Training Sled Dogs

Dog sledding, also known as mushing, is a sport that has been gaining in popularity for some time now. Many people are becoming interested in training their own dogs to pull a sled, whether for racing or simply for fun. However, the process of sled dog training is not as simple as hooking your dog up to a sled. There are suitable breeds to consider, equipment to purchase and training methods to implement.

Appropriate Breeds for Dog Sledding

Traditionally, northern breeds have been used as sled dogs. Common mushing breeds include Alaskan Malamutes, Eskimo Dogs, Samoyeds, Siberian Huskies, Greenlands, Hokkaidokens and Norrbottenspets. They are strong, determined and have a natural pulling instinct.

In recent years, however, other breeds have been successfully trained as sled dogs. German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers and Dalmatians can all be trained as sled dogs. Many mushers used mixed breeds, the most common being the Siberian-Greyhound cross. Most larger breeds can be used if they have a natural desire to pull and enjoy having fun.

Any of these breeds can also make wonderful pets. However, a sled dog is often trained to have a mind of its own, so you if want your sled dog to be a superb house pet as well, you’ll have to take extra steps to ensure it understands the rules of the house.

Types of Dog Sleds Available

Before you can successfully engage in the sport of dog sledding, or even begin sled dog training, you have to first invest in the proper equipment. The most vital item is the sled. Generally, there are two sleds to choose from: the basket sled and the toboggan sled.

Basket sleds are often used by recreational mushers and spring racers. These sleds are light and maneuverable, move quickly over ice and hard-packed snow, and are excellent in high wind conditions. The basket rests quite high off the ground, so gear can be easily kept dry. Basket sleds can also tip easily, especially when maneuvering around corners. Often used by novices, racers and anyone traveling long distances, basket sleds are generally cheaper and easier to master.

Toboggan sleds are designed to carry more gear. They are durable and stable, riding close to the ground. Toboggan sleds are much better in soft snow than basket sleds. If you’re looking for a sled that can carry a lot of gear and run in fresh-fallen snow, then the toboggan sled will be the better choice. However, they will cost more.

Whichever sled you choose, make sure it has a working brake. Typical dog sled brakes consist of a spring loaded wood plank attached to the sled bed at one end. There should be a metal hook on the other end. When riding the sled, you simply push down on the brake, driving the hook down into the snow. This is an easy method of bringing the sled to a halt.

Choosing a Harness for Your Dog

There are many different types of harnesses available, but the novice musher only needs to consider the two most common: the X-back harness and the freighting harness. Since the harness distributes the load across the dog’s muscular-skeletal system, it is arguably the most important piece of dog sledding equipment. Therefore, care should be taken in selecting the most appropriate harness.

The X-back harness, sometimes referred to as a racing harness, is excellent for recreational mushing or whenever speed is required. Though obviously used in racing, it can also be used for other dog driving activities, provided the load is not too burdensome to the dog. An X-back harness should be padded in the front and fit the dog perfectly.

The freighting harness is also referred to as a weight-pulling harness and is used whenever heavier loads are to be pulled. They are commonly used for competitive weight pulling, and are often paired with the toboggan sled. Though often similar in appearance to the X-back harness, the freighting harness has a wooden rod at the rear of the harness, about as long as the dog is wide. This rod is called a ‘spacer.’ When a heavy load is pulled, this harness is stretched and the spacer is well away from the hind legs of the dog. However, for recreational mushing, the spacer would hit the dog frequently, making this kind of harness unsuitable for recreation or racing.

Other Equipment Required for Dog Sledding

In addition to an appropriate sled and harness, you will also require gang lines. These are the ropes that run from the sled to the dog. These are easy enough to purchase and are fairly inexpensive, so always make sure you have extras. You never know when your dog will break the gang line or perhaps become tangled.

You’ll also want to ensure that you have a snow hook while mushing. These large hooks can be looked on as a piece of emergency equipment and is absolutely vital. It can be used to anchor the dog and sled whenever you have to step away. In an emergency, they can also be used in conjunction with the brake to bring the sled to an immediate halt. Make sure you attach the snow hook to the rear of the gang line. Even a single dog, if strong enough, can destroy a sled in an attempt to get free if the sled is between the hook and the gang line.

You should consider the comfort and safety of your dog (or dogs, as the case may be) when taking up the sport of mushing. Each dog should wear booties to protect sensitive feet from the cold and any deicing chemicals found on the snow or ice. Additionally, carry a sled bag. These inexpensive items can be used to protect and restrain an injuring or ill dog, keeping it secure on the sled.

Training a Dog for Mushing

Sled dog training is fairly simple in most cases, but it does require dedication. If possible, start very young. Though even adult dogs can learn to pull a sled, the process is made much easier if you start with a puppy. Get the dog used to the harness as soon as possible. Some dogs take to the harness immediately. Others need more time. If your dog seems nervous about the harness, leave it out for a few days before putting it on the dog. This will allow your pet to get used to the harness.

Once your dog is used to wearing the harness, begin attaching very light objects to the line. The exact weight will depend on the age and weight of your dog, but don’t make it too heavy. You simply need to get the dog used to pulling anything, even if it’s just a pillow.

Probably the most difficult part of training sled dogs is ensuring that they keep the lines taunt. This is vitally important. If the lines become slack, the dogs can become tangled, fights can break out and accidents can occur. Gentle corrections, and using food as rewards, usually works for most dogs. Give the reward whenever the lines are taunt, withholding the food if they are slack. Most dogs get the message fairly quickly.

Wheel dogs (the dogs closest to the sled) need to be trained to pull more weight. Try using a plastic tub into which you can load different weights. In general, you should not begin training your dog to pull weight until it is eighteen months old. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about how much weight your dog is pulling.

Lead dogs, on the other hand, need to be trained in the basic commands of mushing. If you have only one dog, that dog is both your wheel dog and your lead dog. It is not difficult to train your dog to accept mushing commands. It is really no more complex than training your dog to ‘sit’ and most of the same training methods will apply. Your dog must learn the following commands: hike (get moving), gee (turn right), haw (turn left), easy (slow down), and on-by (ignore distractions). These should be spoken in a firm voice, but not yelled.

If ‘gee’ and ‘haw’ confuse you, consider taping the instructions to your sled. More than one musher has been guilty of issuing a command in the heat of a race that sends the dogs down the wrong path. You will also want to train around distractions, as racing is far from a calm sport. Eventually, your dog will get used to pulling a sled no matter what else might be going on.

Never lose your temper when sled dog training. The entire process should be fun for you and the dogs. Remember to invest in the proper equipment, gently guide your dog into understanding what it is you require and consult a professional if necessary, and your dog sledding experience will be fun and exciting.