Service dogs are awesome partners to help us in all aspects of our lives. Trained to assist people with disabilities, they still need some equipment to do what they were bred for.
If you have mobility issues, your working dog must have a harness made for bracing and stability assistance. But you might wonder which option on the market would be the best suited for your needs?
Your disability, dog’s conditions, and many other factors can help you understand what type of mobility harness you should choose. The main purpose of this gear is to provide you with more stability. Thus, the harness should be comfortable for your service dog to support you, and the handle must help you keep your balance easily!
My ultimate recommendation for a service dog balance harness is the Dean & Tyler Guide Harness. It’s ideal for mobility issues, made from high-quality materials, lightweight, and not too expensive for this type of equipment. However, several other great options might be more appropriate for you and your dog’s needs!
Why Does Your Service Dog Need A Mobility Harness?
Before sharing with you all the details about the best options available out there, you should make sure you really need this assistance gear. The mobility harness is ideal for balance impairment, disequilibrium, neurological conditions, and other stability issues.
If you want your service dog to provide you stability while standing or walking, you are at the right place. Besides mobility assistance, this type of harness also gives you more control over your companion in many different situations.
With all the benefits of the balance harness, it’s definitely worth the investment. If you have a service dog to assist you with orientation and/or stability, it’s an essential piece of equipment to have. But not all the products designed for this purpose are appropriate for your requirements!
Top 5 Mobility Harnesses For Service Dogs!
To save you some time, energy, and money, I’ve selected the best products on the market for bracing and stability assistance. Your working dog must have an appropriate harness to help you keep your balance when it’s necessary.
However, everyone has different needs and conditions. So let me share with you 5 options to make sure you find the right mobility harness!
Best Overall Service Dog Harness For Mobility Assistance → Dean & Tyler Guide Harness
Price: $$$
Quality: *****
Stability: ****
Design: ****
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
If you’re looking for something that’s designed for mobility problems but still comfortable for your dog, this is the right option for you.
The padded bridge handle is stable, easy to hold, removable, and made from durable steel. Another huge advantage of the Dean & Tyler Guide Harness is that it’s extremely lightweight for your dog to carry.
It also has an adjustable bottom strap, reflective material on the chest, and a quick-release buckle. The only downside of the inclined handle is that it doesn’t offer the best vertical support.
For training purposes, the design gives the handler a lot of control over the service dog. That’s why I highly recommend this awesome mobility harness, even if it’s relatively expensive.
Pros.
- Excellent Handle For Balance & Mobility Assistance.
- Made From High-Quality, Sturdy & Durable Materials.
- Very Comfortable & Lightweight For Your Dog.
- Removable Main Handle.
- Buckle Attachment For Easy On & Off.
- Reflective Strap For Better Visibility.
- Handcrafted Dog Mobility Harness.
Cons.
- Quite Expensive.
- Don’t Offer The Best Support For Bracing.
- Only Come With The “Guide Dog” Patch.
For an alternative made from leather, check out the Dean & Tyler Guide Brass Leather Dog Harness!
Budget-Friendly Mobility Harness → Fairwin Service Dog Vest
Price: $
Quality: ****
Stability: ****
Design: ****
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Simple and effective, this is a good option not to break the bank. For the money, the quality of the harness is surprising. It also has a standing handle on the top for training and control.
However, it can be used for support if you have balance issues. With 6 sizes available and adjustable straps, the Fairwin Harness is an ideal piece of equipment for your service dog.
With the padded mesh liner, fast-drying fabric, and sturdy D-ring, the value is excellent for the price. But if you have severe mobility issues, I don’t recommend this harness.
The handle isn’t designed for this purpose, and there are no attachment points on the sides to add on an appropriate one. Nonetheless, it’s still an awesome gear for your four-legged assistant, especially for its price!
Pros.
- Extremely Affordable Price For Good Quality Harness.
- Cheap Alternative For Minor Balance Issues.
- Useful Handle For Training, Control, & Stability.
- Made From Sturdy & Durable Materials.
- Comfortable Design With Padding, Breathable Mesh & Adjustable Straps.
Cons.
