Mobility Support Harness™ for brace and balance stability assistance

BLD’s Mobility Support Harness™ (MSH)

This is not your average service dog harness!

BLD’s world-famous service dog harness is designed to provide balance and stability support for people with balance or mobility impairments. We have designed these harnesses with the dog’s physical structure and movement in mind and then added features to make it user-friendly and truly accessible. This is the most stable, ergonomic and functional service dog harness available! 

The Mobility Support Harness can

• • assist with balance and stability support while standing or walking
  • help maintain a regular gait
  • assist with getting up from a seated position.  
  • can be used for occasional light bracing (while the dog is standing)
  • accommodate a leather handle to add more functionality such as pulling
  • when a Support Pull Handle is added, provide counterbalance, momentum pull, and leading/guiding 

Guided by canine sports medicine experts, canine physical therapists, and a veterinary orthopedic surgeon, BLD’s unique harness design allows the dog to move, breathe, and work with minimal impact from the equipment. Weight and pressure are properly distributed across the dog’s body for optimal performance of physical assistance tasks. Similar to a horse saddle, this harness sits just behind the withers (or shoulders), around the dog’s center of gravity. When fit properly, it does not wobble, shift, pinch or rub the dog. It is lightweight, sturdy, and very comfortable.

Every harness is custom made by hand in our own Colorado workshop. Crafting each harness to order is how we provide the right fit for the dog while meeting each user’s individual needs.

Proper fit is assured by our Great Fit Guarantee. Our famous Lifetime Warranty, plus BLD’s excellent customer support, is standard with everything we make in our workshop.

Allow 4-6 weeks for your harness to be crafted to order.

Harness Features

Harness Features

• Harnesses are custom made to fit your dog’s measurements and conform to your dog’s anatomy
• Handle and harness are designed to properly distribute pressure around the dog’s core with minimal impact on the dog’s range of motion
• Flexes with movement yet does not shift or wobble when fitted properly
• Quick-Release buckles make it easy to put on and take off the dog—simply click together two easy-to-use latches; harness remains adjusted when removed
• All straps have several inches of adjustment to fine-tune the fit
• Rigid metal support handles can be folded down to allow dogs into tight spaces, into vehicles, and under tables/chairs
• Saddle is made with special padding to offload pressure from the dog's back and prevent strain on the spine
• Sheepskin lining on saddle, breastplate, girth, and belly straps provide proper cushion to prevent pinching or rubbing, as well as optimal structural support for the function of the harness
• D-rings for attaching accessories, such as a cape, pouch, ID badges, pulling strap, etc.
• The MSH is for dogs over 60 pounds (27 kg) that are large and strong enough to perform this physically demanding work for their partner

Designed to last for decades

This harness has been designed with interchangeable straps for the greatest flexibility; perfect for adapting a harness to fit a new dog or user. You may order replacement parts any time you need them. Support handles are replaceable if the harness is built to accommodate the height you need. In fact, we regularly help customers re-fit harnesses onto 3rd and 4th successor dogs (when the dogs fit the same size saddle). See replacement parts here.

All the Details

We are equipment experts and are happy to help you through this process. We understand that there is a lot of information, so we have put together a Complete Information Booklet for you to use as you become familiar with what options we offer. Start off by reading through this booklet and watching the videos below.

If you have any questions, please give us a call or email—we’re available to help find the right solutions for you!

Download Complete Information Booklet PDF 

Sizing

MSH Harness Size: 

ABSOLUTE MINMUM SIZE REQUIREMENT: This harness will NOT fit dogs that are smaller than the minimum recommended 45 pounds, 21inches tall, or with a girth size less than 28 inches.

Leather Color

Standard Colors:

• 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. Overtime the leather develops a unique and beautiful patina that becomes a darker as it ages.
  

Specialty and limited edition colors:

The main body and breastplate will be made in your chosen color. The handle, straps, and smaller parts will be black. 

Example of a red harness. Example of semi-rigid leather handles with color core.

