One of the rules when taking your Therapy Dog Test through TDI is that dogs must be tested on a plain buckle collar or harness. Training collars, training harnesses, halties, or any other corrective training devices are not permitted during testing or visiting as a TDI-registered Therapy Dog. And on their website they make note that Therapy Dogs don’t wear vests, so as not to be confused with service dogs, and also for the fact that they cut down on the area where people can pet you.
Even though I ended up taking my test in a plain buckle collar, mom knew that were I to become an official Therapy Dog I would need to wear a different harness when I was making visits.
Mom ended up ordering me a custom made harness from Arja’s Art all the way in Finland!
These harnesses come in a variety of colors that all include reflective piping with each one being handmade to your own dog’s measurements. Designed to fit any breed, they are especially great for dachshunds as they put less stress on our sensitive necks and chest.
I chose the grey color in super soft sheep napa and mom helped me get my measurements sent over to Arja.
When my new harness arrived from Finland a couple weeks later Arja had even included a sweet little gift for me in the package. While I personally don’t have a use for a coin purse (being that I’m a dog and also I am not a girl) it was a super sweet gesture – and mom was happy to keep it for herself.
I suggested storing cookies inside the coin purse, but mom didn’t seem too thrilled by that.
After a week of wearing my harness out and about I’m loving it. It’s great to for the hot summer weather too as it gives me a little more breathability. I still love my custom made harnesses from Kalyxcornucopia (that I wear with my Super Hero capes), but they just won’t work as well for my therapy dog work. 
If you are interested in ordering a harness from Arja, you can check out the website and Facebook page – and they are available to ship to the US.
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