Some time ago, actually quiet some time, we did a review on the Duo Technical Gear harness. I say this with the best possible sentiment, because since being introduced to this product, I have been using it non stop. Actually, the better part of me has been enjoying it to the outmost. When I say this US-made dog harness is meant for the best, I truly mean it. By the best, of course, I mean our furry companions. The ones we don’t deserve, whose love is unconditional, and who keep most of us on the Spotter Up staff in the proper course of life. The original, and the recently upgraded Eclipse Adventure Dog Harness have been built around the company’s primary customers, the dogs.
It is not for cool hook and loop patches or the OAF (Operator As F*ck) posers. It is for the dog handler who pounds the dust or the desert, for the rescuer who devotes their life to the service of others and for the street pounder who is out there every dat with their four legged partner ready for anything, The idea behind the harness is adoptability, mobility and comfort for the end user, keeping in mind that the demands of adventure often fall on the one with more hair. Whatever your reason for buying one, your adventure or duty companion will appreciate you even more.
While the idea is relatively simple, in the world of marketing it is hard to not become caught up in the gimmicks. Duo-Gear has managed to do that for over years, and deserves your attention. As discussed in the previous review, there are reasons as to why a dog harness, in addition to or instead of a dog collar, is an option appreciated and desired by the human-K9 dog team. Comfort is one.
While the dogs response to what the handler, be it walker or worker, is asking will be the same, the cohesiveness of the team is enhanced when the dog’s comfort is improved. In the case of larger dogs who could move cinder blocks with their neck, the tug-of-war between handler and dog becomes unnecessary when the response is achieved by better means. A harness is that means. Particularly over longer adventures, sporting or work, a harness is almost a must. I have to disclose, that while I wholly understand the need for corrective collars, I am also a believer in the fact that this point becomes mute with proper training. And with some, this is a constant for both the pup and the handler. After working with K9’s in work and combat environments, I am not convinced that the punitive adjuncts are the thing. Maybe a backup, but not a primary means of controlling that dog. As a very attractive woman once told me “there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.” Not to sat that if all you want or need is a collar makes you an owner who doesn’t care. Just the opposite. If you know what your dog needs, and all it is is a collar, good on you. But much like any product information we put out there, the needs are specific, whether for your own kit or for your furry partner. If you know you need a collar, I urge you to consider Duo Gear.
More importantly, if your partner ever needs a hasty rescue or a carry, the harness is infinitely better than a collar. I have moved my pup onto my shoulders in order to navigate obstacles, give him respite, assisted him off swift-moving waters, onto a floating platforms, and tracked with a long lead where clipping it onto a collar would lead to entanglement and other issues. The Eclipse(R) Adventure Dog Harness is designed with these things in mind. It allows your pup unrestricted freedom of movement, avoids rubbing and hot spots, and is made tough as nails.
The newest model has some notable upgrades. Much like the original, the nylon is tough but comfortable, with reinforced stitching, additional points with heavier material throughout and tougher hardware. The buckles are now metal, and closed foam padding is perfect without making the product too hot or too bulky. The cinch point allow you to double up on the working ends of the harness, and once trimmed to length can be neatly stowed and forgotten. This is something I never thought of until advised better by Rashi, the lead idea and logistics man behind the company. Previously I tied, cinched or taped the ends, in case I would need more adjustment, but that is not an issue if the harness if properly sized, which allows you to trim the ends and secure them properly.
A key point about sizing. The staff at Duo Technical Gear is great about customer service, and responsive if you have any questions. The sizing chart on their website is handy, but if you need more help figuring that out, just reach out to them. The range of sizes cover any dog. If you’re anxious to get a harness before your pup is fully grown, or need one specifically for puppy training, I would recommend reaching out to the company to explain your needs and breed specifics. The Eclipse offers two rings by which to link up with your pup. A front/chest ring, and a top/back more traditional ring. Both are sturdy, and have withstood all the pulls and weather we could throw at the harness. The top rings allow for the control most recreation and professional handlers want or need, removing the pressure from the dog’s neck, and focusing it on the back and shoulders. Again, one of my favorite parts is that there is no unnecessary pull pressure or pinching on the joints or muscles of the pet. Once your doggo understands what you’re asking, corrections – if necessary, are a breathe. The top ring also allows for long leads to be as useful as possible, without tangling or tripping up the pup.
The whole harness is a two piece, fully adjustable kit. I wish I could put all of the videos and photos of the Eclipse Harness in use, but the amount of media would take up more that the servers desire. Suffice it to say that we have used the harness in all weather and in all environments, without so much as a loose thread. I am a big fan if the metal buckles, and the fact that the harness dries quickly. If you like your pup to ride with you and are safety-conscious enough, either ring also allow you to click the lead (or a dedicated doggy seat belt). This is undoubtedly safer that securing the pup by the collar.
The Duo Technical Gear harness has a hand loop handle on top, which can serve as a grab point to lift the pup (into a boat for example) or in more populated quarters as an additional measure to keep him close. A hook/loop type strip is also sufficient to add ID patches, service designations or secure markers which may be needed such as lights, or an occasional doggie bag.
At $139, the Eclipse Dog Harness is a serious piece of equipment made in the USA and offering a lifetime warranty. With an incredible range of sizes and functionality, it is focused on those who matter the most, our dogs. Duo Technical Gear offers additional lines of human-K9 supportive products.
For functionality, quality and value, I rate the Eclipse Adventure Dog Harness 5 out of 5.
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.