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Dog Sledding Supplies: Sled Dog Harnesses And Dog Sleds
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Published: July 10, 2007
Each breath hangs in the cold air. People and animals stomp their feet for warmth. The dog sledding team strains in their harnesses, while riders anxiously wait. Whether it's just a quick trip around the block, a quick trip to the nearest grocery store, or the 1100-mile race spanning nearly the whole length of Alaska, it's important to be prepared.
Dog sledding is a sport that requires very specific equipment.
Dog sledding equipment includes the proper dog sled, ganglines, picket lines, collars, and especially sled dog harnesses. Fortunately, finding this equipment isn't terribly difficult, it just requires a little bit of know-how in order to find the right equipment for a decent price in order to start an excellent dog sled team.
Dog sledding equipment may be relatively easy to come by, but it's important to shop around before making the purchase. The novice especially needs to be sure to purchase the right equipment. The dog sled itself is obviously important, and though sales are always welcome, be sure of what's being purchased before putting money down on it. For instance, a sled that is too narrow can take turns too sharply, thus causing the sled to spill over. Since a dog sledding spill can cause serious injury, this should obviously be avoided.
There are two main types of dog sleds: basket sleds and toboggan sleds. Basket sleds are of the lightweight variety, easily maneuverable, and set high off the ground, which helps keep gear dry. Toboggan sleds are more durable, more stable, ride lower to the ground, and can carry bigger loads. The brake, an essential part to any dog sled, is easy to reach on both types of sleds. While dog sledding, one simply stands on the runners and pushes down on the brake, which catches, slowing and stopping the sled. The two sleds are for two different purposes: the basket sleds are for racing because they are more lightweight, and the toboggan sleds are used for carrying gear. The novice should consider a basket sled as they are less expensive, usually about $300 to $500, and they are also supposed to be easier to learn on. Likewise, toboggan sleds cost anywhere from $300 to $1100, depending on its quality and the maker.
Almost as important as the dog sled itself are sled dog harnesses. Sled dog harnesses are just as important for the novice dog sledding team as for the expert dog sledding team. Without a sled dog harness, the dog sled isn't going anywhere. There are several types of harnesses, but the two main types are X-harnesses and H-harnesses. X-back sled dog harnesses are generally used for racing, because they are lightweight and easy to slip the dog into, while H-back sled dog harnesses are easier to use for pulling and hauling freight. The differences in these dog sled harnesses make it important to know what type of dog sledding will be done before purchasing the harness. Dog sledding harnesses need to fit well in order to provide comfort to the dog and prevent injury. Though prices vary, dog sledding harnesses usually cost $18 to $35.
Dog sledding is a fun winter sport. It's not incredibly easy to master and start-up costs can be high, but for the people who master it, it's a great way to spend the long winter days. Buying good quality dog sleds and harnesses that fit well are the first steps to toward preparing for dog sledding.
Sources:
Bragg, Jeffrey. "How To Train Sleddogs." Seppala Siberian Sleddog Project. 2006. 27 June 2007.
http://www.seppalasleddogs.com/sled-dog-training .htm#equipt
"Learn About The Iditarod." Iditarod. 2007. Iditarod Trail Riding Committee, Inc. 3 July 2007.
http://www.iditarod.com/learn/.
Lee, Stephen R. "About Sled Dogs and Dog Sled Racing." Kabroolink.com. 2007. 27 June 2007.
http://www.krabloonik.com/faq.html#S3
Resha Sleds. Resha Sled Dog Equipment. 2002-2007. 27 June 2007.
http://www.reshaequip.com/products/resha_sleds.h tml
Sleds For Sale. Linendoll's Happy Husky Kennel. 2004. 27 June 2007.
http://www.linendollshappyhuskykennel.com/sleds_ for_sale.htm
Harnesses. Resha Sled Dog Equipment. 2007. June 27 2007.
http://www.reshaequip.com/products/resha_sleds.h tml
Dog sledding is a sport that requires very specific equipment.
Related Articles
Dog sledding equipment may be relatively easy to come by, but it's important to shop around before making the purchase. The novice especially needs to be sure to purchase the right equipment. The dog sled itself is obviously important, and though sales are always welcome, be sure of what's being purchased before putting money down on it. For instance, a sled that is too narrow can take turns too sharply, thus causing the sled to spill over. Since a dog sledding spill can cause serious injury, this should obviously be avoided.
There are two main types of dog sleds: basket sleds and toboggan sleds. Basket sleds are of the lightweight variety, easily maneuverable, and set high off the ground, which helps keep gear dry. Toboggan sleds are more durable, more stable, ride lower to the ground, and can carry bigger loads. The brake, an essential part to any dog sled, is easy to reach on both types of sleds. While dog sledding, one simply stands on the runners and pushes down on the brake, which catches, slowing and stopping the sled. The two sleds are for two different purposes: the basket sleds are for racing because they are more lightweight, and the toboggan sleds are used for carrying gear. The novice should consider a basket sled as they are less expensive, usually about $300 to $500, and they are also supposed to be easier to learn on. Likewise, toboggan sleds cost anywhere from $300 to $1100, depending on its quality and the maker.
Almost as important as the dog sled itself are sled dog harnesses. Sled dog harnesses are just as important for the novice dog sledding team as for the expert dog sledding team. Without a sled dog harness, the dog sled isn't going anywhere. There are several types of harnesses, but the two main types are X-harnesses and H-harnesses. X-back sled dog harnesses are generally used for racing, because they are lightweight and easy to slip the dog into, while H-back sled dog harnesses are easier to use for pulling and hauling freight. The differences in these dog sled harnesses make it important to know what type of dog sledding will be done before purchasing the harness. Dog sledding harnesses need to fit well in order to provide comfort to the dog and prevent injury. Though prices vary, dog sledding harnesses usually cost $18 to $35.
Dog sledding is a fun winter sport. It's not incredibly easy to master and start-up costs can be high, but for the people who master it, it's a great way to spend the long winter days. Buying good quality dog sleds and harnesses that fit well are the first steps to toward preparing for dog sledding.
Sources:
Bragg, Jeffrey. "How To Train Sleddogs." Seppala Siberian Sleddog Project. 2006. 27 June 2007.
http://www.seppalasleddogs.com/sled-dog-training .htm#equipt
"Learn About The Iditarod." Iditarod. 2007. Iditarod Trail Riding Committee, Inc. 3 July 2007.
http://www.iditarod.com/learn/.
Lee, Stephen R. "About Sled Dogs and Dog Sled Racing." Kabroolink.com. 2007. 27 June 2007.
http://www.krabloonik.com/faq.html#S3
Resha Sleds. Resha Sled Dog Equipment. 2002-2007. 27 June 2007.
http://www.reshaequip.com/products/resha_sleds.h tml
Sleds For Sale. Linendoll's Happy Husky Kennel. 2004. 27 June 2007.
http://www.linendollshappyhuskykennel.com/sleds_ for_sale.htm
Harnesses. Resha Sled Dog Equipment. 2007. June 27 2007.
http://www.reshaequip.com/products/resha_sleds.h tml
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