Seavey system

Why use the Seavey System?

 

 

Racing harnesses used in recent years, while offering many valuable features, have left us with several concerns:

• Undesirable side-angled pull of the tug line
• Undue downward pressure on the the pulling dog's hips
• Dogs crab, especially when pulling hard
• Chafing (harness rub) under the dogs front legs and on the hips

Our harness and gang line system solves all of these problems, with none of the adverse side effects of other recently developed systems. The front of the harness resembles a traditional collared neck harness. The rear portion has been lengthened and fitted with a singletree or "harness spreader" with only loose elastic straps over the lower back. This allows the traces, or side straps of the harness to ride lower on the sides of the dog's hips, providing a straight line from the point-of-draft to the load, regardless of terrain or gait. The harnesses are being manufactured by Taiga and sold at Cold Spot Feeds.
 

Our "Pro Straight-line" towline has been shortened, and modified extensively, but the most important change is the addition of a doubletree or "gang line spreader" which separates the tug lines on each section so they operate parallel to the mainline. This important improvement is also achieved with our "Standard Straight-line" towline. The main benefits are:

• All pulling force is straight forward, which is mechanically superior to angled force vectors. Power is increased.
• The hips are free from downward pressure, which is especially important in long distance racing. Fatigue is decreased.
• The main reason dogs crab is to relieve the pressure of the harness forcing downward on their hips. Crabbing is decreased.
• There is little or no side-angle pull from the tug, therefore, the harness remains in place evenly on the dog. It doesn't pull up under the dog's armpit. The harness spreader allows the rear portion of the harness to only lightly brush the sides of the hips. Harness rub is minimized.

Comments

• Don't be too worried about twisted or crossed lines. Worst case is you have the same configuration you had before.
• Give the dogs time to get used to the system. They will learn to cross over the lines less than ever before. Crabbing will decrease.
• It doesn't matter if the dog's tail is above or below the harness spreader, and you might change your ideas about a dog's ability to pull with his tail up, once the pressure on his pelvis is relieved.
• You may have to readjust your idea of what working "too hard" means. Remember, fatigue has been reduced.
• Do not to use the harness spreader as a handle to hang onto an eager dog, as harness damage could result.