Best Harness for German Shepherds

Vital Stat	Value
Height	22-26 inches (male), 20-24 inches (female)
Weight	65-85 pounds (male), 45-70 pounds (female)
Lifespan	10-13 years
Coat	Double coat, straight or slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat
Colors	Black, black and tan, sable, liver, and white
Temperament	Intelligent, loyal, protective, and energetic
Activity level	High
Training needs	High
Grooming needs	Medium
Health concerns	Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies

 

Why it’s Important to Choose the Right Harness for a German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Cherished for their working abilities, protection skills, and loving nature, they are one of the most popular breeds for police and military, as well as family pets. Because they are large, agile, and muscular dogs, it is important to maintain control during walks. To keep your German Shepherd safe and comfortable during walks, having the right harness is key. 

For German Shepherds and their owners, a well-fitting harness enhances your training efforts and plays a vital role in their overall health, safety, and mobility. You need to look beyond style alone and choose a functional, durable, and large harness to fit this powerful breed. That’s why GSD owners love Joyride Harness! 

Understanding a German Shepherd's Energy and Exercise Needs

German Shepherds are highly energetic and active, originally bred for herding and working purposes. GSDs are a favorite among dog enthusiasts for their loyalty, courage, and confidence. They can learn commands for many tasks and excel in various activities. When you bring a German Shepherd into your life, channeling their energy into maintaining their physical and mental well-being is crucial. These dogs typically require at least one to two hours of daily exercise. 

Walking, jogging, swimming, and training are all great ways to provide exercise and mental stimulation. Frequent walks with your German Shepherd allow them to explore their surroundings, engage their senses, and burn off excess energy. Regular activity also aids in preventing weight gain and maintaining a healthy body condition, which is important in reducing the risk of elbow dysplasia. Regular exercise and mental stimulation also help alleviate boredom, reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviors that may result from pent-up energy. Owners can promote a balanced lifestyle for their beloved German Shepherds by prioritizing exercise and incorporating more walks and games into their routines.

The Importance of Training a German Shepherd 

German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, making them highly trainable. However, their strong instincts and protective nature require proper training and control. A well-designed harness can be an invaluable tool for training your German Shepherd.

A well-fitted no-pull harness provides optimal control and support during training sessions. It discourages pulling by redirecting the dog's attention and offering better control over their movements. The no-pull design also reduces the risk of injury caused by excessive pulling or sudden movements. It provides a safe and secure means of guiding and managing a German Shepherd's behavior during training sessions, preventing potential accidents.

By using a suitable harness, owners can effectively teach their German Shepherds proper leash manners and obedience commands, leading to a well-behaved and responsive companion.

What is the Best German Shepherd Harness?

For a strong and active breed, the best German Shepherd harness is one that is comfortable for you and your dog. GSDs have muscular, athletic bodies, so you want a fully adjustable harness for a proper fit, making it escape-proof. The best harnesses are also ones that prevent pulling; this will keep you and your Shepherd safe on every adventure. 

We created our Joyride Harness with German Shepherd Dogs in mind. Our durable harnesses have a revolutionary three-ring design that stops pulling in its tracks! You can attach a leash to one of the side rings to stop your GSD from pulling forward. If your dog is well-behaved, you can attach the leash to the back ring. The back ring is also perfect for using a dog seat belt for restraining your pup in the car. 

The other perk of Joyride Harness for German Shepherd owners is the durable built-in handle. This gives you the option to quickly grab your puppy or adult dog and keep them close. It adds an extra level of security for every adventure with your best friend. 

 

What Size Harness Should I Buy for a German Shepherd? 

Most adult German Shepherds will fit in our XL dog harness, which is suitable for dogs between 60 and 85 pounds. Most customers choose this size as the best harness for their adult GSDs. For larger German Shepherds and puppies, you can utilize our size chart to find the best harness fit at their current size. 

Joyride Harness for German Shepherds: Reviews

Looking for the best German Shepherd harness? Here are some reviews from real pet parents who love Joyride Harness for their German Shepherds! 

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Doreen T.

Best Harness EVER

I have an oversized 5 month old German Shepherd (60lbs) and he has no idea of his size. When we would attempt to go for a walk before we had the Joyride Harness it was not very much fun for either one of us. Since we purchased the Joyride Harness walking is fun and a tired puppy is a happy puppy.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stephanie M.

Love these!

We bought 3 - 1 for each dog. One was for our Golden Retriever puppy and 2 for adult German Shepherds. I was a little concerned how they would fit since the puppy is growing and one of the Germans was recently adopted and needing to lose weight. The adjustable straps work great. The girls both love them and didn’t want them off! The puppy is still trying to decide but it is so much easier to keep control of him without pulling on his neck. Definitely a purchase well worth the money!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Elizabeth G.

Love the Joyride harness

My 140lb German Shepherd, Angus, loves it. When I slip it on he feels dressed up and prances. Easy on easy off.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Kent C.

Thank you!

Thank you, with this product we can finally take our 100 lb brute of a German Shepherd for a walk without her bucking against a collar or pulling when you least expected. The moment we put this on our dog, she was much more comfortable and confident in what we wanted her to do. This product has been a huge quality of life improvement for our family!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Hallie P.

Never buying a collar again

I have a German Shepherd, he has a bit of an attitude problem. It is hard to be able to take him for walks out in public bc he has a problem with everyone/ everything he sees. Until I purchased a joyride harness, he was hard to control (I’m a small female, and he’s over 100 lbs) collars caused discomfort or pain when he would pull and it would make his aggression worse. 

The harness itself is very well made. The materials seem quality and everything sits in the right place. The handle on the back is perfect for grabbing him closer to me if I need to, and he’s not getting choked anymore. I could cry because I love my fur-baby so much and the harness helps me to be able to take him to so many more places because his attitude is much less now. 

I review products after I’ve used them a while and I will never buy a collar for a dog again. Thank you for this amazing product!