INTRODUCTION TO
OUR SLEDDING & CARTING CLASS
In 1993 Bob thought that since he had siberian huskies it would be a good idea to let them do what they were bred to do - run in harness. After reading up on the sport of dog sledding and training his two sibes he told a local pet shop that he would like to contact other siberian/northern breed owners with the idea of getting together and having fun with their dogs, the idea being that single pet owners could enjoy the sport without having to have more than one dog or buying all the equipment necessary to dog sled. And so the Sledding and Carting Club and the motto 'Getting Working Dogs Off Unemployment' were born here in Eastern Ontario, Canada. We share sleds, gigs and equipment and use the more experienced dogs to train newbies. Classes are held every second Saturday, weather permitting, throughout the season. There is no charge except for a harness and usually one is lent the first time to see if the dog will enjoy it. As it was difficult to obtain equipment nearby, Bob & Kevin started making sleds(both wooden and aluminum) and equipment. Anne makes the harnesses and so far has made, besides the normal sizes, a harness for a St Bernard and little harnesses for a team of American Eskimos (yes, those little dogs 'can' run) and an even smaller harness for a chihuahua mix.
Some of the original members, who started with one or two dogs have gone on to having full teams and racing. Others have also caught the 'potato chip syndrome'(can't have just one) and have added one, two or more dogs to their families, but have remained with the recreational group and carry on teaching new members and their furry friends just how much fun winter can be.
The group has a membership of approximately 40 to 50 members with up to 100 dogs in any given year, which have included siberian huskies, samoyeds, alaskan malamutes, alaskan huskies, akitas, a saint bernard, a boxer, an alaskan klee kai, a giant schnauzer, a standard poodle and many mixed breeds (in other words - any dog that likes to run and pull). A number are rescue dogs and the group tries to place as many as they can throughout the year, as the calls keep coming in.
We put on 3 'fun' races each year in which we encourage new mushers to try running a sled. We also visit schools and winter carnivals, give talks and put on demonstrations on dog sledding. Some of the siberians and owners in the club also have their 'Pawsitive Image' certificates whereby they are approved as visitation teams for the elderly.
The following is the hand-out given to new members:
Welcome to the Training Class Division of the Mush Larose Sledding and Carting Club. You are about to join the ranks of what we think are the luckiest dog owners in the area, those that run sled dogs.
Our training sessions differ greatly from the familiar obedience classes as you will quickly recognize. The dogs and trainers are working as a team in close ranks, as opposed to one dog, one handler, and no sniffing. A much more relaxed fun attitude exists. Recognizing this dictates the degree of participation you will have to take. In addition, the amount of socialization your dog has had will determine how readily your pet will be accepted by the pack, where a pecking order exists.
New members are encouraged to ask questions, and please do, you will find there are a number of informed members on the sidelines that enjoy explaining the finer points of sledding and dogs. To this end, it is best to leave your dog at home for the first class. This gives you a chance to get familiarized without the concern of minding your own animal, who, in all probability, will react with uncontrollable excitement or extreme shyness as it confronts the other dogs.
One ritual that is often difficult for the new member to understand is the correction that is used with aggressive dogs. On occasion new dogs will fight out of fear or challenge the alpha male or female. This is normal behaviour and must be modified. Dogs do not fight by the "Queensbury Rules of Boxing". As a matter of fact, it is often difficult to determine which dog is the aggressor, nor is it relevant because both dogs have to be firmly corrected using the Woodhouse method. This often is done by the closest club member as you may not be available. The correction is done in a firm manner without hurting the dog, but must be performed as continued aggression will not be tolerated. A word to the wise, remove your gloves before correcting a dog. In general, we find that a male-female combination of running mates minimizes the risk of
fighting on the trail.
The size of the beginners training team is dictated by the number of mobile trainers available. that being one trainer for every two dogs. Hence a six dog gig team requires a driver, passenger and a cyclist. It is to your advantage if you are in good physical condition, as mushers will tell you, we often work as hard, or harder, than the dogs. There is no such thing as a free ride on the back of the sled.
Short fast runs are used for training sessions. So the driver and team changes are frequent. This is where you start by helping, extra hands are appreciated, especially
in the cold weather.
Ideally, training starts at three months of age. Now, at this stage, we're not training for the Iditerod but talking socialization, puppy kindergarten, a puppy harness with a block of wood and lots of fun. At five months your dog can join a team, but don't overdo it. The dogs, as much as they want to run, are still developing and the last thing you want to do is hurt an animal, one or two runs a session are plenty until your dog reaches the age of eight months. If you own an older dog, not to worry - the success rate in our class is very high because basically all dogs want to run, we've just got to convince Rover to do it our way.
The day to day running of the class is done by the members of the Club, bound by the rules of the International Sled Dog Racing Association. Your input and ideas are always welcome through one of the club members who will table them at one of our regular meetings. Or, better still, after your feet and paws have landed on the ground, join the club.
Children are an important part of our training adventure, for they serve as lightweight passengers on the sled or gig and assist the driver with dog tangles. In addition, they serve as the watering crew, a most important job that is easily overlooked by the adults in our excitement, but not by the kids. Three things to remember - if your child participates, they must closely follow the instructions of the driver and, secondly, be aware that the wheel dogs (the two closest to the sled) will kick up snow. Hence, face protection of some sort makes a lot of sense on the sled and a bicycle helmet on the gig.
Getting a proper fitting racing harness is of the utmost importance. Harnesses, collars and other sledding equipment is available through the club. All equipment, including sleds, are made by our club members.
The last thing you should know is how to control your dog when the harness comes out, because once you and your dog have caught the bug, you will both become hyper at the sight of a dog sled.
Come on out and share in the fun! The most it can cost is the price of a harness (approx. 20.00).
See You on the Trail!
Get your own Free Home Page