- Not The Best Mobility Harness.
- The Velcro, Buckle & Design Could Be Improved.
Other Similar Great Option: YOGADOG Mobility Harness.
All-In-One Kit For Service Dogs → ActiveDogs Harness With Mobility Handle
Price: $$$
Quality: ****
Stability: ****
Design: ****
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
This all-in-one service dog kit can be great to help you keep your balance while standing or walking. With all the accessories included with this mobility harness, it’s the perfect starter pack for your furry assistant. The ActiveDogs Air-Tech Vest Deluxe Kit is made from high-quality products for optimal durability.
The harness has a breathable and padded mesh for your dog’s comfort. Easy to put on, adjustable, performant, and not too expensive, it’s an excellent investment. Apart from the basic rubber handle, the kit also has an extra bridge handle that’s ideal for stability issues.
It also comes with a 5-foot leash, travel tag, service dog ID, chest pad, and two reflective patches. Thus, this is the all-in-one option to train your buddy and gear up properly for your mobility impairment.
Pros.
- All-In-One Service Dog Kit: Harness, Extra Handle, Leash, ID, Etc.
- Bridge Handle For Better Stability & Orientation.
- Comfortable & Breathable Mesh For Your Dog’s Satisfaction.
- Made From High-Quality & Durable Materials.
- Available In 6 Sizes & Adjustable To Fit Most Working Breeds.
- Excellent Value For The Price.
Cons.
- Not Specially Designed For Mobility Issues.
- You Might Not Need All Of The Accessories Included.
Best Mobility Harness With Saddle Bags For Service Dogs → Doggie Stylz Counterbalance Harness
Price: $$
Quality: ****
Stability: ***
Design: ****
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Transporting stuff can be quite complicated when your ability to move is restricted. That’s why you might want to opt for an accessory that allows your service dog to carry things for you.
The Doggie Stylz Counterbalance Harness has two removable saddlebags. Lightweight, adjustable, and with a reflective strip, it’s an awesome piece of equipment for service dogs.
My only concern with this option is the design that’s not ideal for serious mobility issues. With an appropriate bridge handle such as this one made by ActiveDogs, it should be alright.
Nonetheless, it’s not the best harness for stability assistance while standing or walking. Overall, the product is good, affordable, and convenient.
Pros.
- Multipurpose Harness For Service Dogs.
- Convenient & Removable Saddle Bags.
- Great Value For The Money.
- Adjustable Straps For Custom Fit.
- Made From Good Quality & Durable Materials.
- Reflective Trip For Optimal Visibility.
- Available In 4 Sizes & 3 Colors.
Cons.
- Not Specially Designed For Mobility Issues.
- You Might Need To Invest In Another Handle For Better Support.
- Not The Best Quality Harness.
Best High-Quality Harness For Brace & Balance Stability → Bold Lead Designs Mobility Support Harness
Price: $$$$$
Quality: *****
Stability: *****
Design: *****
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
With serious mobility problems, you definitely need something that’s made for brace work and stability assistance. Therefore, the BLD’s Support Harness might be the perfect solution for your needs.
It’s ideal for balance impairment, disequilibrium, or any other disability that’s restricting you to stand or walk independently. Handcrafted and designed on demand for your service dog’s needs, it’s the best option on the market.
The only downside is the price because you pay for what you get. With the impressive quality of the mobility harness, personalized construction, and excellent customer support, it’s understandably expensive.
However, you might not be ready to spend around $500-$650 for the best service dog equipment on the market. If you’re looking for an alternative that’s more affordable but still awesome for mobility issues, I highly recommend checking out the Dean & Tyler Guide Harness!
Pros.
- Designed Specifically For Bracing & Mobility Assistance.
- Rigid Metal Handle For Optimal Vertical Support.
- Padding On The Handle That’s Comfortable To Hold & Easy To Clean.
- Made From High-Quality & Durable Materials.
- Reflective Tape For Better Visibility In Low-Light Conditions.
- Custom Made-To-Order For Perfect Fit On Your Dog.
- Lifetime Warranty On Materials & Craftsmanship.
Cons.
