Everyday Working Harness

The Everyday Working Harness was designed to be the best multi-purpose canine harness on the market. It’s for pet dogs, service dogs, sporting dogs, and hardworking canines alike! BLD’s Y-front harness design allows the dog to move, breathe, and work with minimal impact from the equipment. This versatile design can function as a walking harness, no-pull front clip harness, tracking harness, and balance support harness.

Custom made-to-order, this harness is handcrafted in our own workshop and has several customization options to fit your needs. Please scroll down to find more information on all of the options that are available.

Turnaround Time: Harnesses take 4-6 weeks to complete and are built to your specifications.

Before placing an order, please read through the Complete Information Booklet, available to read/download by clicking here:
EWH COMPLETE INFORMATION PACKET PDF

Details

BLD’s Everyday Working Harness (EWH) at a glance:

• Y-Front design and exclusive wide chest and belly plates provide proper pressure distribution around dog’s breastbone and ribs
• Ergonomically designed for minimal impact on the dog’s gait and movement
• Two leash connection points:
  • Front of dog’s chest
  • Top of the dog’s back
• Six (6) points of adjustment for a perfect fit, even on “hard to fit” dogs!
• Premium leather and quality hardware
• Comfort for all-day wear: No rubbing or irritation from synthetic straps
• Easy on and off with Quick-Release latches (magnetic latches available)
• Handle options for added functionality
• Optional simple leather handle and Velcro skirt for ID patches are available
• Backed by BLD’s famous Great Fit Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty

BLD’s wide, ergonomically shaped belly plate is specifically engineered to distribute nearly all leash or handle pressure under the dog’s chest to minimize, if not eliminate, impact on the dog’s neck and shoulders. With a leash attached to the top of the harness (on the dog’s back), when the dog pulls into the harness the force is directed under the prosternum and ribs to support the dog’s weight from the core of their body. This means the harness can be used for control/restraint while training, to lift/support the dog’s front end, tracking, nose work, or other sports.

When a leash is attached to the front of the harness (on the dog’s chest), the EWH is a humane and effective no-pull harness that can be used to direct the dog’s movement back to you to prevent leash pulling or to guide the dog’s movement.  

The EWH fits loosely on the dog’s body. If you’re looking for a snug, stable, and supportive service dog harness, please see our Balance Assistance or Mobility Support Harnesses.

For Service Dogs:

This is BLD’s ONLY harness for both personal assistance and attaching a leash! This one harness can replace your nylon no-pull harness and service dog vest while offering simple handle options for your assistance needs. As with all BLD harnesses, this one is durable and designed for a lifetime of reliable use.

• Optional Simple Handle (approx. 3”) offers assistance for the person including:
  • Counter-balance
  • Momentum pull
  • Getting up from a seated position
  • Handle is low-profile and lays down on the dog’s back
• Optional skirt with Velcro panel is perfect for attaching your service dog patches
• A Clip-On Bridge Handle can be added for additional functionality (D-Rings on top are required)

As with all BLD harnesses, the EWH is specifically designed around the handle. The EWH will accommodate ONLY the handle options available for this harness.

Sizing & Measurement

Sizing:

Select the size based on your dog’s weight and girth measurement. If your dog’s weight and measurements fall into more than one option, size down for a lighter harness or size up for a heavier, wider harness. We will review your dog’s weight, breed and measurements to assure the best size. Please see the size chart and diagram in the photos.

Medium

• 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg)
• 15-18” neck size (38-46 cm)
• Choice of girth range: 25-32” (63-81 cm)

Best for lighter framed dogs with narrow chests such as petite retrievers, Border Collies, Mini Aussies, Kelpies, Cattle Dogs, most Standard Poodles and doodles.

Large

• 55-85 pounds (25-38 kg)
• 17-22” neck size (43-56 cm)
• Choice of girth range 30-36” (76-91 cm)

Most Labrador and Golden Retrievers, heavy/sturdy built doodles, smaller German Shepherd Dogs, Greyhounds, Malinois, smaller bully breeds, and narrower dogs in the 85 pound range.

Extra Large 

• 80-125 pounds (36-56 kg)
• 22-26” neck size (43-66 cm)
• 34-38” ( 86-96 cm) girth

Heavy/sturdy built large breeds, dogs with broad chests, most GSD’s, Rottweilers, large retrievers, Pyrenees, larger bully breeds and smaller Newfies.

