Working dog wearables The impact of professional dog equipment on the consumer market

Harnesses

Service or assistance dogs require harnesses to guide humans, detection dogs require visibility, military dogs may wear bullet proof wearables and all of these harnesses need to enable, rather than hinder, the dogs doing their job. Padding is necessary to prevent chafing and hernias; weight will tire the dog. 

Thus, a lot of research goes into the design: manufacturer K-9 has a range of patrol harnesses to search and rescue, along with the more traditional tracking-style harnesses, some with a ‘grab handle’ on the back to protect the dog further with the help of the handler. Colours reflect – sometimes literally – the style of work, from bright orange, olive drab to black.

In what way does the consumer market benefit? An easily-visible dog is a bonus for walks outside, along with visible identification (large lettering along the side). Also, comfortable harnesses that are hard-wearing are replacing the flimsy cosmetically designed versions.

Locator technology

The cost of a trained working dog is high. For instance, the cost to train a police dog is estimated to be up to $29,000 (€27,000). That means that losing them would be a disaster. 

Search dogs are often equipped with GPS tracking devices, also available now in the consumer market. These can track a dog from a range of up to 9 miles (14.5 km). Rather sadly, some include shock training devices; these are certainly not to be encouraged in the consumer market – and are banned in some countries. 

Cameras

Head and collar/harness cameras are another popular innovation. Ever wanted to see what the dog’s eye view is? From a working perspective, this can be important for locating lost persons or evidence-gathering. But the popularity of the Go-Pro for sports and outdoor consumers has led to a dog-harness that will hold the same camera.

Flashing lights for harnesses and collars, as well as reflectors, allow for dogs exercising and working in low light or even darkness, without fear of losing sight of them. On the other hand, who is the one really needing it? With a dog’s excellent low-light vision and sense of smell, it is unlikely they will lose their human companions!

Winter and summer wearables

Garmin produces an electronic temperature sensor, another excellent innovation for dogs’ well-being, since keeping a dog cool and comfortable can be a matter of life and death. Cooling coats and blankets, containing a non-wetting agent or made from special absorbent fabrics that hold water without soaking the dog, mean hotter conditions can be tolerated more easily.

Hard-wearing dog paws see the need for protection against extremes of heat and cold. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends a wide range of dog boots to safeguard from sore paws. Textured soles for traction and water resistance, and flexible and easy Velcro straps mean that any dog can wear them comfortably.

Toys for working dogs

The way to ‘pay’ any dog for a job well done, is often to play with them. Working dogs are no exception. Toys can be used to train a dog to search, to chase and retrieve, or simply to recall a dog away from a running criminal. Such toys have to be easy to pocket and throw, and need to be durable so they can be used reliably and safely. Working dog favourites include strong rubber balls on ropes, softer flying rings/frisbees to avoid mouth damage, remote ball launchers and even the newer ‘Manners Minder’ training devices. These are a remote form of reward, where a simple press of a control delivers some of the dog’s food wages.

Welfare and working dogs

It is worthwhile remembering that a working dog is a highly trained animal, sometimes bred for purpose too. All dogs need training to accept the equipment, so that they actively enjoy having it on their bodies. However, with innovation comes education of both owners and suppliers as well. Next to ensuring that demand is met successfully, a responsible use of these exciting new innovations in dog technology is key.