This is the second part of my three part mini series on Canicross waist belts.

Yesterday I covered the Non Stop Running Belt which is from the same company that make the exceptional Non Stop Freemotion dog harness!

Today’s post features our DogFit Canicross Belt; Our own, very popular Canicross belt. The DogFit team run in this belt, despite having access to all the other belts that we stock.

Summary

It is extremely comfortable and lightweight at just 173g.

The integrated leg straps and mesh padding at the back ensure the belt stays in place whilst absorbing all the pulling force from the dog.

Our standard size comes in six colours with fully adjustable waist and leg straps. We also an XL belt in black.

The main back strap, designed to sit low across the runner’s bottom, is a lightweight narrow mesh padding that provides a good grip and thus prevents the belt from moving around during motion.

The fixed leg straps (non-removable) prevent the belt from creeping up into the lower back, whilst the waist strap prevents the belt from slipping down.

The thin waist strap fastens together easily at the front of the belt behind the main strap where the section for attaching your bungee line is located. Unlike the Non Stop waist belt, this doesn’t have a metal ring; instead there is a fixed material loop – simply clip your line into the loop or use a carabiner.

The loop where you attach your bungee line is built to sustain the pull from your dog and, along with the leg straps, ensures that any force transfers through the hips, not the back. Thus minimising any strain and longer term injury whilst maximising comfort.

The leg straps can be easily adjusted for maximum comfort. Though, unlike the other belts we sell, there is no side adjustment for the height between the waist strap and main mesh back strap.

• Sliding ring that tracks with your dog
• Large zipped pocket at back
• Unisex – standard or XL available
• Standard size fits: 8-16 – (Up to 38 Inches)
• XL Fits 18+ (40 Inches and above) – only black
• Adjustable leg and waist straps
• Wider distribution area over your core area
• Super strong webbing and stitching
• Excellent value for money

You can find the DogFit Canicross Belt here

The post Which Canicross Waist Belt? Part 2 appeared first on Dogfit Blog.

When you are new to canicross one of the first places you go searching for information is on the internet.

You may already know that, in terms of kit, you will need a waist belt for you, a harness for your dog and a special bungee line. 

But which specific make and style do you choose?

There are so many different brands on the market and I’m afraid there is no ‘one size fits all’ product, especially when it comes to the dog’s harness as it will vary according to their size, strength, running style and individual needs.

We’ve already covered the different dog harnesses we stock and recommend; the Zero DC and Non Stop Freemotion.

But an equally important item is your canicross waist belt. Getting the right fit is critical to your enjoyment of the sport and staying injury free!

Your waist belt is an essential part of your canicross kit

Over the next three days I will cover the three waist belts that we feel are currently the best in the market. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t others available that perform a great job but these are the belts that we personally run in and, based on our experience, would highly recommend:

Note, all three belts sit on the runner’s bottom, not their back. This is the optimum way to wear the belt as the force of the pull then comes from the bottom and hips, thus reducing pressure on the lower back and allowing you to run freely and injury free.

So, first up is the DogFit Canicross Belt

Summary

The DogFit Canicross Belt is a high-quality product  (made in the UK) that sits snug against the runner’s body so there is no friction or movement. It is made of a very lightweight material so you barely notice you are wearing it, making it ideal for races and everyday/general use.

It comes in standard and XL sizes with  fully adjustable waist and leg straps.

It has a handy zip pocket too which is useful for carrying your car keys and essential poo bags!

The DogFit Canicross is ideal for running in

The main section of the waist belt (with the pocket) sits on the runner’s bottom and the precise fit (slightly higher or lower on the glutes) is down to personal preference and can be adjusted using the straps incorporated in the sides of the belt.

The thinner waist strap (the section above the main part of the waist belt) sits on your hips and fastens together at the front of the belt behind the strap where the metal ring you attach your bungee line is located.

The ring at the front is used to attach your line and facilitate any change in direction

The ring performs two essential tasks. Its strength takes the force of the pulling dog and its functionality in sliding effortlessly along the strap as the dog negotiates turns maximises comfort and efficiency.

There are leg straps with this belt, as there are with all of the ones we recommend. They are an essential part of the belt as they work with the belt itself to ensure that any force generated from your dog pulling travels through your hips and not your back and thus avoiding stress and strain and longer term injury. The straps can be adjusted for maximum comfort.

Advantages of wearing a Canicross Belt

• Sits on top/middle of runner’s bottom (rather than their back)
• Sits flat against the body making it exceptionally comfortable
• Comes in one convenient size
• Has a handy and compact zip pocket
• Lightweight, making it perfect for racing

Written by Gail Walker

The post Which Canicross waist belt? Part 1. appeared first on Dogfit Blog.

The most important piece of equipment to get right is your dog’s Canicross harness.

The Nonstop freemotion Canicross harness is a fantastic harness if you are looking for a high performance and more technical piece of equipment. It’s ideal if you run with a strong pulling dog; large or small.

It has been designed to ensure your dog always has unobstructed airways whilst pulling, and has a pulling point which does not impede on the dog’s movement & force.

In order to reduce any risk of back strain, the harness may be adjusted to accommodate each individual dog.

The Non Stop Freemotion Harness

Measurements

Before we explain how to fit the harness it’s important that you get the correct size harness in the first place. So you will need to take some essential measurements.

1. For the neck, measure fully around the lower part of your dog’s neck close to the top of the chest (this is lower than where the collar would sit).

2. For the front strap measurement, measure from the sternum (the bone in the front of the chest) to just behind your dog’s front legs.

Please note, if your dog is a muscular breed or particularly deep chested you may need to go up a size.

Do double check your measurements to be on the safe side, as it’s critical you get the right size, and then refer to our sizing guide to select the appropriate Canicross harness, which also factors in your dog’s weight.

A very handsome Harvey in his Non Stop Freemotion harness

Fitting the Canicross harness

To fit the harness you put your dog’s head through the main loop ensuring the section with the colour strips is on the dog’s back.

Then bring the harness as far forward up your dog’s neck as it can go, pull it down and gently bring each leg up and through the corresponding loop.

When you straighten out the harness it should be nice and snug around the neck (you should be able to fit two fingers between the neck and the harness when it’s loose or pulled tight), it should be sitting comfortably on the breastbone and back of the neck and it should be clear of the front legs.

The end of the harness (excluding the loop at the very end) should come to the base of the tail.

You may need to make some small adjustments to the straps on the harness to get it fitting just right.

You then attach your line to the hook at the end and you are ready to go!

The Non Stop Freemotion Harness is perfect for strong pulling dogs like Red!

Removing the Canicross harness

To remove the harness, simply bring it as far forward as it can go, pull the harness down and then gently bring each leg back through the loop. One you’ve done that, all that’s left is to bring the head back through.

And that’s how you fit a Non Stop Freemotion Canicross harness.

Visit the Dogfit Shop to see our selection of harnesses.

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