After years of hands-on testing and feedback from thousands of customers, two harnesses consistently rise to the top according to our partner website The Dog Outdoors. These harnesses are the Ruffwear Front Range harnesses and Ruffwear Web Master harnesses. Be sure to take a look at The Dog Outdoors full padded dog harness collection as well as their detailed overview and padded dog harness testing results of these harnesses that look at features like comfort, durability, security and overall customer satisfaction. Now, onto the top picks...
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
The Ruffwear Front Range is an excellent all-around option for biking with medium to large dogs.
Why we like it:
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Foam-padded chest and belly panels for comfort
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Lightweight but durable construction
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Easy on/off design
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Back clip sits closer to the shoulders, working well with the WalkyDog leash
This harness is a great choice for dogs that want freedom of movement without sacrificing security.
Ruffwear Web Master Harness (Extra Security)
For dogs that need additional stability or escape-proof design, the Ruffwear Webmaster is hard to beat.
Why it stands out:
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Extended, padded chest plate that conforms to your dog’s shape
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Additional belly strap for extra security
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Back clip sits slightly farther down the back, which works well with adjustable leash systems like WalkyDog
This is a favorite for strong pullers or dogs that tend to shift harnesses under load.
Other Pulling Harness Options
Brands like Alpine Outfitters also offer high-quality pulling harnesses with more customization options, including different D-ring placements. While they tend to come in a bit behind Ruffwear in terms of testing data, they’re worth considering if you want a more tailored setup for your dog.
Because biking is similar to other pulling sports, researching skijoring and bikejoring harnesses can also be helpful. The key is always the same:
*Comfortable. Padded. Designed for pulling. No rubbing or chafing.*
Why We Recommend Harnesses With the WalkyDog Bike Leash
The WalkyDog bike leash was engineered around safety. Its pull-absorbing internal spring system and military-strength paracording help smooth out sudden changes in speed or direction.
The leash length can be adjusted to account for:
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Your dog’s size
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Where the harness clip sits (farther back on the Webmaster vs. closer to the shoulders on the Front Range)
This flexibility is intentional—and it works best when paired with a harness designed for pulling forces.
Important Safety Notes
Biking is not appropriate for:
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Dogs under 35 lbs
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Puppies
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Senior dogs
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Dogs with pre-existing health conditions
Always build up distance gradually, pay attention to your dog’s body language, and when in doubt, talk things over with your veterinarian.
You can also learn more dog biking safety tips here:
👉 https://walkydog.com/pages/tips-safety
(We cover complementary gear like paw protection, water-carrying accessories, and more.)
The Bottom Line
If you’re going to bike with your dog, do it right.
A padded harness specifically designed for pulling is not optional—it’s essential. The right setup keeps your dog comfortable, secure, and happy, and it makes the entire experience more enjoyable for both of you.
Do yourself and your dog a favor: skip the collar, skip the generic harness, and choose gear built for the job.
Your dog will thank you for it.