Best Dog Harness for Large Dogs? Here’s What Really Works

Living with big, lovely dogs is indeed fun. Despite the challenges of living with them because of their size, you eventually learn to live like this and find out it's worth it. 

A reliable harness for large dogs is beyond being a comfort accessory. It’s a must-have for safety and control, and your dog’s well-being.

Making every walk enjoyable for both dogs and their humans remains our priority at DOOG. We share a simple mission: providing high-quality gear that keeps your furry mate safe and happy while giving you peace of mind. 

What makes the best harness for large dogs, and how to get one that perfectly matches your best friend’s lifestyle, let’s find out. 

Why Large Dogs Need the Right Harness

Large dogs need the right harness to stay safe. It also improves comfort and control by distributing pressure across their chest instead of their neck - it offers many benefits, including: 

• Prevents injury and choking

• Improves steering 

• Prevents escape, etc. 

Large, lovely breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, Rottweilers, and Labradors are strong and full of energy. A low-quality or poorly fitted harness can cause discomfort, strain, or injury, especially around the chest and shoulders.

When you choose a strong harness, you ensure even distribution of its strength across the body. You confidently prevent choking or neck strain. You also enjoy better control on walks without compromising their comfort or freedom. 

What to Look for in a Large Dog Harness

When choosing a heavy-duty dog harness, consider these essential features:

1. Strength and Durability

The harness needs to withstand pulling and regular outdoor adventures. Look for weather-resistant materials like nylon webbing, reinforced stitching, and metal D-rings for leash attachment.

2. Comfort and Padding

A well-padded harness prevents chafing during long walks or runs. Soft linings, especially around the chest and belly, make a world of difference for large breeds that need daily exercise.

Tip: The DOOG Neotech harness line offers soft, breathable padding - perfect for big dogs who love long outdoor adventures.

3. Easy Adjustability

Every large dog has a unique body shape. A harness with multiple adjustable straps ensures a snug yet comfortable fit that doesn’t restrict movement.

Look for a front-and-back clip system - this allows flexibility in control, especially for dogs still learning leash manners.

4. Secure Fastenings

Big dogs can be escape artists. Secure, quick-release buckles made of heavy-duty plastic or metal keep your dog safely harnessed while still being easy to remove when needed.

5. Reflective Elements

Safety doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Reflective stitching or trim helps keep your dog visible on early-morning or evening walks - something DOOG intentionally designs into our walking gear.

Training Tips for Walking Large Dogs

Here are some tried-and-tested tips that can help you walk your strong dog with ease and even maximize your walks’ productivity. You’ll need consistency and good technique, even if you have the best harness for him:

1. Short, controlled walks will significantly help at the beginning. You are familiarizing your dog with the harness before trying out longer adventures. 

2. Take help from positive reinforcement. Develop a habit of rewarding him for calm walks and good behavior. 

3. Check positioning - it really matters. Keep your dog at your side, not in front of you. By doing this, you encourage attentiveness and reduce pulling. 

4. Combine with a leash. The DOOG Walkie Leash works perfectly with large-dog harnesses, providing strength, grip, and style.

If you’re new to leash training, the RSPCA offers valuable resources to help you train your dog for safe walking. 

DOOG’s Top Pick: The Neotech Heavy-Duty Harness

If you’re searching for the best dog harness for large dogs, look no further than the DOOG Neotech Harness.

Here’s why it’s a favourite among large-dog owners across Australia:

• Extra Strength: Made with a dual-layer nylon structure and reinforced D-rings for security.

• Comfort Fit: Soft neoprene padding reduces rubbing and provides breathable comfort.

• Adjustable Fit: Four adjustment points ensure it stays snug, even during playtime.

• Front and Back Attachment: Gives you better control over pulling or training.

• Reflective Safety Trim: For visibility in low-light conditions.

Whether you’re walking through the park, hiking trails, or running by the beach, this strong dog harness gives your big mate the perfect blend of safety and freedom.

Large Dog Harness vs. Collar: What’s Safer?

Collars are great for ID tags, but when it comes to control, a harness wins hands down for large breeds. Collars can strain the neck, especially if your dog pulls suddenly. Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and back, keeping your dog safe and comfortable.

If your large dog tends to lunge or get overly excited, a front-clip harness like the Neotech gives you gentle redirection and better handling - without hurting them.

How to Measure Your Dog for the Perfect Fit

Getting the right size matters. Follow these quick steps:

1. Measure around the chest (the widest part, just behind the front legs).

2. Measure around the neck (where the collar naturally sits).

3. Refer to DOOG’s size guide to find the best match for your breed.

A snug fit keeps your dog secure while allowing free movement for play and exploration. Because every big dog deserves a harness that’s just as strong, dependable, and loyal as they are.

The DOOG Difference: Built for Adventure

Does your big pup love coastal runs, forest hikes, or neighbourhood strolls? Try DOOG’s heavy-duty dog harnesses - built for Australia's active and healthy lifestyle. 

DOOG harnesses stand out because we are dog lovers in the first place. We test our gear with real dogs and their humans across Australia. This ensures each harness can handle rugged trails, sandy beaches, and everyday city walks.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Ethical Design: Our focus is on comfort and safety before trends.

• Australian Innovation: Designed with the Aussie outdoor lifestyle in mind.

• Community Trusted: DOOG products are stocked by leading pet stores and loved by dog trainers nationwide.

We design every product with love, test it for strength, and craft it to make daily walks safer and more enjoyable. Check out our full harness collection to explore more options for dogs of all sizes.

Ready to Upgrade Your Walks?

Life is just better with a dog!

If you have the same passion, then we have the best accessories for your dog. Your large dog deserves gear that keeps up with their energy and strength. Explore the full range of DOOG dog harnesses and find the perfect fit today.