Freemotion harness: The journey from one dog’s need to a global philosophy

“Our goal was to develop a harness that offered free airways to the point it gave maximum movements, and so our dogs would reach higher performance” says Tonje Wahl Evensen, CEO and co-founder of Non-stop dogwear. “We also added that the harness could be adjusted to every dog, because we could not do it at that time”.  

Let’s rewind 15 years back. 

Born from necessity

Oslo, Norway, 2006. The couple Tonje, a psychology student, and Kristoffer [Grøtan Olsen, Founder of Non-stop dogwear], a firefighter, were competing at an international level in mushing. Racing Nordic style in the winter and dryland in the summer, they were active members of the sled dog community in their region. Skijoring, a sport blending Norway’s national passion for skiing with the strength of dogs, was a central part of their lives. Competing with their German short-haired pointers and breeding them to excel both on and off the trail was their shared passion.

That same year, Hårek was born, a future exceptional dog. As training progressed, “we saw the talent,” explains Kristoffer. “But after three or four kilometers, his performance dropped.” Hårek struggled with restricted breathing and movement, despite his natural ability.

“In 2003, we had already started working with Fredrik [Fredrik Skjøldt, COO] to explore better gear, as we weren’t completely satisfied with what was available,” recalls Tonje. “But it was Hårek who made the urgency clear. While he ran like a cheetah when free running, the harness immediately restricted him, holding back his full potential. That’s when we knew we had to find a solution to help him compete at his best.”

This realization marked the beginning of a devoted pursuit to create a harness that would allow Hårek, and dogs like him, to move and breathe freely.

Designing for Performance: How the Freemotion Harness Came to Life

Creating the Freemotion harness was a constant process of trial and error. “We were testing a lot,” says Kristoffer, who worked on the design. “Tonje was sewing it. I was going out testing it, and we were doing like this” – “Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth”, continues Tonje. 

Tonje and Kristoffer vividly recall the moment they realized their design worked. “We had already tested many different prototypes,” Tonje explains. “The season start was approaching, and we were running out of time to find a prototype that fit perfectly.”

“We were at a national team training camp at Skeikampen,” she continues. “And we had this one prototype. It was the first time Hårek ran like he did when he was free running.  That’s when we knew we had it.”

What they didn’t realize at that moment was that the Freemotion harness wasn’t just a solution for Hårek, it was a game changer for dogs around the world.

Hårek was finally able to unleash his potential with this final version of the Freemotion harness, after months of testing.

The Unique Design Behind the Freemotion Harness

The Freemotion harness is built on three core principles that have shaped its design and success:

1. Free Airways

“We wanted to develop a harness that offered free airways,” says Tonje. The Y-shaped front piece ensures that no pressure is placed on the throat, allowing dogs to breathe freely during intense activities.

2. Natural Movement

By aligning the pulling point with the dog’s anatomy, the Freemotion harness allows full muscle engagement and optimal stride length. “You can see the difference immediately,” says Kristoffer. “The dogs are happier and can work longer”.

3. Adjustable Fit

“Dogs have different needs and body shapes, ” explains Tonje. “That's why we made it adjustable so you can adjust the length to the dog, and minimize strain injuries”.  Initially, sizes 5 to 7 were introduced, covering 90% of mushing dogs. More sizes were added later, bringing the total to 10 sizes.

First version of the original commercialized Freemotion harness in 2009. Since then, the details have changed, but the design remains the same.

From Local Beginnings to Global Impact

What started as a local innovation has now reached a worldwide audience. “When we first started using the harness, people were curious,” says Kristoffer. At that time, the dog-sport gear industry had been stagnant for years. Perhaps this lack of innovation, combined with the couple’s success in competitions, drew curious dog mushers to them. “They’d see us on the ski tracks and ask, ‘Where can we buy this?’” Initially handmade, the demand quickly grew beyond what Tonje and Kristoffer could produce themselves. This marked the official start of Non-stop dogwear, as they transitioned from passionate dog mushers to innovators in the field.

Today, the Freemotion harness is sold in over 100 countries, helping countless dogs unleash their potential. “It’s crazy to think about,” says Tonje. “We just wanted to solve a problem for Hårek, and now it’s helping dogs all over the world”.   

Changing the Landscape of Competitions

The Freemotion harness quickly gained recognition in competitive dog sports. Athletes noted improvements in endurance, stride length, and overall happiness in their dogs. Many champion dogs have relied on the Freemotion harness to reach the podium, contributing to over 220 individual medals in competitions worldwide.

This success has had a ripple effect across the industry. “The harness didn’t just change how we compete—it pushed others to innovate, too,” says Kristoffer. “Now, there’s more development in the dog-sport world, which is ultimately better for the dogs.”

Hårek and Kristoffer Grøtan Olsen crossing the finish line at the 2008 European Championship in Skellefteå... marking the first-ever medal won using the Freemotion harness.

The Freemotion Philosophy: Beyond One Harness

The success of the Freemotion harness sparked a broader commitment to innovation at Non-stop dogwear: the mission to unleash dogs athletic potential through innovative, high-performance and inspirational gear.  

Designing Freedom Into Every Product

Building on this foundation, the core principles of freedom, adjustability, and performance now guide the design of every Non-stop dogwear product. Whether it’s skijoring belts, trekking gear, or everyday walking equipment, every design reflects the same passion for movement and comfort. 

Since the early days, Sebastian Plur Nilssen, Product Director, has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life across the product range. With his first-hand experience in remote terrain, Sebastian approaches product development not as a job, but as a lifestyle, fueled by his passion for dogs and adventures. 

“Our target was to get a better harness for our dogs,” says Kristoffer. “But if we now can help all the dogs around the world to feel happier to be out, that’s the perfect setup”.

Inspiring smarter choices

Non-stop dogwear’s focus on individual fit has also supported dog owners who now think critically about their gear choices on a deeper level. “People are more aware now,” says Tonje. “They reflect further on what gear to use, they read their dogs better, and look for products that truly fit.”  

This growing awareness reflects a shift that has been unfolding over the past years. No longer just companions, dogs are now seen as true partners in life. As this bond deepens, more owners seek gear that supports their dogs’ well-being while enhancing the joy of shared experiences, from morning runs to mountain hikes.

By offering options tailored to a variety of activities and needs, we aim to help owners make thoughtful choices that can empower their dogs to stay happily active and healthy.

“The most important is to find a harness or other gear that fits your dog. That’s just it. That’s how you can be active together”, Tonje concludes. 

A New Standard for Dog Gear

The Freemotion harness is not just a harness for Non-stop dogwear. It has established a fundamental philosophy for the entire company and beyond: helping dogs unleash their full potential. The harness has shown the way for further product development, with principles such as freedom, adjustability, and performance becoming a crucial foundation for all Non-stop dogwear products. From everyday walks to international competitions, we strive to give every dog the chance to move, breathe, and live at their best.

Explore the Freemotion harness and our full range of products at Non-stop dogwear. Unleash your dog’s potential today.