The term cani-walk is a worldwide practice becoming a sport
activity for the non-athletic owner.
Cani-walk is the sport of walking your dog in harness with
equipment similar or the same used for skijoring. Cani-walk is
not simply running the dog. Running with a dog on a leash is not
cani-walk. In cani-walk the dog pulls you while walking. Your
hands are free because your dog is attached at the belt. You
need a belt, a line with an integrated shock cord and a harness
for the dog.
Dog speeds versus Human Speeds
In cani-walk, the dog is taught to keep tension on the line
while walking at human speeds. Cani-walk is typically a one dog
sport. Any more power than one dog is not recommended. A dog
that can heel is nice for walking down hills. A head halter on a
lead is a good device for slowing a dog on the downhill if your
dog doesn't heel. Your dog should be accustomed to the halter
before you try it in a event.
"You are only as fast as your slowest dog" is the old mushers
axiom. The slowest dog in cani-walk is usually the human.
Keep Your Dogs Cool
Cani-walk is a warmer weather sport and great care should be
taken to monitor your dogs performance. Dogs overheat easily
when working in warm temperatures. Know the limits of your dogs
and keep them well hydrated. You should be extra careful in
providing enough water for your dogs. If the route has no good
water then you have to carry water for your dog. Cani-walk as a
sports activity requires the dog to work, so overheating is
always a concern. Working the dogs at daybreak or at night is a
good way to avoid overheating. Avoid pavement and mid day sun.
Keep the distance conservative.
Ambient temperatures exceeding certain limits may be cause for
cancellation of events as the safety of dogs and humans is of
paramount concern.
Methods
Cani-walk takes a little less agility because while walking you
will at the most only have one foot off the ground, therefore
you will never be vulnerable when a dog is tugging you. Walking
fast downhill when a dog is pulling you is not recommended. Your
dog should know the command for easy. To a dog, a human walking
is still slow and your dog will rarely try to break out of a
walk into a trot or a lope but you will have to correct him
immediately not to risk being disqualified when competing in
time trails.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Competitions are governed by local event giving organizations and
the International Sled Dog Events Associations.
RECREATIONAL MUSHING
It you are not the competitive type, recreational mushing should be
a must for you and your Alaskan Malamute.
Should you be interested in engaging with our activities, send an
e-mail to famcsa@gocco.co.za
