Top 7 Best Dog Harness For Bernese Mountain Dogs (Reviewed in 2022)

Parenting big dogs can be a handful and come with many extra responsibilities. As a dog owner, the need to give your big buddy all the love in the world comes from deep inside. But sometimes, the best isn’t very evident. And so, we’ve tried to make one aspect of mountain dog-parenting just a bit easier for you.

 By compiling a complete guide for choosing the best dog harness for Bernese mountain dog along with a few suggested items. Most of the products we tried out are escape-proof harnesses and thus are best for any large breed.

 Bernese mountain dogs originating in Switzerland are one of the giant breeds owned domestically. While this family-friendly breed is an absolute hit within families or around children, they require much more robust and sturdier accessories due to their bulky and friendly nature. Teaching your Berner to walk with their leash on requires a good amount of training, but an escape-proof, heavy-duty dog harness can be made much more accessible.

 Mountain dog leashes that attach with harnesses save your pet’s throat and make the training phase easier. If you want to learn more about the best way to help your big buddy, best practices, or just a comprehensive list of the best products- keep reading!

Table of Contents

I Just Got A Bernese Mountain Dog. Should I Harness It?

Due to their origins as herding dogs for farm animals, Berners are often exceptionally energetic and active. You’ll need to walk your dog daily and play with him to keep them happy and energized. Now, larger dogs run off after a particular scent, small animals, or intruders.

 To make sure that your buddy stays by your side during your adventures, you’ll need tested mountain dog leashes that are comfortable for both you and your dog and keep you safe. Leashes that attach to the collar focus the pulling pressure around your Berner’s throat, making the entire experience painful. Harnesses distribute pressure along the whole upper body, making playtime fun for you!

If you’re in a hurry, feel free to take a glimpse of the quick comparison table down below for essential features.

Comparison Table Of Best Dog Harness For Bernese Mountain Dogs

What Are The Types Of Harnesses Available For Berners?

While it’s easy to assume all dog harnesses are the same due to how they look, saddles can broadly be divided into 4 distinct types. For larger, younger, and more active dogs, front clip harnesses have a ring attachment at the front of the vest. In addition, these come with a metallic ring at the front of the vest that allows you to have greater control of your Berner.

However, these tend to get tangled up. Back clip harnesses are comparatively less hassle and are ideal for senior dogs that don’t pull or tug on the leash as much. However, if your dog is unpredictable and you need that extra control with added comfort, go for a dual clip harness. Finally, there’s a fourth option- the vest harness. Vest harnesses look like shirts with garment straps and are usually the least durable of the lot.

Our Top 7 Bernese Mountain Dog Harnesses

With so many options for each type, it might be challenging to pick one. So we’ve compiled a list of our top 7 that serves every dog type. Whether using the harness handle or repurposing them as dog carting leashes, the products featured should suit you fine. Take a look below to know more:

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness discourages your dog from pulling against the leash without any discomfort. The leash attaches near the chest, protecting their sensitive throats and allowing more extensive control. The martingale leash on the chest piece gently steers your pet in the direction you’re headed, and- it also works as a great dog carting harness. Along with Petsafe’s 30-year reputation in the market, the PetSafe Easy Walk is easily one of the best Bernese Mountain Dog harnesses.

 Features:

• Material- Nylon
• Pattern- Solid
• 4 adjustment points
• Chest strap
• 2 Quick Snap Buckles on the shoulder and belly straps
• Comfortable fit with labeled strap points
• Martingale loop on the chest piece
• Gentle Leader Headcollar
• 1 Year Chew Damage Replacement

Babyltrl Big Dog Harness

Big Dog Harness’s babygirl comes equipped with a soft and cushiony sponge padding plate lined with mesh. Above all, this leash prioritizes comfortable and clean walks. The straps don’t get caught up on your Berner’s fur or irritate their skins. And, to add an extra layer of security during nighttime, there are reflective strips within the leash. This top paw harness comes with a wide plate that distributes pulling pressure to ensure that your buddy does not feel any pain or choking sensation.

 Features:

• Material- Oxford, Nylon
• Soft sponge padding and mesh lining
• Nylon handle
• Reflective material within the straps
• 2 Quick Snap Buckles
• 2 leash attachment D rings- front and back
• Top paw harness

Softouch Sense-Action No-pull Dog Harness

Most mountain dog leashes or collars put unhealthy pressure on your pup’s trachea. Sense-ation dog harnesses were originally created to serve a new training method called Softouch training. If your puppy is unique and untrained, this training method preaches a humane approach to training that develops a calm and responsive dog. With directional being as easy as a gentle pressure distributed among the chest and the throat, a harmonious relationship between pup and owner is all this harness is about.

Features:

• Material- Polyester
• Softouch™ polyester webbing
• Girth strap (also called the ‘Belly strap’) at the bottom for extra comfort
• Nickel-plated, steel, and welded O-rings for strap attachment
• Durable Duraflex® plastic hardware
• Plastic side release buckles
• Front leash attachment dog carting harness/ walking harness

SPORN Dog Harness

Sporn’s vest-style harness goes over your dog’s head and distributes pressure around their chest by going around their legs. This escape-proof is designed to cater to medium to heavy pullers and thus has elastic straps that stretch with your Bernese Mountain dog’s movement. In addition, there is a mesh across the entire chest section that ensures there’s no irritation or pain.