- Very Expensive.
Your Service Dog Already Has A Harness?
Invest In An Appropriate Handle For Mobility Assistance → ActiveDogs Leather Handle
Price: $$
Quality: ****
Stability: ****
Design: *****
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
An awesome way to make any service dog harness great for balance support is to purchase a bridge handle. For this type of accessory, I highly recommend the leather one made by ActiveDogs.
The handle is rigid, sturdy, and has the perfect design for bracing. Thus, it’s ideal for keeping you stable while standing or walking.
Made from heavy-duty steel rod and leather, it’s built to last. This snap-on handle is easy to put on/off, lightweight and has a service dog identification.
It’s also available in 3 sizes to make sure you find the perfect length for your conditions. You might only need an adapted handle for your stability issues instead of another whole new harness!
Pros.
- Suitable For Most Service Dog Harnesses.
- Rigid Bridge Handle For Better Support & Balance Assistance.
- Constructed With High-Quality & Durable Materials.
- Very Sturdy Handle, But Still Not Too Heavy.
- Secure Clip Attachment That’s Easy To Put On & Off.
Cons.
- Not The Most Comfortable Handle For Long Periods.
- Might Not Work On Every Service Dog Harness Available Out There.
How To Choose The Right Mobility Harness For Your Service Dog?
With all the products available out there, it can be arduous to figure out which one is the ideal solution for you. Even if my recommendations are useful to narrow down your options, you still have to select one of them. Therefore, here are some things to consider for finding the right mobility harness for your needs!
What Makes Good Balance Harnesses?
To select my top recommendations, I’ve analyzed some essential aspects of this equipment. The two most important components are the handle and the vest itself. If one of them isn’t appropriate for stability assistance, the harness might be useless for you!
Mobility Handle.
Without anything to support yourself, you won’t be able to keep your balance easily. Most of the time, your service dog isn’t tall enough for you to brace directly on his back easily and safely.
That’s why the handle is the most important part of the mobility harness. It must be easy to reach, comfortable to hold, and rigid for optimal stability.
Service Dog Harness.
Another essential component of this type of mobility gear is the harness (or vest). To ensure your four-legged assistant can support you, the equipment must be well designed for this purpose.
It must be comfortable, lightweight, and convenient for him to wear. To brace safely, it should also put the strain on your working dog’s shoulders as much as possible because it’s the strongest part of his whole structure.
Things To Consider For Selecting The Right Mobility Harness For Your Needs!
Knowing what makes a good service dog harness for stability issues isn’t enough. Even the best one in the world can be worthless if it’s not suitable for your conditions.
That’s why you must take into account specific things to understand what type of equipment you should be looking for.
Your Disability.
Whatever reason you want to invest in a mobility harness, it must resolve your main problem. You’re probably looking for equipment to ensure your service dog can help you keep your balance while standing or walking.
However, your level of instability or the severity of your mobility impairment can influence what type of assistance gear you need!
Your Service Dog’s Conditions.
Another consideration is everything you need to know about your assistant. Keep in mind that he will wear the mobility harness.
Thus, your dog’s breed, size, age, structure, and many other factors have to be taken into account to select an option that’s suitable for his conditions.
For example, measuring how tall he is will help you pick something with an appropriate handle that’s easy for you to reach.
Your Personal Needs & Preferences.
Apart from the essential things to consider, you might also want to analyze other aspects for selecting the right mobility harness.
The price, colors available, extra features, and more things can be important to your eyes, even if it’s superfluous. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t neglect important elements for your personal satisfaction!
Last Thoughts About Mobility Harnesses For Service Dogs!
With my recommendations and all the information in this article, you have everything you need to purchase the perfect solution for your disability.
Everyone should be able to stand up or walk without any huge restrictions. That’s why I highly recommend you to invest in an appropriate mobility harness!
I hope my article has helped you understand what type of gear will help your service dog to support you when needed. Most people should be well satisfied with the Dean & Tyler Guide Harness, but you still need to make sure it’s the right option for your conditions.
I would be happy to see you together walking and enjoying the outdoors with your new equipment for mobility assistance!