Our Final Verdict
We give 2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness and Training Leash a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Quality: 5/5
Variety: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Whether you walk your dog or your dog walks you, a harness can be a handy accessory to have for your pup. Along with being a practical walking tool, it can be a lifesaver if your dog tugs. No-pull harnesses are especially beneficial since they’re specifically designed to deter pulling behavior. While there are many no-pull harnesses on the market, 2 Hounds Design’s Freedom Harness is one of the best.
2 Hounds Design is known for making stylish, comfortable dog essentials and their Freedom No-Pull Harness is one of their most popular items. The harness has a velvet-lined chest strap to maximize comfort and is uniquely designed to reduce pulling. When used with the compatible Double Connection Leash, you’ll have more control over your dog and you and your pup will have an enjoyable walking experience.
I’ve always used a collar and single connection leash on walks, so I was eager to try out the Freedom Harness and Training Leash for my dog, Micah. After trying it out, I’m sold. If your pup is a puller, this harness and leash are made for you. Keep reading to find out why this combo is the perfect no-pull walking solution.
At A Glance: What We Reviewed
About 2 Hounds Design
What is 2 Hounds Design?
2 Hounds Design is a pet company that makes dog collars, leashes, and harnesses. The company was started in 2003 by Alisha Navarro when she decided to make a martingale collar for her two Greyhounds. After investing in raw materials, she became a one-woman show, making high-quality dog collars out of a spare bedroom in her house.
Over two decades later, 2 Hounds Design has grown into a team of over 50 dog-loving professionals and operates out of a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Indian Trail, North Carolina. The company uses materials sourced from the United States and takes pride in making beautifully crafted, high-quality products that can be shipped all over the world.
Who are the Harness and Leash Best Suited For?
No matter what stage of life your dog is in, the Freedom Harness and Training Leash are great training tools. They’re made for stress-free walking and are designed to help your dog walk next to you. Since the leash works in conjunction with the harness, it’s best to buy the products together.
As far as sizing goes, the harness fits dogs from 14 lbs to 250 lbs and is not meant for dogs under 14 lbs. It also comes in two widths and seven sizes, so you’re likely to find a size that fits your pooch.
Key Features
Having a durable leash and a practical harness is essential for leash training. It’s also a necessity if your pup has a tendency to tug. Luckily, 2 Hounds Design’s harness and leash are designed to reduce pulling and give you more control over your dog. As training tools, they have several practical features that redirect your dog’s attention and help you have an enjoyable walk with your pup.
How it works
The harness is designed for ultimate comfort and control. It slips over your dog’s head and is secured with a sternum strap that wraps under their legs and buckles on each side of their chest. There are two rings on the harness for you to clip the leash onto, and if you buy the compatible Double Connection Leash, you can use both rings at the same time.
I didn’t have any issues putting the harness on Micah. The design is pretty straightforward and the leash is easy to connect. Unless your dog is a wiggler, you shouldn’t have any problem securing it on your pup or adjusting the straps.
Leash Attachment Options
There are two Double Connection Leashes – the Training Leash and the Euro Leash – that go with the Freedom Harness. Both leashes have two clips that act as control points. Since the clips are designed to connect to the front and back of the harness at the same time, you have more control over your dog, and the pressure is evenly distributed when your dog pulls.
The main difference between the Training Leash and Euro Leash is the length. The Training Leash is 4’ at its longest length and the Euro Leash is 8’ at its longest length. The Euro Leash also has a removable handle that can be used on its own in settings where you need to keep your dog extra close.
Durable Materials
Designed for comfort and built to last, both products are crafted with quality materials sourced in the United States. The chest strap is Swiss velvet-lined, which prevents rubbing and chafing against your dog’s front legs, and the metal hardware is stainless steel to prevent rusting and corrosion.
The harness has a highly durable webbing with a 3800 lb test strength (it could be used to pull a car), which means you don’t have to worry about the material snapping or fraying no matter how strong your dog is or how hard they pull.
In the event your harness encounters something sharp or falls victim to your dog’s teeth, you can get it replaced through the Chewing Warranty.
Chewing Warranty
It’s best to remove the harness from your dog when you’re not using it. But things happen and it wouldn’t be the first time a dog chewed their walking gear, which is why the harness comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
The warranty is only available for the Freedom Harness (it doesn’t cover the leash) and costs $12.99 to $30.99 depending on where you live.
Fun Colors and Designs
2 Hounds Design has one of the largest selections of colors and designs for harnesses that I’ve seen. From polka dots and cherry blossoms to tie-dye and plaid, there are so many fun patterns to choose from. They even have several reflective harnesses for early morning and late night walks, as well as holiday-themed options if you want to spice it up for the holidays.
Many of the harnesses have matching leashes as well, so you can complete the look with a stylish harness and leash combo.
Is 2 Hounds Design a Good Value?
