Sled dogs are born to run, try moving a sled in the yard or unclip a hanging harness and you will witness such excitement, tails wagging, jumping, barking. Pick me! Pick me!
The poor unfortunate few that have to remain home watch as the others speed off looking at the trail with sad eyes then voice themselves with a mournful howl.
Pulling a sled is not a job to them. It is a passion!
I would like to share with you what a sled dogs job is in the team and follow with posts on each of our delightful dogs.
LEAD DOGS
Lead Dog is just that the dog in the front who leads the team, takes commands well and has a good head and drive to do the job. Not all dogs can or want to Lead. Qualities for a good lead dog is intelligence,initiative,common sense,and the ability to find a trail in bad conditions.
SWING DOGS
Swing dogs are directly behind the lead dog,they swing the dogs in the team behind them in turns or curves and help set the pace.
TEAM DOGS
Team dogs are the dogs between the swing dogs and wheel dogs,they add power to the team.
WHEEL DOGS
Wheel dogs are nearest the sled and a good wheel dog has to have a calm temperament so as not to be startled by the sled moving right behind them. Strength,steadiness and the ability to help guide the sled around tight curves make a great wheel dog.
2 comments:
Riding in a dogsled sounds like a lot of fun. Driving it though, I'd imagine you have to know what you are doing.
We teach people to drive their own team with just a couple of dogs, nice and slow, it looks harder than it is. If you can ski then it just comes natural you. Tons of fun for our clients.
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