Sled dog harnesses are an essential piece of gear for anyone who enjoys winter activities with their dogs. Harnesses keep your pup safe by preventing them from running or jumping into dangerous situations. They also give you more control over your dog if they tend to pull on the leash, keeping them from falling or getting stuck in snowbanks. If you’re ready to hit the trails with your favorite furry friend and their brand new sledding harness, read on to learn everything you need to know about this helpful piece of equipment.
How Sled Dog Harnesses Work?
A dog harness is designed to be worn by dogs who pull. They’re great for all kinds of activities, including mushing, backpacking, skijoring, or just going for a walk. When a dog pulls on a dog harness, the weight is distributed across their chest and shoulders, with minimal pressure on their neck. This helps avoid irritation or chaffing on the skin, which can happen with other types of harnesses. When your dog is wearing a harness, they can’t “back out” of it. This makes it easy to control them if they try to run away. It also gives you more control when you’re using your dog for pulling activities, so you can make sure their harness isn’t causing any chafing or pinching.
How To Fit Sled Dog Harnesses
If you’re new to sled dog harnesses, you may be wondering how to fit a sled dog harness. To make sure you get the right fit, try these tips.
- Measure your dog – You’ll want to take your dog’s measurements to make sure you get a harness that fits perfectly. You can do this while they are standing with their front legs straight out in front of them, like they would while pulling.
- Get a larger harness – Some people will tell you to get a harness that is one size smaller than the one recommended for your dog, but this can be dangerous. A harness that’s too small can cause chafing, pain, or even injury to your dog. A harness that is too big will not stay in place, and could allow your dog to escape it.
- Keep an eye on your dog – Even if you get a harness that perfectly fits your dog, you need to keep an eye on it while they’re wearing it. Sled dogs can get pretty sweaty while they’re working, which can cause the harness to become too tight. Make sure to check the harness periodically to make sure it is still the right size and fit.
All dogs require attention and care, but sled dogs have a few added extras. They need a safe, secure place to live, plenty of food, water, and exercise, and lots of love and attention. You also need to be prepared for the extra work and expense related to owning a sled dog breed. All this means that when it comes time to choose the right harness for your sled dog, you want to make sure you get one that is safe, secure, and comfortable.
