Freedom No-Pull Harness Honest Review: Before And After

Looking for the best harness to help with your dog’s pulling on the leash? Look no further than the Freedom No-Pull Harness!

If you’re tired of having your wrist tendons stretched to the max on every walk as your dog races to pull ahead, this one is for you.

Perhaps you have a reactive dog who barks and lunges at other dogs when you’re out on your walks?

Your pup might be excited to get closer so she can make some new canine friends, or she might be scared and want them to go away.

Either way, the Freedom No-Pull Harness will work to gently discourage any pulling behavior while, at the same time, giving you better control.

You’ll still need to train your dog to walk on a loose leash of course, or work on her reactivity toward other dogs.

However, for a more relaxing, enjoyable walk the Freedom Harness is hands down one of the best tools I’ve come across.

DON’T MISS! Three videos of Mega Puller Esme showcasing her Freedom Harness, including:

Why I Choose The Freedom Harness For My Four Rescue Dogs

There are a ton of harnesses out there and it’s hard to know where to start when you’re choosing one for your dog.

The driving factor is often cost and I’ve certainly experimented with more than my fair share of harnesses at the budget end of the spectrum.

But here’s the thing.

In my experience, many budget-type harnesses are often poorly designed and uncomfortable for your dog, fiddly to adjust, awkward to put on and take off, break quite easily, or simply slip off over the dog’s head if she starts acting out for any reason.

I know this because I messed around with a whole gamut of these types of harnesses before I decided to make a solid investment in my dogs’ walking comfort (and my sanity!).

And that’s exactly what a good harness is – an investment.

Let’s be conservative and say you walk your dog once a day. Your dog is (hopefully) going to be with you for at least 15 years. That’s over 5,000 walks.

If you think about it like that, a good harness is one of the best investments you’ll ever make for your pup.

The Freedom No-Pull Harness, made in the USA by 2Hounds Design, is a premium model with a very affordable price point.

But that’s just one of the reasons I love it.

What Makes The Freedom No-Pull Harness Stand Out?

Let’s look at some of the other reasons I’m a big fan of the Freedom Harness.

Fit

It has four points of adjustment: on the sternum strap, the strap that goes under the dog’s chest, and on either side of the shoulder strap.

This makes it highly customizable for any dog and it’s quick and easy to get a snug fit for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Control

The Freedom Harness has two connection points for easier control – on the chest and across the shoulders.

Option 1

Your first option is to clip the leash onto the front ring on the chest strap.

This gives you a “power steering” type option because if the dog pulls, she doesn’t really have anything to pull against.

Option 2

Your second option is to clip your dog’s leash to the connection point behind the dog’s shoulders.

In this case, if your dog pulls, the patented design Martingale loop on the back of the harness will tighten gently around her chest to apply gentle compression and discourage pulling.

Option 3

The third option is to double up your Freedom Harness with a Euro Leash (or any other double-ended leash that has a bolt snap at either end) so you can connect the leash to each structural connection ring – i.e. the leash attachment points on the dog’s chest strap and across the shoulders.

I found this option extremely useful when training Lennox not to chase scary noisy passing trains to make them go away!

Note, with the Euro Leash, once you’ve got your dog walking nicely and no longer pulling, you can actually extend it from a 4ft. leash to an 8ft. leash.

This is fantastic when you want to give your dog freedom to sniff and explore, but still keep her safe and easy to control should an emergency occur.

What Is A Martingale Collar?

A Martingale collar has an extra loop, ideally made of fabric or webbing, which tightens when pressure is applied (i.e. if the dog pulls).

This gives the handler more control over their dog in a gentle but effective way.

At the same time, when there is no pressure, the loop relaxes into a looser fit.

Styles

On top of its functional design, the Freedom Harness comes in a wide range of patterns and designs.

Choose from classic solid colors and fun and funky prints to get a harness that not only fits your dog perfectly, it will also complement her personality – not to mention she’ll look great!

There are seasonal options available too.

Colors

If patterns aren’t your thing and you prefer something a bit plainer, the Freedom Harness also comes in solid colors.

Dark, light, bright, pastel – the options for all different colors are endless.

I chose neon orange for Esme as I wanted something that would be easy to see when we are out on our long, dark, winter walks.

The orange definitely stands out at a distance, especially against the snow.

Reflective Option

If you need something a little extra to help see your dog better in the dark, there’s also a reflective option available in two colors – red and black.

She’ll be a lot more visible to oncoming traffic too.

Sizes

The Freedom Harness comes in seven different sizes based on your dog’s weight.

As I’ve said, it is easily adjustable, so will fit any dog, from smaller dogs like Chihuahuas and Pugs to large dogs like German Shepherds and even Great Danes.

Just make sure you order the right size. You can do this by using the sizing chart to determine the best fit for your dog while making your purchase.

The manufacturer recommends you select the smallest size harness that fits within your dog’s chest measurement.

Lightweight and Durable

The Freedom Harness is lightweight and made of strong nylon webbing, stainless steel hardware, and plastic clasps.

