Scooters, Rigs and Sleds
Most dogs take to this sport with a little encouragement. They get to run as fast as they can and get to see and visit new places. As dog “mushers” become more experienced, they tend to take their dog(s) and scooter(s) with them to new trails. This can lead to a stronger bond between people and their dogs. Scootering provides exercise both for the dog and the rider. The dog gets exercise pulling the scooter but people have to help push, especially up hills. Dogs that exercise regularly tend to be better behaved, as a lot of bad behaviour is due to boredom and lack of exercise.
Scooter
There are a variety of different types of dog scooter on the market currently, ranging from £200 to £400. Scooters are not motorised and most have mountain bike type tyres, ranging from 16" to 26". The scooters have a large footplate to balance, stand upon and kick off from, and usually have a front and rear brake.
You may find some models only have a rear brake, and other models are now incorporating front shocks to absorb the bumps when riding over rough terrain. Most scooters allow the gang-line to be connected around the head stock of the scooter, but there are some varieties of scooter which have introduced a brush bow attachment, which cover the front wheel. This protects the dogs from the wheel and also allows the gang-line to be connected in a direct line to the rear of the harness.
Dry Land Rig
3-4 Wheeled Rigs are gaining in popularity for running sled dogs in Britain. A rig is what we use to work sled dogs in this country given our lack of snow. A rig is basically a 3 wheeled trike which is made from light steel or aluminium with an attachment at the front to hook the dogs up. A rig weighs roughly between 17-20kg once made. Rigs provide better stability when running 3 or more dogs and are used to condition sled dog teams. The more dogs you have the faster you generally go and the rig provides better handling for this. Most rigs are 3 wheeled, but you do find some 4 wheeled rigs. Many parts on the rig are standard bike parts so they can be upgraded and replaced easily.
Dog Sleds
Toboggan Sleds
Toboggan sleds are popular in both regular sledding and dog sledding. In dog sledding, a toboggan sled isn't entirely different from a basket sled. Where a basket sled's basket is usually built from wood and allowed to ride high above the runners to avoid getting its contents wet, toboggan sleds mount the basket, crafted from plastic, directly on the runners.
While this type of mounting lowers the water-resistant nature that makes basket sleds attractive as transportation, the plastic build of the basket adds its own layer of water and snow resistance. In addition, the lower mounting results in a better, more stable centre of gravity so that the sled can be piled with larger loads to carry.
Mushers looking to race on well-trodden paths of snow won't get much out of a toboggan sled since the larger loads add weight and reduce precision, but if you are looking to use your sled primarily for carrying passengers or load from place to place, these sleds are ideal. Some resorts or mountain hotels offer guided wilderness tours in dog sleds, an activity that primarily uses toboggan sleds due to their load-carrying capability. Toboggan sleds also plough right through deep powder so if your use demands trailblazing, a toboggan is a good choice.
Raised Toboggan Sleds
If neither the basket sled nor the toboggan sled appeals to you, then a raised toboggan may be perfect, as it combines characteristics of both for a well-rounded sled experience. Using the same plastic basket approach as the toboggan, but raising the basket in the manner of a wooden basket sled, raised toboggans trade some of the load-carrying capability of regular toboggans, but make up for it with added manoeuvrability. Essentially, the raised toboggan is like a basket sled, only it can plough through deep, fresh powder with the speed and stability of a regular toboggan.
Most dogs take to this sport with a little encouragement. They get to run as fast as they can and get to see and visit new places. As dog “mushers” become more experienced, they tend to take their dog(s) and scooter(s) with them to new trails. This can lead to a stronger bond between people and their dogs. Scootering provides exercise both for the dog and the rider. The dog gets exercise pulling the scooter but people have to help push, especially up hills. Dogs that exercise regularly tend to be better behaved, as a lot of bad behaviour is due to boredom and lack of exercise.
Scooter
There are a variety of different types of dog scooter on the market currently, ranging from £200 to £400. Scooters are not motorised and most have mountain bike type tyres, ranging from 16" to 26". The scooters have a large footplate to balance, stand upon and kick off from, and usually have a front and rear brake.
You may find some models only have a rear brake, and other models are now incorporating front shocks to absorb the bumps when riding over rough terrain. Most scooters allow the gang-line to be connected around the head stock of the scooter, but there are some varieties of scooter which have introduced a brush bow attachment, which cover the front wheel. This protects the dogs from the wheel and also allows the gang-line to be connected in a direct line to the rear of the harness.
Dry Land Rig
3-4 Wheeled Rigs are gaining in popularity for running sled dogs in Britain. A rig is what we use to work sled dogs in this country given our lack of snow. A rig is basically a 3 wheeled trike which is made from light steel or aluminium with an attachment at the front to hook the dogs up. A rig weighs roughly between 17-20kg once made. Rigs provide better stability when running 3 or more dogs and are used to condition sled dog teams. The more dogs you have the faster you generally go and the rig provides better handling for this. Most rigs are 3 wheeled, but you do find some 4 wheeled rigs. Many parts on the rig are standard bike parts so they can be upgraded and replaced easily.
Dog Sleds
Toboggan Sleds
Toboggan sleds are popular in both regular sledding and dog sledding. In dog sledding, a toboggan sled isn't entirely different from a basket sled. Where a basket sled's basket is usually built from wood and allowed to ride high above the runners to avoid getting its contents wet, toboggan sleds mount the basket, crafted from plastic, directly on the runners.
While this type of mounting lowers the water-resistant nature that makes basket sleds attractive as transportation, the plastic build of the basket adds its own layer of water and snow resistance. In addition, the lower mounting results in a better, more stable centre of gravity so that the sled can be piled with larger loads to carry.
Mushers looking to race on well-trodden paths of snow won't get much out of a toboggan sled since the larger loads add weight and reduce precision, but if you are looking to use your sled primarily for carrying passengers or load from place to place, these sleds are ideal. Some resorts or mountain hotels offer guided wilderness tours in dog sleds, an activity that primarily uses toboggan sleds due to their load-carrying capability. Toboggan sleds also plough right through deep powder so if your use demands trailblazing, a toboggan is a good choice.
Raised Toboggan Sleds
If neither the basket sled nor the toboggan sled appeals to you, then a raised toboggan may be perfect, as it combines characteristics of both for a well-rounded sled experience. Using the same plastic basket approach as the toboggan, but raising the basket in the manner of a wooden basket sled, raised toboggans trade some of the load-carrying capability of regular toboggans, but make up for it with added manoeuvrability. Essentially, the raised toboggan is like a basket sled, only it can plough through deep, fresh powder with the speed and stability of a regular toboggan.
