Home -> Our dog accessories comparisons -> The 10 best dog traction harnesses
Dog traction harness: what is it?
The traction harness allows the traction of a handler or a load by the dog. This equipment is essential for sports activities with a dog, say canisport such as canicross, the canitrail, cani mountain bike or the cani hike. There are even sports like caniroll, cani skate, caniski, bikejoring, skijoring...
Depending on the canisport you want to practice with your dog, the choice of harness will be different: you must choose one adapted to the morphology of your dog. To play sports and have fun, you have to be well equipped; human as dog! You wouldn't go for a trail with flip-flops… it's the same for your dog! You need equipment that is suitable and in perfect condition.
On the market, you will find 2 main types of harnesses:
- The X-back type harness, which takes its name from its X shape. The attachment is made at the bottom of the dog's back. Also called “Husky harness” since it is mainly used by sled dogs, this traction harness is the most classic and the most widespread. This type of harness is not suitable if you simply want to walk with your dog, because the straps will dangle: the X-back type harness can only be used for traction, it is also ideal for practicing canicross.
- The short harness is recommended for alternating between running and walking with your dog. Main difference with the X-back: the attachment is done in the middle of the back.
In this section:
Before we begin, I want to tell you that this comparison was not paid for by a partner. These are only products that I have tested with my dog or which have been tested by Wouafer's. My opinion is objective and corresponds to my practice with Musher. A fan of canisports with my dog, I always choose a high-quality dog traction harness for maximum safety! But be careful, we do not do canicross or caniVTT in competition; we are only amateurs. So I relied on the experience of Wouafer's to offer you the most complete comparison possible. If you like this article, go through the links in the article to buy your traction harness like this EmmèneTonChien.com will be “a little” remunerated by the sites that sell these products. Happy reading !
Top 10 harnesses traction
Here are the 10 dog pulling harnesses we compared:
#3 X-BACK ONE I-Dog Canicross Harness: the specialty classic
#5 Zero DC Short – Canicross harness: multifunctional
#6 Inlandsis Polar Quest and its improved version: very good value for money
#7 X-BACK Classic Manmat harness: the lightest
#8 Manmat Short Harness
Omnijore Ruffwear harness: the ideal kit(By purchasing your equipment via these links, you will be supporting the site since we will receive a small, very useful commission to finance the many pending projects!)
How do I choose the best pulling harness for my dog?
To choose the right traction harness for your dog, the first thing to do is to define the use we will have of it: regular use, or more occasional, for intense activities, in competition or in leisure...
Here is So some important things to consider when choosing your dog's pulling harness:
- the equipment must be adapted to the sporting activity you want to do with your dog: canicross, cani-rando, caniMTB, cani roller, skijoring
- the size: you have to be careful that the harness is neither too small nor too big. a harness that is too small prevents movement and blocks the airways. a harness that is too big moves and turns. It will never be well positioned on the dog and risks injuring him quickly.
- adjustability: it is important to choose a harness that adapts to the morphology of your dog and that hugs its shape without compressing it. Your dog should feel comfortable and secure.
- the material: solid, washable and breathable. The harness should be as light as possible, it's much more pleasant for your dog.
If you want to practice a type of sports activity canicross, canitrail, caniMTB ou canirando with your dog, the choice of harness is essential. Because no, your usual harness for city walks is not compatible with canisport type activity and risks injuring your dog. Exit therefore the harnesses which prevent good mobility, freedom of movement and which mobilize the joints with bad pressure points.
I had to buy 4 harnesses before I found the right one for Musher. Unfortunately, I didn't have a store where I could try them on… And she was between two sizes. But it is an essential step for practicing sport while respecting one's dog.
#1 Omnijore Ruffwear harness: the ideal kit
The opinion of Musher and Sophie: - " Clearly it's our number 1! Musher has been using it for several years and it is very comfortable and complete for our various activities! “
Le Omnijore from Ruffwear is ideal for your activities such as skijoring, canicross bikejoring or even cani-rando!
