How to Put a Harness on a Sled Dog
The world of mushing or dog sledding is not for the faint of heart. Whenever you tie multiple dogs to a single rope or cable for the purpose of getting you from point A to point B on a slippery surface, it marks the actions of a true adventurer. Before you can embark on such an adventure, however, you need to know some of the basics, like how to harness your dogs.
Instructions
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1
Tie your dog to a fence or tree with a short chain or leash, making sure there is plenty of room to work with.
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2
Make sure the mushing harness is right side out, with the soft neck and shoulder cushion turned inward.
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3
Hold the harness in one hand and reach with the other hand down through the neck hole and out the bottom of the larger body opening so that the harness rests on your forearm.
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4
Take your dog's snout in the hand with the harness over it and use your other hand to pull the harness off your forearm and onto your dog.
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5
Reach down and inside the harness along your dog's neck, unfasten the short chain or leash and pull it up through the harness so that the collar and leash are now above the harness neckline. Refasten the chain or leash.
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6
Adjust the harness so that the mesh area of the harness is over your dog's back and the leg openings are in front of your dog's forelegs.
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Reach through the right leg opening of the harness and take your dog's right foreleg. Gently bring it through the opening. Repeat the same process on the left foreleg.
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8
Tug the harness from the rear attachment loop and check for a proper fit, making sure no part of the harness is turned inside out.
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Tips & Warnings
The more you practice this with your dog, the more he will be open and comfortable with the exercise. The mushing harness should fit snugly without protruding beyond your dog's tail or hanging off his body. Most harness suppliers will have a good idea of what size you will need based on the size and weight of your dog.
Some dogs will begin to chew on their harnesses if they are left on them for too long while they are resting.
