Best Tactical Dog Harness – Rebarkable

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 bit of housekeeping.

What Is A Tactical Harness?

These are harnesses for the normal pet dog or family dog that are styled after those worn by military dogs or police dogs. 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.

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 attachment points
  • Stronger attachment points
  • Usually “Military” color tones

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

Why Would I Use A Tactical Harness?

These y-shaped harnesses offer better control than a regular collar, and don’t create restrictions or pressure points like other harnesses might.

If you have a large, strong dog (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.

Service dogs 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 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.

Best Tactical Harnesses For Dogs

Decisions, Decisions…

There you have it!

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!