It is also extremely tough and durable.

Our harnesses came out unscathed from a long harsh Scandinavian winter where we had four months of minus temperatures and at least 4ft. of snow.

According to the manufacturer, the Freedom Harness has been tested to pull up to 3800 lbs, so it should never break or fray – no matter how hard your dog pulls.

If your dog chews her harness of course, that’s another matter!

Chew Warranty

Fortunately, each Freedom Harness comes with a chewing warranty.

So if, like our Esme, your dog chews her harness and you want to replace it, you simply pay $12.99 to purchase the chewing warranty and the manufacturer will send you a brand-new replacement in the same size and color.

This includes shipping – but only if you have a US address. If you live internationally, you will incur any additional shipping costs.

You’ll get all the details on how this works when your first Freedom Harness arrives.

Let’s hope you don’t have to use it, but it’s a real handy option if you have a mega chewer on your hands!

Safe

The Freedom Harness sits below your dog’s trachea and above her leg muscles, so it prevents any choking or gagging while still giving her a full range of leg motion.

It’s also much harder for the dog to slip out if there’s some kind of emergency.

I once had to deal with a frightened Lennox trying to crawl under a hedge to get away from one of those scary passing cargo trains.

Based on previous experience, I’m certain that if he’d been wearing any other harness, he’d have been able to slip out of it and run off.

Comfortable

The Freedom Harness is a really comfy fit.

In addition, the Swiss velvet-lined chest strap is lovely and soft, which helps prevent any chafing or rubbing.

Eco- And Rescue-Friendly

The EarthStyle Collection of harnesses and leashes features a wide range of colorful patterns and upbeat designs.

Not just that – Earthstyle Collection harnesses are actually made from recycled plastic bottles, making them a great choice if you want to reduce your dog’s carbon pawprint.

On top of that, manufacturer 2 Hounds Design works closely with adoption and rescue groups all over the world and has raised over $500,000 through fundraising, donations, and hosting auctions. 

So when you buy a Freedom Harness, you can actually make a double-positive difference in the world!

Are There Any Disadvantages Of Using A Freedom Harness?

To be honest, it’s hard for me to find any faults with the Freedom Harness, but there are a couple of small points I could mention.

Given that the harness width for the smallest three harnesses is thinner than in the larger sizes (5/8″ vs. 1″), I’ve found that the strap that goes under the chest and behind the front legs can get a bit scrunched up when it’s the thinner version.

I totally get that, for small dogs, it makes sense to have thinner straps.

But for an industrial strength puller like our Esme, the chest strap got a bit scrunched up and twisted while we were working on our training.

So I would have preferred a wider strap option for her. Having said that, however, for most smaller size dogs this probably wouldn’t be an issue.

Luckily Esme doesn’t pull anymore but if she did this might be a little uncomfortable.

Although knowing her, she probably wouldn’t even notice!

Something else to be aware of is that you have to make sure all the buckles/adjustment points on your harness are facing outwards.

Our dogs play around a lot so sometimes the straps get a bit twisted when we take their harnesses off.

This means the next time you put them on, if you don’t check, you might have one of the straps or D-rings facing inward instead of outwards.

It’s easily fixable and not a problem at all, just something to be aware of.

In A Nutshell: The Benefits Of The Freedom Harness + Things To Consider

Benefits

• Premium model with an affordable price point.
• Quick and easy to fit.
• Easy to put on your dog – no stepping in and out required (great for older dogs with stiff joints).
• Helps prevent dogs from pulling on walks.
• Distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury.
• Has a Martingale loop on the back that tightens slightly when the dog pulls, discouraging pulling behavior.
• Two attachment points on the back and front of the harness, giving you more control over your dog’s movements.
• Soft velvet chest strap for added comfort.
• Adjustable in multiple points for a customized fit.
• Comes in various sizes, designs, and colors to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes.
• Reflective option available.
• Eco- and rescue-friendly.
• Chewing warranty available.

Things To Consider

• Some dogs may not like the feeling of the harness or the Martingale loop tightening when they pull.
• Smaller size harnesses have thinner straps which may scrunch up if your dog is a serial puller.
• Your dog will still need to be trained to walk loosely on a leash. This, however, applies to any harness, not just the Freedom Harness – but the Freedom Harness makes it a lot easier.

How Do I Measure My Dog For The Freedom Harness?

To measure your dog for her new Freedom Harness, take a soft tape measure and measure the whole way around the largest part of her chest at the top of her front legs. In other words, right behind the dog’s armpits.

Then, simply choose the harness size that falls within that measurement.

For example, if your dog’s chest measurement is 28 inches, choose the Medium size for a better fit of the front straps.

If you don’t have a tape measure, a piece of string and a ruler will do the job just as well.

Why Are There Two Medium Sizes?

Note that there are two Medium-size options available, one at 5/8″ wide and the other at 1″ wide.

While they both have the same chest measurement range, the manufacturer recommends as follows:

• Dogs weighing an average of 32-40 lbs should go with the 5/8″ Medium.
• Dogs weighing an average of 40-60 lbs will get a more secure and comfortable fit from the 1″ Medium.