XXL 

• 120 pounds and up (54 kg or more)
• 25” and larger neck size (64 cm or more)
• 36-47” (91-122 cm) OR custom size larger

Giant breeds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, St Bernard, large Newfies

Harness Options

Choose Color:

• Black: Solid black latigo leather is our standard offering.  Because the leather is solid black all the way through it does not fade, it hides the appearance of scuffs, and wears beautifully over time.
• London Tan: Gorgeous vegetable-tanned English bridle leather. Color and shades will vary; each part of the harness may be a different shade, but all will develop a lovely, darker patina with use and age. 

Harness Top Shape: 

• Regular Top (standard option): Oval shape; Includes O-ring for attaching the leash.
• Skirt with Velcro Panel: Half-moon shape; Features 2” (5 cm) wide Velcro to attach patches (sold separately here.) – Great option for service dogs!

Top Options:

• Plain, no handle or D-rings (standard option)

• D-rings: Use D-rings for attaching a clip-on bridge handle (available separately) or accessories
• Simple Leather Handle: Approximately 3” tall(7.5 cm) and permanently attached via included D-rings
  • Control or restrain the dog if needed
  • Support the dog’s front end while loading/unloading from a vehicle, etc.
  • Allow the dog to pull into the harness
  • Great option for Service Dogs –offers counterbalance and momentum assistance for the person (see Bridge Handle option if a longer handle is needed)

Choose Latch Option for Girth Straps:

• Quick-Release Buckles (Default standard option): All metal buckles are easy to operate. Spring-loaded side release style requires little pressure to open.
• Magnetic Latches ($): These special latches are easy to use and are secure. Ideal for those with very limited strength and dexterity and allows for one-handed operation. The magnets self-align and hook closed when fastening the straps and easily release by pulling the red tabs. These latches include D-rings for easy grasp when fastening the straps on your dog. 

Easy neck buckle option:

With a latch on the neck strap, the harness easily clips around the dog’s neck, so the harness does not have to go over the dog’s head. A great option for dogs with big, broad heads, and/or to make it super-easy to take the harness off your dog. Choose a buckle on the left side of the dog’s neck, OR to have buckles on both neck straps:

• NONE: original style
• Quick-Release style on ONE neck strap Most popular!
• Quick-Release style on BOTH neck straps
• Magnetic Latch style on ONE neck strap 
• Magnetic Latch style on BOTH neck straps 

Lining: 

The top piece of the EWH is lightly padded and lined with smooth leather. Padding on the chest plate and belly plate are optional.

• Natural leather: Our standard option is the most durable, lightest weight, and lowest maintenance option
• Smooth Lining: Light padding and thin garment leather on the chest and belly plates
• Shearling wool/sheepskin): Includes shearling on the chest plate, belly plate, and the top piece.  Recommended!

Accessories

Clip-On Bridge Handle

Flexible leather handle with large spring snaps and a support strap that attaches to D-rings (be sure to order your harness with D-rings) Available in the following 4 sizes and will be made to match the harness hardware and leather colors:

• 6”
• 8”
• 10”
• 12”

*Important Note: The size is the overall measurement of the handle from top to bottom, including the snaps. The functional length of this handle is shorter than the size and depends on your dog’s unique shape. We recommend ordering one size larger than the length you want.

Cape/Vest 

BLD’s Service Dog Cape/Vest is a utilitarian accessory for displaying identifying patches, increasing visibility, and holding essentials, such as medicine, paperwork, a wallet, phone, clean up supplies, or other small items. Includes Velcro panels for attaching patches (patches available separately).

Order a cape ONE SIZE SMALLER than your harness:

• Small cape vest (DISCONTINUED)
• Medium cape vest (fits Large EWH)
• Large cape vest (fits XL & XXL EWH)

Service Dog Accessories for the EWH:

Velcro Patch: Patches backed with Velcro stick onto the optional EWH skirt, or to BLD’s vest/cape. No sewing required!  Choose one or a combination of patches to identify your dog’s status as a service dog. 

Leash Wrap / Double Patch: Specially designed as a leash wrap, this round two-sided badge Velcros around a leash or strap 1” or smaller. Looks great on the shoulder straps or the brace strap on a bridge handle. 

