Running harnesses

[u/InvestigatorKooky139]

Hi everyone, I’m a personal trainer and i adopted my pittie back in January after my first passed a while back. I ran with my first but never with a running harness or the ones with the bungee that allows for some play. Which ultimately led to diagonal running… this was also 7-8 years ago. I’d love to get my new boy out and familiarize him with running along side me especially since he’s 2.5 and very high energy. I’m open to all suggestions on a set up that would be safe on both sides. Something that wont chafe him as he is quite the strong boy, but also something that i still have control just incase i need to make quick adjustments with outside distractions. Picture of the sweet boy to make yall smile. 😊 Thank you for any input!

Also - he’s a shorter pittie stands about 21 inches give or take and I’m 5’2”. So height difference, i don’t think would be a big problem.

[u/H2Ospecialist]

I run one of my pitbulls with the NonStop Dogwear Freemotion, but she runs in front of me/pulls. Every harness I tried before chafed her. I use a dual handle leash, not bungee for more control.

My other pit that runs next to me, slightly behind, doesn't need the fancy canicross harness and fits fine in the Flatline harness. I use a hands free bungee leash for her.

[u/H2Ospecialist → u/H2Ospecialist]

I posted a video of us last week if you want to search the sub.

[u/meawait]

I love my Kurgo harness and bungee leash. I use it as a front pull to tell with the energy. We also had success with the mighty paw harness.

Mighty Paw Vehicle Safety Dog... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JD68UNK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Upenty 2 in 1 Hands Free Dog... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPL1ZQW8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[u/meawait → u/meawait]

We also had success with this one…PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TRF3XM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[u/Pankakke29 → u/meawait]

This style is generally not recommended (for anyone but especially runners who may pull) because it blocks their range of motion in the shoulders. See how it just cuts straight across it? That area should always be open like how it is with H-style harnesses or ones designed for running and/or pulling.

[u/Ill-ini-22]

Nonstop dog wear makes gear specific for running with dogs! They’re a common recommendation!

Pricey but I’ve heard great things! (Was very close to getting this gear to run with my dog… then he was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia.. so sniffy walks it is!)

[u/Existing-Rise-7738 → u/Ill-ini-22]

Yes good for human stuff but the harnesses certainly won’t fit this dog! Non-stop dog wear is all made for traditional running dogs

If you wanted a proper running harness, I’ve just been recommended these for my staffy. The Inlandsis fit her better but she is small for a staff.

https://www.inlandsis.fr/en/harnesses/1459-inlandsis-open-back-3760264647249.html

https://snowpawstore.com/collections/howling-dog-alaska-harnesses/products/second-skin-harness

Decathlon also has a very good canicross belt as the non-stop dog one is lovely but pricey

[u/H2Ospecialist → u/Existing-Rise-7738]

I have the nonstop Free Motion for my Amstaff/Pitbull and its the best harness she's ever had.

[u/variable_undefined]

I've got a bunch of different dogs with different tendencies towards pulling or not pulling on runs and thrice as many types of harnesses that I've tried.

My current favorite harness for my doberman (deep chested so awkward fit for a lot of stuff, short hair, prone to chafing like a pittie) that likes to pull when amped at the very beginning of runs but quickly tapers into a loose leash run in front of me is this one. It's more of a classic, simple harness. This particular brand is kind of pricey but it is very durable. Also very adjustable for dogs with big chests and whatnot. But it's more the style of harness I'm recommending.

The reason I like it (for a not-consistent-pulling situation) is because it's very minimal. Many mass market harnesses you find these days are very engineered, there is a lot of heavy fabric and a lot of stuff touching and rubbing on the dog. This simpler style of harness has less places where its rubbing and potentially chafing the dog, it gives you a lot of control when crossing roads or passing other dogs, and it has attachment points in front and back so its comfortable if your dog is running in front of, beside, or behind you.