Pulling harness

A pulling harness is a harness for sled dogs , by means of which the applied pulling force is transferred to a pulling line, which is attached to the main pulling line together with the pulling lines of the other dogs in the team . This is fixed to the front of the sled or training trolley.

There are harnesses in different designs. What is essential about the harness is that the harness restricts the dog's freedom of movement and breathing as little as possible and that the counterforce exerted by the harness on the dog is distributed over the largest possible area in order to avoid chafing and the occurrence of pressure points.

Harnesses usually consist of a wide, very tensile tape (approx. 2-4 cm) made of synthetic fibers . The straps can be padded with fluffy covers or foam-filled textiles . At the rear end of the harness, about at the level of the dog's tail, there is a loop for connection to the pulling line. Shorter harnesses, e.g. B. span only the neck and chest , are unsuitable for pulling work.

When choosing harnesses, make sure that they are individually sized. Harnesses are therefore available in a large number of sizes or are made to measure. The dog's head must just fit through the neck opening. Larger openings will cause the straps to slip outward and narrow the dog's shoulder area . The chest area must remain free on the side so as not to make breathing difficult. The straps must therefore be guided backwards on the back and below the chest.

Harnesses should be as soft as possible on the contact surfaces. Therefore, padding in the neck area and in the entire front part of the harness is recommended. In addition, the material should be as light as possible and only absorb little water .