Dog Pulling Sports: 7 Must-Have Safety Gear

For each of all the dog pulling sports, there is a distinct set of equipment that is utilized to match its particular requirements and challenges. The appropriate equipment is essential to maximize both performance and safety and includes everything from general gear like harnesses and weatherproof clothing to sport-specific equipment like snow sleds and bicycles. 

The right equipment is crucial for helping the team work together effectively as well as to protect the musher and the dogs from the elements and from injuries, especially during rigorous competitions like the Iditarod. Having the right equipment for each activity, whether on snow or land, on foot, on skis, or on a bike, is essential to make the most of it.

Here’s a quick guide on key equipment and gear for dog sledding or mushing and other similar dog pulling sports:

• Harness: As your dog will have to pull, you will need a harness that applies the force to their chest and not their neck or shoulders. As such, it has to be loose enough to rotate around the torso. There are special harnesses for racing and other more versatile ones that adapt to different types of mushing.
• Lines: There are special lines for each mushing activity, but regardless of which one you decide to practice, you will surely need a gangline.
• Gangline: It is similar to the leash that you use to take your dog out for a walk, but this one is special for mushing. This means that it is more resistant and has a shock absorber.
• Weatherwear and Footwear: Essential for both the musher and the dogs, providing protection from snow, ice, rain, and other harsh elementsand safeguarding their bodies, extremities, and paws.

• Musher’s Belt: In dog pulling sports such as canicross, bikejoring, and skijoring, the musher directly attaches to the dog or dogs. It is attached to the line with a quick-release hook for safety.

• Sled: The size and design of the sled vary based on factors like the number of dogs in the team, terrain, and race type. Sleds are designed with specific goals in mind, such as endurance, speed, or gear storage, and often feature a brake system to help slow down and stop.
• Poles: Used by the musher to navigate through deep snow or challenging terrain, or to help push or steer the sled.
• Snow Hooks: Used to anchor the sled when stopping or resting.

• Skis: In skijoring, the dogs pull the musher on skis rather than a sled.

• Special Footwear or Sport-Specific Equipment: Depending on which of the dog pulling sports you do, this includes bikes for bikejoring, skates for skatejoring, running shoes for canicross, and various other equipment such as carts, tricycles, sulkies, or scooters.

So whether you’re getting started in dog sledding, discovering the world of bikejoring, or running your own mushing competition make sure you know what is the right gear so both humans and dogs can stay safe, comfortable, and ready for any adventure that awaits.