When I recently met representatives of the Boss Dog brand at Global Pet Expo, I had no idea that their tactical dog harness would soon be a new favorite of mine!
8 weeks into using and traveling with it, and I’m sold on its functionality.
Wally’s a bit bummed because it lets him act up less when he sees other dogs, chickens and cats, but hey, he doesn’t pay the bills, so he doesn’t get to weigh in.
Over the years, I’ve used a variety of harnesses with my personal dogs as well as my dog walking clients. I kid you not when I say that none of them had the effects this particular tactical harness has.
So in today’s blog entry, I’m excited to share the 6 key benefits I get out of it!
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links and Boss Dog gave us a free tactical dog harness to test. I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
What Is A Tactical Dog Harness?
A tactical dog harness is a specialized type of harness designed to provide additional control, comfort and protection for (working) dogs. For example, during activities such as hiking, walking, hunting or training.
It features sturdy construction, adjustable straps and buckles along with multiple attachment points for leashes, patches and/or accessories.
General Benefits Of A Tactical Dog Harness
Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a new pet parent, investing in a tactical dog harness can bring many benefits to both you and your furry friend.
Here’s why:
- A tactical dog harness is designed to evenly distribute weight across your dog’s body, reducing strain on their neck and back. This can be especially important for dogs with health conditions, older dogs or those with a history of neck or back injuries.
- The sturdy construction of a tactical dog harness can help prevent your dog from slipping out or escaping during walks or other activities. This provides peace of mind and ensures your dog’s safety.
- A tactical dog harness can help you maintain better control over your dog during outdoor activities. The harness is designed to prevent pulling and jumping, making it easier for you to train your dog and keep them safe.
- Many tactical dog harnesses come with attachment points for accessories such as water bottles, treat pouches or even small backpacks. This can be a convenient way to carry your dog’s essentials during longer hikes or outings.
- Some tactical dog harnesses also feature patches or labels that can help identify your dog as a service animal, therapy dog, working dog or a dog in training and in need of space.
- Tactical dog harnesses are made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. This means you won’t have to replace the harness as frequently as you would with a standard harness.
- If you enjoy hiking or camping with your dog, a tactical dog harness can be a great way to ensure your dog is comfortable yet safe on the trail. The harness can be adjusted to fit snugly, preventing chafing or rubbing, and the attachment points allow you to bring along any necessary supplies.
The Boss Dog Tactical Dog Harness
This tactical dog harness has the following features:
- 3 Large surface areas for patches and the brand’s own MOLLE attachments
- 4 Zinc alloy buckles with trigger safety clips made of aviation aluminum
- Military grade nylon webbing
- 3 Stainless steel D-rings
- 1 Horizontal handle
- Reflective design
- Neoprene lining
- Mesh padding
Check out the video below to see how we’ve been using it here in our lives!
Boss Dog’s Tactical dog harness is also available in 6 different colors, so you can choose one that reflects your personal taste and your dog’s personality:
Black, red, tan camo, pink camo, blue and hunter orange.
I personally decided on a black one for Wally.
As far as sizes, you can choose between small, medium, large and X-large. But don’t be fooled by the small size!
While it’s the smallest one available, it’s the one that fits Wally, and he weighs 38 lbs.
Here are the sizing charts so you can get a better idea:
- Small
- Chest: 20″-31″
- Neck: 14″-21″
- Medium
- Chest: 22″-33″
- Neck: 16″-22″
- Large
- Chest: 24″-37″
- Neck: 18″-29″
- X-Large
- Chest: 26″-42″
- Neck: 20″-31″
By the way and good to know in my personal opinion, some tactical dog harnesses like the Icefang Tactical Dog Harness and the rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness have a combination of plastic and metal buckles, but Boss Dog only uses metal buckles!
OK, now that you have a general idea of what a tactical dog harness can be useful for, here are my 6 favorite aspects of the Boss Dog version.
1. No Pull Tactical Dog Harness
This feature is hands down my favorite one!
Wally is pretty well behaved on leash in general. That’s until his prey drive kicks in when he sees small critters like cats, chickens and squirrels.
