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5 Best No-Pull Harnesses for German Shepherds in 2024

Last Updated: February 1, 2024

Are you looking for the best no-pull harness for your German Shepherd?

The best no-pull harnesses combine durability for handling energetic dogs, such as German Shepherds, with gentleness on their fur and generous padding.

With the growing demand for humane no-pull solutions, top manufacturers have stepped up, offering a variety of high-quality harnesses. So, which no-pull harnesses do I recommend for your German Shepherd?

My five best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in 2024, each featuring thoughtful padding and a reliable model, are:

  • Walk Your Dog With Love No-Pull Harness
  • Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
  • Julius K9 Powerharness
  • PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
  • Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Note: Clicking the above link(s) will take you to Amazon or an online store where we have an affiliate relationship. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

As regular readers know, I advocate using a harness for my German Shepherd to avoid the risk of neck injuries associated with collars. Particularly, front-attaching no-pull harnesses can significantly improve walks with a dog that tends to pull.

In this post, I’ll thoroughly review each harness, evaluating its brand reliability, functionality, unique features, and any downsides. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which harness is right for your needs.

Get ready to reclaim the joy of walking your dog!

A German Shepherd out walking wearing a harness

Best No-Pull Harness for German Shepherds

TL;DR Verdict

If you’re in a hurry and just want to know my recommendations, here’s my “Too Long; Didn’t Read” verdict in a handy table.

My German Shepherd wears the Walk Your Dog With Love Harness.

German Shepherd wearing a no pull dog harness.

A close second is the Julius K9 Powerharness, which I think is better for puppies and younger dogs. Willow used this product as a puppy, and you can see a photo of her wearing it later in the article.

Scroll across on mobile to see the full table…

Product Brand FunctionalityOverall VerdictBuy Now
Walk Your Dog With Love Original Harness5/54/54/5Go to Walk Your Dog With Love
Rabbit
goo No-Pull Dog Harness
3/54/54/5Check price on Amazon
Julius K9 Power
Harness
5/53/53/5Check price on Amazon
PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness0.5/54/54/5Check price on Amazon
Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness3.5/54.5/54.5/5Check price on Amazon

1. Walk Your Dog With Love No-Pull Harness

Brand

Walk Your Dog With Love harnesses have their greatest advantage in brand, followed by their construction. They are stitched with color-fast threads that enhance their appearance, which is ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics and functionality in a dog harness.

While I have a couple of no-pull harnesses at home, I use the Walk Your Dog With Love harnesses almost exclusively because of how much I trust the brand and the business behind the product. 

Often, conglomerates and faceless corporations get in on whatever the latest fad is in any community. That’s why I have a personal rule when it comes to products for dogs;

I prioritize businesses founded by people who have dogs and know the exact problem I am facing.

The founder of Walk Your Dog with Love, Dan Merson, had the same frustrations as you and me: dog collars were too cruel, harnesses were not good enough, and just didn’t stop the pulling.

While he didn’t invent the No-Pull harness, he surely did perfect it. 

I would know because I have gone through numerous cruelty-free harnesses and, in fact, find many quite usable. I just trust Merson’s brand because he has attached his name to his company in quite a public manner.

Corporations that can pay a couple of thousands to hush up disgruntled dog walkers are, at least to me, inherently less trustworthy than someone who created a product primarily because he was facing the same issue I faced – a dog that wouldn’t stop pulling.

Brand Verdict: 5/5

Functionality

It doesn’t matter how solid a brand is if the product’s function is subpar. Thankfully, the Walk Your Dog With Love has become my go-to harness because of its functionality.

My soft spot for the brand story is one reason that got me to buy, but with several harnesses and leashes lying around in my closet, I keep using this one mainly because of how easy it is on Willow, and there’s just no way she can pull.

The harness is designed to offset your mistakes. And that’s exactly what you must look for in any product for your German Shepherd.

Your German Shepherd might be able to communicate his broad mood but is ultimately not articulate enough to communicate when you’re doing something wrong. That’s why you must look for products that make it impossible for you to hurt your dog accidentally. 

German Shepherd With No Pull Harness and sitting on turf
My German Shepherd wearing her Walk Your Dog With Love harness.

This harness is designed to walk your German Shepherd from the front, putting him in a natural heel position. This already sets you up for success. It has the lowest neck pressure of all harnesses, from what I have figured testing these products.

Of course, if you tug hard enough, you will exert pressure even if you’re using a harness instead of a collar. That’s where you must pay attention to how close the straps are to your German Shepherd’s neck.

