Front-Clip Control
The front attachment helps me redirect Murphy when he pulls instead of relying entirely on the back clip.
Dog Friendly Co. Dog Harness Review
Is It Worth It for Large Dogs That Pull?
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Murphy still wears it after 12+ months of regular use.
Quick Overview:
- Best for: Large or strong dogs where you want better walking control and the option of front-clip redirection.
- What stood out: The front attachment made Murphy easier to redirect, while the padded, adjustable fit has stayed comfortable in regular use.
- Long-term use: Murphy is still wearing the same setup after more than 12 months.
- Sizes: XXS to XL. Sizes can run slightly large, so measure your dog’s chest before ordering.
- Discount: Use MAKEPAWMEMORIES15 for 15% off
If you have a large dog that pulls, lunges or suddenly decides something across the street is more interesting than you, the difference between an ordinary harness and one that gives you useful control becomes obvious pretty quickly.
Murphy is a 40kg Golden Retriever, and he has worn his Dog Friendly Co harness regularly for more than 12 months. We started with the harness, then I went back and bought the full Signature Kit with the matching bungee leash because the original setup had already proved itself.
I genuinely love this harness, and more than 12 months of regular use with Murphy is why I’m comfortable saying that. The front attachment made his stronger pulling moments much easier for me to manage, the fit has stayed comfortable, and the bungee leash turned out to be one of the most useful parts of the setup.
Murphy is still using the same setup after 12+ months, and I later went back and bought the full Signature Kit.
Explore Dog Friendly Co HarnessesUse code MAKEPAWMEMORIES15 for 15% off.
Murphy wearing his Dog Friendly Co harness with the matching bungee leash.
What Stands Out
Five Things I Like About the Dog Friendly Co Harness
These are the features that have mattered most in regular use with Murphy.
Soft Padded Straps
The padded construction has stayed comfortable in our regular use and has not caused rubbing for Murphy.
Adjustable Fit
Adjustment around the neck and chest helps you fit the harness to the individual dog rather than relying on breed alone.
Reflective Detailing
Reflective styling adds extra visibility for early-morning and evening walks.
Personalised Patches
Murphy's personalised name patches are a small detail, but they make the setup feel much more considered.
Walking Control
The Front Attachment Changed Our Walks the Most
This is the feature that made the biggest practical difference with Murphy.
When he pulled towards something with the leash attached at the back, most of that momentum stayed pointed forwards. With a 40kg dog, that meant I was managing a lot of force in the direction he had chosen.
With the leash attached at the front, I found it much easier to redirect his body back towards me. It did not teach him loose-leash walking or stop pulling by itself, but it made those stronger moments much easier for me to manage.
Worth knowing: the front D-ring or attachment may vary depending on the Dog Friendly
Co kit or current offer. If front-clip control is the feature you want
most, check that it is included before ordering.
12+ Months Later
Comfort and Durability Have Held Up
Murphy moves naturally in it
The straps are lightweight and padded, and we have not had problems with rubbing in our regular use.
Murphy moves naturally in the harness rather than looking stiff or restricted, which matters to me with a larger dog.
We are still using the same setup
After more than 12 months of regular use, the harness is still part of Murphy's normal walking setup.
Nothing has worn or failed in a way that has made me replace it. That long-term use tells me more than how sturdy a harness feels when it first arrives.
Bungee Leash
The Bungee Leash Was the Genuine Surprise
I bought the full Signature Kit after already owning the harness, and the matching leash ended up improving the setup more than I expected.
It takes the edge off sudden tension
With a 40kg dog, sudden movement can transfer straight through your wrist, arm and shoulder.
The bungee section absorbs some of that initial tension before it reaches me. On longer walks, I notice the difference.
The close-control handle earns its place
The second handle near the clip is genuinely useful when I need Murphy close in a busy area or while passing something.
I can shorten him up quickly without wrapping the lead around my hand or trying to manage a lot of slack.
My take: the harness and bungee leash work better for us together than either
product does on its own. If you want to compare the current kits, see the Dog Friendly Co range .
Compared with Basic Harnesses
What Stood Out Compared with Other Harnesses We've Used
| Feature | Dog Friendly Co | Many Basic Harnesses |
|---|---|---|
| Personalised name patches | Available | Often not included |
| Front-clip walking control | Available depending on the setup | Not always available |
| Padded adjustable fit | Yes | Varies considerably |
| Reflective detailing | Yes | Varies |
| Matching bungee leash | Available | Often separate or unavailable |
| Long-term Pawtal use | Murphy has used his for 12+ months | Depends on the product |
Before You Buy
What I Would Check Before Ordering
Measure your dog's chest
Do not choose the size from breed alone. Murphy wears a Large, but chest measurement and body shape are more useful than breed labels.
Check the current kit
The front attachment, matching leash and other inclusions can vary between Dog Friendly Co offers, so check exactly what you are ordering.
Do not expect the harness to train the dog
Front-clip control can make pulling easier to manage, but loose-leash walking still needs to be taught and practised.
Walking gear and car restraints are different
I would treat this as walking equipment rather than assume it is a crash-tested vehicle restraint. Use equipment designed for vehicle restraint when that is what you need.
