07/12/2020
Do you live in the snowy, ice-filled regions of the world? If so, consider training your dog to master the art of snow sports, particularly dog sledding.
You may think that dog sledding is a little out of your league when it comes to your dog, but you'll be surprised to learn that most breeds can mush right along with the husky leaders in the cold region.
Clearing Up The Fallacies
First let's clear up some fallacies when it comes to snow sports for dogs. Any dog can mush as long as it weighs more than 30 pounds and is in good health. You don't need a northern breed (such as a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute) to run a sled team, and unless you're planning long distances you only need one to three dogs.
Being in top shape is important for sled dogs, so before you start, have your veterinarian okay your dog's health, then spend some time jogging with your dog or running it beside a bicycle to get it physically fit. Every dog is different, but in general it's a good idea to begin running him short distances for about 1 mile a day until it has had a chance to improve.
Gradually lengthen the distance until your dog can easily run for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Once he is able to run up to three miles a day without showing signs of strain (heavy panting, overheating), you can begin to train for sledding.
Sledding Details
Two dogs make a team when it comes to sledding. If you decide you want to do more than mush around the local park, you'll need a minimum of three to four dogs for competitions.
Sledding can get a little pricey when it comes to equipment. You need a sled, gangline (which hooks up the sled to the dogs), X-back harnesses (made of nylon) for each dog, snow hooks (which are sled anchors), snublines (which hold the sled when you're stopped), and a sled bag to hold extra gear.
Most well-seasoned dog sledders do not recommend doing long-distance runs (from 20 to 250 miles) with the breeds that are not naturally bred for this type of activity, such as most sporting dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Setters, Pointers, etc.
Most of these dogs do not have the thick, insulated coats of the northern breeds to protect them in extreme conditions. The average dog may indeed have a lot of stamina, but when it comes to dog sledding, most breeds' physical makeup are not ideal for long-distance pulling.
To be competitive in sledding (for racing distances under six miles), your dogs should have completed a minimum of 300 to 500 miles of training that season before your first race. This seems like a lot, but running your team three miles a day is a good goal to shoot for. If the weather is cool enough, you can begin your training in September, and have the 300 miles under your belt by your first race in December.
In addition to learning how to pull, your dog will also need to learn the standard voice commands in dog sledding: whoa (stop), hike (go), gee (right), haw (left), easy (slow down) and hike it up or a tongue click (go faster). These skills are often best taught when a beginner dog is harnessed up with experienced dogs.
For more information about sled dog events and training, contact the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA) or the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS).
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