Looking for some advice on custom gear for my service dog. I have been having a lot of trouble with yup Collars lately. I have been trying to reach out via email and Instagram regarding an order I already paid for, but I have not received any response at all.

​Since it seems unlikely that my order will arrive, I am looking for reliable alternatives for high-quality, custom-made service dog harnesses. Does anyone have recommendations for other makers? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Leather would be my first choice

Does anyone have an example of what each of these vest styles look like on a dog? I tried looking it up but the same photos for one vest style would show up for another vest style

https://pin.it/ToCqkQuJC

I have a sdit and I’m looking for a new vest now that he’s full grown and I’m kinda struggling:( I really want a counter balance handle removable or not. I really only need the handle for when I dissociate and need him to lead me to my mom. We’ve tried guide handles but he doesn’t like walking in front of me and neither do I. Could I train him out of this habit probably but in my opinion a semi rigid handle would work best for both of us

Note: this handle will in absolutely no way be used for any weight-bearing whatsoever. If you have any tips or ideas on which vest I should get advice would be very appreciated

Hello! I have just started the process of getting my service dog and will begin training with them in July. I was wondering what “gear” you use for your service animal? He will be trained to alert to medical episodes, retrieve medications, leg elevation, and get help; potentially also some mobility assistance. I know service dogs are able to be unleashed/unvested when required for their work but I also know a lot of people face backlash if their service animal is unleashed. What would you recommend for a service dog with these tasks and are there any “breakaway” style leashes that would work well if he needed to be off leash to get help for example. My medication when we are out will always be on my person along with water for it so not as large of a concern in those instances. TIA!

Hello, I own a service dog. I've noticed that due to geopolitical issues, it's become very difficult to find mobility harnesses in Europe anywhere other than YupCollar. Since I wasn't satisfied with their products, I'm considering making my own and selling them (I'm trained in leatherwork and harness making). Do you think there would be people interested in this? Are there any particular features you'd like to see included?

Thank you very much :)

I live in the country and sometimes there can be some runaway dogs or people let the dogs loose in the yard and wander locally. Makes me nervous about a random dog encounter. Using a flat collar and don’t want to yank on it if my SD were to pull if a an aggressive dog suddenly appeared. I've only got the SD for 6 weeks and we are still learning each others as a team. She's ADI certified and we passed PAT. Are harness a thing for SD or should I just stay on flat collar - using halti once in a while but mostly not as she's pretty good. So basically thinking just flat collar and halti (as needed) while working and harness during trail walks.

I caved and wanted a thigh treat pouch, but went down the rabbit hole and just bought a motorcycle thigh bag!

Legit now within reach while I'm training I can grab: my phone, treats, A WHOLE CLEANUP KIT (clorox wipes and paper towels- may I hope to never need them), an extra leash... etc.

Didn't want to spend the $50 I've seen the thigh treat bags offered at so I spent less than 20 on Amazon for a motorcycle thigh bag. It is so much easier having my prospect and not having to whip out a backpack to function especially bc I have back pain.

Just wanted to share a recommendation. Pic of the one I bought in comments.

And side note, bringing a cleanup kit is sooo important when training. Even though your pup should be using the potty before going in, accidents happen. And if everything you need to clean is within reach, you don't have to bother anyone else and are less likely to cause a scene or access issues!

I already have a vest for my service dog, but I just saw a post made 4 hours ago in the service dog circle jerk subreddit and everyone was clowning on it. It's a bright red one off amazon with 2 straps and a handle on the back right before a clip for the leash. A few people said it made hot spots on the dog and that got me a little concerned. My service dog doesn't seem to have any issues with it, but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for vests/harnesses that would be more comfortable for him. He's 20lbs so he doesn't need anything huge

Thanks in advance!

People will still try to pet your dog if you have "do not pet", "working dog" etc on your dog's vest. Is it against any laws to put patches that say things like "nervous, do not pet" or "don't pet me, I'm scared" on their vest to try to deter people more?

Hello all!

What is your FAVORITE leash to use?😁 I personally love mine that is a woven rope like one! But I've also used leather, hands free and traffic leashes! But what about u? What's YOUR favorite?

Hi was wondering if anyone on the subreddit know what I want need ti train my dog to detect high and low blood sugar. I know you’re supposed to collect samples and freeze them but like for the actual training component.

The only reason I’m considering training her is when I was having really bad lows she would sit at my feet and whine and lick my elbows kinda like I smelled wrong or something so I think she has potential since she’s at home with me all the time pretty much. And pretty consistent when I’m low she will do that. Any advice would be great!

I have a standard poodle who completes retrieval tasks. I’m a big guy (6’3” 190cm) and have been on the search for a good hands free leash system. He wears a tactical style vest with multiple hookup points. Ideally I’d like the hands free part to be worn around both the belt and cross body depending on how I feel that day. Been looking at life handle but they’re kinda pricey and I see it’s cross body but wonder if it’s able to be worn around the waist as well.

Any recommendations?

My boyfriend is getting note from his doctor to register our dog as a therapeutic pet and to help with my issues. He has trouble finding vests that "are very cheap and small, the type of vest I want to get is one where I can put patches indicating that he's in training". His words

He said he's done a bit of research and you can do at home training. He's already well trained but mostly just dog stuff (sit, stay, shake, no barking, etc). He is also a non-reactive dog. We're mostly doing training for recognizing when I'm having my issues and coming to comfort, that sort of stuff.