Clip-on handle: Minimal, low profile option clips onto heavy-duty d-rings toward the top of the harness saddle. Makes a good second handle for occasional tasks like getting up from a seated position, or for occasional momentum assistance. Can be made to any length/height. Available as a Short Grab Handle sized so it’s just enough to get ahold of for the shortest handle possible (about 2.5 inches)

Support Pull Handle - highly recommended!  Designed for heavier momentum and pulling needs. Provides optimal pulling pressure distribution. Handle attaches to d-rings with spring snap clips. “Mouse ear” loops keep the handle in position at a slight angle back. This handle drops a bit when you let go of it, has a looser feel than A or B, but is best for those who need moderate gait stabilization, a sturdy momentum pull, and guiding/leading. - Most popular as a second handle in the semi-rigid style!

All leather handles that are 4.5" or higher will have a horizontal brace strap to stabilize the U-shape. These can be imprinted with "ASSISTANCE DOG" OR "SERVICE DOG" if desired.

 Example of imprinted brace straps and semi-rigid handles with color cores:

Also available: Leather Guide Handle

Contact us if you'd like to order one. This is an older handle style and is not typically recommended. The Support Pull handle is the best choice for most people, as it is sturdier and offers more support and directional feedback than the Leather Guide handle.

More Customization 

The BAH is made with easy to use quick release latches on one side of the harness, and adjustment buckles on the other side. To put the harness on your dog, you only need to use two latches!

Choose Latch Option for Girth and Belly Straps:

• Quick-Release Buckles (Default standard option): All metal buckles are easy to operate. Spring-loaded side release style requires little pressure to open.
• One-Hand latch operation ($): D-rings placed near the quick-release make it easier to grasp the straps and fasten with one hand.
• Magnetic Latches ($): 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. 

Harness Accessories

Compatible Harness Accessories:

• Banner Badge
• Cape/Vest
• Leash Wrap badges
• Harness Pouch
• Velcro Patches

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 Complete Information Booklet and/or watch the info video to see more details on all of the options available.
2.  Measure your dog. Check out the size chart to determine what size harness you'll need.
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 size, primary handle type, and so-on from the drop down options. You can also indicate accessories you'd like to order. 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 

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.

Videos

Learn about mobility harnesses from BLD's Owner and Designer, Katrina Boldry. In this engaging interview, you'll learn what you need to know about harnesses and feel confident choosing the right harness. 

Harness Care

Leather care is easy! 

Luckily, these specialized harnesses are easy to clean and maintain! Simply apply leather conditioner regularly to keep harness supple & weather resistant and clean the wool lining using a brush and vacuum. This kit has everything you need: Get a Harness Cleaning Kit here!  

Don’t worry too much, and don’t be afraid to use your items — we promise leather is incredibly resilient, and regular weather won’t hurt it. If you think your item looks dirty, dry, or just need a little extra love, pouring a little leather conditioner on a cloth, and rubbing it in like lotion will usually do the trick. Your harness can also be hand washed if needed. 

 

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.

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. 

Dogs must be physically mature and of appropriate size, fitness and soundness for the work you would like them to perform. Mobility, stability, and balance assistance work are physically demanding. A service dog should always be in prime physical condition to remain healthy.

Age, Size and Fitness:

Dogs should be at least 18 months of age before beginning harness work. The dog’s growth plates must be closed before starting to train a dog for harness work. This happens for most large breed dogs at 18-24 months of age 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 be in our recommended weight/measurement range set forth in the sizing guide for the harness to fit and function properly.
We want to see properly exercised, fit, lean, muscular dogs! 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. Consider implementing an exercise and fitness routine when the dog is “off duty” to keep him/her in good shape.

Consult the Pros:

Consulting a qualified veterinarian (orthopedic specialist or canine sports medicine physical therapist) is highly recommended for all service/assistance dogs that perform physical tasks. Radiographs (x-rays) or other tests may be recommended by the vet and are required by most service dog training organizations to determine if the dog is suitable for the demands of service dog work.
Harness users should consult a physician and physical therapist to determine what medical equipment is appropriate for their 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. Rigid metal handles must not be pushed or pulled on while the dog is in motion. Such use is not how the harness is intended to be used and could put the dog at risk for injury.

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Fit and performance of the equipment can only be assured if the dog meets the minimum recommended standards, the user and trainer have reasonable expectations, and when the equipment is used responsibly for the purpose it was designed.
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 assess a dog’s suitability or appropriateness. Users assume all responsibility for the safety, health, and care of the animal and human alike.

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

Mobility Dog Resource Group

Learn more about mobility dogs and best practices for selecting, working, and caring for your service dog. Find minimum recommendations, research articles, and more!