Weight-Pulling Harnesses For Dogs

Best Weight-Pulling Harnesses For Dogs

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Anna Maria,Anna Maria is a content writer specializing in pet-related topics. 22nd April 2024

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Are you familiar with the dog sport of weight pulling? Well, it is a competition in which a dog is tasked with pulling a loaded sled or cart across dirt, snow, or carpet for a specified distance and time. It is a sport that dates back to the late 1800s when gold prospectors in northern Canada’s Arctic region screened dogs for sledding or freighting.

But nowadays, weight pulling is more than just a sport; it can also be a terrific workout regimen to practice with your dog. And for that, you’ll need a robust weight-pulling harness for dogs that will allow them to pull hefty weights.

In this post, we will discuss the benefits of weight-pulling and provide recommendations for some of the best weight-pulling harnesses for dogs that provide sufficient support to the body without risking injury.

What Is a Weight-Pulling Harness for Dogs?

A weight-pulling harness for dogs is a kind of rig worn over a dog’s body designed for pulling heavy objects over short distances. It has a rear spreader bar to reduce lateral pressure on the back legs caused by the side straps during a heavy pull.

A weight-pulling harness differs from a standard harness in that it has a lower center of pull. The Y-strap around the neck extends beneath the lower ribs up to the rear spreader bar behind the hind legs, allowing the dog’s head to move lower while pulling heavy loads.

The weight-pulling harness for dogs also has an X-shaped webbing on the back, which not only distributes pressure evenly throughout the body but also allows for free shoulder mobility.

The harness is typically made from strong nylon or polyester with double padding around the chest and neck areas to reduce chafing.

Benefits of Weight Pulling for Dogs

While some animal activists believe that weight pulling is harmful to dogs due to the possibility of abuse by some practitioners of the sport, many enthusiasts attest to its numerous benefits for their dog’s physical and mental strength.

Builds strong bones and muscles

Weight pulling is an excellent kind of resistance training for your dog, increasing lean muscle mass and bone strength. By gradually increasing the load, muscular tissues are pushed to adapt, gaining endurance and strength.

Prevents injuries

Weight pulling is effective in reducing injuries because the increased muscle mass and bone density stabilize joints and tendons, thus improving the mobility of your dogs.

Improves behavioral issues

Pulling activities allow a dog to discharge excess energy. This reduces behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive barking, anxiousness, and destructive chewing.

Builds bond between owner and dog

Because weight pulling demands a lot of teamwork, the link between the owner and dog strengthens not only as a result of the cooperation but also as a result of the quality time spent together.

Best Weight Pulling Harnesses for Dogs

Weight pulling is a serious exercise that involves heavy loads that if done incorrectly can injure your dog. That is the reason why a proper weight-pulling harness for dogs is necessary to improve the technique and body conditioning of your dog. These are some of our recommendations:

1. PET ARTIST Dog Sled Weight Pulling Training Harness

This weight-pulling harness for dogs is designed for large working dogs and is made of strong nylon material for long-term use. It has a neck size of 31.5 inches, ideal for dog breeds such as Siberian Husky, Pitbull, Boxers, and Rottweilers.

The harness includes a 2-inch wide webbing with reinforced stitching and can support loads of up to 1200 pounds. The webbing in the chest and neck sections is also padded for added comfort and reduces chafing while hauling big weights.

It measures 5 feet from the neck to the end of the harness, allowing for complete leg extension and faster pulls due to the greater gap between the spreader bar and the hind legs.

The Pet Artist Dog Sled Weight Pulling Harness is also appropriate for other pulling sports such as canicross, skijoring, dog sledding, and simple weight resistance exercises.

  • Pros

    • Durable
    • Good craftsmanship
    • The extra length allows for faster pulls.

  • Cons

    • Sized for large dogs only

Reviews:

Adrian F.   |  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It is extremely well made with solid stitching and support in all the right places.”

Pam P.   |  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Super heavy duty.”

2. KnK Dog Supplies Weight Pulling Harness Vest

This weight-pulling harness for dogs boasts a tensile strength of up to 1600 lbs. It is made of durable nylon material but lightweight enough to be comfortable around your dog’s neck and shoulders. The KnK Weight Pulling Harness, with its 2-inch broad webbing, is better suited to giant breed dogs.

The chest area is well-padded with a 10 mm thickness, which allows for comfort while also providing protection when pulling big loads. The X-back shape ensures even weight distribution, while the 14-inch metal spreader bar improves grip and control of the rear legs. It also has two welded D-rings, one on top to help you control your dog and one at the back to secure the weight.

  • Pros

    • High tensile strength
    • Easy to put on
    • Comfortable chest padding

  • Cons

    • Too large for some working dogs

Reviews:

Korey B.   |  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Very good product.”

Jason L.   |   ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The harness works but we have a 60 pound Pit Bull and it was very big on him so it makes the whole process a little awkward.”

3. WayvPoint Dog Weight Pulling Harness

The WayvPoint Dog Weight Pulling Harness, with its strong 2.3-inch wide nylon webbing and 0.4-inch thickness, will withstand even the most strenuous training sessions, whether for recreation or competition.

This is intended for large working dogs that can withstand up to 1200 pounds of pulling power. It has a total length of 64 inches and a neck circumference of 31.5 inches, ensuring even weight distribution.

It includes a stainless steel ultrasonic quiet training whistle with a range of around 80 feet. This is a highly effective instrument for training and compliance to attain superior results.

  • Pros

    • Wide webbing material is ideal for large dogs
    • Durable nylon material
    • Training whistle included

  • Cons

    • The harness is non-adjustable.

Conclusion

Weight pulling is an excellent resistance training you can do with your dog that will benefit their general health. It not only keeps their muscles and bones in good condition, but it also promotes strong mental health. Aside from hiking, strolling, and swimming, you may add another physical training program to your dog’s routine with the right weight-pulling harness for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dog breeds are ideal for weight-pulling?
Large working dogs with powerful muscular bodies and pulling abilities are often the breeds best suited for weight pulling. Pit bull breeds, mastiffs, and sled dogs are just a few examples of dogs that can be trained for pulling jobs.
Is weight-pulling considered abusive?

Part of the reason why weight pulling is considered abusive by some animal activists is because some dog owners tend to push their dogs too hard just for the sake of winning a competition. When training is done gradually and under competent supervision, a working dog would benefit from the training since historically, they are trained for useful work.

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