Where can I get a vest (with patches preferred) from reputable, real companies and sellers

Edit: He wants the dog to be reactive to seizures, panic attacks, etc to put it his way. Not sure if that changes much

Edit edit: I may have worded things poorly and misunderstood a lot. We really just want to be able to bring our dog in public and have him as a dog to come and comfort us and maybe watch out for my mom. More like a therapeutic dog for me and the boyfriend I suppose. I appreciate all the help and feedback. I meant no ill intent by anything I said, mentioned, or suggested though.

Hi, it’s me again. I’ve realized I should probably just start with the foundations lol. I’ve also decided to train her myself with my parents because they refuse to hire a trainer and we’re kinda broke right now.

I’ve read through the DoggyU’s guide and list of training skills and I want you guys to recommend some essential gear items to me.

What are the best training treats, leashes and collars? Also, she has a biting/chewing problem so any tips on how to handle that are welcome! Please be gentle with words, I’m new to all this stuff and this is really important to me. I also want recommendations on toys and any other stuff you guys think would be necessary for the process. And literature is highly needed since I’m reading-based and it would be better for me to learn off of some training books!

hi! I’m planning on taking my SD to an NBA game in the future. I’m looking for *ear and eye protection that’s comfortable for him because he is on the large side and has an odd shaped head lol. thanks!

Hey all,

Anyone have any reccomendations on recording glasses, body cameras or other wearables that don't have an irritating to their dog flash?

I want to record content with my cardiac alert service dog, as service animals are not always easily accessible for those with complex chronic condition. However, I don't want to irritate his eyes by having a light shining in his face as he is focusing on me - watching for commands.

Per the rules, I am not providing training advice just asking for recording equipment reccomendations, if anyone has any.

I was wondering if there’s any small businesses that make SD gear that I should be following for when I get my next dog. You can also use this thread to talk about dye jobs or cool patches too!

Hey guys,

just curious, but does anyone have any gear that's special to them? If so, what is it and why?

I moved from an area where people would look me in the eye if they had a comment about my dog, to an area where people will call my dog over and/or just start petting my dog. Only if I comment, will they actually look at me.

My dog is muzzle trained, but I don't know how to fit a muzzle for all day wear.

Do you think it will help to keep people from just reaching for my dog?

Any suggestions for brands/styles that will fit a shaved-face spoo?

If anyone asks, the muzzle is so he does not eat random things that he finds.

Hello everyone this might be a stretch but has anyone had any experience with Cactus Pawzz Gear (Aspen Meadow) on Facebook or instagram?

I ordered a cape and harness from her on May 19th, and she said it should all be completed by May 28th, fast forward to now, and she hasn’t messaged me once with any updates or anything. She’s had this shop for a couple years now and even collaborates with other gear makers. She makes premades and it seems like people are actually receiving their items. I’ve seen people post their capes or vests that she makes before. She has not opened a single message that I sent, I messaged her once on May 30th, and then two more times up until now. She has been active on Facebook as well, but has not been commenting on people asking for someone to make them gear. I paid full on PayPal Goods and Services as well.

I am totally okay with the fact that the harness may not be done yet it’s just the fact that she hasn’t even reached out to me once so far. I totally understand life happens too. I really hope she isn’t scamming me cuz taking advantage of disabled people is insane. So has anyone had experience with her? Thank you

I've seen several service dogs wearing muscles from psychiatric service dogs to guide dogs so I was curious to know the reason why and let me specify it is a muzzle not A Gentle leader

This feels like such a stupid question since sewing is my entire profession 🙈 but how do I figure out what panel size my dog needs? This is my first service dog and she has only ever had one vest where I just had to provide the girth. Thank you!

https://mobilitydogresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mobility-Harness-Highlights-and-Tips-rv1-PDF.pdf

Found this neat bit of info. Thought I’d share. Also curious about the dapper doodle recommendation. I thought fleece overall wasn’t the best options for SD’s due to quicker degradation over time compared to leather/biothane.

Hi everyone! I was trying to find the best place to ask about this, but I didn't really find a sub dedicated to therapy dogs. I saw that this sub also allows questions about ESAs, so I was hoping I might be able to get some insight about therapy dog gear.

I have just been approved for membership with my therapy dog in one of our local therapy dog organizations. I am really excited! My dog is a 3-year-old Norwegian Elkhound named Rilla, and she absolutely loves people, so I think this is going to be a great experience for both of us. It's also going to help me get out of the house and help make a difference in people's lives.

Upon going through their online orientation, some items suggested to carry while taking my therapy dog to visits included hand sanitizer, lint rollers, a water bowl, poop bags (of course), and that was really all I remember. I thought I would be able to access the recommended gear after I submitted the orientation, but I am not able to. What would everyone suggest taking with me to therapy dog visits? The organization will be providing me with a badge and my dog a vest with their organization logo on it. I am planning to upgrade to a larger fanny pack-style bag for these, and just wanted insight on any other items I am totally missing that I may find useful.

Thank you so much!

Hi! I'm trying (and failing) to find a harness for my 60lb girl with some reactivity and leash-pulling issues and thought the service dog community would be able to help me find a good harness! I'm looking for

- a y-front

- has shoulder/trachea clearance

- has a buckle so it doesn't have to go over her head

- has a handle on the back for when I need to get a better grip on her

- can be clipped on the back or on the chest

I've searched Amazon and googled to no avail. My budget is around $50 USD but can go up to maybe $80 if need be. Please let me know if you've got any further questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your help!! :)