The best harness for dogs that pull

The well-designed Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness drastically reduces pulling without restricting a dog's natural movement.

The new generation of no-pull harnesses has evolved beyond the standard three-strap style to include more comfortable, secure versions that don't restrict a dog's movement. There are several good options (including our pick for best overall harness, the PetSafe 3-in-1), but the Blue-9 Pet Products Balance Harness is my favorite, and I'm not alone: The Whole Dog Journal voted the Balance Harness the best front-clip harness on the market.

Front-clip, anti-pull harnesses like the Balance Harness work because they put your leash ahead of your dog instead of at the strongest part of their body. When your dog tries to pull ahead, the tension on the leash causes them to turn. In order to continue straight, your dog has to slow down.

The magic of the Balance Harness, specifically, comes down to fit. Straps around the neck and chest are connected by straight straps that run along the spine and chest. With five sizes and six places to adjust the length of the straps, I've had no trouble getting the fit right on everything from a Boston Terrier to a Boxer — although the webbing might ride up on the smallest of dogs. Thanks to a buckle on the strap that encircles the neck, the harness doesn't need to be pulled over the head, a feature that shy or handling-sensitive dogs will appreciate.

One of the reasons the Balance Harness is my favorite is its contrasting colors. I frequently field complaints about how webbed harnesses like this one can be confusing to put on. But with the Balance, the spine strap is always a different color than the others, making it easy to figure out which side is up with just a quick glance.

The Balance Harness is well-made and durable with sturdy rings at both the chest and the spine to accommodate a double-ended leash. Because it has no padding, however, it's always best to remove this harness when your walk is over.

Pros: Curbs pulling in most dogs, available in five sizes and eight colors, accommodates double-ended leash, sturdy hardware, easy to fit to a wide variety of body shapes, allows freedom of movement

Cons: Not padded, may ride up on very small dogs