SAFDSS - South African Federation of Dog Sledding Sports

CANIWALK * BACKPACKING * TREKKING * WEIGHT PULLING * DRYLAND CARTS - CANICROSS * SCOOTER * BIKEJORING * DOG TEAMS

Alaskan Malamutes

Greenland Dogs

Samoyeds

Siberian Huskies

Our objectives are to practice and promote dog sledding sports amongst the owners of purebred sled dog breeds as recognised by the FCI and FISTC.

Enquiries can be send to: safdss@gocco.co.za

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FISTC held its annual General Assembly in Chiomonte (Italy) on 19th and 20th of June.

I have now the honour and the pleasure to inform you that during the meeting, the General Assembly decided unanimously that SAFDSS should become a Member of the FISTC.

Your Federation is now a full Member of the FISTC and it is my great pleasure to welcome you in our Federation.

Franco Mannato

FISTC President

	Caniwalk is also becoming very popular in the eastern countries - same equipment applies between dog and participant, similar as for Canicross, but in this instance you walk and don't run and is very popular amongst the non-athletically participants in offering something for all in building a renewed fun loving bond between both owner and sled dog.

	Canicross - is a sport of cross-country running while hitched to a single dog. It is related to the winter dog-powered sport of skijoring on snow, whereby you're hitched to one dog. Canicross is not simply walking the dog. Neither is running with a dog on a leash canicross. In canicross the dog pulls you, therefore you should hold your body back while following. Also a excellent way to initially teach a dog the various commands.

	Scootering - is a sport where 1 or 2 dogs pull a human riding an un-motorised kick scooter. Scootering provides exercise both for the dog and musher. The dog gets exercise by pulling the scooter but the musher have to help push, especially up hills. Most dogs take to this sport as they get to run as fast as they can. As in all principals when the dogs gets tired, the musher or driver to support in their action going forward by paddling in assistance.

	Bikejoring - is a sport where 1 or 2 dogs pulls a cyclist. Although any breed of dog can be used, Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes are probably the most popular breeds for bikejoring. Bikejoring are very beneficial to the health and fitness of dogs. The dog or dogs are fitted with a long distance harness suitable for pulling and running in safety. Also a good way to initially train dogs for a cart team.

	Team Carts - jigs or Gigs is a sport where the musher drives a 3-wheeled cart with a maximum of 4-dogs or a 4-wheeled cart pulled by a minimum of 5-dogs the dogs. Classes are divided into 4-, 6-, 8- or open class. Distances range from 6 to 12 kilometers depending on the class (ie number of dogs) and what is permitted by the grounds utilised. Various rules are applied for the safety of musher and dogs. If a dog is injured, the musher must abandon the event. a Well trained team of dogs are required as travelling takes place at very high speeds.

	Weight Pull - Sled dogs is by nature and conformation a draft animal. The sport of weight pulling is popular and can be practiced by any type of dog willing to pull. Competitions consist of any dog pulling a given weight a given distance in a set amount of time. Weights are increased for each round, with dogs dropping out when they fail to make the pull. The competitions are divided into various weight classes depending on the weight of your dog.

	Back Packing & Trekking - Trekking with backpacking is an enjoyable activity for you and your Dog. Anyone can join in as long as they and their dog are in good health, are reasonably fit and have the right equipment. The only specialised equipment you'll need is a canine backpack for your dog, a sturdy lead & collar to attach weight for the backpack, water & water bowl, rubbish bags, light tent (should you be camping over night) and sensible clothing for you the handler. Walkers must also carry their own basic first aid items. National Working Titles can also be obtained.

FISTC Members