Junior Page

Equipment

To begin training, you will need some equipment.  You can often save money and buy equipment from sled dog club members.  You can advertise in the club newsletter that you want certain items.  When you need new items, you can purchase them from the many outfitters and supply companies which specialize in sled dog gear.  Think about everything you will need and decide how much money you can spend.  Here is a list of some of the things:

Regular Dog Equipment

Of course you will need at least one food and water dish for each dog.  You need to have a water container to bring along when training or racing because dogs will need water at the end of their run.  Leashes, and a brush or comb and some dog toys should be on your list too.

CollarCollars

There are many styles of collars.  Most mushers use heavy nylon circle style collars that slip over the dog's head and then tighten to fit around the neck. You should never use metal choke type collars for sled dog work.  Always have your dog's identification tags secured on his collar.  Usually the license or rabies tag must be on the collar.  Put a tag with your telephone number too.

HarnessHarness

There are several types of sled dog harnesses used for racing.  The most important thing is that the harness must fit your dog properly.  Ask about buying a harness when you buy your experienced sled dog.  Perhaps you can also get the proper size harness for your family's pet dog sled dog too.

If you plan to enter the weight pull events, you will need a special type of harness which is different from racing harnesses.

LinesLines

The dogs wear the harnesses and you ride the sled or rig.  The lines attach you together.  Even with just two dogs, you may want to get a four dog hookup.  You can decide whether your dogs run best side by side-in double lead-or in single file with one leader and one wheel dog.  Usually lines are made of rope, but they can be made from metal cable.

One snap hooks on the loop at the back of the harness, the other attaches to the collar. Double leaders' collars are connected by short necklines to keep them running close together.

Snub LineQuick Release

You will find that your dogs are excited about being hooked up to run.  A snub rope holds your sled to a heavy object (a tree or truck, for example). When you finish your "5, 4, 3, 2 ,1 " countdown and say "Go driver", you release the snub rope and take off.  The snub rope can be attached by a quick release knot or a piece of hardware called a panic snap which can be opened with one hand.  Many mushers attach the snub line to their sled or rig in case they need to stop and tie up the team during a run.

Snow HookSnow Hook

A snow hook is a metal claw attached to the sled by a rope and secured where the musher can easily reach it.  If you need your team to stay stopped, you put the snow hook on the ground by your sled's runner and step on it to press it into the snow.  Snow hooks are heavy and sharp.  It is important that the hook does not get loose and hurt a dog or musher.

Sled BagSled Bag

A sled bag is a bag that attaches to the basket of the sled and can be zipped open enough to put a dog inside.  If one of your dogs becomes too tired to finish a run, you can put him in the bag and give him a ride home.  It is a good idea to have a spare neckline or short leash in the bag  to use to attach the dog to a loop or the bag or directly to the sled.  Some dogs do not like to ride and will try to get out on their own.

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