Our pick for a one-stop starter kit
Chewy
Collars, harnesses, leashes, crates, beds and grooming basics in one order.
Check price at Chewy Partner link
Best Dog Gear: Harnesses, Leashes & GPS Collars
You don’t need a garage full of dog stuff. You need a few things that fit well and get used every day. Here’s what we feature.
Our top picks
Best everyday harnesses & leashes
EzyDog harnesses & Zero Shock leashes
Harnesses and leashes for everyday walks, including leashes designed to absorb pulling.
Check price at EzyDog Partner link
Best for hiking and outdoor trips
Rocky Mountain Dog
Adventure harnesses, leashes and collars for dogs who hike.
Check price at Rocky Mountain Dog Partner link
Best GPS collar for location + activity
Fi Series 3+ smart collar
A GPS collar that also tracks activity and sleep, with long battery life.
Check price at Fi Partner link
Best GPS collar with virtual fences
Halo Collar 5
A GPS collar that lets you draw virtual fences in an app.
Check price at Halo Partner link
What to look for
- ID first: an ID tag with your phone number, plus a registered microchip.
- Two-finger fit under collar and harness straps. Re-check as puppies grow.
- Harness style: front-clip can help with pulling; back-clip suits dogs who already walk nicely.
- A 6-foot leash gives more control than a retractable.
- Crate size: room to stand, turn and lie down. For puppies, buy adult size with a divider.
- GPS collars: check membership cost, battery life and coverage where you walk.
A tracker is a safety net. It doesn’t replace an ID tag, a microchip and a secure fence.
The picks in detail
Our pick for a one-stop starter kit
Chewy
Chewy
Check price at Chewy Partner link
For a new dog, the easiest route is one order covering the basics: ID tag, collar, harness, leash, crate, bed, bowls and grooming tools.
Quick facts
- Collars, harnesses, leashes, crates and beds
- Grooming supplies: brushes, nail tools, shampoo
- Many brands in one order
Good for
Setting up for a new dog or puppy.
Keep in mind
Measure your dog before buying anything that has to fit.
Pros
- Everything in one place
- Easy to compare sizes
Cons
- Choice can be overwhelming
- Quality varies by brand
Check price at Chewy Partner link
Best everyday harnesses & leashes
EzyDog harnesses & Zero Shock leashes
EzyDog
Check price at EzyDog Partner link
EzyDog’s range includes the Quick Fit, Express and X-Link harnesses and the Zero Shock leash, in sizes for small to large dogs.
Quick facts
- Harnesses include Quick Fit, Express and X-Link
- Zero Shock leashes are designed to absorb sudden pulls (per EzyDog)
- Sizes for small to large dogs
Good for
Everyday walks, especially with dogs who pull.
Keep in mind
Measure your dog’s chest before choosing a harness size.
Pros
- Focused range of walking gear
- Several harness styles
Cons
- Pricier than basic harnesses
- Sizing takes some care
Check price at EzyDog Partner link
Best for hiking and outdoor trips
Rocky Mountain Dog
Rocky Mountain Dog
Check price at Rocky Mountain Dog Partner link
Outdoor-focused gear, including the Summit All-Terrain harness, hands-free and waterproof leashes, and Alpine collars.
Quick facts
- Flagship Summit All-Terrain harness
- Hands-free and waterproof leash options
- Canadian company, founded in 2018
Good for
Hikers and outdoor dogs.
Keep in mind
It’s a Canadian store: check currency, shipping and returns to the US at checkout.
Pros
- Built for the trail
- Hands-free leash options
Cons
- US shipping terms to check
- More than you need for city walks
Check price at Rocky Mountain Dog Partner link
Best GPS collar for location + activity
Fi Series 3+ smart collar
Fi
Check price at Fi Partner link
Shows your dog’s location on your phone and tracks daily activity. A membership is required to use the collar.
Quick facts
- GPS location plus activity and sleep tracking
- Up to 3 months of battery (per Fi)
- Membership required to use the collar (per Fi)
Good for
Dogs who roam or have slipped out before.
Keep in mind
Budget for the membership as well as the collar.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Location and activity in one app
Cons
- Ongoing membership cost
- Needs cellular coverage where you walk
Check price at Fi Partner link
Best GPS collar with virtual fences
Halo Collar 5
Halo
Check price at Halo Partner link
A GPS collar with virtual fences you set up in the app, and a step-by-step training program. A membership is required for GPS and fence features.
Quick facts
- GPS with unlimited app-created virtual fences (per Halo)
- Up to 48 hours of battery (per Halo)
- Membership required for GPS and fences (per Halo)
- Cues include sound, vibration and an optional static setting
Good for
Owners who want virtual boundaries on open land.
Keep in mind
One feedback option is static. You choose which cues to use; follow Halo’s training steps and talk to a trainer or your vet about what suits your dog.
Pros
- Virtual fences without digging
- Structured training program
Cons
- Ongoing membership cost
- Short battery life compared with Fi
Check price at Halo Partner link
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a harness or a collar?
Many owners use both: a flat collar for the ID tag, and a harness for walks, especially for dogs who pull and for small breeds.
How do I size a harness?
Measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest and check the maker’s size chart. You should be able to slide two fingers under the straps.
Do GPS collars need a subscription?
Most do. Fi and Halo both say a membership is required for their GPS features. Check the current price before you buy.
Related guides
This is general information for healthy dogs, not veterinary advice. If your dog has a health condition, takes medication, or you notice a change, talk to your vet first.