What is Dog Scootering?
Dog scootering is like sledding. You harness your dog, attach him to
the 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.
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
