In-depth review
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Review (2027)
In-depth review of the Freedom No Pull harness: dual-clip control, velvet lining, martingale action, and sizing.
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness
A dual-connection harness with a velvet-lined chest strap to stop rubbing.
Our verdict
The Freedom is the control specialist: two connection points, a back martingale, and a velvet-lined strap that keeps strong dogs comfortable while you steer them. It asks more of the owner, a proper dual-clip leash and a careful fit, and returns the most control of any harness here.
What we like
- Front and back rings designed for a dual-clip training leash
- Swiss velvet-lined chest strap prevents chafing and hair loss
- Martingale loop on the back adds gentle control without choking
- Made in the USA with heavy-duty stainless hardware options
What to watch out for
- Sold with or without the leash; dual-clip benefits need the leash
- Four-clip buckle-up takes longer than single-clip vests
- Velvet lining needs hand washing to stay soft
What owners report: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- The velvet-lined chest strap is the fix for dogs that chafe in plain nylon
- Dual rings are designed around a two-clip training leash for real steering control
- The back martingale adds gentle control without anything tightening at the throat
Common complaints
- The full benefit needs the dual-clip leash, which is a separate purchase in some listings
- Four buckles take longer to fit than a single-clip vest
- The velvet lining wants hand washing to stay soft
Who it is for
Owners of strong, determined pullers, and anyone whose dog has lost hair or chafed in other harnesses.
The dual-connection system
Clipped front-only, the Freedom steers like the Easy Walk. Clipped back-only, the martingale loop snugs the girth when the dog surges. Clipped both ways with the double-ended leash, you get steering and braking with pressure split between two points, which is why trainers prescribe it for leash-reactive and very strong dogs.
Velvet lining, tested by chafed dogs
The Swiss velvet on the chest strap is not a luxury garnish; it is the reason this harness is the standard recommendation for greyhounds, pit-types, and other thin-coated dogs that lose sternum hair in nylon. Hand-wash the lining to keep it soft, and it stays effective for the harness's life.
Fit and hardware
Four side-release buckles mean nothing goes over the head, a win for head-shy dogs. Stainless hardware options and US construction justify the mid-range price. The one caution: with four straps, the initial fitting deserves ten unhurried minutes and a mid-walk re-check.
Key specifications
- Clip positions
- Front ring + back martingale loop
- Material
- Nylon webbing, velvet-lined chest strap
- Widths
- 5/8 in and 1 in webbing
- Sizes
- XS to 2XL by chest girth
- Origin
- Made in USA
Also consider
Ruffwear Front Range Harness
A padded dual-clip everyday harness with a reinforced front attachment.
Why consider it: Padded all-day comfort and simpler fitting for moderate pullers.
- Clip positions: Front webbing loop + back aluminum V-ring
- Material: Ripstop polyester shell, foam padding, mesh lining
HALTI No Pull Harness
A front-steering harness with a unique lifting action and padded comfort.
Why consider it: Extra lift leverage for the largest, strongest pullers.
- Clip position: Front steering ring + back point for dual lead
- Material: Nylon with neoprene padding
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Do I need the 2 Hounds leash to use the Freedom?
Any double-ended leash works. The branded leash matches widths and clip weights, but the system is the geometry, not the brand.
Does the martingale choke the dog?
No. The loop tightens the girth strap by about an inch to signal and stabilize; it never acts on the neck or throat.
How do I wash the velvet strap?
Hand wash in cool water with mild soap, air dry flat. Machine washing pills the velvet and shortens its soft life.