Westcountry Sled Dogs
The home of sled dog fun!
Where to start?
Equipment!!!
There are usually rules and regulations on the equipment that is required for each type of sport - and it is usually for your health and safety as well as your dogs.
It can be all very confusing at first, but makes sense as you get more and more involved. Try to find a group that can get you started and show you the ropes.
We can show you what we use and where to get it. The best way to learn is by doing.
The more you have a go, the more you learn!
So Good Luck and HAVE FUN!
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Harness. Each dog will require either a bike-joring harness if you are going to run one dog on a bike, or a sled training harness (most prefered) that fits over your dogs head and stretches down its back. Gang Lines. These are the strengthened ropes that attach your dog to the wheels! To run one or two dogs, you will need a TWO DOG LINE. Attach your lines to the wheels using a KARABINA and a SHOCK ABSORBER. Hook your lines onto the HARNESS LOOP using the clips. If you are running two dogs, you will need to attach the dogs together by a NECK LINE (this is a short double ended clip that attaches to their SEMI-SLIP collars. Still not making any sense? Try this website and click on the pictures to help you: http://www.bms.ed.ac.uk/services/staff/mludwig/equipment.htm You can also purchase your equipment at two very popular internet shops known as Snowpaw Store and Culpeppers: |
The Rig - has 3 wheels and goes pretty fast with two or more dogs attached!
The Scooter- has 2 wheels and can also go pretty fast. Ideal for one dog (for which you can still enter a rally) and some of us are brave enough to run two dogs attached! The Bicycle - has 2 wheels. This is known as bike-joring if you run your dog up front. You can also help your dog by peddling - sometimes you have to remember to stop peddling so that your dog does most of the work!!! You can race at rallies with one dog attached, but once again, it has been known for mushers to train/exercise up to two dogs. So now it's time to take your pick!!!
Have fun and if you have any questions, here's our email address:
Now for the commands!
Gee Right
Haw Left
Hike on Go forward and pull. Also used to
encourage dogs to keep going.
Whooa Gentle stop!
Steady/Easy Take it easy, slow down.
On Trail Stay on the trail.
On By Go past, e.g. past the
distraction.
Hup Hup Faster
We practise these even when we are walking, jogging or running.
Start them as soon as you can!
