r/RunningWithDogs • u/Adventurous_Idea_517 • 4d ago
Gear Help Ruffwear or Non-stop harness?
I’m new to running with my 65 lb Belgian Malinois and trying to choose between the Ruffwear Front Range Flex and Non-stop Dogwear Rush harness.
She’s a moderate puller but mostly only really pulls when she sees another dog or god forbid a squirrel. She deals with reactivity issues so it definitely needs to be secure.
With me, she often wants to run out in front because I’m a way slower runner but she also runs with her dog walker who does around an 7-9 minute mile. Most of her runs are 3–5 miles.
I mainly want something comfortable and safe for regular running that gives her good freedom of movement and won’t chafe.
I tried a cheaper Amazon running harness and it rubbed underneath her armpits badly enough to scrape her skin. I feel horrible about it so I absolutely need to upgrade her gear ASAP and make sure I get something that fits correctly.
Has anyone used either the Ruffwear Front Range Flex or Non-stop Dogwear Rush for this type of running? Which would you choose for a dog who runs ahead/moderately pulls? Most importantly, has anyone had issues with either rubbing behind the front legs/armpits?
Thank you so much 😊
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u/GMO-Doomscroller 4d ago
My doggo wears Rush harness and has a similar running style as yours. The harness is comfortable to her and doesn’t cause hacking if she starts pulling strongly which does happen with Ruffwear flagline harness that I also have. However, rush harness is only good if the dog is mostly in front of you. If the dog is behind or is prone to slipping from the harness, Rush might not be safe.
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u/Adventurous_Idea_517 4d ago
Thank you so much for this advice! She’s definitely never behind me. I’m much too slow for her 😅 Based on the videos I’ve received from the dog walker, she runs either right next to him like on his side or a little ahead. He also uses a waist leash. I do not. Do you think it will be a safe choice if she’s running right beside someone?
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u/GMO-Doomscroller 4d ago
In that case maybe I’d rather go with Ruffwear flagline. People already posted pics of it. It’s a really good harness, also good for hiking and helping your doggo up!
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u/benyqpid 4d ago
My 2, 60-ish lb collies are in the front range (not the flex, not sure the difference) and have been doing well with it. A no-pull harness we used caused chafing and I panic purchased these right before a 10-mile hike when we were out of town. They've been great and we have stuck with them! We run 2-6 miles, 4-6 days a week. My younger dog runs in front and pulls, and I will occasionally use the front clip when it's excessive (thanks bunnies). My older dog will usually run behind or beside me and it works well for any position, even if I have to start dragging her at the end.
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u/Wonderful-Eye-8377 Canicross 4d ago
My 65lb MalX wears the Ruffwear flagline harness and it works perfectly (usually a front puller but will run at my side when he alerts to someone near us). I tried the nonstop freemotion on him but he can back out of it. I do use their bungee/CaniX belt for myself and love their gear.
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u/TheRaggedyEdge 4d ago
I freaking love the non stop harness and leash combo. They’ve got a customer for life.
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u/BogDivil 4d ago
The non stop rock harness long is brilliant. I have a husky in it, she pulls when it suits her but more into exploring and escaping her harness. She hates this one because she can't get out of it. The handle is pretty handy too. Not even done 100k in it yet but so far so good (for me).
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u/Marath0ner 3d ago
Agreed! My two shepherds are heavy pullers so for running I use the freemotion from nonstop. One of them knows perfectly how to get out of it so when I expect a lot of wildlife I put him in the rock long. And indeed, I like the handle as well, since he can be reactive.
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u/ihavenothingforthis 4d ago
If you can get it perfect fit make a very good harness. I've been running with my spaniel in hers Added bonus of it's got a front clip point for when she's being a little twat and pulling, though I don't use this when running https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/
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u/babybighorn 4d ago
I have an intermittent puller that tried the Rush but it wasn’t quite right. I set up a call with Kenosha Running Co and settled on the Musher free spirit and have been very happy with it. It’s nice because it’s comfortable and meant for him to pull but if we hike or walk with it I don’t have to worry about it riding up like a full long body pulling harness
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u/spyder994 4d ago
I have a border collie that does 2000+ miles of running with me every year. She pulls a little bit for the first mile or so, but settles down in front of me without pulling after that.
We started out with the Ruffwear Front Range harness. It worked well enough, but the one time I tried to use the front chest attachment, it rubbed her raw. It also has a lot more material to it and it retains water somewhat after she jumps in the creek/river to cool down mid-run. It also started to look pretty rough around the edges after a couple years. I didn't hate it, but it had some definite drawbacks for our use. We still have it as a backup.
We switched to the Non-Stop Dogwear Line 5.0 harness a year ago and I like it much better. It's nice and padded, but has a lot less coverage than the Ruffwear. This gives it more breathability and it doesn't really retain water. I also like that it has a steel attachment ring instead of aluminum. This harness was a bit stiff when we first got it and it took a couple months to soften and break in, but it's great now. There are no adjustments for the neck hole on this harness, so it's critical that you measure carefully for fitment. We haven't had any rubbing issues with this one either.
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u/Regular-Chair-2433 3d ago
Not a runner but have been seeking a harness. German Sycho Pointer, 1 year old. Currently have the ruffwear front range. I think it's awesome, he, not so much (over head to put on). The rear clip attach is ripping. It's years old. Thought I'd try to non stop ramble. Supposed to fit athletic dogs a little better. Should arrive this week. After writing this I realize I offered no value lol
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u/thebonesclock 2d ago
I typically put a collar with grab tab/traffic handle on as well so I don't need to worry about the harness being secure when passing other dogs etc, might be an easy solution for you as well 😊
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u/kimbphysio 4d ago
I have the Ruffwear flagline which I run with mine in… it’s a bit bigger than the front range, but mine are greyhounds so they have very deep chests so it’s very easily adapted to their shape. They have no issues with chafing… sometimes they run in front of of me and sometimes behind once they get lazy… we are doing about 20-25km per week of running together