Sled Dogs Ireland – Irish Federation of Sleddog Sports is Irelands governing Sled Dog Sports Federation and we are affiliated with the International Federation of Sleddog Sports,- We are also members of P.R.I.D.E - Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment.
Sled Dog Sports that you can participate in with your dog:Scootering: Where 1 or 2 dogs are attached to a scooter or a person (who rides the scooter) and pulls them along a trail or across rough terrain. The scooter is two wheeled and un motorised and the musher can assist the dog by ‘scootering’ by keeping one foot on the scooter and one to pedal the ground in order to gain more speed. Most dogs take very easily to this sport as the get to run as fast as they can as the scooter is very light, generally weighing no more than 10kgs.
Canicross: This is a sport where a person is attached to a single dog line via a belt, which supports the mushers back and also keeps balance centered. The dog runs in front and the musher runs behind, holding back in order to encourage the dog to pull. This is also a great way to train you dog on voice commands.
Backpacking: Also known as ‘trekking’. This is a really enjoyable and relaxing activity for both you and your dog. As long as you and your dog are in good health and are reasonably fit, and possess the proper equipment, it is very easy to take part in this sport. Generally all that is required is a well fitting backpack with adjustable straps, a sturdy lead 1.8 – 2.4 metres in length, a suitable collar and weight for the backpack.
Carting: Is a sport where the musher drives a 3 or 4 wheeled cart or rig with teams of three dogs upwards. Distances vary according to the size of the teams. Various rules are in place for the safety of both musher and dogs. Details of trail and event rules and guidelines are available from SDI-IFSS.
Bikejoring: A bicycle is used by the musher to be pulled by one or two dogs. Bikejoring is extremely beneficial to the health of both dogs and musher and one can become involved in this sport at relatively low cost as many people already possess a bike. The dogs must wear a suitably fitting harness and are attached to the bike by a standard training line. It is also a good way to train you dogs in preparation for becoming part of a larger cart team.
Caniwalk: This sport is becoming very popular. The equipment used is the same as that used for Canicross, however instead of running behind the dog, you walk. This sport is ideal for those who are not overly fit, or those who don’t like to run whilst still maintaining fitness and a good working relationship between that of the dog and musher.
Weight Pulling: This is a timed event where the dog wears a special freight or weight pulling harness, attached to a specially made cart weighing up to 160lbs, carrying increasing amounts of weight. It is a great way to test your dogs strength and determination. The dog is usually expected to pull the cart a distance of 16 feet. Weight pulling events are becoming an increasingly popular addition to race rallies, as dogs that may not be necessarily suitable to sprint racing, may be found to excel at the weight pull competitions.
Canicross: This is a sport where a person is attached to a single dog line via a belt, which supports the mushers back and also keeps balance centered. The dog runs in front and the musher runs behind, holding back in order to encourage the dog to pull. This is also a great way to train you dog on voice commands.
Backpacking: Also known as ‘trekking’. This is a really enjoyable and relaxing activity for both you and your dog. As long as you and your dog are in good health and are reasonably fit, and possess the proper equipment, it is very easy to take part in this sport. Generally all that is required is a well fitting backpack with adjustable straps, a sturdy lead 1.8 – 2.4 metres in length, a suitable collar and weight for the backpack.
Carting: Is a sport where the musher drives a 3 or 4 wheeled cart or rig with teams of three dogs upwards. Distances vary according to the size of the teams. Various rules are in place for the safety of both musher and dogs. Details of trail and event rules and guidelines are available from SDI-IFSS.
Bikejoring: A bicycle is used by the musher to be pulled by one or two dogs. Bikejoring is extremely beneficial to the health of both dogs and musher and one can become involved in this sport at relatively low cost as many people already possess a bike. The dogs must wear a suitably fitting harness and are attached to the bike by a standard training line. It is also a good way to train you dogs in preparation for becoming part of a larger cart team.
Caniwalk: This sport is becoming very popular. The equipment used is the same as that used for Canicross, however instead of running behind the dog, you walk. This sport is ideal for those who are not overly fit, or those who don’t like to run whilst still maintaining fitness and a good working relationship between that of the dog and musher.
Weight Pulling: This is a timed event where the dog wears a special freight or weight pulling harness, attached to a specially made cart weighing up to 160lbs, carrying increasing amounts of weight. It is a great way to test your dogs strength and determination. The dog is usually expected to pull the cart a distance of 16 feet. Weight pulling events are becoming an increasingly popular addition to race rallies, as dogs that may not be necessarily suitable to sprint racing, may be found to excel at the weight pull competitions.
Noisy Dogs :
It is important to teach your dogs to be quiet, especially if you have neighbours close by. Dogs bark for a reason e.g.: to communicate with other dogs, to get your attention or even to announce a visitor. The occasional happy howl is always acceptable. Over zealous howlers need to be trained to be a little quieter. One method, though time consuming is to give a reward when the dog is quiet or alternatively, to discipline when they are noisy. The discipline can come in the form of a voice command or a simple tap on the top of their kennel. Sometimes though, more extreme measures are called for. Read More.. Safety Tips :
Before you go out on the trail with your dogs, always perform a thorough safety check. Inspect harnesses, lines, and all equipment. Make sure there are no breaks or excessive wear and tear. Make sure all snaps, quick release clips and carabiners are functioning correctly, and that there are no tears in the harnesses. Remember that safety precautions are in the best interests of both you and your dogs, and others around you.Racing:
In your first race, it is often best to start with fewer dogs. Read More..
- Noisy Dogs:
- Training Tips:
Safety Tips:
Before you go out on the trail with your dogs, always perform a thorough safety check. Inspect harnesses, lines, and all equipment. Make sure there are no breaks or excessive wear and tear. Make sure all snaps, quick release clips and carabiners are functioning correctly, and that there are no tears in the harnesses. Remember that safety precautions are in the best interests of both you and your dogs