[malamutelove]

Would it be dreadfully terrible if I use a xback harness for my dog hiking? I wasn't sure. I want to know what you all think before I use it.

 

[Wicket]

Mushing harnesses give a dog optimum pulling power, and if you're dog is going to help you up those trails and mountains I think it's a great idea Just make sure the dog is well trained to listen to you so you can tell it when to start pulling and when to stop. You don't want the dog to accidentally pull you off balance and you fall.

 

[malamutelove]

ya she is trained, and will listen. Just wasn't sure if I should use it or go get a hiking or trail harness.

 

[Wicket]

You never until you try And if it works, awesome. If not, then at least you know for sure and just go get a hiking harness.

 

[Sibe]

I say try it, but bring a regular leash or other backup just in case it isn't working out. Unless constant tension is on the harness it may bunch up and not fit right. I do urban mushing and one of my dogs doesn't really pull, and when I had her in an x-back it was rubbing on her and hurting her back, which I think was because it was bunching up.

 

[Wicket]

Wow, urban mushing? That sounds so much fun! Do you do it every day?

 

[sassafras]

Well you'd essentially be canicrossing, so I don't know why not. But like Sibe said, be careful of how it rides during the hike and look out for any abnormal chafing or rubbing.

 

[Sibe]

Wow, urban mushing? That sounds so much fun! Do you do it every day?

Was directed to me?
I do it almost every day, weather permitting. San Diego gets pretty warm in the summer months and I don't like to run them when it's over 70* F. When it's cool enough I bike to and from the dog park, which is 1.5 miles each way. I do that about 4-5x a week. I then take my crazy dog, Kaytu, out on her own runs at least twice a week for at least 5 miles. Kaytu does 20+ miles per week, and Denali does about 12 per week.