Defender Harness System

Customized fit using our Guided Fit Program.
Price
Regular price $37500
Regular price Sale price $37500
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  • Canada & U.S. Shipping Included
Color Granite Grey
Guided Fit
No size selection needed now. After checkout, you'll receive a Guided Fit Form by email. We’ll review your dog’s measurements and build the right fit for them.

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Questions? Text Andrew directly: 431-293-4327
60 Day Fit Guarantee

Buying the right harness for your dog can be confusing. That's why every Defender goes through our Guided Fit process before production. If something doesn't feel right, contact us within 60 days and we'll work directly with you to adjust the fit or setup. If we can't make it right, you may return your Defender.

[View full return policy]

Crash Replacement Guarantee

If your harness is ever involved in a vehicle collision, we will replace it.

We will also cover shipping both ways.

We may ask for a few details about what happened so we can continue improving the system.

[Learn more about our crash replacement guarantee]

Shipping information

Defender Harness System orders include shipping across Canada and the United States for a limited time.

Every Defender Harness System is professionally reviewed before production begins through our Guided Fit process. Once your Guided Fit submission is confirmed, your order moves through production, inspection, and final quality checks before shipping.

For U.S. orders, we offer DHL Express when available at checkout. We also prepare the required customs documentation for eligible Canadian-made products to help support a smooth border crossing.

Premium safety gear deserves a premium delivery experience.


Description

Built for safer travel with your dog.

The Defender Harness System secures your dog to the vehicle from two points, helping control movement and support their body during sudden stops or a collision.

The harness and tethers are designed and tested to work together as one complete system because protecting your dog requires more than a harness alone.

Your Defender Harness System includes includes:

  • Defender Harness
  • Upper Vehicle Tether
  • Lower Vehicle Tether
  • Free Leash Converter (Limited Time)

Choose your colour and place your order. After checkout, you'll complete a short Guided Fit form with details about your dog and vehicle. We personally review every submission to select the correct harness panel, adjust the straps for the best possible fit, and verify your vehicle setup before building your Defender.

We review your Guided Fit submission by the end of the next business day. Once everything is confirmed, production typically begins within 1–3 business days. After shipping, most orders arrive within 3–5 business days.

Our team is here to help with Guided Fit, vehicle setup, and any questions before and after your Defender arrives.

Overview

We personally review your dog's measurements, select the correct panel size, adjust the body and neck strap lengths for the best possible fit, and verify your vehicle setup before building your Defender.

Crash-Tested Safety

Designed to withstand extreme forces, the Defender Harness is built to the same safety standards as child car seats.

Dog crash tested seat belt harness

Heavy-Duty Materials

Crafted from durable Nylon Cordura®, the Defender Harness stands up to daily wear, pets, and active adventures without fraying or tearing.

High-Strength Webbing

Soft yet incredibly strong, the webbing provides maximum support while keeping your dog comfortable. Engineered to handle sudden forces.

Product Details

Key Features

✔ Crash-Tested Safety – Built to the same safety standards as child car seats
✔ Heavy-Duty Materials – Made with Nylon Cordura® for superior durability
✔ High-Strength Webbing – Soft yet incredibly strong, ensuring both comfort and protection
✔ Crash-Tested Hardware – Designed to withstand extreme forces, keeping your dog secure in any situation

With multiple connection points and versatile accessories, the Defender Harness is designed for both car travel and everyday use, so your dog is always safe, wherever life takes you.

Installation Guide

Watch these detailed installation videos to get a better idea on how it works:

Quick Release Collar

Shop Collar

True Control Leash

Shop Leash

Lifetime Crash Replacement Guarantee

At Optimus Gear, safety is never a one-time protection. If your Defender Harness is involved in a crash, we will replace it free of charge.
contact@optimusgear.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

My dog really likes to lay down when we travel. Is this possible?

Yes! The Defender harness allows your dog to sit or lay down comfortably while still being securely restrained. The lower tether helps keep them stable, preventing them from shifting too much during the ride. This setup ensures both comfort and safety.

Can I use the Defender harness in multiple vehicles?

Absolutely! If you frequently switch between vehicles, we recommend using a second tether system instead of purchasing multiple harnesses. This allows for quick and easy transitions while maintaining safety.

Is the Defender harness crash tested?

Successfully tested under the same dynamic sled test conditions used for child restraint systems (FMVSS 213) at MGA Research

How do I install the harness in my car?

Step 1: Attach the Upper Tether

Open the carabiner on the Upper Tether and clip it around the active (moving) portion of your vehicle’s seatbelt.

Close and lock the carabiner fully.

Step 2: Secure the Lower Tether

The installation method depends on your dog’s harness size.

For XS, Small, and Medium Harnesses

Insert the seatbelt receiver on the Lower Tether into the seatbelt buckle, just like buckling your own seatbelt.

  • The vehicle seatbelt itself should remain unbuckled
  • You’ll hear a click when it’s properly engaged

For Large and XL Harnesses

Locate your vehicle’s child seat anchors (UAS / LATCH anchors) in the back seat.

  1. Place the UAS connector over the metal anchor bar
  2. Pull firmly toward you until it locks into place
  3. Repeat on the other side

You should feel both connectors seat securely.

Step 3: You’re Ready to Ride

Once both tethers are secured, your dog is safely installed and ready for the drive.

Before driving, always double-check that all connectors are fully locked and secure.

Prefer to Watch Instead?

If you’d rather see the installation step by step, watch our short setup video below:

▶ Watch the Installation Video

https://youtu.be/Aq2umgMay0g?si=7JmCKoCysYfJOznO

How do I set my dog up in the car?
  1. Have your dog sit in the back seat.
  2. Clip the lower tether to the harness to keep them stable.
  3. Attach the upper tether to the seatbelt for added security.
  4. To exit, unclip the upper tether, attach a leash, and release the lower tether.
What makes the Defender harness different from other dog harnesses?

The Defender combines proven crash protection with a fit selected specifically for your dog. Every order includes our Guided Fit service, where we personally review your dog’s measurements, body shape and vehicle setup before choosing the correct harness size and tether configuration.

Successfully tested under the same dynamic sled test conditions used for child restraint systems, the Defender is made in Canada using reinforced webbing, heavy-duty stitching and high-strength metal hardware, including our patented Optimus Buckles. Unlike harnesses that rely on plastic components in critical load-bearing areas, the Defender is built to withstand the forces of a serious collision.

It is also designed to be used every day. The harness is easy to put on, comfortable for your dog and simple to secure in different vehicles. You do not have to guess at sizing or determine the safest setup alone. We help make sure the complete system is right for your dog before it leaves our shop.