Dogs are amazing animals. You can take them for a leisurely walk to a park, go swimming, or even rock-climbing! And if you prefer the latter, then this might be the time to invest in a climbing harness for dogs. With the proper equipment, you and your four-legged buddy can enjoy sweeping views together, right after an intense physical challenge! Therefore, below we’ve prepared a curated list of some great alternatives to a climbing harness for dogs. And to help you pick the best one for your rover, we’ve also got some sort of quick buying guide for a dog rock climbing harness. Are you guys ready? Let’s get started!
How to Choose Best Climbing Harness for Dogs
Just like any pet accessory, a climbing harness for dogs comes in a variety of styles and sizes. When you decide to make your puppy wear one, you have to be absolutely sure that it makes him/her feel comfortable and happy. Especially considering the fact that rock climbing is a pretty intense activity, even for animals! So, you need to be extra careful when picking a climbing harness for a dog.
With all of that in mind, here are some of the factors you should consider when looking for a dog rock climbing harness.
Fittings
First things first. You need to make sure that the harness is securely fit to your dog’s body. But at the same time, don’t let it grip too tightly, as it might make your rover feel uncomfortable. Apart from that, an overly tight climbing harness for dogs will also limit their mobility. So, before you decide on a dog rock climbing harness, you’ll want to measure their chests and necks carefully.
Material
You need to remember that different materials serve different purposes. For example, a climbing harness for dogs with bright surfaces will come in handy when you’re climbing in the early hours. Its reflective abilities will make it easier for you and your four-legged pal to spot from a distance. By doing so, you’ll minimize the risk of bumping with motorists, bicycles, or other climbers.
Compatibility
As we mentioned earlier, climbing harness for dogs is available in various types. To make sure the attire works well, you need to get one that’s completely compatible with your canine. See if it attaches properly, so you guys can rappel smoothly. Apart from that, please resist the temptation to purchase an ultra-cheap dog rock climbing harness. Doesn’t matter how much it might save you money, you don’t want to put your dog’s safety at risk by using questionable equipment.
What Age Can You Put a Harness on a Puppy?
You can basically start teaching a puppy to wear a harness from day one. However, most people choose to wait a little longer and choose not to give their four-legged buddy any attire until eight weeks of age. So, the final decision is yours. If you’re still not sure, you can consult a veterinarian or animal expert for a more comprehensive explanation.
How Do I Know If My Dog’s Harness is Too Small?
You can start by paying attention to some common symptoms. First of all, see if your dog starts losing hair around the harness area. Next, check if the chest strap loosens as you walk. Additionally, you’ll want to find out if there’s chafing under the armpits or around the harness.
Why Does My Dog Harness Have 2D Rings?
The second ring is usually used to attach a leash. It’s great for owners who want to control and teach their dogs to walk on the side, without choking their beloved canine. If you want such a feature in your climbing harness for dogs, be sure to read the specs list carefully before you decide to buy.
Ruffwear Climbing Harness
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The Ruffwear Climbing Harness will be great for some casual climbing. It’s durable and has everything to serve different purposes. If you run through their Amazon page, you’ll see plenty of customers refer to this as a well-balanced climbing harness for dogs. That’s because you’ll get a decent amount of strength and comfort.
Furthermore, the Ruffwear Climbing Harness is available in four different sizes. You can choose between small, medium, large, and extra-large. And with seven-point adjustments, it’s easily the most customizable dog rock climbing harness around. For ease of maneuverability, Ruffwear adds a handle and no less than seven hooks. Awesome!
What We Love
Provides a great balance between strength and comfort
Pros:
- Doubleback
- Comfortable construction
- Seven points of adjustment
- Primary tie-in point
Cons:
- There’s no clip for the leash
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Chai’s Choice Rover Scout
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Taking your dog on a long hike requires careful planning. Especially when it comes to supplies and food. Luckily, you don’t have to lug all of those things for your furry pal. By getting the Chai’s Choice Rover Scout, you’ll get a high-performance backpack slash harness. It features two detachable pouches, perfect for storing multiple poop bags, snacks, or even toys.
Apart from that, Chai’s Choice Rover Scout is made of reflective material. Thus, your canine will be easier to spot when the sun is on the horizon. To conclude, while this isn’t really a climbing harness for dogs, you’re going to get an equally great performance. Please note, however, that this accessory isn’t designed for small dogs.
And since we’re on the topic of dogs, we have plenty of fantastic dog attire-related articles right here. For instance, if you’re planning on taking your canine on a camping trip anytime soon, we’ve some great recommendations on our list of the 13 best dog cages for camping. Don’t forget to check it out if you can!
What We Love
A great harness for long trips or climbing
Pros:
- Dupont Cordura material
- Waterproof
- Duraflex buckles
- High visibility 3M material
Cons:
- Some may find this thing ‘boldly priced’
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Expawlorer Front Range
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Marketed as a premium product, the Expawlorer Front Range is by no means an inexpensive gear. However, you’ll get exactly what you pay for. Featuring two leash attachments, this should be your go-to harness when planning a long hiking or climbing trip. When it comes to size, this thing is relatively smaller than most similar products. And this is actually great, especially if your dog tends to fight all kinds of accessories.
