Light Assistance Harness 2.0

The Light Assistance Harness (LAH) is a light-weight, low-impact, leather harness for close-contact communication between a service dog and their human partner. 

The LAH features a semi-rigid standing handle that offers proprioception support, counterbalance, light duty forward momentum pulling and leading (guiding) that can be used while standing or walking.

The LAH follows the natural contours of the dog’s anatomy and has minimal impact on the dog’s gait and movement when properly fitted. Engineered to allow full range of motion of the dog’s shoulder joints, this harness design minimizes the load at the front of the dog’s chest. Handle pressure is well distributed around the dog’s center of mass so the dog can offer support with minimal effort. All harnesses are custom-made to order!

Every harness is handmade to order in our own Colorado workshop. Finely crafted from only the best full grain leather and durable top-quality hardware to our exacting quality standards. Turnaround time is 4-6 weeks from date measurements and details are confirmed. 

As with all service dog harnesses we make, the custom-ordered LAH is backed by our famous Lifetime Warranty. Additionally, proper fit is assured by our Great Fit Guarantee (see details below). 

Harness Features

Light Assistance Harness Design Features

• • Provides light balance, proprioception and stability support
  • Minimal impact on dog’s gait and range of motion
  • Contoured wave-shaped breast collar eliminates restriction
  • Reflective squares on breast collar for low-light visibility
  • Y-shape breast collar option available
  • Wide, well-padded pressure distribution areas with no pressure on the spine
  • Hand beveled edges and smooth, low-friction leather lining 
  • No irritation from synthetic materials, no hardware touches the dog
  • Easy on and off with quick-release latches
  • Weighs less than 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms)
  • Made for dogs 40 pounds and larger
  • Adjustable Breast Collar and Girth Plate to fine tune the fit
  • Guaranteed Fit and Lifetime Warranty*

Who is it for? 

The LAH is a good choice for many people with conditions such as vertigo, balance or gait impairment, disequilibrium, neurological conditions, brain injuries, MS, chronic fatigue, etc. where light to moderate contact with a sturdy semi-rigid handle can assist with proprioception/orientation, stabilization and/or balance support.

About the Handle:

As with all BLD's assistance harnesses, the LAH is specifically designed around the handle. The harness’ body is specially designed to align the handle at the center of the dog’s center of mass (or gravity) and position all the straps in the right place. This alignment allows the dog to perform more work with minimal effort, because their mass is creating a large portion of the counterbalance or pull force needed to provide momentum and stability. This means the muscles don’t have to work so hard, thus lowering the impact of working in a harness.

Adjustable:

The breast collar and girth straps are adjustable to fine tune the fit. This allows for plenty of adjustment range should the dog’s weight or coat thickness change.

Harness Construction:

Highly specialized layers of padding serve three important functions: to protect the dog’s spine, distribute pressure lower down the dog’s sides, and to keep all hardware away from the dog’s body. It is both extremely sturdy and completely flexible to conform to the dog’s body. It is lined with smooth garment leather to allow the harness to glide with the dog’s movement.

There are four components to the LAH. Each component comes in multiple sizes for a total custom fit. The size of each component will be made to fit your dog's size and proportions.

• Balance Handle (semi-rigid is standard)
• Harness Body
• U-shaped Breast Collar (adjustable)
• Wide Girth Plate with adjustable girth straps (adjustable)

Sizing and Measuring

The Light Assistance Harness comes in a range of sizes for dogs of all shapes and sizes over 40 pounds. 

Each of the LAH harness components will be made to fit your dog's measurements, and the handle will be made to your desired height.

Measuring instructions and submission form can be found here along with a video.

Instructions can also be found in the LAH Complete Information Booklet,

ABSOLUTE MINMUM SIZE REQUIREMENT: The LAH will NOT fit dogs that are smaller than 35 pound or that have a girth measurement less than 25 inches. 

Please know that we cannot proceed with a harness order until we have all of the necessary measurements and details. If you plan to call for assistance or to order, it’s best to have your dog’s measurements handy!

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 LAH Complete Information Booklet to see more details on all of the options available.
2. Measure your dog. Directions are included in the Info Booklet, and can also be found here, along with a video.
3. Measure the person's wrist/hand height.
4. Place your order! You can do this here online, or by phone.
   1. If you're ordering online: First, select the harness details from the drop down options. Next, enter your handle details. The Complete Information Booklet has more information on all of these options.
   2. Add any notes that you feel are important to your order.
   3. Click Add to Cart and complete your order. 
5. Remember to submit your measurements!
6. Please keep an eye out for a call or email to confirm your measurements and details.
7. BLD will confirm the details and provide a completion date for your order.

Measurements can be submitted BEFORE or AFTER you place 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 

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page for answers. 

