Best Harness for Dogs with Anxiety (15+ List)
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OptimistMinds
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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
This is a list of the best harnesses for dogs dealing with anxiety. These products have been designed to minimise restraint and maximise comfort. Our blog also cites relevant research on the subject to show the importance of picking the right harness.
What is the Best Harness for Dogs with Anxiety?
If your dog is struggling with anxiety, we recommend the use of the following harnesses instead of a conventional leash:
- Gooby Dog Harness
- Chai’s Choice Dog Harness
- EcoBark Dog Harness
- ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
- juxzh Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness
- Eagloo Dog Harness
- AUTOWT Dog Safety Vest Harness
- Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness
- Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
- SlowTon Dog Car Harness
- Puppia Soft Dog Harness
- PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness
- ThinkPet No Pull Harness
- tobeDRI No Pull Dog Harness
- PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness
- OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness Vest
Harnesses for Dogs with Anxiety
Anxiety is actually pretty common in pet dogs, so if you think your buddy is acting strange, you’re not alone. Canines display anxiety-like behaviours that manifest in breathing, struggling, tremors, tics, aggression, etc. Anxiety can be caused by genetic dispositions but behavioural aspects also play a role.
Studies have investigated the transmission of anxiety from dog-owners to their pets and have found a link. But other publications also write that the leash or harness used for dogs can impact anxiety in them.
This systematic review writes that the right harness is crucial not only to manage dog anxiety but also for overall health and wellbeing. That’s why we have put together this list of the right harnesses that you should use for your pet if it suffers from anxiety:
Gooby Dog Harness
Leashing up can cause your dog a lot of anxiety. This means using the clip-on or chain leah on them which apart from being painful, also makes them feel unsafe. Gooby makes sure that your dog is happy and satisfied while being safe and warm.
The X shaped frame in our Comfort X Series reduces neck injuries. This happens by minimizing the force being put on the dog’s neck and distributes them around its chest and shoulders. Thus, your dog can play without being nervous about snapping their neck.
Chai’s Choice Dog Harness
This harness eliminates pressure from your dog’s neck, preventing possible neck, spine, and windpipe injuries. Knowing this, you can let your pet play anyway they want. Your pet will also be relaxed and tension-free.
Just walking dogs on leash poses anguish for many people and dogs. It’s no wonder dogs suffer from leash reactivity. It doesn’t need to be this way. Using this ergonomically designed harness, let your pet be the happy self they are.
EcoBark Dog Harness
If your dog is not a fan of going out like other dogs, you might feel very concerned. This might be because your dog is nervous about their harness. It either causes them pain or makes them feel unsafe. Another reason for this can be, anxiety of outdoors.
The Ecobark harness is soft and extremely breathable. The lightweight airflow is comforting for an enjoyable walking experience. Let your dog’s favourite time of the day be, walking time!
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
Leashes do not make dogs feel safe and comfortable. They might hurt your dog’s neck and cause them a lot of pain. Harnesses on the other hand are soft and cover half of their torse. Which makes them feel that they are being comforted by a human.
This harness redirects the dog in a forward motion. Now, the dog’s leg is off the ground, which allows you to control the puller with little effort and training your dog to walk beside you. All this while, they are comfortable as well.
juxzh Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness
Soft front dog harness is comfortable and lightweight. The mesh lining with soft sponge padding in the chest and belly, prevents them from getting hurt. Dog harness vests do the best to prevent the dog from injuries than a collar.
Anxiety due to leashes can cause dogs to pull on them, which hurts the dog’s neck. Thus they might be negatively reinforced to go out and not want to go for walks anymore. However, this harness addresses that problem for you!
Eagloo Dog Harness
Eagloo harness has reflective material which ensures good visibility when night running. Breathable mesh lining with soft sponge padding plate prevents dog injuries for you. It does so by giving extra comfort and protection to your dog.
Now you can walk with full control over the movements of your little buddy without pain and stress at their neck. Walks would continue to remain fun for them! As they would not have to worry about hurting themselves and thus, won’t be anxious.
AUTOWT Dog Safety Vest Harness
The pink pet car harness wraps around the dog’s body and neck which could be used instead of a collar. The straps tighten up securely so dogs cannot roam the car.
Used widely, to prevent dogs from hopping into the front seat, they work magically. These are effective as the dogs don’t pull against them. As your dog won’t be hurt, he would be excited to go on long drives with you, without any anxiety!
Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness
The harness prevents dogs from jumping out of the car window or moving around. Not only does it reduce the driver’s distraction, but also protects dogs in case of a sudden stop. With a seat belt lead clip, this harness set keeps your dogs under control.
But they still have some range of movement and flexibility. Keep the spirit of our dog alive using this amazing harness! Prevent any anxiety that might come in their way to make them a sad dog.
Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
A lot of the times your anxiety might be transferred on to your dogs. You might be scared of going out with them because you are afraid they might get hurt. However, your dog can begin to feel anxious about the same. Don’t choose between safety or comfort.
This enhanced strength harness is a crash-tested dog car harness to keep your dog safe when he travels. With leash attachments on both the front & back, it is customizable to your walking style. When used with the included crash tested seat belt tether, it helps keep your dog safe in a car accident. Thus, you can be worry-free, which would make your dog happy too!
