Dog Sledding

Sled sports are generally defined by dryland sledding in summer and mushing or sledding in winter. Dryland sledding or gig racing typically comprises dog teams towing scooters for one or two dogs, rigs or carts for three dogs or more. Bikejor with an MTB or mountain bike and canicross you ride or run with dogs in harness. "Mushing" is a term for a sport or transport method powered by dogs. It includes carting, pulka, scootering, sled dog racing, skijoring, freighting, and weight pulling. More specifically, it implies the use of one or more dogs to pull a sled on snow or a rig on dry land. (Wikipedia 2014)

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Scooterjor one dog

The starting point for most sledders is scooterjor with one dog. Scooters are mountain bikes with a deck instead of a seat and pedals.

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Scooterjor two dog

Two dog scooterjor is a bit faster and needs s bit more skill and usually the next step for mushers. Dogs just love running together.

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Bikejor

You get to go a bit faster adding your cycling skills to the effort. Popular with mountain bikers the dog has less load so can go faster. 

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Canicross

For the runners canicross is the only mass start class in dryland sledding. Keeping up with you dog is a real challenge.

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Rig / Gig / Cart

With three to eight dogs this is the power class. Rigs are three or four wheel hybrids designed to handle the speed and power.

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Sprint sledding / skijor

Snow classes include sledding with two to eight dogs and skijor (on skis) with one dog. There are snow events in Australia.

Getting started

You are welcome to a club meet which can be found on the calendar to check it out. A try out is best done at a training event, expo day or scootcamp weelend. When you first attend a club meet, seek out a club member easily identified in a club shirt and they will direct you to a committee member. They will brief you on activities and guide you as required.

Inquiries to info@sdrq.org.au

More information on SDRQs Facebook page 

Parking in the forests

When parking your car always pull over to the side of the road, avoid getting too close to other dogs and allow a good distance between your vehicle and any tracks we may be using.

What to bring

2L of water per dog per event.
A way to secure your dog while unsupervised.
A fixed or limited slip collar (full choke and prong collars not accepted).
When staying overnight, food and refreshments for yourself and your dog.
Camping gear (if required).
Torch and/or headlight for moving round in the dark 
Warm clothes/change of clothes and wet weather gear just in case!

What we can lend you when you're starting out

A harness for you dog.
A bike or scooter.
A gang line.
Adequate running lights.
Safety kit.
A running buddy, just to make sure you’re ok!

At an event

Always ask an owner’s permission before approaching another dog.
Your dog should be restrained at all times on leads or stake outs.
Dogs on stake out or attched to trailer and cars should be on short drops. 
Children are welcome at events but should be appropiately instructed.
When parking and setting up be mindful of space around for other dogs and gear. 
State forests have particular requirements. No rubbish, no dog poop, no smoking etc.
Always pick up after your dog and take your rubbish with you.
Check your gear to avoid breakages and failures during events.

Basic gear

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Dog harness

Dog sledding harnesses are longer than other types and feature a padded chest assembly and a tug loop at the base of the tail to attache to the gang line.

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Bike, scooter, rig

You will need a bike, scooter, rig or just youself to go sledding. Most start with a mountain bike or scooter unless you are a running and canicross is your thing.

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Line, gang line

The line or gang line attaches your dog to you . A snap hook attches to the harness tug and a carabeena to you, your bike, scooter or rig. 

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Stake out line

A stake and steel cable drop lines are used to secure your dog at events. The drop lines can alternateively be clipped to a trailer or vehicle. Leads are not as reliable. 

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Lighting

Lighting is essential for running at night and some mornings.  Good quality bike and helmet lights which illuminate at least 5-10m of visibility are ideal. 

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Safety kit

A safety kit is required and should contain a spare line or lead, safety scissors, poo bags and carabeena. A mobile phone and very basic first aid is suggested.

© Copyright 2022
Sled Dog Racing Queensland Inc
info@sdrq.org.au

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