Introduction to Harness Dog Sports Clinic

Want to keep up when your dog runs away?
If the answer is yes, harness dog sports are for you and MDR’s INTRODUCTION TO HARNESS DOG SPORTS is the place to start.

HARNESS DOG: Beginner Clinic

An exploration and demonstration of the most popular harness dog activities including:

• Canicross (You run behind your dog) 
• Bikejoring (You bike behind your dog) 
• Scooter (You ride a large wheeled scooter behind your dog) 
• Skijoring (You ski behind your dog) 
• Weight Pull (Your dog pulls loads weighted to maximum capacity) 

What to Expect

Learn about:

The Right Fit

Different dogs, different breeds, different people – different activities. Learn what each activity asks of dog and handler through demonstration and discussion. 

The Right Time

Is your dog ready for this? Are you? How do we get that way, and survive to play another day? NEC’s coach leads a discussion of physical conditioning and safety concerns. 

Wardrobe and Gear

Shopping! But not just yet. Why spend money on a harness that doesn’t fit and equipment you’ll never use? NEC workshops include try-on harnesses fitted by experienced clinicians for just the right fit. Learn what equipment is out there and what is needed and best for the activity you want to do. 

Say What?

How do you tell your dog to run? Or stop running? How do they know where to turn?How do you get them to stop? In this segment we explore handling your harness dog so she knows when to whoa, when to go and everything in between. 

LET’S DO IT!

Ok. The talking is done. Let’s get out there and give it a try. Controlled conditions, guided practice with the help of experienced mentors. Harness up everyone. Let’s get out there and give it a try. Every session ends with a series of supervised practice runs designed to show you how to get you and your dog going on the best fun you’ll ever have with your dog. Gear provided, but if you have one that fits, bring a bike helmet! Safety first! 

Is This Clinic for You? 

• Is your dog over six months old and suffering no debilitating disease or illness? If yes, then your dog is IN! 
• Do you or your dog have previous experience? If yes. Great to have you. Share your knowledge. If no. Welcome! This clinic is for you! 
• Are you and your dog(s) marathon ready? No? That’s just fine. Come to clinic. Learn how to harness and move with your dog and you’ll be beach ready before Thanksgiving. Which gives you all winter to make it even better because winter is for SKI-JOR. And that is a total blast! Hurrah! 

WHAT DO I NEED? 

• A dog. On leash wearing a flat buckle collar.* 
• A long line,* if you have one. 
• Water bottle for you, dish for your dog, and water. 
• Poop bags 
• Comfortable shoes / boots, outdoor clothing – weather appropriate. Harness dogs run come rain, snow, sleet or hail. Also sunshine! Add sun block? 
• Harness / gear if you have it. MDR Coaches will check for fit and activity appropriate set up. 

*If you have any questions about these items contact us at ontariocaninewellness@gmail.com. Our coaches are happy to advise.