Personnellement, it is the one I chose for my dog and me. But be careful, we do not do canicross in competition (this harness is not suitable for certain races organized by certain federations such as the FLSLC or the ICF) and above all, Musher is not a fanatic of the discipline. In fact, she spends more time free, rummaging through the bushes than running in front of me in traction. When we were in a canicross club, this equipment was recommended to us. I put the Ruffwear Omnijore Harness first in this top 10 because it's a complete kit. For those who want to start traction sports, that limits questions about equipment…
Technical specifications
The harness
- adjustable with 5 adjustment points for perfect adaptation to the dog's morphology
- grab handle
The harness
- quick and intuitive release system
- sliding attachment point
- removable thigh support straps
- water bottle pocket + 2 storage pockets
The extendable leash
- quick and secure attachment to the harness thanks to the patented Talon Clip carabiner
- dog side handle
- length: 2m45 relaxed / 3m10 extended
- compatible with IFSS skijoring regulations
Musher & Sophie's note: 
Strong points :
- practical: easy to put on
- adapts to the morphology, adjustable
- interchangeable: the harness can be worn as a belt
- reassuring
- comfortable
Weak points :
- high price
- equipment not accepted on all competitions
#2 X-BACK Phoenix I-Dog harness: for canicross specialists
Le I-Dog X-BACK Phoenix traction harness is ideal for canicross enthusiasts! Designed in collaboration with the canicross world champion Anthony the Monk, we can only trust him. This harness is part of the ALM range from I-Dog, so it is ideal for use in competition or intensive practice.
Technical specifications
- 6 different sizes
- fully adjustable and adaptable to all body types
- light: between 295gr and 433gr
- technique and form X BACK
- dorsal, neck, ventral, side and chest adjustments
- soft plastic materials
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- light and
- comfortable
- resistant
- adjustable
- reassuring
- reflective (edging)
Weak points :
- not suitable for rides (without traction) because the straps will dangle
#3 Canicross X-BACK ONE I-Dog harness: the classic for specialists
You will have understood it, the I-Dog brand makes good equipment for cani cross or cani trail! It is moreover the Canicross X-BACK ONE Harness from I-Dog used by the world champion Anthony the Monk during its competitions. Just like the X-BACK Phoenix, it is ideal for intensive practice or competition.
Technical specifications
- 7 sizes available
- lightweight
- MESH type foam padding
- chest and neck adjustments
- 5cm traction cord at its end to hang leash or traction lanyard
- maintenance with soap and water
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- quality materials: solid, durable and easy to maintain
- good distribution of weight over the whole body of the dog
- reassuring
- easy to put on
- Orange color
- guaranteed for 5 years
Weak points :
- not suitable for dogs with an overdeveloped rib cage and a thin body (Doberman, Weimaraner, Greyhounds, Mastiffs, Boxers, etc.)
#4 FREEMOTION HARNESS and its version 5.0
Le Freemotion Harness is a versatile traction harness for canicross, nikejoring and other activities with a high traction point. Best seller of the brand, it has been developed and tested by the best canicross athletes in the world, but applies to any active dog! And in addition, it is also usable in canirando! The improved version, the Freemotion Harness 5.0 adds extra reinforcement and comfort, so the choice is yours!
Technical specifications
- 10 different sizes
- adjustable pull point
- ergonomic design
- materials: durable nylon, tightly woven and cellular foam base
- reflective
- machine washable (30°)
- 100% polyester
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- adaptable to most breeds
- ergonomic: free movement, optimized power
- traction force distributed over the upper body: free airways
- solid
- reassuring
- no hard edge
Weak points :
- slightly heavier (between 117gr and 380gr)
#5 Zero DC Short - Canicross harness: multifunctional
- The Zero DC Short is a versatile canicross, caniVTT, canirando and cani-walk harness.
- It is also suitable for tracking/search dogs.
Technical specifications
- several sizes
- suitable for different body types
- reflective
- semi-rigid structure: little rotation and sliding
- 3 layers, 100% polyester
- machine washable (40°)
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- multifunction: adapts to both your walks and your more sporting activities
- comfortable
- reassuring
- easy to put on
- good load distribution
- wide straps: better support
- adjustable
Weak points :
- slightly heavier (between 117gr and 380gr)
#6 Inlandsis Polar Quest: very good value for money
- Ideal for demanding practitioners looking for performance in canicross, caniVTT or driving
- Multiple French, European and World champion titles in different disciplines with this Inlandsis Polar Quest harness
- The improved version, the Polar Evo Inlandsis is adjustable.