Apart from that, this climbing harness for dogs comes in three different colors: orange, black, and green. Each of them carries reflective stripping for greater visibility. Another thing to love about the Expawlorer is the sturdy handle on the top. It works great for securing a dog in a car or getting a senior canine around.
What We Love
Doesn’t take up too much of the dog’s body, great for more aggressive canines
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant oxford material
- Nylon webbing
- Mesh lining
- Two leash attachment points
Cons:
- It’s quite difficult to wash
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Icefang Tactical
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Offered at around 30 bucks, it’s not hard to see why Icefang Tactical has become so popular. It’s simple, works, and most importantly, affordable! But make no mistake, because we’re not looking at cheap products here. Made of 1050D Nylon, the Icefang Tactical promises a durable climbing harness for dogs. Apart from that, it also has a waterproof coating and mesh to provide decent ventilation.
Another thing that makes us love Icefang Tactical is how adjustable it is. You can easily find the perfect fit for this thing. The harness is also compatible with larger breeds, without overwhelming them. Overall, if you’re all about functionality and features, then the Icefang Tactical is the dog rock climbing harness you’ve been looking for.
What We Love
Affordable harness with plenty of desirable features
Pros:
- Two metal buckle
- Hands-free carrying
- 1050D Nylon material
- Double leash clip D-ring
Cons:
- It’s not a no-pull harness
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Ruffwear Web Master
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If you have trouble finding a harness that fits your dog perfectly, then Ruffwear Web Master is definitely worth checking out. This fantastic product features no less than five adjustable spots, allowing for a variety of different configurations. As for durability, this climbing harness for dogs is made of premium material. It also features chest padding and abdominal straps, which make the harness ideal for climbing or transporting.
Just like other similar products, Ruffwear Web Master has a reflective coating, in case you still haven’t made it home after dusk. This should help you spot your beloved rover from a distance while helping others see him too. If you’re interested, this dog rock climbing harness is now available on Amazon for around 60 bucks.
What We Love
Has no less than five adjustable spots for a perfect fit
Pros:
- Anatomically designed for canine
- Customizable fit
- Built to last
- Padded for comfort
Cons:
- There are no front leash attachment points
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Ruffwear Web Master Pro
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Do you agree that Ruffwear Web Master is an impressive product, but think that it takes a little something to make it excellent? Well, it looks like your wish has been answered! Introducing the Ruffwear Web Master Pro, an improved version of its older sibling. This would be a remarkable choice for those looking for something a little fancier.
Available in four different sizes, Ruffwear Web Master Pro comes with an oversized handle. This meant that grabbing the thing would be as easy as a breeze, even with thick gloves on. And in case you need to bring a couple of smaller items with you, there’s a tiny side pocket here. Furthermore, with adjustable metal fixings, this is a climbing harness for dogs that’s ideal for all types of weather.
What We Love
There are no plastic buckles, making it ideal for climbing in any kind of weather
Pros:
- Professional grade
- Built for the elements
- Customizable fit
- Convenient
Cons:
- Putting this on your dog might take a little while
PETAC Gear K9 Vest
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While it’s not really a climbing harness for dogs, the PETAC Gear K9 Vest is an alternative worth considering. Especially if you don’t plan to spend a lot. It features three different grips, allowing for relatively easy lifting, lowering, and rappelling. There’s no need to worry about the comfort of your four-legged pal since the harness features a lightweight, completely breathable mesh.
Just as we mentioned earlier, the PETAC Gear K9 Vest is a budget harness. It’s something that represents the term ‘best bang for your bucks’ really well. If you explore their product page on Amazon, you’ll find hundreds of customer testimonials, saying they’re satisfied with its durability and sturdiness. Top that off with a long chest panel plus two belly straps to evenly distribute the weight and you’ve got a dog rock climbing harness that’s worth having.
And when it comes to outdoor adventures with dogs, some of you should know how much fun it is to spend time in the water with your beloved canine. But did you know that our furry pal’s eyes are twice as sensitive as those of humans? Therefore, you might want to check our coverage on the 13 best swimming goggles for dogs. Shield their vision from various hazards while you spend some great moments together!
What We Love
Offers the best features for the money
Pros:
- 500D mil-spec Cordura
- Belly pad
- Easy on and off
- Two top handles
Cons:
- The sizing guide is slightly off
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Rock N Rescue Dog Harness
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Before you guys bombard our inbox with aggressive comments, yes, we know that the Rock n Rescue Dog Harness isn’t really a climbing harness for dogs. It was originally designed for a rescue mission. But if you take a closer look, this thing actually qualifies as a decent dog rock climbing harness!
