As a professional dog training instructor at The Academy of Pet Careers, I've tested countless harnesses over my decade-long career. After rigorous testing with various dog breeds in our training programs, I can confidently recommend the Embark Urban No Pull Dog Harness for both pet owners and professional trainers. We gave it a 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Our comprehensive review process evaluated this harness across five essential categories that we consider crucial for any high-quality dog harness: Comfort & Fit, Durability, Ease of Use, Safety Features, and Versatility. We tested the harness in various environments, from basic obedience classes to advanced training sessions, ensuring a thorough assessment of its performance.
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Highly Recommended
Embark Urban Dog Harness
A top pick for owners and handlers looking for a durable, safe, and versatile harness for every day use and training.
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Product Specs
- Price: $31.99
- Material: Heavy-duty 600D Oxford polyester exterior
- Front clip: Reinforced D-ring for no-pull training
- Back clip: Military-grade metal D-ring for regular walking
- Handle: Padded control handle for close restraint
- Straps: Elastic-enhanced for improved comfort and mobility
- Reflective trim: 3M reflective stitching for visibility
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Colors: 4 vibrant options
- Adjustable points: 4 fully adjustable straps
- Closure type: Quick-release buckles
Rating by Category
Comfort & Fit
In my extensive experience fitting harnesses during training sessions, I've found the Embark Urban's design truly stands out. The elastic-enhanced straps provide excellent freedom of movement while maintaining control. However, I've noticed that on some dogs, particularly those with deeper chests, the chest piece could be longer as it occasionally causes minor rubbing under the legs if not fitted perfectly.
Durability
We've put this harness through intense testing during our training programs, and I'm thoroughly impressed. The 600D Oxford polyester has withstood countless training sessions, including work with our more energetic breeds. The stitching remains intact, and the hardware shows no signs of wear.
Ease of Use
From my daily experience fitting harnesses on numerous dogs, I can attest that the quick-release buckles make this harness exceptionally user-friendly. The clearly marked straps and intuitive design have significantly reduced the time I spend adjusting harnesses during class. The handle on the back also provides additional control when trying to wrangle your dog in or out of the harness.
Safety Features
The dual-clip design has proven invaluable in our training sessions. I particularly appreciate the sturdy front D-ring for no-pull training and the reinforced back clip for regular walks. The reflective stitching has notably improved visibility during our evening training sessions.
One of my favorite features of this design, which is missing from so many harnesses, is the convenient handle on the back of the harness. This acts as a “traffic loop” which allows handlers to gain additional control of their dog when in tight spaces. The handle is comfortable and durable enough for restraining the dog, but I don’t recommend using it to lift a dog, like handles seen on dog life vests.
Versatility
Throughout my career, I've rarely encountered a harness this adaptable. We've successfully used it for basic obedience, agility training, and behavioral modification classes. The comfortable handle provides excellent control when needed, making it perfect for everyday use. It is an all around great harness for trainers and pet parents alike.
Pros
- Exceptional durability for daily training use
- Comfortable padded handle for safe restraint
- Elastic straps provide superior comfort and fit
- Intuitive design for quick fitting
- High-quality, heavy-duty materials
- Effective no-pull front clip option
- Reasonable price point
Cons
- Chest piece length could be improved for certain dog builds
- Limited pattern options
- May require initial adjustment period
Key Takeaways
The Embark Urban No Pull Dog Harness has proven itself as a reliable, versatile, and high-quality training tool. While there's room for minor improvements in the chest piece design, its durability, safety features, and overall functionality make it an excellent choice for both professional trainers and pet owners.
Highly Recommended
Embark Urban Dog Harness
A top pick for owners and handlers looking for a durable, safe, and versatile harness for every day use and training.
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog's body. The chest piece should sit flat against the chest without riding up into the armpits.
Yes, when properly fitted and used with the front clip, I've seen significant improvement in pulling behavior during our training sessions.
Yes, I regularly machine wash our training harnesses on gentle cycle and hang dry them. They maintain their shape and durability excellently.
In our training facility, with daily use, these harnesses typically last 1-2 years before showing any significant wear.
While the harness is comfortable, I recommend removing it when not in use to prevent potential rubbing and to check your dog's skin regularly.
About Embark
Embark Pets is a company dedicated to creating high-quality pet products that enhance the lives of pets and their owners. They focus on innovation, durability, and style, ensuring every product meets the highest standards of functionality and design.
I started working under a professional dog trainer at the young age of 14, when 4-H first opened my eyes to the wonderful world of dogs. I was captivated and knew I had found my calling. This passion led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness in Animal Science/Pre-Vet at the University of Central Missouri, where I deepened my knowledge and understanding of animals. Following my graduation, I took the leap to start my own business, focusing on dog training across a wide range of activities. I've trained dogs in skills and manners, Tricks, Freestyle, Service Dogs, Agility, Disc, Dock Diving, and Bikejoring.
In addition to running my own business, I managed the training department for a local pet hotel in St. Louis. For the past 2 years, I've had the incredible opportunity to work as a dog training and behavior instructor at The Academy of Pet Careers. This role has allowed me to share my knowledge and experience with aspiring dog trainers, shaping the next generation of experts in this field. Teaching at the academy is profoundly rewarding; not only do I get to impart practical skills and theoretical knowledge about various aspects of dog training and behavior, but I also learn from my students' fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This experience has enriched my understanding of dog training, fostering a collaborative and ever-evolving environment that benefits both humans and their canine companions.
Joseph Schifano is the President of The Academy of Pet Careers and Founder of DogNerdly.
With over 20 years of professional pet experience, Joseph got his start as an owner/operator of a 7-figure, all-inclusive pet care business. From there, he purchased The Academy of Pet Careers with a hopes of improving the quality of care provided by industry professionals. This role allowed Joseph to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industry, and gain knowledge in every aspect of pet care.
After witnessing the popularity of social media influencers and the amount of misinformation being taught to pet parents, Joseph decided to create DogNerdly. The goal was to provide science-backed education for the average dog nerd in order to create a world where dogs and humans can live a more harmonious and empowered lifestyle.
