Westcountry Sled Dogs

MUSHING - This is the joy of sled dogs!  You can attach 2 or more dogs to a rig (looks like a three-wheeled bike that you stand on).  You need suitable tracks to train your dogs, and a permit from the landowners.  Many husky owners race for fun, a few do it as a living across the world!  You use similar equipment (lines) to attach your dog to a scooter or bicycle.

Amiee bringing in Zunni and Smudge on her new rig.

Another sport that is becoming really popular.  It is jogging whilst attached to your dog.  Owners often do this anyway to keep the training and fitness levels up during the Summer months, or when you are unable to get on a rig.  Keeps the owner fit too!!!!  Cani-cross is a competition that is held all around the country and has its own web-site.

The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain have recently issued these recommendations on Cani-cross:

• A cani-cross team shall consist of one dog and contestant racing on foot.
• The dog harness shall not allow the dog to escape.
• The dog shall be attached to the contestant by a snub line with shock absorber at all times.
• The snub line shall not exceed 2.5 meters in length.

The snub line shall be attached to the contestant by a hip belst. (At least 7 cm. wide over the spine).

 Fay and Sioux demonstrating how to do the CaniX.  Watch out, she's good at recruting you to join in!!!

Same as bike-joring, except you use a scooter (these are larger than the kids scooters as they have BMX wheels)!  It is often used to train sled dogs to pull before they attempt a rig.

The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain have recently issued these recommendations on Scooter Class:

• A scooter team shall consist of a driver riding a two wheeled scooter and one dog.
• The dog harness shall not allow the dog to escape.
• The dog shall be attached to the driver or scooter by a snub line with shock absorber at all times.
• The snub line shall not exceed 3 meters in length.
• The bicycle shall be equipped with an efficient brake on both wheels or rear wheel only.

Rod and Amiee demonstrating the use of the PAWTREKKER Scooter with two dogs on each.

Yes, that right!  Sled dogs can be excellent in the show ring too!  Most sled dogs are from the working group, and the we all believe that if your dog is destined to work - then work it!  Your dog will show off in the ring as it will be a well-toned and happy dog .....

ABOVE: Amiee and Zunni show us how it's done at the Paignton Championship show, 2007

BELOW: Simon with Neeko, who has received his Show Certificate of Merit, and has achieved quite a few Best in Breeds, Best in Group and Best in Shows on the Open Circuit and received his CC for Crufts 2009 at the beginning of the season - Well done Guys, we're not jealous at all!!!   

All photos are saved onto Photobucket for all members to view. This is the link:

 http://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u150/fmfrost/West%20Country%20Sled%20Dogs/

However, you will need a password!  If you would like to take a look, you are more than welcome to be recommended by a member to view the pictures.  That member can give you the password, or you can email us at wcsleddogs@blueyonder.co.uk