As a dog training instructor at The Academy of Pet Careers, I've had the opportunity to test out numerous products designed to enhance the training and outdoor experience for both dogs and their owners. Today, I'm excited to share my insights on the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, a product that has become our go-to for dog training and general use. After thorough testing and consideration, I highly recommend this harness for its comfort, durability, and functionality.
In our review process, we focused on five critical categories: Comfort, Durability, Ease of Use, Safety Features, and Versatility. These categories were carefully chosen to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the harness from both the trainer's and the dog's perspectives.
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Highly Recommended
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
All-around perfect harness for every day use and training, balancing comfort, durability and functionality.
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Product Specs
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness boasts several important specifications that stand out:
- Material: Padded, breathable mesh for the dog's comfort, with reinforced webbing for strength. The fabric is moisture wicking.
- Adjustability: Four points of adjustment to ensure a perfect fit for any dog size or breed.
- Visibility: Reflective trim for low-light visibility and an attachment point for a light on the back of the neck.
- Leash Attachments: Two options including a back clip for everyday walks and a front clip for training or additional control.
- Sizes: Ranges from XXS to XL, catering to all breeds.
Rating by Category
Comfort & Fit
This harness truly shines in its comfort. The padded chest and belly panels prevent rubbing and discomfort, even during extended wear. Our dogs hardly notice they're wearing it, which speaks volumes. The comfort extends to the handler with a matching leash consisting of a padded loop. This is one of the most comfortable harness and leash combos we have ever tested.
Adjusting it to fit perfectly takes minimal effort. With 4 points of adjustment, the harness can fit nearly any breed. It is worth noting that the largest size is a combined L/XL. For XL breeds, we recommend loosening the neck clips as much as possible for a more comfortable fit. Otherwise, the harness can ride forward and create some discomfort. For long-haired breeds, you don't have to worry about pinching their hair in the clips as Ruffwear extended the padding underneath the clips.
For dogs with large heads, you may need to adjust the neck fit after putting it on, otherwise, when utilizing the front clip, the harness may slide.
Durability
Made with high-quality materials, this harness withstands the rigors of daily training and outdoor adventures. Even our most active dogs haven't managed to wear theirs down. The only instance we have noticed damage or wear is if the harness is not properly fitted and the dog is able to chew on it. This is especially a concern for short-barreled dogs where a fold can occur in the chest fabric when they are seated. These issues can be easily avoided by properly fitting your harness.
Each of the leash clip attachments are double reinforced and in our years of using them we have never seen one break.
Ease of Use
Putting on and taking off the harness is straightforward, thanks to its simple design. You simply put the harness over your dogs head and fasten the buckles on each side of the body. It doesn't require lifting the dogs legs and pushing them through small holes, creating an uncomfortable experience for some dogs. You can get the harness on and off a dog in a matter of seconds without having to get down to floor level.
For dogs that may have head or face sensitivity, there are better options out there that provide a clip on the neckband to put on like a collar.
Safety Features
The reflective trim and light attachment point are game-changers for early morning or late evening walks. The front leash attachment helps in training dogs not to pull, enhancing safety and control. As a Y-shaped harness, there is little pressure put on the dogs neck, making it safer for breeds prone to tracheal problems.
The Ruffwear leash that comes with the harness includes a lock on the clip for added security when walking your dog. There is also a small pocket on the back of the neck to safely store your dog's identification.
Versatility
Whether we're on a casual walk, in a training session, or embarking on an adventure, this harness meets all our needs. It's comfortable enough for all-day wear and sturdy enough for a dog working on leash walking skills. All-around, this is a great option for everyday use and training.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable for dogs
- Highly durable and built to last
- Easy to adjust for a perfect fit
- Enhanced safety features for visibility and control
- Versatile for everyday use and training
Cons
- Premium price point compared to standard harnesses.
- Might require a bit of trial and error to find the perfect fit
Key Takeaways
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is hands down our favorite harness. We give it a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Its combination of comfort, durability, ease of use, safety features, and versatility makes it a valuable tool for both pet owners and professional trainers. From our experience and the positive feedback from our team at The Academy of Pet Careers, I highly recommend it for anyone looking to enhance their dog's training and outdoor adventures.
See how the Ruffwear Front RangeHarness holds up against the competition in our Ruffwear vs. Wilderdog Harness comparison.
Highly Recommended
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
All-around perfect harness for every day use and training, balancing comfort, durability and functionality.
When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the harness comes in sizes up to XL and has four points of adjustment to ensure a comfortable fit for large breeds.
Yes, the harness is machine washable. We recommend using a gentle cycle and air drying. Pro tip: make sure to clip your clips to prevent them from breaking during the tumble cycle.
Measure your dog's girth around the widest part of their rib cage and consult the sizing chart. Ruffwear also provides a simple tutorial for fitting your Ruffwear harness.
Absolutely. It's designed for training purposes and can handle the force from dogs who are learning not to pull. With that said, we do not recommend the harness for pulling sports as there are much sturdier harnesses for this purpose.
While it's not specifically designed as a car harness, it can be used in conjunction with a seatbelt attachment to help keep your dog in the backseat. This harness is not tested to keep your dog safe in the event of a crash. For optimal safety, there are certified crash safe harnesses that will do a better job.
About Ruffwear
Ruffwear is a leading innovator in performance dog gear, dedicated to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners through products that promote interaction and shared adventures. Founded on the principles of durability, functionality, and sustainability, Ruffwear's products are rigorously tested in the field to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and performance. The company is committed to building gear that not only lasts but also fosters a deeper connection between people and their canine companions.
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.