The harness and leash are a great value. The harness ranges from $29.98 to $35.98 depending on the size, which is a great price compared to competitor brands. Even if you add a leash to your order, the price is reasonable, especially since the items are high-quality and made with durable materials.
Review of the 2 Hounds Design Products
1. Freedom No-Pull Harness
It can be hard to find a good harness, but 2 Hounds Design really knocked it out of the park with this one. The harness is uniquely designed to deter pulling and is recommended by professional dog trainers, veterinarians, and behaviorists as a solution for dogs that pull. It’s easy to put on and take off and has several features that set it apart from other brands.
A few stand-out features include:
Action Loop to discourage pulling by gently tightening around your dog’s chest
Two connection points that help redirect your dog’s attention back to you
Swiss velvet-lined sternum strap to maximize comfort
Four adjustment points for a comfortable fit
Over 40 different patterns and colors to choose from
The harness comes in two widths, 5/8” and 1”. The 5/8” sizes are meant for dogs under 40lbs and the 1” sizes are meant for dogs over 40lbs. I ordered the 1” Medium (24”-28”) for Micah based on the size chart. Micah is a 54lb Standard Goldendoodle with a 28” chest and the harness is a little snug. If I ordered again, I’d probably size up to the large to give him more room.
Made in the USA
Matching leash available
Easy to put on
Adjustable
Effective
High-quality materials
Fun designs
Not made for dogs under 14lbs
2. Training Leash
The Training Leash is one of two Double Connection Leashes that 2 Hounds Design offers. It’s the shorter of the two leashes and is especially useful for training. It’s also the best leash to get if you have a strong puller since the shorter lead gives you more control.
There are several ways to configure the leash including:
Connecting it to the front and back of the harness at the same time
Connecting it to just the front or back of the harness
Connecting it to the collar and harness at the same time
Even though Micah is past the training phase, I still got the Training Leash since I prefer the shorter length. I love how versatile it is and chose to connect it to the front and back of the harness at the same time. This was my first time using a double-connection leash and it worked great at keeping Micah next to my side.
Versatile
Matching harness available
Double connection
Easy to use
Multiple color options
Easy to hold
Fast shipping
Our Experience with the Freedom Harness and Training Leash
I typically use Micah’s collar for walks but I’ve been looking for a harness for him for a while. Micah is what I would call a selective puller. He walks great on a leash until he gets overly excited (usually when he sees human and canine friends) or picks up on a scent. When I heard about 2 Hounds Design’s Freedom Harness and Training Leash, I was excited to try them out.
I ordered a 1” Medium harness and got the matching Training Leash. Both products are nice-looking, practical, and durable. The harness is easy to adjust and put on and the material is comfortable. I like that the harness is low-profile. It sits on the front of Micah’s chest so it’s not cumbersome or heavy and doesn’t restrict his movement. Micah doesn’t seem to mind wearing it either and has no problem jumping in and out of the car or running around with it on.
One of my favorite features is the velvet strap. The chest strap is Swiss velvet-lined so it’s super soft and prevents chafing behind Micah’s front legs. The harness also comes with an Action Loop on the back that cinches up when your dog tugs (kind of like a martingale collar), so whenever Micah pulls, I never feel like I’m choking him or making him uncomfortable. If anything, it’s like giving him a gentle hug.
Part of what makes the harness so great is the compatible Double Connection Leash. The leash has two clips that branch off from the same handle. There are several ways to connect the leash to the harness, but it’s recommended to clip onto the front and back rings at the same time. This is how I attached the leash and it made a huge difference.
When I attached the leash to the front and back of the harness simultaneously, I could control Micah better and redirect his focus back to me without tugging on his neck. Micah checked in with me frequently and followed my pace too, which is something he doesn’t normally do when I connect to his collar.
If you’re familiar with a gentle leader, the Training Leash is kind of like a gentle leader that goes around your dog’s chest instead of their face. It provides guided redirection without straining your dog’s neck or applying uncomfortable pressure around their chest.
Another thing I love about 2 Hounds Design is their color options. I chose black since it’s a classic color but there are so many fun patterns to choose from. A few of my favorite colors were teal, navy, and burgundy and I loved the holiday designs. The holiday ones have patterns like fall leaves, holiday cookies, and pumpkins, which are all so fun, especially if you like dressing up your dog in festive attire for the holidays.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an effective training tool or need a solution to reduce pulling, the Freedom Harness and Training Leash are worth trying out. The harness is great to use on its own and the leash provides extra control for anyone training a puppy or walking a leash puller.
I’ve been impressed with both products and can see why they’re recommended by professional dog trainers worldwide. Not only are they functional and effective tools but they’re safe, durable, and stylish. Whether you choose the Freedom Harness and Training Leash or a snazzy dog collar, 2 Hounds Design is committed to making products that humans love having and dogs love using.
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