11/02/2022
What are harness dog sports?
It's above all a human/dog team that shares the same objective: building a strong relationship while being active and having fun!
It is important to have the right gear for both human and dog. Whatever you choose - canicross (running on dirt/grass/gravel but absolutely never on pavement/concrete to protect your dog's pads & joints 🥺), canitrail (hiking/trail running), bikejoring (mountain biking), scooter (kickbiking), skijoring (cross-country skate skiing) or kicksledding, it is about the same thing: you are being pulled by your dog(s) working together to move down the trail!
👉 "Being pulled". That doesn't mean it'll be effortless for the human - this is a team sport after all! ;) You need listen to your dog, see if it's too fast, too slow, if it's too hot or cold, if there are distractions (AKA squirrels 🐿 or other dogs) which could potentially be a risk for your safety or theirs. Your dog is in front, but hnder control ad responsive to your cues. You'll really learn to communicate with your dog and read their body language as you progress in these sports.
Why try harness dog sports?
👉Well first off, they're a lot of fun!
👉But also, most dogs need a job, a reason to be.
If they don't have something to do they know is "their thing", they'll usually find their own "job" (barking, hostily, protection, destroying, digging, you name it.)
When you get the harness out, your dog needs to know they're on duty: no playing/socializing with other dogs, no chasing the squirrels or giving in to other distractions. We promise, it's gonna be a game changer! 😉
Pulling doesn't seem all that complicated, does it? Most dogs already love to pull. Well, none of these sports are without risk, especially those on wheels. This is why harness dog sports clubs, like ours, affiliated with Maritime Association of Harness Dog Sports , exist. They offer you a safe, controlled environment to learn and experience harness dog sports in a fun and supportive environment with the benefit of being insured and sanctioned by our regional sports association.
Come out and join us! We promise you and your dog will not regret it!
