IVY&LANE No Pull Dog Harness Review: Small Dog Vest Set with Leash and Safety Belt

My tenacious 11-pound terrier mix makes it her mission to chase squirrels whenever we go on walks. Before I got this new harness, I walked around with a shoulder injury. Walks with her started with a regular collar, but I moved on immediately for the sake of her trachea after two collar-bearing walks. Following this, I tried a cheap harness from a pet store that she escaped out of in under 10 seconds. When I ordered this harness, I tried to keep my expectations low and assumed it wouldn't be a miracle. I was pleasantly surprised with the all-in-one set. Compared to other harnesses, the price was not bad, and this one came with a leash, a car safety belt, and a storage strap in addition to the harness. This harness is compact and light, and it comes in the perfect shade of purple. For the last three weeks, I've used this harness in all sorts of weather, even when I had a hilarious run in with a very brave racoon. I assumed the "no-pull" aspect of this harness would work wonders on her, but she still runs after squirrels. A harness that works gives the owner the control to set the dog straight.

Did It Actually Stop the Pulling?

In addition to testing a variety of front-clip and martingale-training harness styles, I found this harness to have a front and back clip as well as a front chest attachment, and an example of this harness is attached for reference. During training sessions, my terrier really pulls, but I found that the front clip harness keeps her from gaining momentum and pulling me along, while her chest absorbs the pressure. Also, I found that this harness interrupts pulling, and I’m able to reposition the harness and redirect her attention with the pressure of the harness, which I guess she finds distracting. I also found that this harness works well with my other training treat supplements I’m using as a reward system for my dog every time we go on a walk. This system works! She was no longer running ahead, but rather checking in with me each time we walked, often leading the way. Back clip harnesses are a different story, and she becomes a ‘sledge dog’ pulling me along each time we walk. I use the back clip harness for slow walks so she can re-energize during our neighborhood walks, but for walks that need more of her control, the front clip harness is the only solution.

Will My Dog Slip Out of This Harness?

The IVY&LANE has four adjustment points and a locking neck buckle. This design means you don’t have to wrestle it over your dog’s head. Three buckles around the neck and chest allow the harness to be opened flat, lay down on the dog’s back, and buckled. If your dog is like mine and doesn’t like things being put over their head, this design is excellent. The neck buckle has a locking button that prevents accidental release. I tested it by tugging it sharply from different angles and it remained locked. Getting the right fit takes a few minutes, but once you have it, the web straps hold firm and do not slip. I test the fit using the two-finger rule. If I’m able to slip two fingers under each strap and not be able to twist them, the harness is holding firm. Loose straps increases the risk of your dog escaping, and tight straps increases the risk of chafing your dog. The straps have been holding firmly for the three weeks of daily use. If you have a growing puppy, you might want a more basic step-in style, but for adult small dogs, this design is hard to beat. The importance of a front clip I used to think this was a minor detail. It’s not. A front clip (chest) redirects pulling and gives you control during training.

Why the Front Clip Matters

Back clip (shoulders) allows for more movement for the dog with less pulling. However, the opposition reflex means some dogs will pull into the pressure that the straps create. With the IVY&LANE, I always keep the leash clipped to the front ring for the first ten minutes of any walk because that is the most energetic part of the walk for my dog and the part she is most likely to pull during. Once she settles into a rhythm, I switch to the back clip. While I find that solution satisfactory, some dog owners find it useful to use a double-ended leash and attach it to both clips. This method allows the owner to gently pull the front side to redirect their dog and, at the same time, reduce pressure on the dog using back clip. The harness has alloy clips on each of the sides which allow the attachment of a leash and, unlike cheap D-rings, can withstand a significant amount of pressure without snapping. The accessories included with the harness should also be reviewed. The car safety belt clips to your harness and your vehicle's seatbelt and securely holds your dog. The elastic band harness and leash holder will make it look really organized and will also help keep your harness and leash tidy. There is no need to purchase the seatbelt tether and the other accessories because they come with the harness. From my experience, the quickest harness to put on is the one that your dog tolerates the best.

Pros, Cons, and Verdict

I've used step-in harnesses where you place the harness on the ground and lift each paw in. Those can be fast once the dog cooperates. But if your dog dances around like mine, it takes two people. The neck-wrapping harness design is easier for one person because you can wrap it around the dog without forcing their limbs through it. It becomes natural once the right harness has been selected. The harnesses I've found have been quick to put on with the three buckles that can be snapped in sequence. After a few steps, my morning walks have been streamlined to under thirty seconds. Pros, Cons, and Verdict What I love about this harness set is the four points of adjustment. This helps ensure the harness is a snug fit to your dog. The harness has both front and back alloy clips, which means you can use it for both training and walking. It even comes with a leash and car tether.

The added security of a lockable neck buckle, especially for dogs who may pull hard or easily spook, is a great feature. The reflective strips on both the harness and leash provide good visibility for evening walks. The vibrant purple color is easy to see when looking for it in a dark closet or car footwell. There are a few things to note: The front clip placement is a little low on the chest. For very short legged dogs, the leash can dip under a front paw during a sharp turn. Sizing does run fairly small. My 11-pound terrier fits a Small, but it is at max extension, so be careful and consider going up a size if your dog is at the upper limit of an available size. The added handle on the harness is great, but is fairly thin and would be uncomfortable if you used it frequently to carry your pup. The lock button on the neck is stiff, so it is hard to unlock the clasp. It gives the ability to securely walk the dog without the risk of throat damage or hurting your dog. It provides a fairly good value, especially with the added accessories. If your small dog is a puller or easily escapes their gear, this set is a great value. I've recommended it to a few neighbors.

IVY&LANE No Pull Dog Harness Set

Complete small dog walking kit — no-pull harness, leash, car safety belt, and storage strap with 360° reflective trim.

View Product — $16.99

I’ve owned this harness for a few weeks and taken it on many walks. I like it so much that I’ve decided it deserves to have an honored spot by my door. It’s earned it because it makes my walks so much better (not saying that it looks bad). The harness is now simple enough that I can just attach it, and my dog no longer anxiously worries with the shuffles now that she recognizes the harness to be something that won't be restricting on her during the walk.