How to Order

You are ready to order a harness…Now what? Here is a quick list of the steps to take to place a harness order:

1. Read through the Everyday Working Harness Information Booklet PDF 
2. Measure your dog's height, girth, and neck 
3. Place your order! You can do this here online, or by phone
   1. If you're ordering online: First, select the harness size and options desired, and enter the details about your dog, including measurements 
   2. Click Add to Cart
      
4. Please keep an eye out for a call or email to confirm your measurements and details
5. BLD will confirm the details and provide a completion date for your order

We will confirm your order with you directly within 5 business days. Upon receiving your order, measurements and details will be reviewed by our harness experts. Rest assured we’ll reach out if we have any questions. Please be on the lookout for a message should we need to confirm any details with you.

Turnaround Time:  

Please allow 4-6 weeks for completion once all details are received.

Once ALL the measurements and details have been received we will confirm your order and provide a completion date, which is generally 4-6 weeks from the date of confirmation (not from date order is placed). Delay in getting this critical information to us will delay your order.

Rush orders may be available for an additional convenience fee as our workload allows. Contact us if you need your harness faster (subject to availability with a rush fee). We can accept rush requests as our workload allows, BEFORE your order has been confirmed. Contact us directly to inquire about rush availability. 

Rush fees:

• 3 week RUSH: add 10%
• 2 week RUSH: add 15%

*Rush fees are added to the cost of the harness and harness options ONLY 

Shipping price includes insurance and tracking via USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days in USA). Yes, we ship WORLDWIDE!

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page for answers.

Need help with sizing? Don’t hesitate to ask! Contact us. We’ll take a look at your dog’s measurements to be sure you get the right size (before or after you place your order).

Important Notes

Dogs must be physically mature and of appropriate size, fitness and soundness for the work you would like them to perform. This means, your dog must be fully mature before using any handles on the harness. 

The EWH can serve as a regular walking harness and/or service dog harness on adolescent dogs. However, handles should not be used until the dog is fully mature and ready for advanced task work.

Not recommended for growing puppies. Due to the substantial nature of this harness, dogs should be 18 months or older. Additionally, the adjustment range is limited and may not be able to accommodate a pup’s rapid growth.

Dogs must be physically mature before training for harness work or performing high impact work, including pulling, until after growth plates are fused and joints are mature.  Consult a qualified veterinarian to assure your dog’s suitability for harness work.

Safety considerations: this harness is NOT to be used as a safety restraint. It is not crash test rated or intended as a seat belt harness, or a tie-out. Always supervise your dog while using this equipment, do not leave a dog unattended with any harness. Dogs should be physically mature to perform any load-bearing or pulling work. Not designed as or recommended for heavy or full-time wheelchair pulling, as this is a challenging asymmetrical task for a dog to perform.

Use only with handles & accessories designed and approved by BLD for this equipment.

Important Notes regarding service dogs that perform mobility assistance: please read this before ordering

Due to the custom nature of this special harness, returns and refunds are not available on this product. Dogs must be of appropriate age, size, fitness, and soundness for the work you would like them to perform. Dogs must be physically mature before training or performing high impact work in harness. High impact work includes pulling, guiding, counterbalance, and bracing. Harness work is not recommended until after growth plates are fused and joints and muscular system is fully developed, and a minimum age of 18 months. Consult a qualified veterinarian to assure your dog’s readiness and suitability harness work. Safety considerations: Mobility, stability, and balance assistance work are physically demanding; users assume all responsibility for the safety, health, and care of the animal and human alike. This harness is NOT to be used as a restraint or to control the animal, as a seat belt or safety restraint harness. Always supervise your dog while using this equipment. Do not leave a dog unattended with any harness. Not designed as or recommended for heavy or full-time wheelchair pulling, as this is a challenging asymmetrical task for a dog to perform. Please read and understand the harness owner's manual before use. BLD's harnesses are not for puppies or adolescent dogs. The adjustment range is limited and may not be able to accommodate a pup's rapid growth. It will cost you significantly more money if the dog outgrows the harness.  Use only with handles & accessories designed and approved by BLD for this equipment.

At Bold Lead Designs, we take the health and safety of your dog seriously. We have created these guidelines based on over 15 years of experience with this specialized equipment.  Our equipment is designed to allow an appropriately selected and trained service dog to reasonably assist a person with a balance, mobility impairment, or other disability that requires specialty service dog gear. BLD cannot and does not assess dogs' temperament, health or suitability to be a service dog. Fit and performance of the equipment can only be assured if the dog meets the minimum recommended guidelines, the user and trainer have reasonable expectations, and when the equipment is used responsibly for the purpose it was designed. 

