Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Hardware
• Method 2 of 4: Cargo
• Method 3 of 4: Alternative Method
• Method 4 of 4: Attach your dog to a sled or scooter
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

When watching a TV program, have you ever asked yourself: "What would have happened if my Tuzik and Barbos could do that?" They can, however. To ride the dogs under normal conditions, you would of course have to give up a lot of amenities, including the TV and the hot bath, but that does not mean that you cannot master a new hobby with dog sled training.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Hardware

1. 1 Get a dog, but make sure you enjoy dog ​​riding first. Don't start a dog just to carry you around. Your dog will need care, patience, training and money. When you are sure you want dogs and are ready to give it a try, choose the perfect sled dog. Any breed that is large and fast enough will work for you. Read our tips below to find out how to choose one.
2. 2 Buy harness, leashes, collars, and boots. Buy protective armor for yourself as well. Despite the fact that you won't be able to use it right away, buy a scooter. If you live in the North, in a cold, snowy country, buy a sled. Search online for dog riding equipment and you can order it online.
   • Laikas, for example, Siberian or Laiks from Alaska, are designed by nature to ride. Pointers and other hunting breeds are also usually fond of hauling, and they are more practical in warmer climates. Dogs participating in professional sled races are usually mixed breeds, they are hybrids of huskies and hunting dogs. Any hardworking dog will willingly drive you, even if it is a small breed, just then you will need a bigger team.

Method 2 of 4: Cargo

1. 1 Let your dog get used to the harness. Some dogs simply do not notice her, this is the most convenient. When the dog is getting used to it, attach the leash to the harness and a small weight to the other end that is not attached to the harness (for example, a bottle of water or tennis shoes that your furry friend has already finished off).
2. 2 Take the dogs, preferably one at a time, outside in harness and on a leash attached to the collar. The cargo will bother them at first, but soon they will get used to it.
3. 3 Train the dogs in commands.
   • When encouraging the dogs to lug the load, command them to turn left or right while turning in the appropriate direction at the same time. Dogs accustomed to bending will have a hard time doing this, but you should lean back behind their back as they pull (train them to do this gradually),
   • In addition, they should learn the command to "stand." Teach them this command by stopping them periodically and rewarding them when they stop and stand still.
   • They will need to learn another command with which you tell them not to pay attention to stimuli. Reward them for completing.
   • To teach them to line up, secure the leash still and say the command. Let them line up and encourage them. They must learn to do this when you are behind them.
4. 4 Continuously weight the load until they are happy to carry a light tire or something similar. Vary the weights so that the dogs get used to noisy, quiet, odorous and other options, to anything that is unexpected to them. If the dogs follow all the commands, not paying attention to the load, then you can proceed to the next stage.

Method 3 of 4: Alternative Method

1. 1 If you want, you can hook one leash to the harness and the other to the collar. It is best to take leashes of the same length.Take the dog for a walk, holding it so that it is always in front of you, and the leash, hooked onto the harness, remains taut at all times. Use the collar to remind your dog to stay in front of you, and to control it as it walks past distractions. Teach your dog the commands listed above.

Method 4 of 4: Attach your dog to a sled or scooter

1. 1 Harness the dogs or one of them on the scooter (or sled if you live in the snow). Put on your elbow and knee protectors. If the dogs look at you and wonder, then let them chase someone, for example, children or couples on bicycles. Keep them in line and don't let them run out. Keep one hand or foot on the brake at all times.

Tips

• A dog can start training at any age, it does not have to be a puppy - for example, one six-year-old husky learned to ride a sled when she was already four years old.
• The best sled dogs can cost a fortune, but the investment can be worth it if you plan on winning the race. On the other hand, sled dogs may not run very fast and are therefore inexpensive. Sometimes excellent sled dogs can be taken from the shelter.
• For a long sleigh ride, you will need two or more dogs. A good formula says that if the total weight the dog is carrying, including you, is more than the dog itself plus forty kilograms, then you need another dog.
• Lessons should be short and enjoyable.
• Exercise patience when training dogs. If they don't understand you, remember that it is your fault, not the dogs' fault. Punishing them for doing something wrong is better to take the time and teach them how to do it right.
• There are many alternatives to scooter and tobogganing. You can harness the dogs and get on the skis, or you can go on the rollers, if you are sure that you ride them well, you can harness the dogs into a cart with large wheels, like horses in a stroller. If you love variety, there are many different things you can do.
• Four to six months is the best age to start puppy training and command training. By nine months, you can already start small runs, less than one and a half kilometers. Build your dog's stamina gradually, especially if he has lived a sedentary life for a while. In any case, you cannot ride a dog for up to a year, this can damage the development of the skeleton.
• If you bought a sled, you need a special bag, ski poles and boots. Find a website on the Internet that sells such equipment. It is most convenient to bring sledges and dogs in a car or truck. The shock absorber cables will serve you well. For sleds you will need three dogs or more, consider purchasing more dogs if you are a sled lover.
• The steps listed are a good start. The next step is to buy a book about dog riding. There is an almost endless amount of information, opinions and advice on the Internet for all levels. Look for them on the sites and forums sleddogcentral.com, skidogs.ca and dogscooter.com
• If keeping four dogs is not your style, you can ski with one or two dogs. In sprint races, the best two-dog sleds develop almost the same speed as the best four-dog sleds, if the dogs themselves have the same ability.

Warnings

• When driving a scooter, never allow the weight of the dogs to be greater than the weight of the scooter with you, unless you blindly trust their ideal behavior. Dogs can get out of hand. For more dogs, you will need a three-wheeled carriage.
• Sleds and scooters often overturn, so be sure to wear protective shields. When riding a scooter, gloves will prevent damage to the skin on the palms, and a helmet will protect your head. There have been cases of elbow fractures, so elbows should also be protected.
• Be prepared for worse weather.If the weather is nice, warm and the snow is melting, you cannot be sure that it will not get cold and it will not rain soon.
• A chain or wire may be more suitable for training with a load than a leash. Some leashes are frayed in half after one walk.

What do you need

• Dogs
• Harness
• Collar
• Leashes
• Scooter or sleigh
• A place where transport rarely runs