Pulling Harness

[DiegoDog]

I have been up all night reserching dog sleds. Planning to get my dog to pull. Now he is a lab but its not competition pulling. Just pulling some cargo to and from the cottage in the winter.:cool: But the harness I have. Its about 25 years old. Its solid leather held together by small buckles and rivets. The strap across the chest is that, a strap. I have seen many modern harness with the x across the chest and x across the back. This harness is not like that. And it has two long nylon straps with clasps at the end on either side of it. I have never seen one like this before. I was wondering if it was just better and safter to purchase a new one?:confused:

[DaisyJRT]

I would think it would be more comfy? I've seen ones with that lamb fleece protecting the dogs chest as well.

[DiegoDog]

Yeah, well the one I have is thick soft leather, very yeilding. But Top Dog made a note about the buckles not of the best quality and the unreliabity of rivets

[Mandy]

I've been really curious about dog sledding too, after my puppy started pulling *A LOT* when we go on walks...lol. We used to attach our golden retriever and pointer mix to a tobogan and let em loose, it was fun. :D

Anyway, I guess there are 2 different types of harnesses for sled dogs, based on what they will be doing. One is used strictly for racing/pulling a person on a sled, and the other is used strictly for pulling a weighted/cargo sled. The two can't be interchanged, for I-dont-know-what reason. I've never seen the two styles, so unfortunately I cant tell you which kind you have...and also the fit around the neck is really, really important. There are a couple websites which describe the correct fit, just look up 'dog sledding,' on yahoo and you should find one. :)

If it's the right kind of harness and it fits your dog well, just be sure to check the leather real well, and check the buckles for rust, or broken parts. Also, make sure the leather is soft and supple so that it wont cut into your dog's skin, because labs have such short fur. This is just my opinion, but I think a dog harness made out of leather is probably going to be pretty high quality, no matter how old!

[DiegoDog]

Well see I already knew that about the sleds. Well if you noticed why they can't be changed its in the shape and size. Freight sleds are longer, heavier and more sturdy. Racers are built with small bases and long skis, to ensure speed. My grandfather is making me a freight sled