The straps that receive direct pressure are situated behind your German Shepherd’s front limbs, which makes any tugging move your dog’s front legs. This diffuses any pressure that you could have generated during the tug.

Speaking of tugs, you must ensure the harness you buy is durable enough to survive its function. 

There will be times when you will need to pull the leash or hold it down. And this product has 20 stitches per inch, a number that dwarfs the average eight stitches per inch standard in the market.

Functionality Verdict: 4/5

You can find my full review of the Walk Your Dog With Love Harness here.

Key Differentiators

Now that we have explored the brand and the function let’s go through some of the things that set this product apart from the other items on the market.

High-Quality Construction

As mentioned above, the product has an incredible stitch-per-inch ratio. But its construction accolades go well beyond how many stitches it has.

The harness is made of high-quality three-strand nylon with industrial thread. It’s light enough for your German Shepherd to feel at ease but has the durability to withstand functional tension.

Easy to Maintain

Remember, harnesses can get stinky really quickly! This product doesn’t absorb water and, therefore, is simultaneously easy to clean and hard to stink up. I have seen some kinder harnesses that are also humidity magnets.

While dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies, humidity mixed with fur-trapped dirt can wreak havoc on an absorbent harness.

Attention to Detail

This company started with harnesses, and for a while, they didn’t make anything else, which means they dedicated all of their time and effort to perfecting their harnesses.

The meticulous attention to detail goes all the way down to covering sewn tack points, preventing any chance of discomfort or itch that your German Shepherd might experience due to them.

This eliminates the need for your furry buddy to try to escape from what’s irritating.

Things that wouldn’t even occur to you are already handled by the product’s manufacturers. For example, they use 3M Scotchlite, which is visible at night, so you can safely walk your dog in the dark.

Potential Drawbacks

Outside of the fact that the product is shipped internationally to be received in the US, I can’t think of any drawbacks to buying it.

But if I am to step out of my personal experience, I can see that some readers might not like that there’s no accommodation for walking their German Shepherds from behind. 

This is a value-based stance that the founder seems to have taken. All in all, if you choose a Walk Your Dog With Love no-pull harness, you’ll have to commit to a front-clip design, and you may have to wait a little longer for your package to arrive than the usual next-day delivery from Amazon.

Who Should Buy This?

This harness is an ideal escape route if you have a German Shepherd who pulls or lunges. You’ll be able to enjoy your walks instead of having your dog jump ahead and drag you along!

Most German Shepherds will love this harness as it is easy on the body, and even fully grown dogs can learn to accept it.

If you live in an area where “walk” equals “getting dirty,” you’ll love it even more because of how easily washable it is.

Overall Verdict 4/5

2. Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness

Brand

I can trust the Rabbitgoo brand for durable harnesses, but I am not sure their messaging has enough about being easy on your German Shepherd.

I am unsure if I would consider opting for a brand primarily focusing on durability, which might cause me to escape to other alternatives.

Harnesses aren’t exactly work boots; they can be rough on your best friend if compassion isn’t a factor in the product’s engineering. That said, the lack of emphasis on compassion in the brand’s message doesn’t mean the product isn’t compassionate. 

That’s what we will explore in the functionality section. Still, when we consider the branding aspect alone, the product inspires trust regarding longevity but raises concerns regarding how friendly it is for your German Shepherd.

Brand Verdict: 3/5

Functionality

The fit is critical to comfort. If a harness is too big for your German Shepherd, it will not be functional. In contrast, if it is too tight, your German Shepherd will develop a dislike for harnesses in general and will have other issues like irritated skin and poor fur health in certain areas. 

Thankfully, this harness comes in various sizes ranging from small to extra-large.

The manufacturer has a handy size guide on the product page, making purchasing a functional fit easier for you. There’s a breathable cushion reminiscent of school bags, which is supposed to help your German Shepherd stay comfy. 

I don’t know whether that’s a great design choice because it is visibly porous and might get dirty too quickly.

Nonetheless, the product’s functionality is indisputable as it has four adjustment points, making it easy to accommodate dogs of different proportions.

Functionality Verdict: 4/5

Key Differentiators

With the functionality and the business behind the product briefly covered, we can now dive deeper into the different aspects of this product that set it apart from other harnesses on the market.

Front and Back Loop

While the product is, for the most part, a no-pull harness, it does have the option to attach the leash at the back. Ultimately, Rabbitgoo products are for a large market and have high customizability.

