I eed help with a harness and I am just out of ideas

[greatwhitepaws]

I cannot find anyone who makes a harness that I can use as a safety harness for ice hiking during the winter with Jackson. Actually I have found a few companies that make them, just none that will fit him because he is so long. Jackson wont walk if there is anything directly behind his front legs. He will just fall to the ground or waddle, Ive tried for days to no avail. He needs a harness that can handle his weight if he slips on the snow or even in the summer in loose dirt to keep him from falling. It just cant sit right behind his front legs, apparently needs to be custom made, and has to support the force that a slipping 165 pound dog will create.

Does anyone know someone who makes custom harnesses? It would be a bonus if we could somehow take Jackson to a fitting. I talked to one harness maker and they wouldnt even entertain the idea that my dog would be too long for their harness...people just dont understand Jackson's size unless they see him in person I guess.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas? Ive tried all of the mass production manufacturers and a few smaller ones. Id prefer something that can get wet often without damage and is easily washed.

Thanks for any help.

[Itsapyr]

I am not sure how the pulling harnesses fasten since I don't do that but Amanda with the Saints does harness pulling. I don't know if she may know someone who would adapt a harness to Jackson's needs. I would think a saint harness would fit him.

[mezmerelda]

I know the harness that we have as part of our Ruffwear pack. It's got a handle on it, and is pretty much a harness once the saddle bags are removed. Not sure if that is something you have considered or not, or if it would even be an option.

[greatwhitepaws]

I know the harness that we have as part of our Ruffwear pack. It's got a handle on it, and is pretty much a harness once the saddle bags are removed. Not sure if that is something you have considered or not, or if it would even be an option.

We tried both of the their harnesses and harness packs, all too small. The palasades pack has enough girth but is too short lengthwise.

[Baroooo]

Weight pull harnesses generally go between the front legs, as do siwash type carting harnesses. Let me check labels on my harnesses, because I know that they can be made to any measurements. Valor was very long and tall for a swissy, and he had a lovely weight pull harness that was off the rack. The problem with almost any harness is that they girth up right behind the withers, which might be too close to his front legs. Is there a design or style you've seen that would work if it was a different size?

[greatwhitepaws]

Oh ya, tons of designs would work if they were longer and/or had longer straps.

[Yeti_Girl]

We had a carting harness made to size from here: www.wilczekwoodworks.com

I bet the guy would work with you if something on the harness needed customization.