Sizing
Dog Friendly Co Harness Size Guide
Murphy wears a Large. Measure your dog's chest before ordering rather than relying on the breed examples alone.
| Size | Chest | Common Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 39–45 cm | Chihuahua, Puppy Dachshund, Puppy Whippet |
| XS | 45–53 cm | Cavoodle, Dachshund, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkie |
| S | 53–61 cm | Corgi, French Bulldog, Pug, Puppy Staffy |
| M | 62–75 cm | Beagle, English Staffy, Standard Poodle |
| L | 67–85 cm | Golden Retriever, Boxer, Kelpie, Greyhound |
| XL | 79–103 cm | German Shepherd, Labrador, Husky, Rottweiler |
Fit tip: sizes can run slightly large, so measuring your dog's chest before
ordering is worth doing.
At a Glance
Dog Friendly Co Harness Pros and Cons
Pros
- Front attachment makes Murphy easier to redirect
- Soft padded straps have stayed comfortable
- Adjustable fit around the neck and chest
- Reflective detailing for lower-light walks
- Personalised name patches available
- Matching bungee leash works well with the harness
- Close-control leash handle is genuinely useful
- Murphy's setup is still going after 12+ months
Cons
- Front attachment inclusion can vary by kit
- Sizes can run slightly large
- Correct fit still depends on measuring carefully
- Velcro-style patches can collect fur over time
- A harness alone will not resolve pulling behaviour
- Do not assume it is a crash-tested vehicle restraint
Pawtal Verdict
Would I Buy the Dog Friendly Co Harness Again?
I would. Murphy is still wearing the same setup after more than 12 months of regular use, and I later went back and bought the full Signature Kit because the original harness had already proved itself.
The front attachment gives me a much easier way to redirect a 40kg dog when he pulls, the padded fit has stayed comfortable, and the bungee leash makes sudden movement noticeably easier to manage.
It will not teach a dog loose-leash walking for you, and I would measure carefully before ordering. But for a large or strong dog where comfort and better walking control matter, this is one of the products I am happiest to recommend from our own long-term use.
Explore the Dog Friendly Co RangeUse code MAKEPAWMEMORIES15 for 15% off.
Affiliate disclosure: Pawtal may receive a commission if you make a purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Comparing harnesses? Compare dog harnesses for travel and everyday walks .
Review updated September 2026. Dog Friendly Co product bundles, inclusions, sizing guidance and promotional offers can change, so check the current product information before ordering. This review reflects our long-term experience using the harness and bungee leash with Murphy and is not a substitute for individual training or veterinary advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Dog Friendly Co harness help with pulling?
The front attachment has made Murphy easier for me to redirect when he pulls. It does not teach loose-leash walking by itself, but with a 40kg dog I find front-clip control much easier to manage than relying only on the back attachment.
Is the front D-ring included with the harness?
It depends on the current Dog Friendly Co product or kit. The front attachment can vary between offers, so check the bundle inclusions before ordering if front-clip control is important to you.
Is the Dog Friendly Co harness suitable for large dogs?
It has worked very well for Murphy, our 40kg Golden Retriever. He wears a Large and has used the same setup regularly for more than 12 months. Fit still depends on your dog’s individual chest shape and measurements, so I would measure rather than choose from breed alone.
What size Dog Friendly Co harness should I choose?
The harness range runs from XXS to XL. Measure around your dog’s chest and compare that measurement with the current size guide before ordering. Sizes can run slightly large, so I would not rely on breed examples alone.
Is the Dog Friendly Co harness comfortable for longer walks?
In our experience, yes. The padded straps have stayed comfortable for Murphy during regular walks and longer outings, and we have not had problems with rubbing. As with any harness, correct adjustment matters because the same design can sit differently on different dogs.
Is the Dog Friendly Co bungee leash worth adding?
It has been worth it for me with a strong dog. The bungee section takes some of the sharpness out of sudden movement, and the close-control handle near the clip is useful when I need Murphy beside me quickly. I bought the full Signature Kit after already using the harness, and the leash ended up being one of the parts I value most.
Does the harness have reflective detailing?
Yes, reflective detailing is part of the harness design and adds some extra visibility for lower-light walks in the early morning or evening.
Can I personalise the Dog Friendly Co harness?
Personalised Velcro-style patches are available so you can add your dog’s name or a short phrase. Murphy wears personalised name patches, and they are one of the details I like about the setup.
Can I use the Dog Friendly Co harness as a car restraint?
I treat it as a walking harness rather than assume it is a crash-tested vehicle restraint. If you need restraint equipment for the car, use a product specifically designed and tested for that purpose.
Where can I buy the Dog Friendly Co harness and get the Pawtal discount?
You can explore the current Dog Friendly Co harness range here. Use code MAKEPAWMEMORIES15 for 15% off.
Every Pawtal product review is independently researched to help Australian dog owners make practical, informed choices for home and travel.
About the Author
Written by Katherine English, Pet Travel Specialist and Founder of Pawtal.
Katherine researches and shares practical ways for Australians to travel safely with their dogs.
Pawtal was inspired by her dream to one day explore Australia with her anxious Golden Retriever, Murphy.