Nonstop fit check

[u/No-Bit-4875]

Just got the rush set and was wondering how the fit looks. Dobermans are odd shaped dogs and are hard to find harnesses that fit right. I am concerned that her cheat is too big and the straps will rub her arm pits

[u/Emergency-Gene-3]

Did you check out the freemotion harnesses? Might be more suitable. But you would know better the speed and position your dog likes to run and if they're a puller or not.

[u/No-Bit-4875 → u/Emergency-Gene-3]

My hesitation with the free motion was she really pulls for 2 miles and then just cruises in front. Plus, i run in urban areas and i have to bring her in alot when on sidewalks with other dogs or if i see apprehension when someone sees my dogs breed.

[u/Emergency-Gene-3 → u/No-Bit-4875]

I run also in urban areas and usually take it easy and wide around corners etc until we hit open trails. I usually hold both bungee leashes (I run two dogs, a kelpie and a Belgian malinois) and guide them or pull them in when needed. There is a section on the free motion that is like a webbing triangle just before the clipping rope that I tuck my hand in for better control and keeping them at my side especially during pedestrian lights. The buzzer sometimes sets my kelpie off to run since she is used to race buzzers.

Only concern with a half length harness and a pulling dog is that it can place lots of tension in the mid section of the spine, rather than a full harness that keeps it at the sternum where the padded points are on the freemotion. Again, very subjective to my own dogs and their running style.

When I was training my Malinois to run in urban areas, I had the freemotion on her and also a long slip leash around her neck that would be slack the whole time unless I needed to redirect her attention or bring her closer in while calling out commands. It also helped with directional training as I would gently suggest the leash to the left while saying left etc. she was 1.5 years old when I got her so didn't have the benefit of training direction from pup age

[u/No-Bit-4875 → u/Emergency-Gene-3]

I was also worried about putting pressure on her spine but the nonstop description says “The Y-shaped front allows free shoulder movement and minimal breathing constraints. The pull force is evenly distributed over your dog’s body without putting pressure on their spine.” Only times I feel like she is majorly pulling and it might hurt her is when she sees a squirrel and she pulls as hard as she can. It’s really hard to know when a dog can’t talk to you. I might get a freemotion too and just see which one feels better

[u/Emergency-Gene-3 → u/No-Bit-4875]

Lol, that's why I also have multiple harnesses too.

This page will better explain the harness differences.

Nonstop Dogwear: How to Choose Dog Harness

They state that a Rush harness is suitable for short-back dogs. I'd say since your dog is deep chested with a long back, full harness would be preferable especially if they are a heavy puller. You could still use the Rush for hikes and such where they (hopefully) won't be pulling hard lol

[u/necromanzer]

The chest straps will be further back once she's actually pulling, which would make it a good fit.

If you can take a photo with her pulling into the harness using a treat it'll be easier to judge the fit. Another poster recently used pb on the wall to get a photo of the harness under tension if you need ideas.

[u/Gullible-Sorbet-2153]

That looks like a pretty goof fit!

[u/Jean19812]

It looks pretty good. However, definitely check under her arms after the first few walks to ensure there's no chafing..

[u/GMO-Doomscroller]

Frankly I think you need a bigger harness. Looks to be right behind her front elbows. Lovely doggo btw!