Features:

• Material: Nylon mesh
• Nickle plated hardware.
• Weight rating for the larger sizes is 60-100 pounds
• Elastic straps
• Padded restraint sleeves
• Adjustable straps and a cord lock
• Attaches to an O-ring that sits right above the shoulder braces

Chai’s Choice Outdoor Adventure 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Unlike most of the products in the market, Chai’s Choice 3M Dog Harness distributes pull pressure away from the neck and onto your pet’s belly. This is one of the best harnesses for Bernese Mountain dogs as it comes with adjustable straps and lightweight mesh padding. However, the first thing you’ll notice once you get your hands on this intricate harness is its stunning looks. The harness comes in 9 different color options, with each product having reflective piping woven into the nylon exterior. Additionally, buckling your pet into your car is accessible with its built-in top-mounted handle.

Features:

• Material- Nylon, polyester, oxford cloth
• 9 different vibrant color options
• 4 adjustable straps
• Extra soft sponge mesh padding
• The outer layer of nylon is Oxford clothing
• 3M reflective piping
• Chest mounted zinc alloy O ring
• 2 leash clips- front and back

HDP Big Dog Soft No Pull Harness

The HDP Big Dog No Pull Harness was designed with pullers and senior dogs. The wide, padded chest design distributes the pull pressure with your Bernese Mountain Dog’s chest and shoulders. Unlike most single-ring attachment features, the D-ring attaches to a center ring, giving your dog better freedom of motion. To get sturdier control, the harness comes attached with a top handle.

Features:

• Material- Polyester
• Easy click buckles
• D-ring attached with center ring
• Bonus handle for better control
• Wide, padded chest design
• Vest style harness

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness

The Kurgo Tru- Fit Smart Harness is probably the most crash-tested harness on this list. The harness itself comes with a seatbelt tether, which allows it to be used on both walks and car rides. This heavy-duty dog harness is equipped with a buckle system that is 100% steel, which makes it as strong as harnesses used by rock climbers. In addition, the chest pad relocates all the pressure evenly throughout the chest and thus provides an added layer of comfort to your Bernese Mountain Dog.

Features:

• Material- Durable Ripstop Fabric (seatbelt webbing)
• 5 adjustment points
• Easy release UTX Weinerlock buckles (plastic)
• 10-inch long seatbelt tether.
• Reflective trim
• 2 leash attachments- front and back.
• Front-mounted attachment is a D ring

How To Decide Which Harness To Buy

The first major decision you will have to make is about the type of harness you are putting on your Berners. While each dog is different, a basic rule of thumb is to choose front-clip harnesses for active or energetic dogs. Usually, younger mountain dogs tend to end up with front clips due to their tendency to push or pull.

 Back-clip harnesses are reserved for calmer, more grounded Berners. Senior Bernese Mountain dogs eventually grow out of the habit of lunging on reins, so back-clip, top paw harnesses are better for them. If your dog is somewhere in the middle, go for dual clip harnesses. Vest harnesses are not as durable as clip attachment harnesses and are best for pups or ancient dogs.

How To Choose The Best Harness Once You Know Your Type

Design

Now, the creation of a harness includes more than mere aesthetics. Check the product tag for particular advantages your harness might give. And if possible, go for a saddle that comes with an anti-pull feature. This reduces that you feel less pressure on walks. Harnesses with built-in reflective capabilities should also be at the top of your list.

 Material

 When choosing the material, the first thing you should look at is the construction of the harness. Check the tag to find if the harness uses only one material or different materials for different sections. Go for sturdier, more comfortable materials. Alternatively, you could go for tackles with padded chest sections as they allow your dog to have more fun. Hardware material reliability should also be considered.

 Hygiene

 If your harness is hard to wash or causes your dog to sweat a lot, it’s time to change. Dogs are adventurous pets by nature, and they like to get on the dirt and roll around. So, life hack- get a harness that is quick to dry and easy to wash.

 One last thing, always remember to get sturdy mountain dog leashes no matter your harness type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the harness hurt my dog?

Not! All of the harnesses listed above are tested by our experts and reviewed by thousands of people who prioritize pet comfort. Collars tend to put all of the force through the trachea. Harnesses take the weight and minimize it at any given point.

My dog tries to bite the harness off. Is it uncomfortable?

Untrained dogs usually take a bit of time to get used to leash training, so finding a few chew marks on your harness shouldn’t be a surprise. However, if your dog is wheezing or if their rashes on your dog’s skin, it might be time to consider that your harness s too loose/ too tight for your pup.

How to find the perfect fit while adjusting the harness?

Put two fingers in between the bottom of the harness and your dog’s belly. If there’s no space left, your fit is probably too tight. Conversely, if there’s more room left, it’s too loose. Your fingers should barely be able to slide through.

Conclusion

Bernese Mountain dogs tend to be the most loving and adventurous friends you’ll ever get despite their large stature and overwhelming energy. Many of the products listed work well as dog carting harnesses, making your dog and your kids’ time that much more joyous. Given their size, Berners owners tend to go for heavy-duty dog harnesses. Our list considers that, and thus all featured harnesses are weight-tested escape-proof dog harnesses.

 Once you get the basic training down, a proper Bernese Mountain Dog harness will allow you to have the best adventures- given that you have the right fit. So what are you waiting for? Go out and conquer the world, you two!