Which of these harnesses is best for tracking?

[Chicagocanine]

First, I have this " Patrol & Pulling Style Vest" harness from activedogs.com (it was on sale) which I was planning to use for tracking and pulling because the description says it is good for tracking and carting. However when I received it I thought it seemed a little big and bulky for tracking...not sure.

Here is a photo of the Patrol and Pulling harness:



Second, I have a Ruffwear Web Master harness which came as part of the Palisades dog backpack I bought recently.

Webmaster Harness:



Third, I have this leather harness made by Atticus Cade, it is very well made but the chest plate is a bit wide for Bianca but it fits okay. Also the leather is very stiff since I have never really used it for anything before-- I bought it for my Golden but it was too big so it has been sitting in a box for years.

Atticus Cade harness:



Here are photos of Bianca wearing each harness so you can see the size they are on her:

Patrol and Pulling-




Web Master-



Atticus Cade-

[phgsd]

Are you doing AKC or Schutzhund style tracking? Is there a particular reason you would prefer to use a harness?
I don't track on a harness but if you would like to use one I would use one of these over anything you have now...
http://www.jjdog.com/Merchant2/merchant....gHarnessesLEATH

I do have one of those harnesses but I prefer to track on a leash and fursaver or bottcher harness.
http://www.activedogs.com/bottcherharness.html

The ones with the strap in the front can get in the way of the dog putting her head down. With a "real" tracking harness there are no straps across the front.

[Chicagocanine]

I am planning to do AKC tracking. I can't buy another harness right now, I just bought the "patrol" style one because it said it was supposed to be good for tracking, but then when I got it, I thought it seems a little bulky for that purpose. So I was hoping one of these might be ok.

Oh yeah I also have one more harness, this polyester "Stow'n Go Harness" from Ruffwear:

[phgsd]

Hmm can you send the patrol harness back and get this one? :P
http://www.activedogs.com/Ultimate%2...20Harness.html

I am not sure what most AKC people use, sorry. Maybe you could sell your leather one on ebay to buy a tracking harness? I bet you'd get a decent amount for it.
Sorry - I'm not much help!

[Chicagocanine]

Originally Posted By: phgsdHmm can you send the patrol harness back and get this one? :P
http://www.activedogs.com/Ultimate%2...20Harness.html

I don't think so because I got mine on sale for $35 or so...

[Kayos and Havoc]

I buy all my harnesses from http://www.pawmark.com I love the prices on the premier harnesses and the colors are fun. Havoc tracks in blue and Kayos tracks in pink.

AKC requires a non restrictive harness or one that does not interfere with the shoulder movement. The webmaster is a definite no-go on that. The others do qualify as non restrictive.

[Chicagocanine]

Originally Posted By: KathyW
AKC requires a non restrictive harness or one that does not interfere with the shoulder movement. The webmaster is a definite no-go on that. The others do qualify as non restrictive.

I thought the webmaster harness was non-restrictive? It has the most open space at the shoulder area...

[Kayos and Havoc]

I believe the extra strap on the back makes it non-restrictive?
I say this as an AKC judge out here disallowed one similar to it at a test. I would ask the question of a judge out there.

[BlackPuppy]

You can train in any of those, BTW. I bought a cheapo $7 from Tractor supply for training.

Yes, AKC tracking uses harnesses. Also, the harness is the cue that the dog is going to track. My dogs don't have a tracking command. They just know when the harness goes on, its time and they go straight to the start flag. (I started my training under an AKC tracking judge.)

[Nellie]

Originally Posted By: phgsdAre you doing AKC or Schutzhund style tracking? Is there a particular reason you would prefer to use a harness?
I don't track on a harness but if you would like to use one I would use one of these over anything you have now...
http://www.jjdog.com/Merchant2/merchant....gHarnessesLEATH

I do have one of those harnesses but I prefer to track on a leash and fursaver or bottcher harness.
http://www.activedogs.com/bottcherharness.html

The ones with the strap in the front can get in the way of the dog putting her head down. With a "real" tracking harness there are no straps across the front.

Have to agree these are the best type harnesses for tracking, minimum amount of ristriction for tracking, and kept oiled will last for yrs