Do you want to practice canicross with your dog? To go safe and that both your pet and you carry everything you need, it is important that your dog has a canicross harness.
But what are canicross harnesses like? Are some brands better than others? What advantages does it offer compared to a normal harness? Where to buy the best? If you are asking yourself all these questions, here is the information you need to make your purchase right.
The best canicross harnesses
What is canicross
Canicross is known as a sporting activity that is carried out with your dog. It consists of running with the dog tied at the waist. For this, a special belt is used, together with a leash and carabiner, which connects to the dog's harness. That is why it is so important that a canicross harness be used, since they are the most suitable for this sport.
This activity has been practiced in Spain for more than 15 years, although in other parts of Europe they even have competitions. It's about a exercise that requires good balance and understanding between the person and the dog, since if there is not, the consequences for both can be serious.
How are the harnesses for canicross
Many think that the canicross harness does not have to be a specific one, but that it works with whatever it is purchased. And yet, it is the same as if you were wearing 10 euro sneakers and 90 euro specialized and professional sneakers. You can really exercise with both, but the consequences on your body (specifically on your feet) will be very different.
The same goes for canicross harnesses. These are characterized by being padding in certain areas where the animal will make a greater physical effort, such as the sternum. They are much lighter and they try to be comfortable for the animal, so that it does not bother it when it runs and at the same time it does not feel the pressure to pull the person, nor does it hurt itself.
Depending on the type of canicross, the breed of dog, its size, etc. one type or another will be recommended more.
When buying a canicross harness, you should consider the following:
- Don't buy it too tight. If your dog is an escapist, there are models focused on this type of dog. But in general you have to allow it to breathe, and, above all, that the harness is not going to press on the animal's rib cage because you can put it in danger. A little trick to know if it is the right one is that you can put two fingers around the waist, chest and neck.
- You have to check that the animal can take a deep breath without feeling uncomfortable about it.
- It has a high connection. Those harnesses that connect at the rear are more suitable for mushing, and not crossing. Mushing is actually pulling a sled.
- Make sure that the harness is not too long, because it will make it uncomfortable and its movements may be more dangerous and more likely to cause injuries.
Can I use a normal harness to do canicross?
Given the above, this question is practically answered. A normal harness is not focused on doing physical activity, much less on the animal pulling its owner in some way. In fact, if you have a dog, you will have realized that, when he wants to run and you do not, the struggle that is generated is harmful for the animal.
For this reason, although using normal harnesses is possible, it is not recommended for canicross. And then we give you the reasons (by way of advantages) to actually use the indicated material, that is, a canicross harness.
Advantages of canicross harnesses
After everything we have told you, there is no doubt that a canicross harness is the best option if you want to practice this sport with your dog. But, if the advantages of this type of accessories are not clear to you, here we tell you the main thing for what they stand out.
- That he is comfortable in the harness. By having padded parts, especially in the areas where more pressure is exerted, it is achieved that the animal does not suffer and at the same time feels comfortable when practicing canicross.
- Avoid injury to the dog. Due to that padding, and also because these harnesses are designed for canicross, you will protect the dog from injury.
- Use a material focused on physical activity. Because this type of sport requires more specialized accessories so that there are no accidents such as injuries, the dog escaping, burns, etc.
Best brands of harnesses for canicross
If you are already thinking of getting a canicross harness, you should know which are the best brands, those in which more people are trusting for their quality. Many of them are not cheap, but they are worth it for the protection they offer, as well as the durability of the accessories. Do you want to know which ones we recommend? They are as follows:
non Stop
We are going to Norway to know the origin of this brand. It is specialized in equipment for dogs and, if we take into account the area where it is located, we will realize that it is one of the best for draft dogs, whether in sled or canicross.
Regarding their designs, they try to are adjustable, padded and you barely feel them the dog, so that it is as comfortable as possible.
speedog
Speedog is an online store specialized in products, accessories and complements, both for humans and dogs, to do canicross, mushing, hiking, hunting, bikejoring, etc.
The products they sell are very high quality and focused on professionals, to take maximum care of the health and comfort of the animal. They not only have harnesses, but also other products such as boots, food supplements, etc.
Neewa
Neewa is a high quality Italian brand. It offers products that are currently the reference when buying dog harnesses, not only for canicross, but in general. In this case, focusing on sports accessories for dogs, they stand out above all for their ergonomics.
Are designed to adapt to dog breeds, with adjustment strips and breathable and hypoallergenic materials that will prevent chafing and other problems in animals.
Decathlon
Decathlon is the "cheap" alternative you have to buy sports harnesses for dogs. In fact, in it you will be able to find everything you need to practice canicross.
Although the models are limited, the quality of these, although not up to the standards of the previous brands, is quite acceptable. As long as you don't practice professionally, they will serve you quite well.
Where to buy a canicross harness
If you are looking for a canicross harness, do not stay with the first one you see, there are multiple stores where you can find some interesting models, such as:
- kiwiko: It is one of the stores focused on accessories for pets. They usually have a Wide catalog, although limited, with quality products that are the most sold and preferred by animal lovers.
- Amazon: In Amazon you have the advantage of buying in a large store with multiple businesses that participate by displaying their catalog. That allows you to have more options to choose your canicross harness. More variety, sizes, colors and designs. That is what you will find in this store.
- Tentenimal: Tendenimal, like Kiwoko or Zooplus, is one of the best known among those that have animals. In the case of canicross harnesses have some specific and others to whom this use can be made.
- Zooplus: As for canicross harnesses they have a limited catalog but all the ones it sells are of high quality and some of them with good ratings.