How to Make a Pull Harness

Pull harnesses are used to attach a dog to a sled or weights. Most pet dogs are not large enough to pull humans, but if trained properly, can pull rocks or bricks, making them a great helper to have around the yard. Dogs build up to pulling these weights like any human would approach body building, by first pulling small weights, then incrementally adding on weight. Pull harnesses are easy to make and are useful in many ways --- whether you want to put your dog to work or give him some extra exercise.

Things You'll Need

2 to 6 yards 1 inch webbing
Sewing kit
18 inches braided nylon rope
Safety pins
1/2 yard fleece

Instructions

- 1
  Fold your webbing into a V shape in the middle. At the 1/2-inch point above the fold, sew a solid stitch. Slide your nylon rope through the hole. Tie the rope.
- 2
  Make your dog comfortable and stand him up. Place the end of the webbing with the rope attached at the base of the dog's tail. Place the two pieces of webbing that extend from the V-shaped fold over the dog's hind quarters, down the rib cage and toward your dog's front legs.
- 3
  Position the webbing under your dog's front legs. Place the two pieces of webbing along your dog's chest and pin them together.
- 4
  Split the two webbing pieces underneath your dog's neck. Wrap each snugly around the neck. Cross these two pieces in an X pattern above the shoulder blades, behind the neck. Wrap the remaining webbing back to the webbing extended along the dog's flanks. Secure the webbing with safety pins.
- 5
  Measure your dog's rump. Cut a piece of webbing to fit that is about 6 inches from the V fold located at the top of the tail. Secure with safety pins.
- 6
  Remove the harness. Sew the webbing where you have placed the pins. Wrap some fleece around the webbing that will rub against the dog's chest. Sew it in place.
- 7
  Place the harness on your dog. Check for a proper fit and make the necessary adjustments.