INTRODUCTION:
Dog scootering is like sledding.
You harness your dog, attach him to the kick scooter, and off
you go. Just like sledding or mushing as its also called -
except mushing means multiple dogs. Dog scootering means just
one or two dogs. Dog scootering is mushing for the rest of us.
Competitions
Scootering
time trail events
may be divided into 1 and 2 dog classes. Competitors may be
started individually, in multiples or groups. 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 2,15 and 3,65 meters.
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 also a fine way to train a
lead dog and to give confidence to team dogs. Scootering is
great for retired sled dogs, who are still feisty but too slow
to run with a team.
What equipment do you need?
Dog scootering requires less equipment than most dog sports. You
need a dog, scooter, sledding harness, and tugline.
Dog scooters usually have 30 to 66 cm wheels with air-filled
tires. The Scooter should have good brakes which are essential
for downhill travel. Unfortunately most of them do not have
fenders; therefore, mud gear is preferable if conditions are
wet. Some scooters have shock absorbers.
Sled dog harnesses are of synthetic webbing. The collars are fit
carefully to lie at the base of the neck. The pull comes on the
breast bone via the chest strap that goes between the front
legs. The beauty of the sled dog harness is that there is no
pulling on the neck and no binding of the shoulders.
Tuglines have snaps at both ends and built-in bungee cords.
Usually they attach to the scooter by wrapping once or twice
around the down tube and snapping into a D-ring. A slide snap
attaches to the loop or D-ring in the harness.
What breed of dog can pull a scooter?
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 scooter.
Just remember, when you scooter uphill on a dirt trail, you need
to get off and run beside the scooter. When going downhill, the
scooter 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 scooter catch up to the dog.
Of course a pair of Border Collies can tick off more miles in
half an hour of scootering than two Beagles, but the Beagles
will have just as much fun running their half hour as the Border
Collies. So if your dog loves to run, give him the means to run
- teach him to scooter. Scootering 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 us
scooterers.
