Sled dogs were the world’s first draft animals, used thousands of years ago in northern Siberia to pull loads. In all cold regions from Alaska to Greenland and northern Europe to Russia, sled dog sport also has a long tradition. In the meantime, the Central Europeans have also acquired a taste for it, and in our latitudes, dog sledding is becoming more and more popular not only on snow but also on forest and field paths.
What is sled dog sport?
In sled dog sport, a musher stands as a human leader on the sled or wagon that is pulled by anywhere from two to twelve or more dogs. The front of the sled dogs, which are usually harnessed in pairs, act as lead dogs that have to react to the musher’s commands at lightning speed. Today, sled dog sport is practiced in numerous international and European associations.
Modern sled dog races
When a diphtheria epidemic broke out in the coastal town of Nome in northwestern Alaska in the winter of 1925, medicines had to be delivered by a dog sled team. 20 mushers set out with their teams from the town of Nenana, 1085 km away. Inspired by this long-distance race under extreme arctic conditions, the legendary Iditarod race has been held in Alaska every year since 1973. At 1850 km, it is the longest sled dog race in the world. Today’s races are divided into three distances: sprint, middle distance, and long-distance. In Germany, races up to 20 km are usually considered sprints, from 20 to 50 km as medium distance and more than 100 km as long distance. Furthermore, a distinction is made between authentic sled or snow races and chariot races.
What is sled dog sport?
In dog sledding, a sled or wagon is pulled by a team of dogs. The team consists of a human musher and between two and twelve or more dogs.
Benefits of sled dog racing for the dog
Sled dog sport is a particularly strenuous and challenging sport that is not suitable for every four-legged friend. But those dogs that naturally have a great need for exercise and at the same time are insensitive to cold and undemanding in their diet love exactly the challenges that a race offers them. Certain dog breeds can only be kept in a species-appropriate manner if they are allowed to complete a high daily racing workload.
The training can also contribute to the mental workload of the dog. Because an intelligent and eager to learn dog benefits from the experience of working together with the musher and his pack and continuously improving. Dog racing not only trains endurance and speed, but also social behavior. And a classic pack dog needs the company of its own kind.
Which dogs are suitable for sled dog sport?
The Greenland dog, husky, and malamute are the most common sled dogs, but the Yakutian Laika and Samoyed are also excellent for this sport.
Which dogs are suitable for sled dog sport?
Typical sled dogs include huskies, Greenland dogs, Malamutes, and Samoyeds. With their dense undercoat under the close-fitting top coat, they are particularly insensitive to cold, and they are characterized by their joy of running and their high resilience. Various crosses of these breeds, for example with hunting dogs, are also often used for races.
When can you start sled dog sport?
The minimum age to participate in sled dog races in this country is 18 or 12 months. Only adult dogs whose skeleton is already stable are allowed to engage in racing. But light, playful training can arouse anticipation even in small four-legged friends. By the time a puppy is three to four months old, he can get used to a small harness just by going for a walk, and by the age of seven to eight months, he may enjoy accompanying his master on a bike ride.
When can my dog ​​start dog sledding?
Minimum age of 18 months is required for most races, in some disciplines dogs from 12 months can participate. Puppies as young as three to four months can start with light preparatory exercises.
What basic commands does the dog need to know?
In order to avoid accidents, mushers and dogs must have internalized the basic commands:
- Halt/Stop: Stop or Whoa
- Left: haw
- Right: gee
- Straight ahead
- Left past: Over haw
- Right past: Over gee
- Go!: Go/Hike/Mush!
Where can I practice sled dog sports?
If you live in snowy areas in the Harz Mountains or on the edge of the Alps, you can start exercising right on your doorstep. Everyone else can train in the woods and fields with a car and look for a club in their region via the VDSV.
Equipment and terrain for the perfect start
If you want to get a taste of the world of sled dogs, you can book a beginner’s tour through Finland and Lapland, for example. But there are also snow areas suitable for beginners in the immediate vicinity, on the edge of the German Alps, in Austria and Switzerland. The basic equipment includes stable collars and harnesses that fit perfectly and are well made. A tear-resistant pull line and an equally reliable safety line with robust carabiners are also of particular importance. A shock absorber between the sled and the towing line is intended to reduce the jerk when starting and stopping. Finally, sledges and training wagons must be intact and selected to suit the number and strength of the dogs.
Conclusion: Is my dog suitable for dog sledding?
Any dog that has the necessary qualities and enjoys running can make a good sled dog. A healthy cardiovascular system and strong muscles are important. In addition, the dog has to get by with meager food for a long time and have a certain insensitivity to pain. Intelligence and social behavior also characterize a suitable sled dog and especially a lead dog.
