Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Based on Real Owner Reviews

While Bernedoodles are typically far more laid-back than many other pups – which is how they came to be known as the gentle giants of the Doodle world – as young dogs, they can still be plenty excitable. As such, leash training these stronger-than-average Doods can be a challenge. Having the right tools for the job can make all the difference. Here we look at why a harness may be your best bet, at least in your fur baby’s earliest years, and what to look out for when buying one for your Bernedoodle. We also provide some recommendations for best harness for Bernedoodles, as well. 

Table of Contents

• Our Top 3 Harnesses for Bernedoodles Pet Parents Love 
• Why Choose A Harness For Your Bernedoodle?
• Different Types Of Dog Harnesses
• Dog Harness: Buyer’s Guide 
• Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Reviews 
• Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Frequently Asked Questions
• Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Final Thought

Our Top 3 Harnesses for Bernedoodles Pet Parents Love

Already got your mind set on a harness and simply need to find the right one? Check out our product picks with the links to where to get them below. If you’re looking for a little more information on harnesses in general, read on. 

Why Choose A Harness For Your Bernedoodle?

While you should definitely pick up a collar for your new canine friend (this is where their identity tags go), experts often recommend using a harness to leash train a new puppy. This is because it gives you more control over stronger dogs, helping you hold them back when necessary without putting concentrated pressure on their neck area. 

Most puppies, when heading out on walks, tend to pull. Even older dogs can get a little excited and want to hurry you along a bit. This is a behavior you will want to train your pup out of, especially if you have a larger Bernedoodle. One of these Doods could easily pull you off your feet, given half a chance! Many harnesses help correct pulling on the leash without causing unnecessary pain. 

Beyond that, harnesses also tend to be far more secure than collars. As they fasten around your pup’s body, there is less of a risk of them slipping it. If they do manage to get away from the leash somehow but are still wearing the harness (which is the most likely scenario), many harnesses also have safety features such as reflective strips that help them to be better seen by traffic. 

Different Types Of Dog Harnesses

If you decide on a harness, there are a few different designs to choose from, each with its own benefits. Your first decision will be between a step-in harness and an over-the-head one. As the names suggest, with the former, you lay the harness on the ground and encourage your pet to step into the leg holes, whereas with the latter, you slip the harness over their head and fasten the straps around their legs. 

While the over-the-head harness may be the most convenient for putting on and taking off, some dogs aren’t thrilled with having things over their heads. However, if you have a puppy, this is likely something you can get them used to. Some owners also prefer the step-in harnesses because they tend to be more padded and perhaps a little more durable, although this certainly isn’t always the case. 

Your next choice will be between a front and back clip harness. This refers to where the attachment for the leash is placed. Many owners prefer the simplicity of the back clip, which is easier to access, puts less pressure on the chest when their pup pulls, and means the leash is less likely to get tangled up in their legs. However, a front attachment allows for better pull control and easier directional steering. 

Dog Harness: Buyer’s Guide

Once you’ve figured out the type of harness that will work best for your pooch, there are a few others things to consider before committing to a purchase. After all, you want the harness you pick to fit well, feel comfortable on, and, above all, to last. Here’s what to look out for if you don’t want to be buying something new after just a couple of weeks. 

Size

The most important thing to do before tapping in your credit card details is to ensure you’re getting the right size harness for your dog. You want one that will not restrict their movements or allow them to escape. While most manufacturers offer them in ‘small,’ ‘medium,’ ‘large,’ etc., it’s best not to assume that your medium dog will automatically fit a medium harness, for instance. Pay special attention to measuring guides, and also to reviews to see if the harnesses tend to run small or large.

Material

Whether your pal’s a puller or not, it’s always better to opt for a fabric and design that you can be sure will last a long time. The best harness for Bernedoodles will be sturdy, durable, water and dirt repellant, and breathable. You’ll also want a harness that your dog will not be able to chew through if your pup is that way inclined. Luckily, there are plenty of options (including the three we have reviewed below) that make use some of the best outdoor fabrics around. Pay close attention also to how clips, buckles, and fasteners are attached to the body of the harness; there are generally the weak spots. 

