Safety & First Aid
Booties & Nail Clippers
Always carry booties for your dog and a set of canine nail trimmers. Stuff a few booties in your pocket before heading out on a run just in case.
The best booties for running in harness are a basic design made of cordura that will allow natural movement.
When to use booties? When gravel surfaces are mostly rock without much give or dirt beneath. When snow is icy and crusty. When you see your dog favoring its paw(s). If you know your dog to have tender paws, or if your dog has lots of fur between her toes that typically collects snowballs. A good rule of thumb is to try dragging your hand across the surface; if it’s uncomfortable, painful or doesn’t give, use booties!
What to take on the trail
If you are going out for a distance that may be longer than a 20 minute jaunt, or are exploring a new trail with a potential to get lost, bring the following supplies along.
A helmet and eye protection.
Water
A light snack for both you and your dog.
Layers in case the weather changes
Headlamp or a source of light, especially if leaving later in the day.
A way to cut your lines if necessary, especially when running a larger team - most carry a knife though this will not work for cable filled lines.
Booties - just in case!
ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU WILL BE GOING - give an approximate time for when you expect to be back as well.
Suggested First Aid Kit
See the attached print out for a first aid kit that can be kept in your car for your pup.