SlowTon Dog Car Harness
Why do we assume that if a dog suffers some anxiety for whatever reason, we have to fix that problem? Is it in their best interest to ‘fix’ this problem? Or do we find ways to help them that doesn’t include continuously exposing them to anxiety-causing things?
That is exactly where this harness comes in. Its breathable mesh chest vest harness would relieve the pressure. Thus, you controlled the anxious causing element, instead of controlling them.
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
Long term stress may cause biological responses that can lead to illness over time, just like stress does in humans. Your dog might be severely stressed with anxiety from fear and or aggression.
Then it would behoove you to rethink your enrichment program for your dog. Start with this Puppia soft harness. Its snug fit is comforting to the dog if they are confronted by anxiety-inducing elements. Its protective features would reassure you that they are safe as well.
PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness
If your dog is not a fan of going out like other dogs, you might feel very concerned. This might be because your dog is nervous about their harness. It either causes them pain or makes them feel unsafe. Another reason for this can be, anxiety of outdoors.
The pupteck harness is soft and extremely breathable. With its mesh padding, the lightweight airflow is comforting for an enjoyable walking experience. Let walking be your dog’s favourite time of the day!
ThinkPet No Pull Harness
This pet harness features premium nylon that makes the harness robust against wear. Quick snap buckles make it easy to wear and get off. Its lock design ensures safety. The widened straps make pulling pressure evenly distributed to prevent pulling and choking.
Just walking dogs on leash poses anguish for many people and dogs. It’s no wonder dogs suffer from leash reactivity. It doesn’t need to be this way. Using this ergonomically designed harness, let your pet be the happy self they are.
tobeDRI No Pull Dog Harness
Features like the front clip prevent pulling which causes relaxed walking. The 2 rings are sewn with durable thick nylon webbing and enforced box stitches and bartacks that prevent ripped off even pulling hardly.
Pulling pressure is evenly distributed to the body which prevents choking. Anxiety due to leashes can cause dogs to pull on them, which hurts the dog’s neck. Thus they might be negatively reinforced to go out and not want to go for walks anymore. However, this harness addresses that problem for you!
PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness
PoyPet has an added and comfortable handle. Its soft filling makes for a handle that feels good in the hand for extra control to guide your dog. The harness also works as a seat belt loop.
The large area reflective stitching for night use provides added visibility. Lightweight and durable, it is designed with minimum bulk for maximum dexterity. Keep the spirit of our dog alive using this amazing harness! Prevent any anxiety that might come in their way to make them a sad dog.
OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness Vest
When thinking about your leash reactive dog you have to be mindful. You must consider whether or not the stress of walking your dog on leash is worth it for the dog. Is it in her best interest to try to ‘fix’ this problem?
However, if your dog is severely stressed with anxiety from fear and or aggression, then things would change. You would have to rethink your enrichment program for your dog. Choosing this harness can be step one. It is comfortable and safe and would protect your dog which would lessen their anxiety.
Conclusion
This was a list of the best harnesses for dogs dealing with anxiety. These products have been designed to minimise restraint and maximise comfort. Our blog also cited relevant research on the subject to show the importance of picking the right harness.
The best harnesses for anxious dogs are Gooby Dog Harness, Chai’s Choice Dog Harness, EcoBark Dog Harnessm, ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness, juxzh Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness, Eagloo Dog Harness, AUTOWT Dog Safety Vest Harness.
Some other harnesses you can try are Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness, Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness, SlowTon Dog Car Harness, Puppia Soft Dog Harness, PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness, ThinkPet No Pull Harness, tobeDRI No Pull Dog Harness, PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness, and OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness Vest.
FAQs (Best Harness for Dogs with Anxiety)
Do anxiety vests work for dogs?
Anxiety vests may have a small and beneficial effect on dog anxiety. This only works if you do it the right way, which involves habituation, checking for comfort, and repeated use. The anxiety vest will help to an extent but you also have to consult a vet for other treatment techniques.
What are the best products for a dog for anxiety?
The top plug-ins, calming pheromones, and aromatherapy products for dogs are listed below:
Pet Remedy Natural Calming Plug-in Diffuser
ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser
Beloved Pets Pheromone Calming Diffuser Plug in
ThunderEase Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser
Talis Calming Pheromone Diffuser
ThunderEssence Dog Calming Spray
Sentry Calming Spray for Dogs
Warren London Essential Oil Dog Calming Spray
ThunderEssence Dog Calming Oil
Honeydew Dog Calming Spray
Sentry Calming Ointment
No Stress by Belly
LegitPet Calming Spray
BarkLogic Calming Conditioning Spray
Gerrard Larriett Spray for Pets
Burt’s Bees for Pets for Dogs Natural Calming Shampoo
Why does putting a harness on my dog calm her down?
Your dog feels safe and protected when tethered to you. A harness does not restrict breathing or apply pressure. So, it feels comfortable to wear it. On top of that, it makes them feel like we’re connected to them. This makes them feel more relaxed and less threatened.
Citations
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