Technical specifications
- several sizes
- flexible design
- hydrophobic materials: dries quickly and does not freeze
- sternal splitter: minimizes lateral rotation
- reflective
- soft anti-friction coating
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- light (120gr)
- particularly resistant to abrasion and snags
- comfortable
- handy
- reassuring
- several colors
- guaranteed for 2 years
- suitable for large dogs
Weak points :
- not adjustable on earlier version
#7 X-BACK Classic Manmat harness: the lightest
- Ideal for canicross, caniVTT, sled coupling
- Specially designed for Nordic breeds
Technical specifications
- padding: hydrophobic foam, anti-sweat and anti-snowballs / ice
- several sizes
- several colors
- reflective dots
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- embraces the dog's entire body
- correctly distributed traction force: free airways
- adapts to the natural movements of the dog
- light: simple straps, the body is not fully covered
- handy
Weak points :
- certain breeds such as English setters or dogs that are too small do not fit into the size guide
#8 Manmat Short Harness
- Ideal for walks with your dog but also canicross, canirando and caniVTT type activities.
- Being short, this harness is suitable for many morphologies: only the measurement of the neckline is. necessary
Technical specifications
- tie in the middle of the back
- several colors
- several sizes
- upholstery resistant to various climates
- reflective
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- resistant
- reassuring
- light and
- comfortable
- short: frees the hips
- recommended for dogs prone to hip problems
Weak points :
- the attachment being in the middle of the back, the distance between your dog and you is shorter, so you must be vigilant during your activity.
#9 Trek I-Dog Comfort Harness: for quiet athletes
- Form and technique of a traction harness with the advantage of being able to adjust on the essential parts
- Le Comfort Trek is intended for sports practice but also for urban practice.
Technical specifications
- several sizes
- adjustable
- front and back attachment rings
- grab handle
- removable strap
- reflective piping
- guaranteed for 5 years
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- resistant
- adjustable
- reassuring
- light and
- comfortable
- MESH-type foam lining: eliminates perspiration
- Red color
Weak points :
- not suitable for competitions
#10 Trixie Premium Harness: for less regular canicross
If you are looking for an inexpensive harness for your few canicross type activities with your dog, the Trixie Premium Harness will suit you completely!
Technical specifications
- several sizes
- nylon material: strength and water resistance
- adjustable belly straps
- several colors
Musher & Sophie's note:
Strong points :
- comfortable: generous padding
- robust, resistant
- attractive price
Weak points :
- not suitable for all seasons (keeps warm)
Human side: which traction belt or harness to choose?
If it is important to equip your dog well, you must also be properly equipped to follow your dog during your activities!
What is the difference between a harness and a traction belt? The harness wraps your buttocks and the pull of the dog is exerted on the buttocks and the hips. The belt envelops your kidneys and the traction on the kidneys. It's up to you to choose what you prefer. I prefer the harness, I find that in the event of a jerk, I absorb the shock better. If Musher gives a boost because a cat or a rabbit appears, I'm more stable with a harness... but it's a personal feeling..
I have therefore selected two traction harnesses for you to share good times with your dog, in complete safety!
The Pecut – Comfortable harness
- Good support for your waist, with its large breathable pocket
- The harness clamps are solid and can support up to 100 kg: ideal if you are worried about back pain.
- Possibility to store your essentials (keys, bottle, telephone, waste bags, etc.)
The harness Canyon I-Dog : lightness and comfort
- Thanks to its traction point, the pressure on the lower back is reduced: better comfort and therefore better performance
- Very light weight (390gr) not negligible
If you want to match your harness to your dog's harness, we recommend the X-BACK Phoenix of the same brand, also blue!
Expert advice
Dog training: essential for all activities with your dog
Your dog does not master the basic commands such as sit, stay still, lie down…?? Before embarking on a canicross, canirando or even caniVTT type activity, you will have to revise! It is mandatory for his safety. First, make sure your dog is in good physical condition, and that he wants to practice a pulling sport with you! To practice a canisport, the basis is the agreement and the complicity between your dog and you. No way he's going all over the place or not listening to you when you're walking, running or riding your bike! It can be dangerous for him and for you. Left, right, stop… It is important to establish good communication for this type of activity. But above all, towing can be learned! Your dog will not follow you the first time, you have to go gradually so as not to frustrate or disgust him: no 10km marathon therefore for the first towed outing with your dog! Discover all tips for starting canicross with your dog with peace of mind!
For further :
- Do you like towing sports? Discover it top 10 pulling sports to share with your dog
- Rather natural? You will love the cani cross, caniMTB or cani hike!
- Rather bitumen? Discover it caniroll ou caniskate!
- In winter sports, discover the skijoring!
- If you are hiking with your dog, take a look at our list of canine equipment to take in canirando!
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May 3, 2024
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