Choosing the right harness requires knowing the purpose for which you are purchasing it and then considering your dog's body type.

Types of harnesses

1. Car harness
2. Everyday harness
3. Puppy harness
4. Hound harness / Escapee harness
5. Running harness
6. Front Clip
7. Harnesses with a Handle
8. Backpacks

Harnesses come in all shapes and sizes and are suitable for different purposes, some harnesses are multi-functional, and some for specific purposes

1. Car Harnesses

To ensure the safety of your dog and the passengers in the vehicle dogs need to be restrained when traveling a simple way to ensure this is to use a car harness using the car seatbelt system. There are specific car harnesses or you can use an everyday harness with a seatbelt adapter.

2. Everyday Harnesses

A simple harness solution that can be used for general everyday activities. An everyday harness can be used as a car harness with an adapter meaning you do not need to swap and change and depending on the harness, it may be suitable for more strenuous activities such as running. An everyday harness style will depend on your dog's body shape and a 3-point harness may be more suitable if your dog has a longer body shape or an escape artist.

3. Puppy harnesses

Puppies grow very quickly so expect to purchase a few harnesses before they are fully grown! I use a cheaper style harness for example a fleece harness until they are around 6 months old and then try to purchase a harness that will fit to fully grown, so a nice adaptable harness ideally with front and chest adaptability like the Ruffwear Front Range Harness.

4. Hound harness / Escapee harness

Whippets, Lurchers, Greyhounds, Dachshunds, and other longer-length body breeds often benefit from a 3-point harness. These harnesses are longer in the body and less likely to rub under the armpits. The third strap stops it from being as easily backed out so ideal for your escape artists

5. Running Harness

A running harness is designed to get the dog to pull. The  Y-shaped front allows free shoulder movement and minimal breathing constraints. The pull force is evenly distributed over your dog’s body without putting pressure on their spine with the lead connection point sitting far back on the harness.

6. Front connection Harness

Having a front point of connection allows a lead to be connected at the front of the harness, the rear of the harness, or using a training lead to connect to both fixings. The advantages of the front connector are

• Stops the dog from using his full body weight against you
• You can guide your dog from the front without putting pressure on your dog's neck so good for dogs with breathing or throat issues.

7. Harnesses with handles

A handle allows you to help assist a dog or restrain a dog. Handles can be used for lifting dogs into vehicles or assisting them to stand useful for elderly or infirm dogs. A handle can also be useful for restraining a large or powerful dog.

8. Backpack harnesses

A dog harness that has "pockets" ideal for going hiking and allows the dog to carry some of the essentials for a long trip.