The PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort No-Pull Dog Harness is praised for its effective design that gently discourages pulling through a front chest leash attachment, which redirects the dog's attention without restricting the throat area. Reviewers noted its comfort features, including padded straps and multiple adjustment points, making it suitable for extended use. The harness received positive feedback for its ease of fitting and visibility enhancements, though some users missed the inclusion of a back leash ring for added flexibility during walks or outdoor activities. It's recommended for leash training but may not suit all dogs' needs for everyday wear due to its H-shaped design.
Full review
H-Style design effectiveness
The PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort harness employs an H-shaped design that has proven effective in redirecting pulling behavior, as demonstrated by reviewer Elizabeth Holbrook of Business Insider who noted that 'the gentle pressure is what helps deter pulling instead of relying solely on the D-ring to turn a dog toward their handler.' The martingale loop at the chest tightens when a dog pulls, steering them to the side and redirecting attention toward the handler. This mechanism works through the opposition reflex, which traditional harnesses actually encourage, rather than discourage. The front leash attachment in the form of a stainless steel D-ring is positioned at the bottom of the harness just below the padded neck, providing a more controlled walking experience compared to back-attached harnesses.
Fit and sizing challenges
Proper fitting is essential for the harness to function correctly, and reviewers have identified specific sizing issues. Kate Barrington of Rover.com noted that 'we realized quickly that the smaller harness would have given us a better fit across the chest' when testing with their pup Pepper, who was between sizes. The chest strap should sit higher up, and reviewers recommend sizing up if your dog is in between sizes. The adjustable straps must be properly fitted with the shoulder rings positioned above the shoulder and tightened so that two fingers can fit under the straps. The chest strap has two adjustable points, and adjustments should be made evenly to keep the martingale loop centered.
Comfort and padding performance
Comfort is a significant advantage of the PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort harness, particularly in its Deluxe version which includes padded neoprene straps and reflector strips. Reviewer Elizabeth Holbrook of Business Insider emphasized that 'the padding for comfortable, secure fit' makes this harness a good choice for dogs of all sizes. The polyester foam padding around the neck, chest, and back provides added comfort, and the fabric handle at the top gives pet parents extra leverage. However, some reviewers noted that the interior padding can collect fur, which may require regular cleaning. The Deluxe version's padding was specifically praised by Pepper's owner for preventing chafing under the armpits, though the standard version's padding was less effective in this regard. The harness is designed to clear a dog's shoulders and front legs, allowing for free range of movement, which contributes to overall comfort during walks.
Leash attachment limitations
The harness has two leash attachments, not one. Business Insider's Elizabeth Holbrook describes a front stainless-steel D-ring working with 'a nylon martingale loop at the chest that tightens when a dog pulls,' and notes there is also 'a second D-ring at the back' intended for less structured walks such as long-leash sniffs, where a bit of tugging is fine. The front D-ring sits at the bottom of the harness just below the padded neck, and Holbrook found the martingale loop, rather than the front attachment alone, is what does the work: every time she clipped the leash to the front, her dog 'walks perfectly in a loose leash.' Her reservations lie elsewhere - the harness has to go over the dog's head to put on, the padding 'is on the thicker side and could be too warm for some dogs when temperatures are high,' the interior collects shed fur, and the back handle is 'likely not sturdy enough to secure a lunging dog.'
Adjustability and user experience
The harness offers multiple adjustment points and is designed to be user-friendly, though some users have reported challenges with the fitting process. According to the YouTube tutorial from How to Fit and Use the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness, 'each strap is adjustable to get the best fit' and the process involves fitting the straps separately in a specific order: first the top strap, then the bottom strap, and finally the chest strap. The quick-release buckles on each side make it easy to get on and off the dog, and the contrasting colors help distinguish between top and bottom straps. However, the process requires careful attention to ensure proper positioning, particularly with the shoulder straps that must be positioned with o-rings above and behind the dog's legs. Some users found that the harness could slip or cause chafing if not properly adjusted, requiring frequent readjustments during the initial fitting period.
Training and behavior modification
The harness is designed to help with leash training and reduce pulling behavior through its unique front chest leash attachment. Slush the Husky's reviewer noted that 'when he's pulling, pulls both of his legs together, making pulling just that much more difficult' and that 'he's barely pulling at all' when using the harness. The martingale loop provides a gentle but effective redirection that helps dogs learn to walk beside their handler. The harness allows for immediate impact on a dog's pulling habits, making it manageable to walk the dog, though some pulling may still occur. The effectiveness of the harness is enhanced when combined with consistent training techniques, as the handler can redirect the dog back to their side by gently pulling the leash to the side. This redirection technique, combined with rewards and praise, helps train dogs to walk on a loose leash.
Durability and construction quality
The PetSafe Easy Walk Comfort harness is constructed with polyester foam padding and features sturdy, plastic quick-release buckles. The materials used are designed to provide both comfort and durability, though some users have noted concerns about the small hardware on size XS being difficult to grip and maneuver. The harness is available in four sizes to fit chests ranging from 13 to 42 inches, with four different color options including black, blue, pink, and green. The warranty is a 1-year limited warranty, with first chew replacement free within the 1-year warranty period and $14.95 for each additional chew replacement. The construction quality appears to be solid, with the adjustable straps and multiple adjustment points allowing for a secure fit. However, the harness must be properly fitted to avoid issues with chafing or slipping, which requires careful attention during the initial setup process.
Versatility and alternative uses
Slush the Husky's reviewer noted that 'you can flip it around like this' to turn it into a fully back harness, which is great for casual walks and allows the dog to have more freedom. This feature is particularly useful in environments where dogs might pull more, such as in crowded areas or during city walks, where the front harness can be switched to a back harness for more space and freedom. The harness can be used for various activities including training, regular walks, and even some outdoor adventures. The lightweight design makes it suitable for extended wear without overheating the dog, and the color coding system helps users quickly identify which straps to use for different parts of the harness.
Strengths
- +Front leash loop that gently tightens across the chest when dog pulls, redirecting attention toward the owner
- +Padded straps prevent chafing and provide comfort, especially beneficial for sensitive skin
- +Multiple adjustment points ensure a secure and customizable fit for various body types
- +Reflective threading increases visibility in low-light conditions for safer walks
Watch-outs
- −Missing back leash ring, limiting freedom of movement for activities like hiking or tethering
- −Must be put on by sliding over the head
How it compares
The PetSafe Easy Walk harness is more effective at redirecting pulling behavior than the Auroth No Pull harness due to its front leash loop, but it lacks the back leash ring that provides freedom of movement for hiking. It's more padded than the Wilderdog Lightweight harness and offers better adjustability, though it's less durable than the Non-stop Line Harness 5.0. Unlike the Ruffwear Front Range, it must be put on over the head.
Rating sources
“The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is a Strong Choice for Dogs Who Pull”
“the easy walk harness is designed to gently discourage your dog from pulling while walking on a leash”
Our 4.3 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 2 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
