German Shepherd

When walking your German Shepherd, both collars and harnesses have their place, but generally, a harness is the safer and more secure choice for your pup. Since German Shepherds are large, energetic dogs, a well-fitted harness gives you better control without putting pressure on their neck.

Harness or collar? A quick guide.

Dog Harness

Better for pullers
Convenient for short walks
Less neck strain

Collars

Convenient for short walks
Useful for ID tags
Fast to put on / Take Off

You might find it handy to switch between a harness and collar depending on the activity. For longer walks or meeting other dogs, especially for larger German Shepherds, a harness is recommended when you’re leaving the house. When you’re home, a collar is plenty if your German Shepherd is well-trained, if you need something for ID purposes, or if you need to act fast and put a lead on your dog.

Whichever you choose, make sure you choose the right size to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe. Use our handy chart if you’re unsure:

REMEMBER: Use our dog harness size chart, specific to the harness you are considering, to find the best one for your dog - you can find these on our product pages.

To help you find the perfect collar size for your dog, we’ve put together collar sizing charts for you to use - you can find these on the relevant product page of the collar you choose for your dog!

Ready to upgrade your walks? Browse our range of German Shepherd-friendly harnesses or collars, all built to last and trusted by professionals.

The best harness for your German Shepherd is one that’s strong, adjustable, and built to withstand daily use. German Shepherds are strong dogs and can be quite large, so it’s important to choose a harness that gives you control without compromising on comfort or durability.

What to look for in a German Shepherd harness.

• Fully adjustable: Get a secure fit unique to your pup that keeps them comfortable, even on long walks.
• No-pull designs: No-pull harnesses spread pressure across the chest to reduce tugging without risking neck injury.
• Strong material and construction: All our harnesses use military-grade materials, designed to handle strong, active breeds like German Shepherd.

To make sure your German Shepherd’s harness is as effective and comfortable as possible, make sure you pick the right size for your pup. You can use our handy size chart if you’re unsure:

REMEMBER: Use our dog harness size chart, specific to the harness you are considering, to find the best one for your dog - you can find these on our product pages.

Want to give your dog a harness you’ll both love? Explore our collection of German Shepherd-approved harnesses now.

To stop your German Shepherd from pulling, you’ll need to combine consistent training with the right gear, like a no-pull harness. German Shepherds are a strong and enthusiastic breed, so giving them structure and control on walks makes a huge difference if they’re prone to pulling.

Why use a no-pull harness for your German Shepherd?

• Redirects pulling: No-pull designs guide your German Shepherd from the chest, making it easier to steer and correct.
• Protects their neck: Unlike collars, harnesses prevent choking or strain from sudden lunges or leash tension.
• Supports training: Using a harness on walks reinforces good habits, giving you better control with less effort.

For the most effective harness, make sure you’re putting them in the right size. If you’re unsure which to choose, check out our dog harness size chart to find the right fit for your German Shepherd.

REMEMBER: Use our dog harness size chart, specific to the harness you are considering, to find the best one for your dog - you can find these on our product pages.

Want to find a harness that’s perfect for your pup? Explore our anti-pull harnesses for German Shepherds now.

Most adult German Shepherds fit best in a large harness, but exact sizing will depend on your dog’s weight and chest measurements. Getting a properly fitted harness is vital for your pup’s comfort, your control, and both of your safety - especially for strong breeds like German Shepherds.

Why getting the right size harness matters.

• Better control: A snug fit helps prevent pulling and keeps the harness secure during walks.
• Comfort-first design: Avoids rubbing, slipping, or pressure points – even on active dogs.
• Safer fit: The right size reduces the risk of escape or injury, especially in excited or young German Shepherds.

To find the perfect-fitting harness for your German Shepherd, you’ll need to take their neck and chest measurements. You can use our handy dog harness size chart for reference - it’ll tell you exactly which measurements to take and which size is right for your pup.

REMEMBER: Use our dog harness size chart, specific to the harness you are considering, to find the best one for your dog - you can find these on our product pages.

Once you’ve got the size sorted, you can find the perfect harness with our range of expert-designed and dog-tested German Shepherd harnesses.