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Off the Leash

Front-clip or back-clip harness?

Updated 16 September 2026

The ring position changes what the lead does. On the chest, a dog that pulls turns back towards you. On the back, the lead sits out of the way for a dog that already walks nicely.

Most of the harnesses we picked carry both rings, so a no pull dog harness and an everyday one can be the same piece of kit. The choice happens walk by walk, depending on where you are going and how your dog is walking that day.

A double-ended lead uses both rings at once, which is the setup many trainers favour. The front ring steers and the back ring takes the weight, so you get gentle direction and support from one lead.

Side by side

Front clip

A ring on the chest plate, so lead pressure turns the dog towards you.

Suits

  • Dogs learning to walk on a loose lead
  • Strong dogs and adolescents in their pulling phase
  • Owners who prefer to redirect gently

Ones we like

  • PoyPet No-Pull Harness, medium

    PoyPet

    No-Pull Harness, medium

    A vest harness with front and back rings and a quick-release buckle at the neck.

    The one to choose for a dog that prefers a harness it can step into.

    ££View on Amazon
  • rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness, large

    rabbitgoo

    No-Pull Harness, large

    A padded vest harness with front and back rings and a top handle.

    Set all four straps on the first day and the fit holds for months.

    ££View on Amazon

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Back clip

A ring between the shoulders, keeping the lead clear of the legs.

Suits

  • Dogs that already walk on a loose lead
  • Hikes and long walks with a handle
  • Small dogs, keeping the lead clear of the legs

Ones we like

  • Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness, size 0 to 4

    Julius-K9

    IDC Powerharness, size 0 to 4

    The chest-plate working harness you see on police and assistance dogs.

    Sized by chest measurement, so take a tape round the chest before ordering. The maker asks for hand washing.

    £££View on AmazonView on eBay
  • Ancol Comfort Mesh Harness

    Ancol

    Comfort Mesh Harness

    A light, breathable mesh harness for small dogs and warm days.

    A good first harness for a puppy. Check the chest measurement against the size range each month while they grow.

    £View on Amazon

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, Off the Leash earns from qualifying purchases.

Screened eBay business seller (98%+ feedback, 200+ ratings). Affiliate link, at no cost to you.

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Common questions

Can I use both harness rings at once?

Yes, with a double-ended lead. That is the setup most trainers use, with the front ring steering and the back ring taking the weight. One lead then covers training walks and everyday ones.

How do I measure my dog for a harness?

Measure the chest at its widest point, just behind the front legs, and check that figure against the maker's size chart. The chart is the reliable guide, since dogs of the same breed come in different shapes.

How tight should a dog harness be?

Two fingers should fit under every strap, with the chest plate sitting clear of the armpits so it stays comfortable on a long walk. Check the straps again after the first few outings, because a new harness settles.

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