For those looking to lead their German Shepherd from the front, this aspect doesn’t have much value. Nonetheless, it is worth mentioning if your German Shepherd is a fan of walking ahead and a little too happy to drag you along.

High Surface-to-Buckle Ratio

Some really slim harnesses consist almost entirely of buckles. And while those would work on some dogs, it wouldn’t be a great idea to have your German Shepherd in a harness that looks like a set of suspenders! 

You need a sturdy harness to hold back your GSD when he gets too excited and help you control him without exerting too much pressure on a narrow area.

Rabbitgoo harnesses have a high surface-to-buckle ratio, and there’s a broad enough cushion to go on your dog’s back.

Plenty of Instructions

The last thing you want is to have a harness in your hand with no idea where each strap goes. Fortunately, Rabitgoo has been a market leader long enough to have comprehensive instructions in video and text for each of its harness products, including this one.

Potential Drawbacks

Because you can attach the leash at the back, it might be an easy handicap to fall back on. If you can’t trust yourself to deliberately avoid the choice, you may need to personally remove the D clip at the back and commit to the no-pull lead walks. 

Aside from that, the only other drawback that seems like a deal-breaker is the potential of this harness to get stinky. With over 163,000 reviews on Amazon, very little is said about the dogs’ discomfort.

From personal assessment as well, I can see that the harness isn’t uncomfortable. So, this product dodges the greatest drawback of a harness.

Who Should Buy This?

If you live in a well-maintained urban environment where it is difficult for your German Shepherd to get dirty on walks, this product’s main disadvantage becomes irrelevant.

It would be no good for my German Shepherd as she loves to cool off by lying in whatever muddy puddle she can find!

And if your dog is quite strong and needs a controlling presence, this harness is ideal for you. If you have such a German Shepherd in a more muddy or rural environment, I would recommend looking for a different harness.

Overall Verdict 4/5

3. Julius K9 Powerharness

Brand

This brand is on par with my favorite choice, the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. Julius is committed more to harnesses than any other brand mentioned in this post.

I appreciate specialization, and producing harnesses exclusively earns a high score for this business, which was started by a couple with decades of dog training experience

Julius harnesses have helped Australian firefighters, which resulted in the business receiving a Quality Award in 2003.

Having worked with police German Shepherds, I would assume that firefighting dogs don’t need a robust harness to function. They are well-disciplined, which nerfs this accolade a little for me.

Brand Verdict: 5/5

I have used this harness in the past. Below is a photo of my German Shepherd wearing a Julius K9 Powerharness. She was 11 months old in this picture. It looks like she was ready for her walk!

German Shepherd wearing Julius K9 Harness
“Come on Mom! I’ve got my clothes on and I’m ready to go!”

Functionality

These harnesses are quite practical and worth the dollar amount they command. The heavy-duty buckles ensure the harness won’t come off during your walk.

The chest step is reflective, which is great for evening walks, especially when you’re ahead of your German Shepherd. 

Finally, the manufacturer claims that the harness is durable enough to hold 660 lbs of weight, a claim that I might be able to test if I stop eating, right? For now, take it with as much confidence as any claim made by a well-established company.

Overall, I like the product’s durability, but there’s not really any special consideration given to comfort.

Functionality Verdict: 3/5

Potential Drawbacks

It might be easy for your dog to squeeze out of this if you don’t fasten it properly. There’s too much room to wiggle free, and GSDs, especially the ill-trained ones, can get out of wide harnesses quite easily.

If you have a “super puller” and you pull back, the harness is capable of sliding over your dog’s head.

Key Differentiators

Here are the three things that make this harness stand out.

One-Year Manufacturer Guarantee

Since a reputable business backs the product, you’re more likely to receive customer service post-purchase. You can also rest assured that if the product doesn’t deliver as promised, there’s a guarantee in place to protect you.

Closable Handle

There’s a conveniently positioned handle that allows you to pick up your dog easily. Of course, if your GSD is fully grown, that would require the strength of a powerlifter to pull off!

But if you have a younger German Shepherd pup, a smaller Julius-K9 harness would be handy.

Who Should Buy This?

If your dog is very well-trained or quite young, you can get away with having a Julius-K9 harness. However, if your German Shepherd is fully grown, this might not be the ideal harness to introduce him to. Going with something with a much thicker back piece and sturdier straps would be better.

Overall Verdict 3/5

4. PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness

Brand

The PoyPet brand does not inspire confidence. They posted the latest blog on the business’s website in 2018, and the “about us” section is a single sentence!

