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This is our review of the best harness for blind dogs.
Finding the best harness for your blind companion is an important decision to help your dog gain independence and keep harmful situations at bay.
Our staff at Dog Training Boss thoroughly researches all products we mention on our website to bring you the most valuable information so you can make the best decisions for you and your dog. Reviewing the best harness for blind dogs is no exception – we take the safety, needs, and happiness of all dogs and dog owners into consideration.
Harnesses for vision-impaired pups are often fitted with a halo or bumper ring around their head to help prevent running into objects that could hurt them. While many of the harnesses for blind dogs are created with a similar design, there are a few product features that stand out and can make a big difference to your dog.
After researching several harness and halo options, we found the overall design and materials in Muffin’s Halo Blind Dog Harness to be the best harness for blind dogs.
Overall Best in Show: Muffin’s Halo Blind Dog Harness
Best Sizing Options: Walkin’ Pets Halo Harness
Best Budget-Friendly: HQSLC Blind Dog Harness
While your dog may comfortably nap, eat, and drink in a halo harness, it should not be worn in crates or if your dog is left alone.
4 Reviews of the Best Harness for Blind Dogs
We looked at several features like harness sizing, weight of products, materials and safety to give you a better idea of which products would be best for you and your dog.
Muffin’s Halo Blind Dog Harness
Sizes: XS – 3XL
Measurements: 12 x 9 x 2 in.
Weight: 7.02 oz.
Users generally like how easy it is to put on and take off and the wings are detachable as well. The harness and wings are washable and the tubing on the halo is easily wiped down and spot cleaned. We also liked how lightweight Muffin’s Halo Harness is while still being durable for dog exploration.
Your dog should be able to eat, sleep, play, and nap while wearing the harness halo, however, some owners mention that it depends on your food/water dish setup for eating and drinking.
Make sure to measure your dog and compare the measurements to the sizing chart online before purchasing.
Walkin’ Pets Halo Harness
Size: 3XS – 2XL
Measurements: 15 x 12 x 12 in.
Weight: 14oz – 2lbs, depending on size
Many owners say a halo harness is a game-changer to build confidence in their blind dog. The halo is attached to the harness (or vest) with some minimal assembly when it arrives. It comes is a variety of sizes so take a look at the measurement chart before ordering.
Owners like the ability to adjust the Walkin’ Pets Halo Harness and halo tubing, but a few have run into trouble with the halo tubing bending, especially if the dog is energetic and doesn’t mind bumping into things while exploring. Timid dogs have fewer issues with the halo durability.
It is also worth noting the weight of the halo harness, especially if you have a smaller dog.
HQSLC Blind Dog Harness
Sizes: XS – Medium
Measurements: 15.79 x 12.36 x 1.97 in.
Weight: 12.63 ounces
The halo is quite large and owners find the materials to be lightweight and easy to use, but there are some concerns with durability near the buckles over time. Overall, the HQSLC Blind Dog Harness seems to offer confidence and independence to dogs at a comfortable price range.
It’s important to note that the HQSLC Blind Dog Harness is not suitable for dogs under 10lbs.
GabeFish Blind Halo
Sizes: Small and Medium
Measurements: 17 x 12 x 1.5 in.
Weight: 12.35 oz
The GabeFish Halo Harness uses lightweight material and we like that it’s adjustable and washable. It comes in two sizes, so check the weight and measurement chart to see if this would be a good fit for your furry friend.
This product sits at a lower pricepoint than some similar harnesses for blind dogs, and there are some owners with concerns with how comfortable dogs appeared with the overall design.
Blind Dog Harness Labels
You might want to consider having a clearly marked harness, or attaching a leash label sleeve to help people around you be aware of your dog’s vision impairment.
For example, if you dog startles easily or doesn’t like to be petted by unfamiliar hands, a clearly displayed label can be a good tool to remind people to ask before petting or handling your dog.
This can also be a helpful addition if you are around people with other dogs so you don’t need to stop and explain potential encounters as often. Many dog owners appreciate knowing when to limit or avoid interactions that might make a blind dog uneasy.
We liked the vivid colors and options available with the vest harness, but if you already have a favorite harness for your pup or you are looking for less expensive option, consider adding a labeled sleeve to your dog’s leash.
Buying Guide: Best Harness For Blind Dogs
Sizing
With any halo harness you choose, finding the right size that fits your dog comfortably is important. The harnesses we reviewed have sizing charts and some are pretty specific about measurements.
Weight
The weight of each harness can vary by product and by size, so make sure to take a look, especially if you have a small dog. Some small dog owners mentioned halo harnesses appear bulky or too heavy, so it’s important to look at the weight before you make a purchase.
Safety
Whenever you are considering dog products, be aware of small pieces, attachments, or extra material that may become loose or be harmful if digested. This is especially true if your dog likes to chew. Halo harnesses should not be worn in crates or if your dog is left alone.
Caring Tips for Vision-Impaired Dogs
Finding the right harness can greatly improve your dog’s happiness and safety, but there are other things to consider to help make your vision-impaired dog feel independent at home.
According to the Humane Society, pets losing their vision may feel anxious so owners might want to create a smaller safe area to navigate. As your furry friend becomes more confident, owners can expand their safe area to other parts of the house.
They also suggest other tips like sticking to a daily schedule and walking path so your dog knows what to expect. Using sound cues like putting bells on additional pets can also be helpful clues about their surroundings.
Moving furniture with sharp edges and keeping clutter off the floor space can also be helpful when it comes to safe exploration at home.
Blind Harness Training
As with many dog-related products, successful training can go a long way. This can be especially true when working on ways to keep a blind dog safe.
Short training sessions that focus on verbal cues can help guide your dog away from dangers they can’t see and allow them to explore and navigate their environment safely.
Many owners of visually impaired dogs use clickers for training and to alert their dog about where they are. Check out our guides explaining clicker training and other techniques to see what’s the best fit for your canine companion.
Our Final Thoughts
Having the best harness for your vision-impaired dog will not only make them feel more comfortable and safe exploring their surroundings, but it will also help make your role as a dog owner easier too. After hours of research, we suggest the overall best harness for blind dogs is Muffin’s Halo Blind Dog Harness.
When reviewing the best harness for blind dogs, we often discovered halos work really well for some dogs, and just don’t seem to help others. Age, additional health conditions, along with material and design all play a role in how well your canine navigates while wearing a halo. We suggest gentle auditory training techniques to help guide your dog as they learn to explore with a halo.
If you have any vision or health-related concerns with your furry friend, be sure to talk to your vet about options and care specific to your dog’s needs.
