The racing/recreational x-back sled dog harness is designed for the efficiency and comfort of a dog pulling a light load at anything from a walk/trot to a gallop.  This may be either as an individual or working in a team.  This harness is not well suited to weight pulling.

The freight harness is designed to allow the dog to use his strength most effectively and without strain to pull a fairly heavy load.  This work is usually done at a slow  pace.  It may be just pulling a heavy weight a few feet as in competitive weight pulling, or an extended trot as in a freighting team.  The freight harness is also popular for such useful work as hauling firewood or pulling children on their sleds.  The design allows the dog to pull with his chest and shoulders comfortably even when the load and hook-up are close to ground level.

Harnesses should be properly fitted.  Refer to the Resha guide to proper harness fit.  Most Northern breed dogs as well as many others can be fitted with standard x-backs or adjustable freights according to their weight.  To weigh your dog, pick him up and stand on a bathroom scale -- then subtract your own weight.  Most people think the dog weighs more than he actually does.  The best fit for non-Northern type breeds (sporting, collie, smaller breeds, etc.) can be obtained by fitting the dog with an adjustable "measuring" harness and having a custom harness made.

COLLARS -- Do not use a full choke or chain collar.  The most useful and efficient collar is the adjustable semi-choke or single ring collar.

GANGLINES -- The gangline is the means of attaching the dog(s) by harness to the sled or other vehicle or weight to be pulled.

For one dog: use a one-dog line, 6 ft. long.

For two dogs: use a two-dog line consisting of a short centerline with a loop to attach to the vehicle and two tug lines to hook to the dogs' harness.  A double neck line attaches the dogs at the collars.

Extension: a 3 foot extension line is recommended to be added to a one, two or four dog line when attaching to a bicycle, to give the dogs extra room for safety.

For up to four dogs: a 1 - 4 dog line which can be separated into two sections.  As illustrated, the base section can be used alone when running one or two dogs.  When running one dog in any position, simply snap both tugs to the single harness.  Note that when running two dogs in the lead position, there is no center line between them but they are attached at the collars by the double neck line.

The 1 - 4 dog line is made up of a 2 dog line and a 2 dog add-on line.

The 4 dog line may be extended for 6 dogs by adding another 2 dog add-on.

The loop together method may also be used to attach the gangline to the sled bridle. Never attach directly to any part of the sled itself, as a strong team can pull a sled apart when it is snubbed down. A more convenient method of attaching the gangline is by using a Carabiner. This also makes it easy to attach your Quick Release line, Snowhook line and Snubline by simply looping them on to the Carabiner and running them back to the driving bow area where they will be at hand.

Introducing the novice dog to the harness: A single dog can learn to pull in harness simply by being "walked" out front of the trainer who holds a line attached to the harness hook-up. Keep the line tight so the dog feels the pull and do not allow sniffing at bushes, going off trail, etc. This works best when an actual trail or path is used rather than an open area so the dog has something to follow. You can quickly progress to a jog and a run, always keeping the line tight and not allowing the dog to turn until you command it. Begin to teach the dog to "Gee" (turn right) and "Haw" (turn left) by using the command and pulling the dog from the back to the desired direction. For added conditioning the dog can also pull a light moderatet weight such as a tire or block of wood.

What to pull – The sled of course is the ideal "vehicle", owever, serious sled dog drivers train and condition their teams prior to snowfall for several months using training carts to simulate sleds. Very few of these are available commercially and most people have their own made. A person training one dog can use a bicycle (the older wide tire type is preferred) and with practice and skill can even run a small team. A small team can also be trained using a motorcycle with the motor removed, an all-terrain vehicle or a golf cart.

Training surface – Never run dogs on hard surfaced roads such as black-top. A dirt or sandy surface affords the dogs better traction, is easier on the foot pads, and also prevents the unseen strain to hips, back, and shoulders.

MUSH "The Beginner’s Manual of Sled Dog Training". 246 page hardcover book, aimed at the beginner with no experience, it is also invaluable to the person who has been running dogs a few years. Complete information on training, equipment, kenneling, how to ride a sled, training carts, etc. Also chapters on weight pulling, backpacking, camping, racing, health problems, training puppies, adults, leaders, etc. Lots of information to help any dog driver get started.

Weight Pulling for Dogs by Victor Rowell – 33 page booklet geared towards training the individual dog for weight pulling. Training methods and tips useful for the recreational beginner or the serious competitor.

Both of the above books plus many other are available from: 

RESHA Sled Dog Equipment, SR 1, Lewis Run, PA 16738 (814) 362-3048.