Step-In Harness vs. Adjustable Harness: What's the Difference?
Choosing the right dog harness can be quite challenging. There are so many styles, materials, and fits that you might not know which one is best for your dog. Two popular options are the 'normal' dog harness (also called a adjustable harness ) and the step-in harness .
But what exactly is the difference? And which harness is right for your dog or puppy? We'll explain everything in this blog post!
What is an adjustable harness / regular dog harness?
An adjustable harness goes over your dog's head and is then secured with an adjustable strap around the chest and belly.
✅ Benefits of an adjustable harness
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Highly adjustable → ideal for dogs that fluctuate in size, for example after a visit to the groomer or during weight loss/gain.
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Perfect for growing puppies → you can continuously adjust the harness as your puppy gets bigger.
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Wide chest pieces provide good pressure distribution and extra comfort.
❌ Disadvantage of an adjustable harness
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It has to go over the head, and some dogs find this nerve-wracking or unpleasant. Impatient dogs, in particular, can find this difficult.
What is a step-in harness?
A step-in harness is, as the name suggests, a harness your dog steps into with their front legs. You then click the harness into place on their back. So you don't have to slide anything over their head.
✅ Benefits of a step-in harness
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Super easy to put on and take off → ideal for dogs that have no patience or don't like being overlooked.
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Calmer for anxious or sensitive dogs .
There are 2 types of boarding harnesses :
1️⃣ Step-in harness with chest harness
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This model, like the adjustable harness, has a wide chest plate for extra comfort.
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✅ Advantage: easy to put on without going over your head.
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❌ Disadvantage: less adjustable → therefore less suitable for fast-growing puppies or dogs with frequent weight fluctuations.
2️⃣ Step-in harness with polyester straps
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This is a lighter model , made entirely of adjustable straps.
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✅ Advantage: very adjustable → ideal for puppies that are still growing.
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✅ Light and airy, perfect for hot days or dogs who like to run through the mud.
Which dog harness do you choose for your dog?
Still unsure? Consider these points:
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Does your dog have trouble putting something over his head?
→ Choose a step-in harness . -
Does your dog still need to grow or does its size change regularly?
→ Choose an adjustable harness or a polyester step-in harness . -
Do you mainly want convenience?
→ The step-in harness is quicker and easier to put on and take off. -
Are you looking for maximum fit and pressure distribution?
→ Then an adjustable harness with a chest piece is ideal.
Summary: Step-in harness or adjustable harness?
| Feature | Adjustable Harness | Step-in harness |
|---|---|---|
| Putting on and taking off | Over the head | Dog steps in |
| Adjustability | Highly adjustable | Limited (except polyester model) |
| Comfort | Broad chestpiece, stable | Two options: bib or light polyester |
| Suitable for puppies | ✅ | Yes, but your puppy will grow out of it faster. Unless you go for the polyester step-in harness. |
| Ideal for | Dogs that have no problem with being pulled over their heads | Dogs that don't like this or are impatient |
In short:
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Do you have a puppy or a dog whose weight fluctuates? → Adjustable harness or polyester step-in harness
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Does your dog hate getting something thrown over his head? → Step-in harness
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Want convenience and speed? → Step-in harness with chest piece
👉 Curious which harness fits your dog best?
View our collection of step-in harnesses and adjustable harnesses here.
