Sled dog racing in details

Dogs are not only pets and best friends of many people, but also amazing team members when it comes to doing various things together. They are full of energy and are always ready to have fun, which is why many sports in which dogs can participate exist nowadays. One of the biggest groups of such sports is the sled dog racing. Here is everything you should know about it.

Peculiarities

This group of sports involves riding on the dog sleigh. There are many types of races, some of them are aimed at reaching the highest speed or covering the longest distances. Almost any person can practice this sport and take part in the competitions. The greatest challenge for all expert dog drivers is covering 2000 kilometers’ distances. Usually such races require using 12 to 16 dogs. Such competitions may last for several days.

Types of sled dog racing

Many disciplines are united by the term ‘sled dog racing’. This happened because in some countries, there are no suitable weather conditions for practicing this sport in winter. Thus, all these disciplines are divided into two groups: dry land sled dog racing and winter sled dog racing.

The dry land sled dog racing comprises the following types:

• The first one is running with the dog fastened to the waist of the sportsman with the help of a special rope.
• Dog-tracking is a similar discipline (the only difference that it allows both running and walking).
• Sometimes the sportsman can ride a bike. One or two dogs must be fastened to the rudder with a rope.
• A scooter might be used in terms of the competitions as well. Again, one or several dogs can be fastened to the rudder.
• Finally, sometimes it is possible to use a three or four-wheel cart and 4 to 10 dogs.

Winter disciplines include:

• Skijoring (this is a race, in which 1-2 dogs and a skier take part);
• Riding in a sleigh (one to four dogs can participate in this race);
• Sled races (this sport was the first to appear in this group, it involves up to 16 dogs).

According to the distance of a race, the competitions are divided into three categories:

• Sprints (the distance is up less than 40 kilometers);
• Medium distances (40 to 500 kilometers);
• Long distances, or marathons (the distance is more than 500 kilometers).

Equipment

It is paramount to choose suitable equipment. Not only does it affect the success of the race, but also it can have an impact on the dog’s health. What should the equipment consist of?

• A harness is a set of elastics helping to distribute the pressure on the dog’s chest.
• A leash helps to fasten several dogs running in one line to each other.
• A snap hook is used to attach different parts of equipment.
• A special kind of rope helps to connect a dog and a human.
• Absorbers are used to reduce the pressure on the dogs’ bodies and prevent animals from being injured.

As for the types of transport that can be used by humans, they vary from bicycles and scooters to skis and scooters.

Dog breeds

Actually, dogs of any breeds can take part in the competitions. However, there are some requirements that must be taken into account.

• An animal must have a high endurance and be able to keep running for a long time.
• It must be strong enough to move various objects.
• A dog should be able to reach high speed of movement, even when it comes to running on powdery surfaces.
• It should have a lot of fur to spend a lot of time in cold weather.
• It must be calm and non-aggressive.

Although there are no restrictions concerning the breeds, it is better to opt for huskies, malamutes, shepherds.

Training

There are three aspects of training. The first one is concerned with the command that must be understood by the dog. It should react to the basic commands, such as ‘Lay’, ‘Sit’ and others. After teaching it to understand these commands, it is possible to start teaching it specific commands. They include: ‘Stop’, ‘Left’, ‘Right’. They help to make the process of directing the animal easier. At the same time, it is advisable that the animals must get used to wearing ammunition.

Moreover, the human must be in good physical condition. It is necessary to incorporate cardio workouts in the training schedule. Running on a regular basis is a great way of getting ready for competitions. In addition, it is crucial to train in the gym to build muscles.

Training must be systematic. Due to the fact that most of the competitions are held in winter, there are three main periods in training. The first one takes part in May and lasts till August. This is when dogs can have some rest. Swimming and regular walks will help them to stay healthy and active. The main training period starts in September and involves working on various skills. Finally, in January the third period starts. This is when the competitions take place.

Competitions

Sled dog racing is so popular that it was made an Olympic discipline. In 1932, it was included in the Olympic Games as a demonstrative sport. Since then, it has become an official sport that takes place in terms of every winter Olympiad. Moreover, there are World Championships and National tournaments that are held in many countries.

History

The first mentions of this sport dates back to the 1850s. This is when travelers competed against each other while travelling from the USA to Canada. Yet, as a sport sled dog racing appeared when the Gold rush began. In terms of living in the state of Alaska, people found it useful to use dog sleigh as it was the most useful mean of transport. A whole group of expert dog drivers invented competitions that soon became famous all around the world. Although at first this sport was popular in the USA, it became well-known in other countries, such as France, Austria, Switzerland, the USSR. In 1983, the European Sled Dog Racing Association was established. Several years later, National Associations united and formed the International Federation of Sled dog Sports, which is now in charge of the World Championship.

All in all, sled dog racing is a whole group of sports that fascinate many people. They are stunning and require a lot of training, but the time spent on getting ready for the competitions is worth it.