Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding
A dog sled is a sled pulled by one or more sled dogs used to travel on the ice and snow. Many types of sleds are used, according to their function. They can be used for racing sled dogs.

History

Dog power have been used for hunting and travel over a thousand years. Early 10 century, these dogs have influenced human culture. (Coppinger, L.) [1]

Gather a team of sled dogs dogs involves picking a leader, point dogs, swing dogs and wheel dogs. The lead dog is crucial, especially musher to taking care of these dogs. Is also important to have powerful wheel dogs to pull the sled on snow. Point dogs (optional) is placed behind the lead dogs, swing dogs and dogs from the point of the wheel, and the dogs of the team are all dogs in between the wheel and swing dogs and are selected for their endurance, strength and speed as part of the team. Siberian Huskies in dog sledding or Alaskan Malamute are the main types of dogs used because of their willingness to work.



Ironically, the powerful, the canines in the wild section dedicated sled dogs: a saga of Alaska is just over mutt. "The dog we call the Alaskan Husky is not an official race," said Joe Runyan time musher, who won the race in Alaska sled dog Iditarod in 1989. Huskies are rather mixed breed dogs that are selected "for performance, not looks," he said.

In particular, educators are looking for a husky dog ​​instinctive desire to pull long and hard for the most demanding conditions. "You dogs, who really want to see what's around the corner," says Runyan. "They want to be always in motion."

However, a careful reproduction decades produced dogs with physical revealing. For one thing, the best sled dogs pulling fast, efficient and paces remarkable strength for their size. "You rarely see a really good sled dog in the course of about 55 kilos," said Runyan, speculates that large dogs are at a disadvantage when it comes to physiological oxygen supply and blood to the heart, lungs and muscles. But even small dogs can pull loads impressive. "My daughter had a dog of 43 books that have attracted more than 800 pounds," says Runyan. With such power, "is like a small pony with 64 feet ", a team of 16 dogs, he notes. Larger teams, including one that included more than 200 dogs have been known to take buses and even help move houses." Their strength can be incredible " , Runyan said.

As dog teams to pull together, however, requires months of training. In low season, for example, some mushers rope their teams to wheeled carts or four-wheel off-road, and allow your dog to pull carts along the dirt roads less snow. The dogs are so powerful and as a guide to pull about, which, according to Runyan, even if the brakes are difficult to retain.

Lackey Iditarod is a special talent - and the special requirements, like food. Together, their power comes from a big appetite. Although perhaps along the normal 1500 calories a day mutt, sled dogs can easily consume up to 10,000 calories a day. And when they are hard, huskies can be sensitive to the legs. To safeguard their mushers polar fleece tie boots that keep feet warm and protected. In the Iditarod, one of about 2,000 drivers to use boots. Each lasts several hours and up to 100 km.

Once trained, sled dogs can remain in perfect condition for years. It is not uncommon to see 10 years in dog racing. Top Dogs are highly sought after by breeders to help Dad Champion lines. And the prospect of owning one should not be taken lightly. "They take a lot of love and kindness," Runyan points.