He also has a tendency of lunging at strange dogs he doesn’t know, so I’ve been dying to try out the leash attachment point on the front.
Well, suffice to say it works really nicely, especially when I’m comparing it to standard harnesses with front leash attachment points.
I think the difference is the heavier material of the tactical dog harness and the low position of its chest D-ring.
Both combined make it harder for him to act up and easier for me to correct him.
2. Tactical Dog Harness With Handle
All tactical harnesses come with a handle on the back, and Boss Dog’s tactical harness has a handle that sits in a horizontal position.
That’s useful to guide Wally over obstacles, lift him into the car or to keep him close in more crowded areas.
3. Tactical Dog Harness With Pouches
If you’ve read my blog or followed me on social media for a while, you know that I’m a sucker for dog backpacks.
And while Boss Dog’s harness doesn’t come with large saddlebacks, it does have attachment points for its very own Molle system.
MOLLE is a military acronym and stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment.
The Boss Dog Molle bags are a practical way to carry your pup’s essentials when you’re out and about.
I mostly use mine to store Wally’s:
Combined with the heavy feel of the harness, it’s pretty close to a dog backpack!
Note: The harness doesn’t come with the Molle bags which are an optional add-on and also come in a variety of colors, just like the harness itself.
The ones I got for Wally are blue to match his tactical collar & leash in blue camo.
That said, they’re also available in:
- Red
- Black
- Pink
- Tan camo
- Blue camo
- Pink camo
- Black camo
- Green camo
- Hunter orange
4. Tactical Dog Harness Patches
This harness comes with 3 Velcro spaces for your pup’s patches, and the Molle bags also have room for patches.
The ones I currently have on there say “In Training” and “Ask to Pet” along with an American Flag.
They’re all Boss Dog patches, but obviously you can put whatever (cute) patches you want on there.
I really like that they communicate the idea of giving the pup some distance and to not immediately crowd him.
Some people have no sensibility for that at all and while Wally really likes attention from PEOPLE, he’s not always so crazy about other dogs.
5. Emotional Support
While we were on our recent trip, I noticed that Wally seems to be somewhat calmer in general when he wears the harness, even when there’s a t-storm on the horizon.
I didn’t make the connection until one of our friend’s we traveled with pointed out that it might be because of the gentle pressure it applies, sort of like a Thundershirt for dogs.
She has cats who wear Thundershirts when there’s a t-storm, so that was her reference point, and I think she’s right!
6. Quick Drying
Boss Dog’s harness is also great for water activities such as swimming or boating because it’s water-resistant and quick-drying.
I recently tested that part on the kayaking leg of our overlanding adventure in the French Alps where it got completely drenched.
A few hours of hanging on a tree in the sun was all it took to dry.
By the way and in case you’re wondering about Wally’s collar and leash, they’re from Boss Dog as well! Specifically their Tactical Dog Collar and 6′ Tactical Dog Leash.
Bottom Line
Tactical dog harnesses can make great everyday harnesses even for dogs who aren’t working dogs like Service dogs or military and police K9s.
That’s because they’re made to include a lot of bells and whistles regarding:
- Things you may want to carry along
- Attachment points for leashes
- Areas for patches
- Handles
Besides that, the main difference between regular dog harnesses and tactical dog harnesses is how they’re built.
Tactical dog harnesses don’t just look sturdier, they’re also a lot heavier than your regular harness because they’re built to last.
At the same time, they’re made to be comfortable because let’s face it, working dogs have to be able to move while wearing these harnesses.
The sturdy construction and multiple leash attachment points make it easier to handle your dog, even if they are prone to pulling or lunging.
That’s my favorite feature on the Boss Dog Tactical Harness!
Related Reading:
- How to Rollerblade With Dogs
- Mighty Paw vs Ruffwear Harness: Which Is Better?
- Ruffwear Front Range Harness vs Load Up Harness
- How Do I Train My Dog To Accept A Doggie Backpack?
- Sturdy OneTigris Mesh Dog Harnesses: AIRE MESH vs COMET’S TAIL
- Is The OneTigris Dog Backpack Better Than The Ruffwear Approach Pack?
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