Need help with anything? Don’t hesitate to ask! Contact us. We're here to assist before and after you place your order.

Yes, we ship WORLDWIDE!

Harness Options

Quick release latches 

Quick release latches connect the girth straps to the belly plate, making the harness easy to put on and take off. The harness comes standard with our easy-to-use metal side release latches on BOTH sides of the harness. Magnetic latches are available for those with limited strength and dexterity.

Latches can be placed on both sides, or just one side of the harness:

One quick release latch allows the belly/girth to stay attached to the harness when taken off the dog. A square ring connects the girth strap to the off-side of the harness. To put the harness on the dog, it goes over their head and the belly plate connects with one simple latch.

Having quick release on BOTH sides means the belly/girth can quickly unclip from the harness, and is removed from the harness. You only need one latch to put the harness on the dog and can ignore the opposite side and leave connected. Both latches are required if your harness has the Sternum/Martingale strap between the front legs. In this case, the belly plate stays connected to the breast collar when taken off the dog. To put the harness on dog, it will first go over their head, then the belly/girth will pass between the dog’s front legs, and the straps will connect to the left and right sides of the harness.

Harness Top and Handle Brace Imprints: 

The strap on the harness top can be imprinted with your choice of “Service Dog” or “Assistance Dog.” Silver is standard. The horizontal brace strap on the handle can also be imprinted.

Handle Core: 

The handle is made from three layers, with leather on the outside and a reinforced core to add stiffness. Black is the standard core of the semi-rigid handle. Red and blue are available to add a pop of color. See examples in the photos. The imprints, if selected, can be made to match.

Harness Sides: 

The sides have a diagonal stripe that serve several functions; it stabilizes the handle and keeps it flush to the saddle, and keeps the sides smooth to prevent the harness rubbing on your legs as you walk, The stripe can be made in your choice of styles:

• Reflective for low-light visibility
• Velcro to attach a small patch (1" x 3")

Y-Harness Option: 

A sternal strap (or martingale) that goes between the dog’s front legs is also an available option. Some dogs (standard poodles, for example) do best with a strap that connects the breast collar to the girth plate. This additional strap can help keep the harness in position; it prevents the breast collar from riding up, and the belly plate from sliding back. It is designed to be removable, and can be added at a later time if needed.

Color

Harnesses are available in our standard black and London tan leather. Or further customize your harness with a specialty or limited edition color.

• Black: Solid black latigo leather is our standard offering.  Because the leather is solid black all the way through it does not fade, hides the appearance of scuffs, and wears beautifully over time.
• London Tan: Gorgeous vegetable-tanned bridle leather. Color and shades will vary; each part of the harness may be a different shade. Tan leather naturally appears rustic and may show scuffs and wear over time; color may darken with use over time as a patina develops. 
• Specialty leather in red, white and blue: A fine pigmented latigo leather with a firm, satin surface that is resistant to scuffs. Main body and breast collar will be made in the selected color. Handle, tabs, and other components are black.
• Limited edition colors may be available! While supplies last, we have some gorgeous colorfast bridle leather to make your harness even more bespoke. Main body and breast collar will be made in the selected color. Handle, tabs, and other components are black.

Main body and breast collar will be made in the selected color. Handle, tabs, and other small components are black.

Harness Accessories

Harness Accessories:

These small and simple accessories are designed to work with the LAH without interfering with function.

The LAH is an intentionally minimalist harness design that is not compatible with capes or pouches. Items other than these shown below, risk throwing the harness off balance or altering the pressure load on the dog.

Round Badges (Leash Wraps) 

Our “Leash Wraps” are nice ways to add badging to the LAH. These round badges are two separate patches that Velcro back-to-back so they can be wrapped around the handle brace, or the strap on top of the harness. Sold Separately.

Velcro Patch:

If you select the Velcro side stripes, the harness can accommodate 1 x 3 inch (2.5 x 7.6 cm) Velcro backed patches to identify working service dogs. Sized to fit the Velcro side stripes on the LAH. Made from woven damask material, the wording and graphics on our patches are clear and legible to communicate your dog’s working status to the public. Sold Separately.

Short Grab Handle: 

The LAH is created to be a simple  single handled harness. However, it can accommodate a small simple grab handle if required. For those who insist on having a second handle this smaller option is compatible when clipped to the O-rings on the harness body. 8” overall length, 5” of leather, makes about a 3″ handle. Sold Separately.

Personal Items:

The harness can accommodate a few personal items, such as an ID badge, tags, or a clip-on light. The photo shows an ID badge clipped to the handle O-ring and tucks behind the handle and reflective strap. ID tags or a small clip-on light are shown, too.

 Videos

Learn from BLD's Owner & Designer, Katrina Boldry in this engaging interview:

Important Notes

Important Notes: 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.