Age, Size and Fitness:

• Dogs should be at least 18 months of age before training or working in a harness. The dog’s growth plates must be closed AND have a fully developed musculoskeletal system before training or working in harness. This is NOT the same as "full grown" which can happen months before a dog is physically mature.
• Full physical maturity happens for most large breed dogs at 18-24 months of age, with and giant breeds need even longer to mature. Please allow your dog time to grow and mature as rushing into harness work may cause injury and shorten your dog’s working life. Additionally, if the harness is ordered too soon it will cost you significantly more money if your dog outgrows the harness.
• Dogs MUST meet the minimum weight/measurement range set forth in the sizing guide for the harness to fit and function properly.
• Service dogs should be well-exercised, physically fit, and in good body condition (lean and muscular) throughout their working life. Consider implementing an exercise and fitness routine when the dog is “off duty” to keep him/her in good shape.
• Overweight dogs should never be expected to perform load bearing tasks; additionally, obesity contributes to serious health risks and can significantly shorten a dog’s lifespan by two years. 

Consult the Pros: We strongly advise all service/assistance dogs be examined by a qualified veterinarian (orthopedic/rehab specialist and/or canine sports medicine physical therapist) to determine if the dog is suitable for the demands of service dog work.

1. Radiographs (x-rays) of hips, elbows, and/or other tests are recommended to rule out dysplasia or other health conditions that may limit the dog’s ability to perform physical assistance. We recommend x-rays be evaluated by a radiologist, or reviewed and certified by OFA or PennHIP.
2. Understand that general practice veterinarians may not have experience with working dogs and the nuanced conditions specific to mobility dogs; for this reason a specialist is recommended whenever possible.

Likewise, harness users should consult a physician, occupational therapist and/or physical therapist to determine what medical equipment is appropriate for their disability and mobility needs. BLD harnesses are not intended to serve as, or to replace, a durable medical device such as a cane, walker, or crutch. Please understand that one should never lean on a dog to stay upright. Users should read, understand, and follow all instructions and information provided in the harness information and owner's manual before using the equipment. Improper use could put the dog and human at risk for injury. Additional Resources: To learn more about mobility dogs that provide balance and stability assistance, see recommendations developed by experts in the industry, and find links to research and other information, check out Mobility Dog Resource Group at mobilitydogresources.com.

In your dog’s best interest, please understand that BLD may decline or cancel an order if we believe a harness could be harmful to the dog because of age, size, or unreasonable expectations.

Guarantee & Warranty

Our famous Lifetime Warranty and legendary customer support is standard with every custom-made BLD service/assistance dog harness.

Great Fit Guarantee:

Fitting service is included with every new, custom-made harnesses during the first four weeks!

• If a fit adjustment is needed, we will correct it at no cost to you.
• Includes adjustment and new parts, if necessary, within four weeks of delivery. 
• If the mistake is ours, Bold Leads will cover the shipping
• If inaccurate details were given when the order was placed, we will still make the correction, but you would pay for the shipping and any price difference if applicable
• FYI, most refits involve exchanging a strap, we make it as easy as we can!
• Please pay special attention to the sizing guidelines and recommendations regarding age, health and fitness. Fit and performance of the harness can only be guaranteed if our guidelines are followed. (For example, if your dog is smaller than the weight and measurement range listed, the harness will not fit.)

Lifetime Warranty: 

We proudly stand behind the quality of our products. Custom made-to-order harnesses are guaranteed against defects in materials and craftsmanship for life!

• If your BLD harness ever breaks or is damaged from regular use due to materials or craftsmanship flaws, contact Bold Lead Designs for a replacement or repair at no charge. There is no time limit.
• Customer is responsible for shipping charges for warranty claims.
• Warranty does not cover things we cannot control, including chewing, damage from an accident, or customer alterations.
• Repairs or replacement components are always available! Even if you're outside of the Fit Guarantee window, or need a non-warranty repair, we're here for support.

No Returns or Refunds on Harnesses:

Due to the custom nature of these specialized harnesses, and the labor intensive services we provide, there are no refunds or returns are accepted on service/assistance dog harnesses.