So, I'm totally new to the dog thing AND got a rescue GSP as my first dog.  I feel like I hit the jackpot!!  Since we got her untrained, skinny, and basically wild - I've worked with her a LOT on heeling and basic commands. 

Now that she knows what's up with the heeling thing, I have been taking her rollerblading... but found that heeling isn't exactly wonderful when she's 12" away from my left blade.  So I let her start pulling me the other day and she is in absolute HEAVEN... I kept thinking, "Man, is she part husky or what?  What's up with this dog sledding drive?"  So, I googled it... I had no idea that GSPs were used in dog sledding!  Unfortunately, I live in AZ so unless I head north there isn't much snow to be found   I am stoked that she can pull me around and nurture this obvious drive to pull in a "healthy" way.

Anyway, wondering if any of you have specific recommendations on harnesses for rollerblading?  Brand, style?  What commands should I teach her now?  I need something to indicate stop, go, walk, run... ?

Love this forum, thanks in advance!

We are also in AZ and have been very pleased with Alpine Outfitter's x-back harness. Call them and they'll walk you through measuring. Excellent quality and lightweight so they don't heat up the dog any worse than AZ temps already do.

http://alpineoutfitters.net/Secure/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=17

Make sure you get the extra strap so they can't back out.

Jean

Jean, that is great.  I don't know any stores here that would help me fit her, and the lightweight thing is critical here with the heat.  Thankfully we got some nice monsoon action in my neck of the woods yesterday, so we had a good run after the 115 broke!  Thanks! 

I see you're from Wisconsin - I grew up in North Dakota. What the hell are we doing here when it's 115??!

Jean

Jean, I dunno.... but no way I'm going back to Wisconsin winters!  Just way too long and dreary.  

Just took Isa blading, almost killed myself, but I had all my gear on...  I guess I can't be afraid to fall.  Oh, my girly legs will get all scratched up!!  I'm thinking that scootering with the right gear might be safer!  

I'm up in Cave Creek, where are you Jean?[script removed]

Jeez, that's funny, we're in Cave Creek too - on the south end.

Leaving in the morning for a field trial in the White Mtns, but if you email me we could do a meet and greet at some point. Sounds like you're new to GSPs and we're always happy to help.

Jean