Don’t believe us? First of all, Rock n Rescue Dog Harness has a well-balanced construction, which is able to evenly distribute the weight of your rover. Apart from that, there are four strong hooks, which should be more than ideal for a steady lift. The only thing that might quite stop you from buying this product is its functionality. Apart from lifting your dog between cliffs and saving him, when the situation demands, this thing is unable to serve any other purpose.
What We Love
Features four strong hooks for a firm and stable lifting
Pros:
- Safe & comfortable
- Sturdy attachment points
- Durable materials
- Better weight distribution
Cons:
- It’s not quite versatile
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Ruffwear Doubleback
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Finding the right solution for dog rappelling can be quite challenging. So you can imagine how satisfied we were when we found out about the Ruffwear Doubleback on Amazon. Featuring a full-body design, two lift handles, and multiple hooks, this product is everything you would expect from the best climbing harness for dogs. And since it’s made from tough materials, you can count on this one for durability.
Additional belly support and leg straps ensure an even distribution of weight in any lifting. Furthermore, the padding will definitely make your rover more than happy to spend a day in this fantastic gear. To conclude, the Doubleback Ruffwear is one of the highest performance harnesses that you can get on the market at the moment. So if you’re planning on taking your dog on a high-altitude adventure anytime soon, this product should be on your wishlist.
What We Love
A high-performance gear that provides the ultimate comfort for your dog
Pros:
- Ideal for high-altitude adventures
- Strength-rated
- Built for the lift
- Safe and secure
Cons:
- No d-rings
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PetLove Dog Harness
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The PetLove Dog Harness is perfect if your dog isn’t a puller-type or one who needs strong leadership. This climbing harness for dogs is designed to make your rover feel content during extended climbs. Of course, you won’t get as much strength as other, tougher products. But on the bright side, PetLove offers a comfortable fitting on the belly with a soft sponge padding. Apart from that, there are seven different sizings to choose from, from teacup to Doberman.
And in case you’re not satisfied with the performance of the unit you receive, PetLove has a warranty of up to three months. Whenever you feel there’s a defect or damage, just send the harness back, and they’ll immediately replace it with a new one. Psst, in addition, there are seven different color options to choose from!
What We Love
An excellent harness for non-puller dogs
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant
- Easy to put on and take off
- Reflective material
- Up to 3-month warranty
Cons:
- Unsuitable for larger dogs
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Ruffwear Front Range
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When it comes to high-altitude adventures, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness has become a popular choice among dog masters. Most love the fact that it features a front and rear clip. In addition, this dog rock climbing harness is touted for delivering a decent amount of control, durability, and comfort.
There are different sizes to choose from. But to ensure a truly perfect fit, there are four completely adjustable buckles. And in order to prevent chafing during extended trips, Ruffwear added extra-padded belly and chest panels here. Lastly, a special note for hairy dog owners, as you might want to size up a bit.
And in case you want to take your dog on another outdoor adventure, we have some great news! That’s because we have a lot of good gear recommendations for your loyal canine friends here. For starters, you can check out our list of the 13 best dog beds for camping. Don’t let them sleep in the cold while you guys are in the wild!
What We Love
Offers a decent amount of control, durability, and comfort
Pros:
- Made for extended wear
- 2 leash attachment points
- Padded for comfort
- Customizable fit
Cons:
- The front tends to loosen a little
Pawtitas Pet Soft Adjustable Harness
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For those with smaller dogs, the Pawtitas Pet Soft Adjustable Harness would be an excellent choice. Designed with a tiny pup in mind, this gear offers complete protection without unnecessary bulkiness. There are four sizes available. If you have a 5-10 pound furry pal at home, we highly recommend going with the XS one. Apart from that, Pawtitas comes in 13 colors. You can pick a different color for each season!
For those who prefer a firmer harness, the Pawtitas is definitely not going to fit the bill. But if you’re looking for something to suit your quieter, smaller pup, then this is the climbing harness for dogs you’re looking for.
What We Love
Designed specifically for smaller pups
Pros:
- Suitable for small breed dog
- Reflective properties
- Ergonomic
- Comes in 13 colors
Cons:
- Nothing, as far as we know
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Peak Pooch Dog Harness
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The first time we saw the Peak Pooch Dog Harness, we’ve to admit that we’re a little skeptical. We thought, there was no way this thing would be able to hold such a large breed. However, our concern was proven wrong, as this climbing harness for dogs is extremely sturdy and strong. You can even lift your rover from the handle alone!
Furthermore, the Peak Pooch Dog Harness comes with some fine details. There’s perfectly positioned padding and a reflective strip around the edges. It’s really capable of delivering satisfactory performance, especially considering the price. Apart from that, this harness is also multifunctional. In addition to outdoor adventures, it’ll also come handy when your canine has back problems or other injuries.
What We Love
Extremely sturdy and strong, more than capable of holding larger breeds
Pros:
- Breathable mesh
- Heavy-duty ripstop
- Easy mobility
- Adjustable sizing buckle
Cons:
- The straps could be wider
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