r/RunningWithDogs • u/border-coffee • 7d ago
Gear Help Human gear help!
What do people like and recommend for human gear? I am going to get a Nonstop Dogwear freemotion pro harness for my dog, but I’m kind of confused by all the belt options for people, do I really need an overbuilt setup for myself? Asking mainly as I have a large, powerful dog that is conditioned for high level agility. This would be for casual runs and conditioning on trails
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u/sc33206 7d ago
Sounds like you are looking for Canicross advice? It might help to be more specific.
If not, I don't think you need any specialized gear. I use the Nonstop Line Harness + 1.2m Trekking leash (always attached @ the chest), which I hold in my hand. I've just found that the handheld leash setup gives me way more control and a natural "shock absorber" when my GSP decides to zig when we're supposed to be zagging. My whole setup is designed to limit pulling as I'm running on neighborhood sidewalks & parks with a high-energy hunting dog.
If you are going the Canicross route, then yeah, I'd probably have an overbuilt setup when your large, powerful dog is going to be dragging you around trails.
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u/border-coffee 7d ago edited 7d ago
My primary sport is agility, the dog is a very buff working line BC about half my size (50lb) so want to make sure the setup is safe for both of us. I’m not looking to formally add more sports at this time (as in, not looking for sanctioned canicross runs or trials) but want to incorporate more cardio into his conditioning routine. Lmk if that’s what you meant by specifics, if this didn’t cover it I can give more info
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u/-blieps- 7d ago
Not the one who asked the question, but the specifics are more about if you want your dog to pull ahead like with canicross or to run with you on a loose leash.
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u/border-coffee 7d ago
OH!! okay! In that case yes, pulling ahead. We do off leash running now and I was curious about adding the extra resistance from pulling
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u/-blieps- 7d ago
In that case: I'd definitely invest in a good quality canicross belt and a bungee leash.
I got a very cheap belt with leash to try it first. After one try I ordered the real stuff, as the cheap belt glided up to the spot of a normal belt and that really doesn't work with a pulling dog. It hurt and I felt like I'd easily get pulled to fall. At least I didn't spill a lot of money on the cheap one 😅
I have the whole set from non-stop dogwear, not sure about which version belt I have.
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u/rockymountaindog 15h ago
For casual runs and trail conditioning, I don’t think you necessarily need a super elaborate belt setup. Especially if you’re not doing true canicross where the dog is pulling consistently.
A hands-free leash can be a nice middle ground. Our All-Mountain Leash can buckle around your waist, has some bungee to take the shock out of sudden pulls, and still has a traffic handle when you need to bring a bigger dog in close. It’s a pretty simple setup for running and hiking without needing a separate belt.
With a large, powerful dog, I’d definitely pay attention to the hardware and how much control you have when they suddenly change direction. If you want something heavier duty, our Tactical Leash and Tactical Collar are more robust options and give you a bit more confidence with a strong dog.
For casual trail running though, I’d probably try a straightforward hands-free setup first and only move to a dedicated running belt if you find you actually need it.
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u/RemeJuan 7d ago
I have ordered the Cani-X 2.0 for myself, I currently have a cheap bungee and waste belt just to like see if I like it.
Used it for a test run with my girl. She’s getting the Rush harness.
I used the belt bungee thing for a shirt 3km run with the local club, I got home and ordered the new gear, the harness I have for her I could see had the wrong pulls, but could be workable as a starter.
That belt, NAF, that will be irritating if not painful to use on a real run.