Time and again people using the TACT program have told us that a big problem they experienced when training was people approaching them in public. This is a potentially dangerous and always stressful situation. Student trainers, choosing to work in a quiet public area, have been surprised by someone wanting to say hello to their dog. The TACT Training Vests were designed by TACT program founder Julie Robitaille to solve this problem.

The vest is made from a red Cordura fabric (backpack-type material) and features reflective strips for safety on evening walks. The chest attaches with a Velcro strip, allowing you to adjust the fit to provide maximum comfort. The nylon belly strap is also adjustable and attaches with a plastic clip. There is a small zipper area on the top line that may be unzipped to allow for the use of a harness that has the leash attachment on the dogs back.

Although from a distance a TACT training team may have a resemblance to a working dog/handler team, it is not the intention that these vests be used to impersonate a service dog/handler team. To be clear to consumers, nowhere on this vest does it say service dog.

The TACT and Click to Calm programs encourage handlers to take all the necessary steps to always train dogs subthreshold and to choose environments that set the dog up for success (not reactive behavior). Any dog (reactive or not) wearing the vest should not be practicing reactive behavior in any way especially when out in public—that is the whole point of the vest. The use of the vest is just a visual cue to the public that this dog and handler chooses not be distracted or rushed by people who don't ask permission before reaching or petting the handler's dog. The vest is not intended to be a response to a problem but rather used as a training tool to help keep the dog successful.

Optional: A Handler Badge for the handler to wear while training is also available.

  Important Shipping Notes: TACT Training Vests are shipped directly from the manufacturer in Massachusetts via USPS Priority Mail. This item cannot be shipped by other carriers. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery. Please also note that this item is excluded from any storewide free shipping offers.