Perhaps I am too close to the subject as I love writing about dog-related topics, and there have been plenty of things to write about since 2018.

Still, if you can overlook the lack of activity on the brand’s outdated site, you may judge the business by its self-description: “We are professional pet supplies manufacturer.”

Brand Verdict: 0.5/5

Functionality

The divide between brand authority and functionality is quite jarring because as poorly managed as the brand aspect of PoyPet is, in my opinion, the harnesses are quite functional.

Again, I wouldn’t list the product here if I believed it wasn’t good enough for your German Shepherd. 

I love that the sizes available for this start at XS and go all the way to XL. Most German Shepherd puppies wouldn’t need an XS harness, but you can use this harness if yours is a petite mix and still young.

It also has three snap buckles that make it easier to remove the harness and put it back on.

Functionality Verdict: 4/5

Key Differentiators

Here are some ways in which a PoyPet harness can provide unique value to you.

Soft Training Handle

You know that with German Shepherds and their excitement, a stitch in time truly does save nine. A soft training handle at the back allows you to “reign in” your GSD before he gets too excited. Allowing you to control him from the back without a leash is quite practical.

Easy to Put On and Take Off

As mentioned in the functionality section, the buckle positioning and quantity make it easier for you to put the harness on and take it off without annoying your dog. This is great if your GSD is fully grown and resists the harness. Still, I believe getting an overall comfortable one works much better.

Potential Drawbacks

I have not tested this harness for a long period simply because I find the one mentioned at the start much more compatible with Willow. But some people have complained about the stitches falling apart and the material giving away under force.

Usually, dogs under 30 lbs can wear this harness without a problem, but a fully grown GSD may need something sturdier.

There are also numerous complaints about the manufacturer not responding to people who have run into trouble using the product. I’m not surprised when a business that’s not too active online is not too active in customer service either.

Who Should Buy This?

If you have a younger German Shepherd and only want to have him in a harness for a short period, this product is great. You will like this product, especially if you’re on a tight budget. But for most people with grown GSDs, this is only a nice backup harness to keep. I wouldn’t recommend this for prolonged use.

Overall Verdict 4/5

5. Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness

Brand

The Auroth brand is a younger version of the Walk Your Dog with Love product with a similar founding story. Having just started in 2016, the brand has made quite a mark. It focuses on pet-friendliness and emphasizes it more than “owner control.” 

I like that, but I would be more careful when looking at functionality just to see whether this comfort comes by sacrificing control.

The brand story starts with a Pitbull in need, and at least for people with GSDs, this should inspire confidence. A harness designed to control an energetic pitbull should be good enough for German Shepherds.

Brand Verdict: 3.5/5

Functionality

This no-pull harness is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for sturdiness and 4.6 for thickness. With these results drawn from thousands of reviews and ratings on Amazon, one can safely assume that the product meets my minimum viable standards for sturdiness.

A metal adjusting ring makes it easier for you to customize the harness to fit your dog’s size, something to keep in mind for those with younger German Shepherds. 

It also has several functions that go beyond a standard harness, which will be discussed in the differentiating aspects. Above all, it has extended pads that prevent chafing.

I have only seen such consideration for skin health and itch prevention in the Walk Your Dog With Love harness.

Functionality Verdict: 4.5/5

Key Differentiators

While this product seems pretty close to the first one reviewed in this post, it isn’t a direct imitation and has some unique benefits. Here are a few of these key differentiators.

  • MOLLE strips – The harness has two one-inch MOLLE strips on the sides to attach load-bearing pockets, and your German Shepherd can carry a few handy products on longer walks.
  • Available in various colors – Of all the harnesses reviewed in this post, this one comes in the widest visual variety. I would expect nothing less from a product designed in Cali.
  • High value-for-money – For all that the product has to offer, it is surprising how little it costs compared to some of the other ones of similar standard.

Potential Drawbacks

Some people have reported that the plastic buckle is not very strong and has sometimes broken, although I am clutching at straws here. As with the Julius K9 harness, your dog may be able to back his way out of it if he is a strong puller, as the front straps will release to their maximum length during strong pulling. 

Who Should Buy This?

If you live in a relatively clean neighborhood and have a well-behaved German Shepherd, you will love this no-pull harness, especially if you’re on a tighter budget. You are also very likely to appreciate it if you care about looks and style. I wouldn’t be surprised if some readers order multiple harnesses to match their outfits!

Overall Verdict 4.5/5

The Criteria For Choosing The Best No-Pull Harnesses for German Shepherds

Below are the criteria I used to judge each product.

