INTRODUCTION:
Dogs have been used as draft
animals for centuries. Time trail events today continue today as
a new purpose for recreation mushing and as a sport and became
the focus of sled dog team events.
Competitions
Sled dog team
time trail events
may be divided into 4, 6 and 8-dog classes. Competitors always
starts individually with the distances run may range from 3 to
13 kilometers run over fairly level terrain on grass, dirt,
gravel, sand or similar surfaces. Asphalt and concrete are
avoided.
Events are usually a few hours in length. If an event such as
the SA's is held over 2 days, the competitor's final time will
be based upon the accumulated time over the period.
Competitors must use the same dog in all heats of the event and
the length of the line between the competitor and the dog is
regulated, generally between 2 and 2,67 meters per 2 dog
section.
Ambient temperatures exceeding certain limits may be cause for
cancellation of events as the safety of dogs and humans is of
paramount concern.
It is advised that you only
participate in this activity with a well trained team of dogs
with an experienced lead dog.
What equipment do you need?
A well maintained 3 or 4-wheeled cart will be required. You need
a team of dog, sledding harnesses fitted for each dog on the
team, backline, tow or gangline, neck and tugline, most
important a stopline to hold your cart on pull away, bungee cart
specific to the size of the team, first aid kit for both dogs
and musher.
What breed of dog can pull a cart?
Alaskan Malamutes need to run on a regular basis - many dog
trainers believe it should be every day. Some trainers run their
dogs twice a day but here in South Africa it is a weekend sports
activity. Walking on a leash at human pace is not the same as
running at dog speed. Obviously large dogs such as the Alaskan
Malamute, a Nordic sle dog, have no trouble pulling a cart as a
team sport. Just remember, when going uphill on a dirt trail,
you need to get off and run behind the cart. When going
downhill, the cart rolls faster and faster, so put on the brakes
and keep that tugline tight! Don't let the dog run too fast (for
his own safety) and never let the cart catch up to the dogs.
So your Alaskan Malamutes loves to run, give them the means to
run - teach them by starting with the other mushing principals.
Carting is a source of great exercise for both you and your
dog(s). It will allow you to explore the countryside, and give
you both good sleep when you get back home. Soon you will become
addicted like the rest of the musher fraternity.
