Dog harness mount
Also known as: dog cam, pet harness mount, Fetch harness
A harness that lets a dog wear an action camera on its back or chest, capturing the run, the swim or the trail from a pet point of view.
Updated
What it means
A dog harness mount is a padded vest with mounting points on the back and chest. The back mount shows the world over the dog head, while the chest mount sits low between the front legs and captures paws, the ball being chased and a lot of excitement. GoPro sells one called Fetch, and many brands offer similar designs.
The footage is unique: low, fast, bouncy and full of energy. It works brilliantly as a funny or heartwarming moment in a hiking, beach or trail running edit, and dogs on trail rides make some of the most shared clips online.
The harness must fit well, both for the dog comfort and for stable footage.
How it works in practice
Let the dog get used to the harness without the camera first, then with it. Adjust the straps so the harness does not shift when the dog runs or shakes. Start with short sessions and keep treats handy.
Chest mounts give the most dramatic view of running and fetching, while back mounts are steadier and better for swimming and longer walks. Strong stabilization such as HyperSmooth is essential, because dogs move fast and change direction constantly.
Short clips during the most exciting moments, like a sprint along the beach or a jump into a lake, are better than an hour of sniffing grass.
What to watch out for
Comfort and safety first. Check that the harness does not rub, restrict breathing or overheat the dog. Remove it if the dog seems stressed, and never leave a dog unattended while wearing it.
Dogs shake off water vigorously after swimming, which can loosen mounts and cover the lens in drops. Use a tether and check the camera after every swim.
Footage can be extremely shaky and disorienting. Use the best stabilization available and keep clips short in the edit, since a few seconds of dog cam go a long way, much like POV from a rider.
How RawClip handles it
Dog cam clips are perfect for RawClip, since most of the recording is sniffing and walking. Upload it all, and the AI finds the sprints, jumps and splashes and cuts them into your highlight with the rest of the trip.