1. Brand

This is basically how well-positioned a business is in the dog products marketplace,  including the volume of orders they receive. Some readers might say, “Who cares about marketing? It’s the product that matters.”

My response to that is a simple idea that if a business has spent significant resources building a valuable brand, it is less likely to sell you a less-than-ideal product to make a quick buck.

A brand is more than just a virtual polish job on a commodity. It is an indicator of the manufacturer’s commitment to the market.

2. Functionality

Of course, a brand is only as good as the product it is on. No amount of storytelling would make a harness valuable if it chafes or chokes your German Shepherd.

In the function section, I will look at whether the product is durable or not, alongside how comfortable it is for your pet and other practical aspects of the harness, such as padding.

3. Key Differentiators

Here, you will learn some of the things (about the product) that make it stand out from the harness market at large.

Please note that the differentiators don’t necessarily make each harness stand out from others in this post. For example, most high-quality harnesses have reflective strips that make it safer to walk your German Shepherd in the evening. 

One of these harnesses has a much better reflective strip (hint: it’s the Walk Your Dog With Love No-Pull Harness), so I mention that in only one product’s differentiators section.

That doesn’t mean that differentiator is absent from all other products in this post; it just is done better in the one mentioned.

4. Potential Drawbacks

Once again, I have only compiled products I found to be very good for German Shepherds.

In addition to the quality and functionality, the color of each product was taken into consideration because who doesn’t like sporting a stylish dog leash?

However, I haven’t used them long enough to have gripes with them as I have skewed in favor of the one I dearly love and currently use to this day.

For the sake of objectivity, I have gone through tens of thousands of reviews to find problems others have had with each item, even observing their experiences with trivial details like color fading from a dog leash.

That’s how I’ve highlighted any issues you should anticipate with each no-pull harness in this article.

5. Who Should Buy This?

Just like one size doesn’t fit all dogs with a harness, one product doesn’t suit all dogs, either. It all depends on your needs and situation.

Factors like your German Shepherd’s age, health, cleanliness of your walk paths, etc., all play a role in whether the harness is right for you.

Which No-Pull Harness Should I Pick?

Harnesses are kinder than collars, and no-pull harnesses are among the gentlest solutions of their kind.

The ones listed in this article are undoubtedly the best for German Shepherds. That’s why, even if you make errors in judgment while purchasing, you end up with a solution that is easy on your best friend if you choose from the options presented within this article.

If you really can’t decide, go for the Walk Your Dog With Love Harness. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Do you have more questions? Head on to the section below.

FAQs

Can a no-pull harness hurt my German Shepherd?

A properly fitted and used no-pull harness should not hurt your German Shepherd. It works by gently discouraging pulling behavior rather than causing pain or discomfort. However, it is important to choose the right size and type of harness for your dog and to use it correctly to avoid any potential harm.

How do I clean and maintain my German Shepherd’s no-pull harness?

Most harnesses can be hand-washed with mild soap and water or machine-washed gently. It’s important to let the harness air dry completely before using it again. You should also regularly check the harness for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary to ensure your dog’s safety.

How effective are no-pull harnesses?

No-pull harnesses have proven quite effective at reducing pulling when paired with leash training. By redirecting pressure to the chest instead of the vulnerable neck, these harnesses can gently discourage straining against the leash while still allowing owners strong control when needed.

How do you properly fit a no-pull harness on a German Shepherd?

Correct sizing and adjustment of the harness are crucial for comfort and effectiveness. One should ensure all straps are neither too loose nor tight on the dog, the chest plate sits high on the ribcage, and the back is not pinched.

Following manufacturers’ sizing guidelines and doing test fits can yield a well-fitted no-pull harness.

How do I train my German Shepherd to walk on a leash with a no-pull harness?

With the harness fitted properly, owners gradually desensitize their dog to the harness through positive reinforcement of calm behavior near and while wearing it.

Short indoor sessions work on commands like “heel” beside the handler before phasing in outdoor walks with treats and praise for loose-leash walking focused on the handler.

Sharon Waddington
Sharon Waddington is the founder of World of Dogz. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. But it’s her trusty German Shepherd, Willow, who steals the show as the inspiration behind this website. As Sharon’s constant companion Willow has played a pivotal role in shaping her passion for dogs. Recently, Sharon has become deeply passionate about the plight of rescue dogs and is an active advocate for dog rescue, striving to make a difference in the lives of dogs in need.
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