Rover dog gear review: Are the brand’s products worth it?

Written by Alexandra Kesick

Updated July 21, 2023

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You probably know Rover for its extensive network of dog sitters and walkers, but did you know the brand also offers products for your furry pals? While the product range may be small, they do provide the essentials for a successful dog walk. Leashes and harnesses are available in various styles and sizes, but Rover's gear is specifically designed to assist dogs that tend to pull. The harness comes in four vibrant colors, and the leash is available in two matching colors to coordinate with the harness.

I had the opportunity to try out the Rover Gear Better Walk No-Pull Dog Harness and the Rover Gear Essential Dog Walking Leash on both my amazing pooches—here's what I thought.

How I tested Rover's products

When I go shopping for leashes and harnesses for my two completely different dogs, I have to consider their distinct needs. Winnie, my lively young pup, is pretty good at walking on a loose leash by my side. However, the moment she spots a squirrel, all bets are off and she'll bolt in a heartbeat. So, for her, I need a harness that's not only comfortable, but lightweight and allows her to move freely.

On the other hand, there's my rescue husky-mix boy, Waffles. He's a bundle of anxiety and can be a puller. I need a harness that's sturdy and secure with absolutely no risk of being pulled off if he happens to see another dog across the street.

Waffles gave me the opportunity to test an anxious puller, and Winnie showed how Rover's products fared on a more casual, loose-leash walking dog. For both dogs, we went around the neighborhood for a mile walk, and I tested the leash on the chest o-ring and on the back o-ring.

What I loved about the Rover No-Pull Harness and Essential Leash

Instant communication with my dogs

My first-hand experience with Rover's products was positive. Winnie sometimes needs a little encouragement to stick by my side, and a gentle pull of the harness was all it took to bring her attention back to me. Even with the leash attached to the back ring, a soft tug made her stop in her tracks.

Waffles, my strong puller, had a much easier time staying by me with the Rover harness. When the leash was attached to the chest o-ring, Waffles was forced to turn toward me when he pulled. Unlike other harnesses and plain collars that make me use all my strength to keep him on a loose leash, the Rover harness really made it easier to keep him in place. And whether I used the long or short option with Waffles, Rover's leash had an uncanny ability to communicate with him. I only needed to give him a gentle tug, and he would relax and loosen up, even when he was feeling anxious. And thankfully, we always have cheese as a distraction for those moments.

All in all, the leash and harness combo made for a really effective pair of tools for my dog-walking arsenal.

Comfortable and easy fit

The harness is comfortable and a breeze to put on. It's labeled with clear instructions on where each part should go, making it super convenient. The harness also features soft, padded chest pieces, ensuring maximum comfort for any furry companion. You have the option to attach the leash to either the back ring or the chest o-ring, which provides flexibility according to your preferences.

I also noticed that the leash grip was padded and especially comfortable in my hand when giving my dog a tug. I had no worry about it slipping out of my hand, and it really made me notice how uncomfortable other leash grips could be. And both the harness and leash are extremely durable with thick neoprene on the leash handle and the harness's armbands.

They're creative and flexible

Rover's products have some unique designs that I had never seen before. The leash has a poop bag holder, a short leash grip, and an attached carabiner to secure your dog. I have a bad habit of misplacing my own carabiner that I use to attach my dog's harness and collar together. But Rover's is attached directly to the leash, and it's a small and thoughtful detail I really appreciate.

My favorite part of the leash is the short grip. It's perfect for those situations when Winnie and I find ourselves in close quarters with other people, like when we're at the self-checkout in Lowe's—because, of course, she loves saying hi to everyone who's within a foot of her. I can also see it being my go-to leash for walks in the city or going on the subway with my dog.

With Waffles walking farther in front of me with a slight pull, the longer leash grip was a game-changer. It was extremely comfortable in my hand with a thick neoprene cushioning my grip. I say this with surprise since I usually don't notice my grip on leashes, but Rover's really made a difference with its comfort.

Lastly, the leash also comes with a nifty poop bag holder. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, and I expected it would feel awkward to have full bags swinging from the leash. It actually worked really well! The leash didn't get weighed down and it kept the full bags out of my hands. It's a very clever little addition. And if you prefer a separate poop bag holder, Rover has you covered with its separate add-on that can attach to any leash for $9.99.

What I didn't love about Rover's Essential Leash and No-Pull Harness

It's got a complicated carabiner

While I really appreciated the addition of a carabiner that I couldn't lose, its twist-lock mechanism was a hassle. Holding my dog and twisting the carabiner to open it takes a few attempts to get it right, and that can be especially worrying if I ever needed to quickly leash my dog. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, but it can be a minor annoyance.

Cumbersome leash length

This is more of a personal preference, and I say this while keeping in mind these products are specific for a dog that's a puller. Since my typical go-to leash with Winnie is a hands-free leash that goes over my chest, I have to admit that I did miss that when using Rover's. I had to double-up the leash in my hand and hold it with Winnie's loose-leash walk style, and since Rover's leash is thick, durable, and padded in the grip, it could feel like quite a bundle to hold while walking. With that, this leash is likely more ideal for a dog that walks ahead of you.

Are Rover's dog-walking products worth it?

Absolutely

Rover's products come packed with awesome features and options that truly make them stand out. Their no-pull harness and leash combo is a fantastic choice, not just for dogs that tend to pull, but also for those who simply prefer a smoother, more enjoyable walk.

Now, when it comes to the price, I think Rover has hit the sweet spot. The leash is priced at $29.99, and the harness comes in at $34.99. Considering the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into these products, I find these prices to be more than reasonable. While they may not be a magical fix for all pulling problems, they certainly make a pulling dog much easier to handle during walks.

Rover has really done an impressive job in creating products that adapt well to different situations and suit various types of dogs. That's why I recommend Rover's products as a practical option for dog owners like us.