Summer on the Connecticut Shoreline is made for outdoor adventures with our dogs. Whether you’re strolling through your neighborhood, exploring a wooded trail, or visiting a dog-friendly beach, the right walking gear can make every outing safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for both you and your dog. At Shoreline Happy Paws, we use equipment that prioritizes safety, comfort, and functionality. Here are the best leashes and harnesses for dog walks on the Connecticut Shoreline (and a few pieces of gear we recommend avoiding).
1. No-Pull Harnesses for Comfortable Walks
If your dog tends to pull on walks, a well-designed no-pull harness can make a tremendous difference.
One of our favorites is the Freedom Harness by 2 Hounds Design, which features both front and back leash attachment points. This design helps reduce pulling while distributing pressure across the dog’s chest instead of the neck.
A properly fitted harness can:
- Improve comfort
- Reduce strain on the neck and throat
- Provide better control
- Make walks more enjoyable for both dogs and handlers
Remember that no harness replaces training, but the right equipment can make learning loose-leash walking much easier.
2. Stylish Harnesses for Fashionable Adventures & Photos
Who says safety can’t look great?
For pet parents who enjoy combining fashion with function, we’re big fans of CocoPup harnesses. They’re lightweight, comfortable, adjustable, and available in a variety of fun colors and patterns that look right at home on the Connecticut Shoreline.
As with any harness, proper fit is essential. A harness should be snug enough that your dog can’t back out of it but comfortable enough to allow full shoulder movement during walks.
For humans, CocoPup has gorgeous dog walking bags like their crossbody and backpacks made with lightweight cotton, impermeable fabrics, and functional yet adorable accessories.
3. Washable 6-Foot Leashes
Summer adventures often mean mud, sand, saltwater, and unexpected puddles.
A washable six-foot leash is one of the simplest upgrades you can make. Six-foot leashes provide enough freedom for dogs to comfortably sniff and explore while allowing handlers to maintain safe control in neighborhoods, parks, and on local trails.
Look for leashes made from durable materials that can easily be rinsed or machine washed after messy outings. A popular option is High Tail Hike’s custom leashes. With their customizable leashes, you get to customize your leash width, length, color, and hardware type. If you really want to have fun with it, you can add personal touches like a two-tone accent color, a built-in traffic handle for extra control, or a handy D-ring on the handle for clipping keys or a poop bag holder. These leashes are made of BioThane®, which makes them lightweight, waterproof, and stink-proof. Investing in a durable, unique leash is a great way to celebrate summer.
4. Hands-Free Leashes
For active pet parents, hands-free leashes (aka body leashes) are becoming increasingly popular.
These systems typically attach around your waist while allowing your dog to walk comfortably beside you.
They’re especially useful for:
- Walking multiple dogs
- Hiking
- Fitness walks
- Carrying water bottles or waste bags
- Maintaining better balance on trails
When used with dogs that have solid leash manners, hands-free systems can make outdoor adventures much more enjoyable.
Leash, Harness & Collar Best Practices
Skip the Retractable Leash
One piece of equipment we generally recommend avoiding is the retractable leash, no matter the season.
While they may seem convenient, retractable leashes can:
- Encourage pulling
- Reduce handler control
- Create trip hazards
- Increase the risk of injuries from the cord
- Allow dogs to enter unsafe situations before the handler can react
They can be particularly risky around roads, wildlife, cyclists, children, and other dogs. For most walks, a standard six-foot leash is the safer, more reliable option. If you value your eyes, fingers, etc., standard leashes are the best way to go.
Use Collars for Identification, Not Walking
Many people automatically clip their leash to their dog’s collar, but collars are best used primarily to display current identification tags.
Dogs can sometimes slip out of collars, especially if they become wet from rain, swimming, or beach outings.
A properly fitted harness provides a much more secure attachment point for your leash while helping protect your dog’s neck during walks.
We still recommend every dog wear a collar with up-to-date ID tags, even when walking in a harness. If your dog ever becomes separated from you, visible identification can help them get home much more quickly.
For sizing, collars and harnesses should be snug. You should only be able to slip one or two fingers between your dog’s harness or collar and their skin. Loose harnesses and collars can result in lost dogs because dogs slip right out of them. And, loose leashes have also been known to cause accidental strangulation.
The Best Leashes and Harnesses for Dog Walks on the Connecticut Shoreline
The Connecticut Shoreline offers endless opportunities for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. Choosing high-quality walking equipment helps make every adventure safer, more comfortable, and more fun.
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we’re committed to using equipment that supports positive walking experiences while keeping dogs safe every step of the way. Whether it’s a neighborhood stroll, an adventure hike, or a day at the beach, the right harness and leash help set every outing up for success.
The Best Dog Walkers in Old Saybrook, Essex, and Beyond
We are currently accepting new clients for our dog walking and dog hiking adventure services. For a limited time, you can earn free dog walks when you sign up for recurring weekly walks!
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you and your family up with the care you need. Existing clients, please book services by logging in to your client profile.
We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