Padding

Padding is not an essential component of a harness. One that fits well will not rub, tug or cause any other unpleasantness. The only thing it might do is heat your pup more than you would like – especially if they have a lot of hair. That being said, if you have a constant puller, a pup with a short hair coat, or one with particularly sensitive skin, then it can certainly help. Padding creates fewer friction points and can help prevent bruising for dogs still learning to walk nicely to heal. 

Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Reviews

Best for Regular Use

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

An excellent all-rounder, the Julius-K9 Powerharness has been constructed with optimum comfort and durability in mind. The harness features a top handle that gives you great control when you need to move your pup out of the way, a reflective chest strap that helps your dog to be easily seen, and even removable glow-in-the-dark labels that can be removed or fitted, making the harness excellent for nighttime walks too. For serious pullers, you can purchase an attachment that converts the harness into a front clip one. 

Reviewers are pleased with the overall quality of this harness, stating that the measurements for it were both easy and accurate, and its adjustability helped with the fit. While the harness looks basic, it’s designed to make it impossible for dogs to escape. Beyond that, pet parents are thrilled with the option to add custom name tags to the side of the harness or ones that let people know that their pup is happy to be approached or prefers a little space. 

Best for Power Pullers

Rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness

This is quite a bit more harness than the last one! The reason it’s that much larger (and more padded) is that it’s specifically designed with strong, heavy pullers in mind. However, the harness does feature dual leash attachment points – one at the front and one at the back, so once your pup is passed the pulling stages, you can use this just like a regular harness. Like the Julius-K9, we love this item for its solid construction, but as it’s a little bulkier, it’s good that the fabric is breathable so your hound can keep cool. 

This one comes highly recommended as one of the best harness for Bernedoodles. Most owners are delighted by the fact that it’s highly adjustable (which is perfect for growing pups), that dogs cannot work the straps up and into their mouths, and the reflective strips make your pet super easy to see even at some distance. As advertised, it allows for better control over more exuberant dogs, with one happy customer going so far as to say, “I can now walk my dog without him dragging me down the street! It’s like walking a different dog.”

Best for Simplicity and Functionality

Harness Lead Polyester No Pull Dog Harness

After the previous one, this harness may look too basic to work. Why not just wrap a rope around my dog, you might ask… but hear us out. Yes, the harness is simple, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s actually really cleverly designed for purpose. As an all-in-one harness and leash, you don’t have to worry about weak and clumsy clips that could break if your dog likes to give the leash a solid tug. Beyond that, the double braided nylon leash is extremely strong, quick to put on, adjustable, easy clean, and exceptional quality. 

An excellent buy for those more used to wrestling their hounds into submission rather than simply walking them, reviewers describe this harness as ‘amazing,’ ‘a miracle,’ and more. One commented, “I was so elated after our first walk with the Lead that I wanted to pop open a bottle of champagne.” Another, who had never been able to walk their two strong dogs at the same time, can now do so. A third is impressed with how the leash feels in their hand – strong yet soft. Needless to say, this product comes extremely highly recommended! 

Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Frequently Asked Questions

Best Harness for Bernedoodles: Final Thought

Training your new arrival can be a tricky business – although certain things are liable to be easier than others. Teaching your pup to walk on the leash without yanking can be one of the more challenging aspects. Problems you face here include dealing with their absolute excitement of being off on a walk and encouraging them into a behavior that doesn’t come naturally to them. 

A harness is a great tool for helping your darling Bernie understand what is expected of them and when. Not only does it keep them safely by your side at all times (far less chance of escape than with a simple collar), but it gives you the tools by which you can not only have them walking to heel but keep them firmly in hand at all times when out and about – even when a daring squirrel or comes far closer than it knows it should!