Welcome to the world of tactical dog harnesses! You’ve started doing some research, but you want to know which is best!

This buyer’s guide to tactical harnesses is here to help. I’ve personally tested all of these, and put them through their paces to get a decision for you on which one is actually the best. This is aimed at pet dogs, not working dogs.

As a german shepherd owner, a lot of harness suggestions are for tactical harnesses, such as the Icefang harness, but there’s not a lot of information. So my goal was to remedy that! I wanted to actually give you the best info possible.

But, let’s start with a few first things before we move onto the best tactical dog vests.

What Is A Tactical Harness?

These are harnesses for the normal dog owners of a pet dog or family pet that are styled after those worn by military dogs or police dogs. They’re made of really durable material and often steel leash attachments.

They’re not a specific brand, nor a specific design. There’s no real definition for a tactical harness, so it’s typically easier to describe it by listing the consistent features found in harnesses labelled “Tactical” harnesses.

A great example of a tactical harness, this one has a longer body but it has great shoulder manoeuvrability, and the design on this particular harness is the strongest I’ve ever had the pleasure of testing.

Typical Features Of A Tactical Harness

  • Metal Buckles
  • Quick-release buckles
  • Thick Strapping (High D Nylon*)
  • Y-shape
  • High Adjustability
  • Molle System (modular lightweight load-carrying equipment)
  • Velcro Patches
  • Sturdy Handle
  • Multiple leash attachment points
  • Stronger attachment points
  • Usually “Military” color tones

*High D Nylon refers to “High denier” nylon, the higher the denier the stronger and more durable the nylon!

It’s also interesting to note that move of these harnesses are over-the-head style and forgo the option of metal shoulder buckles.

They also often do not often have a front clip option. Usually their attachment points are more focused on functions such as handles and tracking.

To ensure it’s a comfortable harness, please also make certain to fit it properly. Read the instructions for each harness to ensure the right size and best fits.

And when you get it home, here’s a really useful guide to Getting a Perfect fit on a harness.

One tigris metall tactical dog harness on Indie the German Shepherd cross
Another example of a great tactical harness is the One Tigris Metall k9 harness, for me, this one is the best of the affordable category of tactical harnesses.

Why Would I Use A Tactical Harness?

These y-shaped harnesses offer maximum control over a traditional collar, and don’t create restrictions or pressure points like other harnesses might.

If you have a large, strong dogs (such as German shepherds) these harnesses are structurally different. They’re more harness to contain your dog, specifically made for the strong, for hard-wearing, for active lives, for minimal upkeep.

You may also want to consider these if you have a large reactive dog as these are some of the most reliable harnesses I’ve ever had the pleasure of testing.

A Service dog handler usually find them quite useful because of the strength and handles and the ability to attach patches that can alert others to not approach or touch their working dog.

You may also consider a tactical harness for your furry friend if you like military stylings. Yep, it can be as simple as that!

If, reading this you’re thinking that this may not be the right choice for you and your dog? Then go check out my 22 Best Dog Harnesses 2022.

Can I Use A Tactical Harness On My Small Dog?

Typically, Tactical harnesses don’t come in a small size. Why? Because they don’t work so well for small dogs because of the weight of them. When you compare the weight of an appropriately sized tactical harness to a smaller dogs weight, then we get the issue that the harness is simply too heavy for them.

Best Tactical Harnesses For Dogs: The Testing

I’ve actually tested all of these harnesses, and it’s safe to say that they’re all very different, despite looking very similar – and worse! The prices vary from $30 to $300 – it’s the biggest variance of pretty much everything I’ve ever tested (except beds!).

So knowing which are the best to choose, and which ones will work best to your budget or needs, is really tough.

These were tested with the family pet in mind, and aren’t necessarily tested for lift and assist, crash tested or tested in agitation sports at this time. However they are;

  • Swim tested
  • Washing machine tested
  • Lunge tested
  • Hike tested
  • Run tested

To name but a few! But my tests are definitely designed for the average pet dog!

Best Tactical Dog Harnesses

Image Muzzles Muzzlees Price
Best Tactical Harness

Modern Icon Tracking Harness

Modern Icon Tracking Harness

  • Strongest harness I’ve ever tested
  • High quality nylon
  • Forged steel attachment points
  • Adjustable Straps (girth, chest, neck)
  • Handle

I’ve never had a harness that can stand up on it’s own. I’m serious, totally shocked, but it’s wonderful. It took some time to fit this harness, because the straps secure to themselves with velcro, but it creates a strong bond that doesn’t move. 

May not be great for a growing dog? But this harness is an investment in your dogs security.

Check PriceRead Review
K9 Tactical Defender Harness K9 Tactical Defender Harness

  • Lots of color options
  • One Cobra buckle
  • Two Forged Steel Attachment points
  • Adjustable straps (neck, girth, chest)

K9 Tactical are one of the oldest brands of tactical harnesses available to pet dogs, they offer a lot of strength and consideration in their rather minimalist design.

This harness ages well, and toughs out everything I’ve thrown at it, from swimming to hiking. 

Check Price

Best Affordable Harness

One Tigris Metall K9

One Tigris Metall K9

  • Two handles
  • Adjustable Straps (neck & girth)
  • 2 Steel Attachment points
  • Open shoulder space

This harness is the best of the “Affordable” tactical harness options, to me. It offers everything that a tactical harness should! It’s solid, it’s reliable, it just isn’t quite as bombproof as some of my higher ranked harnesses.

Check PriceRead Review
OneTigris XDestroyer K9 OneTigris XDestroyer K9

  • Adjustable straps (neck & girth)
  • Steel attachment points
  • Three handles

This harness is a sturdy vest style tactical harnesses, and it’s super solid. For me, this harness is reliable, it’s just a little over fussy? Personally I prefer a more spartan design. I’d prefer less features and a simple, but stronger harness. For example? I don’t need three handles, one is more than enough. It is also a little limiting around the shoulders, but nowhere near as bad as others.

Check PriceRead Review
Icefang Tactical Dog Harness Icefang Tactical Dog Harness

  • Two attachment points (chest & back)
  • Adjustable straps (Neck & Girth)
  • Covering vest
  • Multiple top handle

This is a harness that has a very narrow arm hole that I find restricts the motion of my dogs. It’s also relatively low quality, and has a tendency to fray and come unstitched. It’s not my favourite by a long way. It does have the MOLLE Loop panel (so you can attach things like water bottles), but it doesn’t offer anything unique or advanced.

Check PriceRead Review
Auroth Tactical Dog Harness Auroth Tactical Dog Harness

  • Reflective
  • Adjustable straps (Neck & Girth)
  • 2 Attachment points
  • Handle

This product has a handle and has two attachment points (one on the chest and one on the back), but to me, this isn’t a tactical harness, it’s closer to a “Hybrid”, but it’s relatively low in it’s quality and (personally) I wouldn’t suggest it. 

Check Price

Decisions, Decisions…

There you have it! With greater control offered, stronger design and uniquely positioned for powerful dogs, a tactical dog harness vest is a great option. They’re the most durable option of harnesses for pet parents (typically!), and a good tactical harness is a perfect choice for your big dogs.

If you need more help discussing your harness choice, or fitting, read more reviews or let’s chat!

Author, Ali Smith

Ali Smith is the Positive Puppy Expert, dog trainer and is the founder of Rebarkable. She is passionate about helping puppy parents get things right, right from the start. To help create a puppy capable of being a confident and adaptable family member and keep puppies out of shelters.

Ali has won multiple awards for her dog training, and has had her blog (this blog!) rated as 2021 & 2022 worlds’ best pet blog!

Link to originalRebarkable

Views: 0