Sled Dogs
Dogs have been pulling sleds for thousands of years. Their work and lifestyle have been immortalized in fact and fiction, most notably in Jack London’s Call of the Wild. Before sled pulling became a sport, it served a very real and necessary function for people living in icy climates. Today, several breed s(including Eskimo Dogs, Samoyed’s and mixed breeds) can be used for pulling,though historically Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies have performed this job. Developed in conjunction with the needs of the Mahlemut people of the Alaskan area, the dogs typically pulled food from hunting and fishing sights back to the villages. In Siberia, people used Huskies for both herding and pulling.
The American gold rush of the mid-nineteenth century altered the rolled for both dog breeds, Huskies were imported to Alaska to work with the Malamutes in hauling gold from the discovery site to buyers and transportation locations. As the practical need for dog pulling diminishes toward the end of the century , more owners began using sled dogs a for sport and recreation.In the first decade of the twentieth century, formal rules for sledding evolved and the first official race took place in Alaska in 1908. The sport’s popularity grew slowly for the next few decades.
In 1925, sled dogs were used to rush diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska,. Due to harsh conditions, planes and trains were considered dangerous and unreliable. Twenty sled drivers and over 100 dogs covered nearly 700 miles in six days, delivering the medicine and saving many inhabitants.
A variety of equipment and know-how is used for leading a pulling team. The primary requirement is a sled, which can be a basket or toboggan type. Toboggans are rigid and durable and capable of sustaining great loads, but with somewhat limited agility. Basket sled are used for speed or in windy situations. They are lightweight, but less effective with large loads. Harnesses, which attack the dogs to the sleds, come in many styles. The most common choices are the x-back and freighting harnesses. The x-back is used for sport, while the freighting harness is effective for hauling large loads. People interested in sledding should consult with a professional handler or supplier before choosing a harness. Additional lines, bags and hooks will also be needed. These items are fairly inexpensive and should suited to the type of sled and harness you have.
Special training is needed for both the person driving the sled and the dogs. Young puppies can become accustomed to the equipment and process of pulling things from a very young age. Young animals do not need to haul large equipment to get used to the feel and may even become injured if great demands are placed on their growing bodies. Most adult dogs display a natural instinct to pull, but may resist to harness. The most challenging part of training involved keeping the lines between the sled and dogs tight. Introduce your dog to new skills gradually and never punish or hit the dog for making mistakes. Sled dogs enjoy their skills and should never fear the experience.
More specialized training will be needed to prepare a lead dog for the team. Training commands should always be given in a clear, clam voice. Vary the terrain, commands and practice situations. Some people train sled dogs for speed, some for weight and others find a combination of the two works best, Depending on your training goals, you will have t decide which emphasis works for you and your dogs.
Sled dogs have special health requirements. They are very healthy, but prone to foot and nail injuries. The feet should be examined regularly and the nails kept short. Any sign of cuts, cracks dry skin, scars or jammed nails should be treated professionally. Dogs should be fed normally during the off-season, but should eat more fat and protein during training times. High protein diets year-round can lead to kidney problems and obesity. Sled dogs need plenty of water and can become easily dehydrated. They should have easy access to fresh water at all times.
People who are interested in pursuing this hobby or skill should consult with specialized outfitters and experiences trainers.
Aside form sled pulling, large working dogs also pull carts an carry heavy packs. In Europe, dogs still pull coal, milk, flowers and other wares being sold by vendors. Naturally, dogs with strong bodies and sound temperament are required.