What is Dog Joring?
Dog joring is the practice of having your dog tow you, performed through bikejoring, skiijoring, or canicross.
In order to successfully perform dog-pulling sports with your canine, the right gear is required for safety and comfort. In this post, we will detail a couple of the most popular dog joring systems.
Dog Joring Systems: Harnesses and Kits
These dog joring harnesses and complete dog joring systems are just the thing for beginning your bikejoring, skijoring, or canicross adventures!
Ruffwear Omnijore
About: The Ruffwear Omnijore lets you conduct all manner of dog-pulling activity, from skijoring, mountainboard-joring, skateboard-joring, bikejoring, canicross, etc.
Features:
- Total dog joring system, complete with dog harness, a hipbelt (for the human), and a towline.
- 5-point dog harness has comfortable padding and can be completely adjusted for a custom fit.
- Human hipbelt features a zippered pocket, a water bottle holster, and a tow bridle that enables 180 degrees of direction.
- Removable leg loops for keeping the hipbelt properly in position.
- Removable girth strap, shock-absorbing towline, and colored ends for easy attaching.
- Top handle for lifting assistance.
- Dog harness comes in three sizes (sizing is based on girth, which can be measured by the widest part of your dog’s rib cage).
- Human hipbelt fit waists 27 in – 48 in
- Available from Amazon or REI online.
Pros
Pros: Reviewers rave about the durability and quality of this product. They also appreciate nice bonus features like zippered pockets and true-to-fit sizing. Also received acclaim for great customer servicet
Cons: None, except possibly the fairly high price point ($110 – $150 depending on size ordered). Still, considering that this is a complete joring system and not just a harness, it seems very fairly priced.Cons
Pulling Dog Harness from Canine Equipment
About: This dog pulling harness from Canine Equipment is another option for those interested in dog joring.
Features:
- Fleece lining and extra padding in heck and shoulders.
- Designed to distribute weight evenly across chest and shoulders.
- Can be adjusted for ideal fit.
- Safety snap for quick release.
- Comes in several sizes – S, M, L, XL. Medium fits 23-31 inch girth and made for dog weight of 25-40lbs.
- Available from Amazon
Note: Does NOT come with human hip belt or tow line. Does some with safety snap shackle, but is very simple.
Pros
Pros: An affordable, comfortable dog pulling harness.
Cons: One owner noted that their dog was able to escape from the harness. The lack of complimenting human hip belt and tow line will likely require additional purchases.Cons
Other Dog Joring Equipment
In addition to dog joring systems and harnesses, you may want to consider checking out some of this bonus dog joring gear.
Ruffwear Grip Dog Joring Boots
About: Ruffwear Grip Boots are snug dog booties that give your mushing dog traction and comfort while on the open trail.
Features:
- Traction and flexibility for better doggie running.
- Tightly woven mesh is breathable while keeping out dirt, debris, and other foreign objects.
- Adjustable strap for the perfect dog paw fit.
- Reflective trim allows dog visibility in low-light situations.
- Come in a variety of sizes depending on your dog’s paw width.
- 4 dog booties comes in each pack.
Pros
Pros: Comfortable dog boots that protect your dog’s paws while helping them run better.
Cons
Cons: Some owners note that their dogs have different sized front paws than back paws, in which case you may need to buy two different sizes.
Musher’s Secret Cream: Invisible Paw Protection
About: If your dog isn’t into boots, try using Musher’s Secret cream instead!
Features:
- Wax-based cream protects dog’s paws from ice, salt, sand, and hot pavement.
- Vitamin E moisturizes and helps heal wounds while keeping paws healthy.
- Dries in seconds after application, forming a semi-perishable shield.
- Non-toxic, non-allergic, and non-staining.
- Can be used weekly or as needed to prevent burning, abrasions, and cracking.
- Available in several different sized packs.
- Available on Amazon for purchasing
Ruffwear Quinzee Insulated Dog Joring Jacket
About: This insulated dog jacket from Ruffwear will help keep your pooch warm in even the coldest of climates.
Features:
- Recycled polyester outer shell and synthetic insulation provide optimal warmth.
- Jacket can be packed into a integrated stuff stack.
- Contains side release buckles, making the coat easy to take on and off.
- Reflective trim allows for improved low-light visibility.
- Light loop available for attaching a safety light.
- Available in several sizes and colors.
- Available from Amazon
Bungee Tow Line
About: If you end up purchasing a dog joring harness that does not come with a tow line, you’ll have to purchase one like this tow line from Canine Equipment.
Features:
- Strong but soft tubular webbing
- Features quality internal shock absorber for better movement
- Fully adjustable & tangle-free design
- Can be used with multiple dogs or as a leash extension
- Available from Amazon
What about gear for the owner? You should make sure you’re wearing a hand-free leash for canicross – these units strap to your waist and are better suited towards running with your pooch.
Any other dog joring gear we missed? Give us your suggestions in the comments!
2 Comments
June 15, 2015
These all look like so much fun if you have the right dog and the right equipment. I love Musher’s Secret and have used it for hot beach sand and snow and icy walks. Great post with lots of good recommendations.
June 15, 2015
I can’t believe I didn’t know about Musher’s Secret before! It sounds amazing. Thanks for commenting 🙂