So be aware of that if you’re ordering a Medium size.

How Do I Put The Freedom Harness On My Dog?

The Freedom Harness can be slipped right over your dog’s head and clipped at the side in seconds, ensuring a hassle-free experience for both of you.

There’s no need to train your pup to lift her paws to step into it, or to fiddle about lifting them yourself – especially given that many dogs don’t like having their feet touched.

Beneficial For Older Dogs

This is a huge benefit if you have an older dog too.

There are so many dog harnesses, sweaters, and coats available that require the dog to lift her legs or have a human manipulate the legs and paws to get them where they need to be. When you have an elderly or arthritic dog, however, this is just not possible.

Fitting Your Dog With Her New Freedom Harness [Video]

Here’s a rather amateur video of me fitting Esme with her new Freedom Harness for the first time.

It’s not fancy but it’ll give you an idea of how easy it is – it took less than two minutes to get the right fit.

Here’s how the manufacturer explains how to fit your new Freedom Harness:

• Unbuckle the harness on both sides.
• Grasp the harness tensioning loop.
• Drop over the dog’s head so the loop sits behind the dog’s neck.
• Bring the velvet strap up between the front legs.
• Snap the buckles closed on either side behind the front legs.
• Adjust and tighten the harness velvet strap around the chest. The harness should fit securely, like a glove.
• Next, adjust the straps across the front and between the front legs. The harness should fit so that no more than two fingers fit underneath the webbing.

Case Study: Esme – Industrial Strength Puller And The Reason I Chose The Freedom Harness

I’ve already mentioned Esme, our sweet one-eyed rescue dog from Greece, and she is really the inspiration for this entire article.

Esme was transported by road from Greece to Finland on an animal transport with several other dogs, then placed in a lovely foster home with two cats and a dog for four months.

We then adopted her in June 2022, aged 18 months and she was suddenly uprooted from all of that.

She moved from her cozy existence in a city apartment to an old farmhouse in the country with three other dogs and six cats.

Not to mention, two new humans.

It was a lot to take on and she didn’t cope very well with the stress of it all, despite our best efforts.

She bounced around non-stop like the Energizer bunny, unable to calm down. She was all over the place, bless her heart!

On walks, she was a nightmare. She literally bunny-hopped down the road like a kid on a space hopper, with no clue that I was even there trying to keep up as I cantered uncomfortably behind her on the other end of the leash.

She was driven by all the scents in the environment to the point where she was consumed by them and couldn’t focus on anything else.

Our regular style harnesses, which all our other dogs were quite happy with, were just not cutting it – at all.

I reached out to my friend and professional dog trainer, Kelly Fahey of PupScouts of Hunterdon, for some recommendations, and the Freedom Harness was among them.

I’d already heard a lot of good things about this particular harness from other dog trainers, so decided to give it a try. There was nothing to lose at this stage!

In the end, I loved it so much that I ordered three more, for our other dogs – so now they all match!

Esme Before [Video]

Here’s Esme on our first outing with the Freedom Harness. She’s still pulling and bouncing around a bit, but I have much better control without making any extra effort.

Esme After [Video]

Here’s Esme after several weeks training to walk on a loose leash – proud dog momma moment right here!

Why You Need A Harness To Walk Your Dog

A dog’s neck contains several delicate structures, such as the laryngeal nerve, thyroid, and trachea.

If you walk your dog on any kind of flat collar – especially if the dog pulls and extra pressure is placed on the neck and throat area – these structures can be easily damaged and cause breathing problems like choking, gagging, coughing, or shortness of breath.

There is also a risk of strangulation, neck injury, thyroid damage, laryngeal paralysis, or tracheal collapse.

When a dog pulls, a harness distributes the pressure more evenly across the chest and back rather than focusing everything on the neck.

This makes it a much safer option. It’s a lot more comfortable for the dog too.

Not to mention, it allows for a more controlled and enjoyable experience for you when you’re out on your dog walks, with less stress and effort.

A win-win in other words!

Before You Go

As I already mentioned, I purchased the Euro Leash to go with my four Freedom Harnesses.

I also added in a Mighty Paw Dog Treat Pouch, which I wear like a bum bag (or fanny pack if you prefer) so I can easily grab a treat whenever I need to when we’re out on our walks.

I’m still working on Lennox’s fear of noisy passing trains and it’s super handy to be able to quickly dip into the hands-free treat pouch and scatter a few treats on the ground.

It keeps him busy sniffing around to find them until the scary event is over.

Recommended Products

• Euro Leash
• Freedom No-Pull Harness (solid colors)
• Freedom No-Pull Harness (Earthstyle Collection)
• Freedom No-Pull Harness (patterns and designs)
• Freedom No-Pull Harness (reflective)
• Mighty Paw Dog Treat Pouch

Resources

• How to Fit a Dog Harness – Alisha Navarro
• What is a Martingale Collar? – Alisha Navarro