Canicross Part Deux: Tricked Out Dog

     So after several jaunts with the homemade canicross system of car harness, bungee cord, leash, and khaki belt, I decided to spring for the real deal. I did some comparison shopping, finding that most commercial pet stores around me do not carry or know anything about canicross equipment. I looked online and found a range of prices and your typical "starter kit" that basically throws the cheapest models that the company wants to liquidate at the poor unsuspecting beginner. I saw more professional setups and also those that are pretty much just for walking a dog hands-free, but not for the pulling pup. Then I found Canadog! They are, yes, a Canadian company that was selling exactly what I needed - a long-distance padded harness small enough for my under 30lb. pooch, a line with built-in bungee, and a padded belt with a water bottle holder and bag pouch. All of this for less than some companies were charging for just a harness! I waited like an overactive child, checking the mail every day until it finally came.
     In a heatwave. Hot hot heat and a double coated dog does not make for the perfect running conditions, lest she overheat. So we cooled our heels and waited for today when the air took a turn for the breezy with a big thunderstorm threatening on the horizon. I have to say that in the midst of a big stormy sky is my favorite time to don the running shoes not only for its cooler climate, but also for its slightly scary mood. I don't know why, but I like pushing my brain into "Ooooh can we make it?" territory. It's the same impulse that carried me through a hike down an Oregon waterfall trail in the dark with only a cell phone lighting the way.
     Now, did the real equipment make a difference? I can't say for my dog, though I imagine she was happier with the cooler nylon than the fake sheepskin of her car harness. For me, the real belt was soooo much more comfortable. Everything was streamlined, and the padding on the belt was like the difference between a cot and a mattress. I also felt more confident that the design wasn't putting any undue stress on little pooch's muscles in bad ways. And we had a great time outrunning the rain! I can tell that little by little she is getting stronger and better able to keep her stamina up for pulling the lazy mama behind her.
     As a bonus, I also took advantage of a sale on dog booties to try to stave off any damage to the pup pads. They are from REI and have sturdy rubber soles with velcro around what equates to a dog wrist or ankle to secure them.
     Have you ever seen a dog try on her first pair of shoes? I highly recommend putting yourself in that situation. My dog at first could not understand that the shoes did not render her feet useless as she rested her front paw on its toes, then flopped over to lie on her side when the second shoe was fitted to her. Once she was baited with treats, she began to try to make sense of her new feet, striking straight out into the air in front of her, then bringing the foot down on the floor with a clop. As a whole, she appeared much like a high-stepping Saddlebred horse. When I took her outside, she took off at a gallop and the booties flew off into the air around her with the increased momentum and all in all, I felt like I was living in a cartoon.

     Through all of this, I had to stifle my laughter with a hand tightly clapped to my mouth. If you didn't know that Shetland Sheepdogs were very sensitive dogs, you do now. They are easily embarrassed and I didn't want her to associate her new booties with deep personal shame. Soon, I will try the whole gamut of gear together and we'll see what kind of hilarity ensues.