These four dogs have the power to pull 600 lbs!  However, in order to not over stress them the owners like to keep the pulling weight to around 200lbs.  Clearly, there is a sled.  But, the equipment on the dogs themselves included:  a harness, which is held on by the belly band, the line, which hooks the dogs to the sled, the neck line, which hooks the dogs to each other side by side, booties, which protect their feet, and the sled. 

Today, we had the chance of a lifetime.  We went dog sledding.  And, in spite of the title page, “Mush” is a term that real “Mushers” never use!  Maryland Sled Dog Adventures is a wife and husband team who teach outsiders about the sport of dog sledding.  The kids learned about the history of sledding, and suited up the dogs and even got a ride in a mock serum run upon the sled pulled by these four fabulous dogs.  What could be better?  Oh, ya, it was our first snow!!  How magical!

Zoe, was the first dog.  She is the oldest, and after she ate through two couches the owners decided she needed another way to get her energy out.  First, they got a companion, T-bone (below)...and when that proved futile, they explored sled dog racing.  Zoe took to it pretty quickly being an Alaskan husky (which translates to a mix) but T bone was a little slow on the uptake (although you’d never tell by today!)

The team was rounded out by Sobo, (left) a pure Siberian Husky rescue, and Okemo the Siberian mix who they found as a puppy on petfinder.  The four dogs made up the team which pulled the kids sled.  But before that, there was work to do!

First, we learned about harnesses and booties.  Caroline even got to try on one of the harnesses! 

Then the kids got to dress the dogs for pulling.  Each kid got a chance to do a job.  The dogs need their harness put on, tied with a belly strap, then two of the dogs wore booties on their feet, to protect them from the snow.  Finally, it was time to hook them up to the sled!  This was an exciting time.  The dogs were very excited to do what they were bred to do. 

The sled construction was interesting.  First, it is tied together so it remains flexible.  That flex allows the driver to steer the rig.  The sled is made from ash which is light and bendable.  This sled is called a basket sled, because it carries a ‘basket’ and rides 5-6 inches off the snow.  The toboggan is the other type of sled, but, like a toboggan sled it rides directly on the snow.  The runners have a flex in them and a curve in the back.  This allows the driver to steer.  The front circle is called the brush bow, and its purpose is to protect the sled.  The runners have several brakes in the back.  The center is a piece of snowmobile track, which provides a gentle brake.  The second strand is a claw brake, which you step on to stop the dogs.  Once stopped, you use a snow claw, which is like the ‘parking break.’ Finally, before take off, you use a snub line, which has a quick release for when the dogs take off. 

The runners are made from ultra high molecular weight plastic.  These are QCR’s or ‘quick release runners

There is a real science to the placement of the dogs.  The front dog is called the lead dog, they set the pace for the others, and are usually chosen because they know the commands the best.  Behind them is the Team dogs, they are the worker dogs.  Behind that are the Swing dogs, they help to turn the sled smoothly in turns.  The final dogs are called the Wheel dogs.  These are the biggest dogs who power the sled through the corners.  In general the Wheel dogs have to be pretty laid back, since some dogs get spooked by the loudness of the sled. 

Sled Dog Terms:

 

Gee= Right

Haw= Left

On by= go by something, a trail, loose dog, person, pink elephant

Gee Over= Dogs move over to the right side

Whoa= Slow or stop

Hup-Hup= go faster

Hike= Let’s go!