort
- A handle on the back makes it easier for pet owners to grab or hold onto the dog
- Both belly and chest straps are fully adjustable
- There is a strong D-ring leash attachment on the back
Available sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large
This Kong reflective dog harness has a unique feature: a pocket on the back where you can store waste bags or another small item.
What we like about it:
- The harness is fully adjustable with two metal buckles
- The zippered pocket is the perfect size for storing a roll of waste bags—no need to clip them to your leash or carry them in your hand
- A handle on the back of the harness allows pet owners to hold onto the pet directly, giving them more control
- Reflective stitching helps make your dog more visible
Available sizes: Medium, Large, and Extra-Large