What is sled sports?While sled sports sounds like it would just be traditional mushing (dogs pulling a sled, usually through the snow), under the ANKC, Sled sports is actually a set of three different sports - sled racing, backpacking/hiking and weight pull - all grouped under one set of rules.
Sled racing is probably the most famous of the three streams. Created to mimic the original purpose of sledding breeds, like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed and Alaskan Malamute, this sport involves a single dog or team of dogs pulling a sled, which is on wheels unless on the event is being held in the snow, over distance at speed. Backpacking/Hiking mimics long distance hiking trips and involves the dog carrying a weighted backpack while the dog and handler hike. Weight Pull requires the dog to be harnessed to a trolley and pull many times its own body weight 5m forward. |
Training level required: ☆☆☆ (moderate)
Training type: breed club/at home Equipment cost: $$$ (expensive) |
Overseeing body: Australian National Kennel Council
Minimum age for competition: 12 months Breed restrictions: none but dogs must be able to pull a sled at distance so size and strength is a consideration. |
Training level required: ☆ (easy)
Training type: at home Equipment cost: $ (inexpensive) |
Overseeing body: Australian National Kennel Council
Minimum age for competition: 18 months Breed restrictions: open to dogs over 10kgs who are not brachycephalic or achondroplastic breeds |
Training level required: ☆☆ (moderate)
Training type: breed club/at home Equipment cost: $ (inexpensive) |
Overseeing body: Australian National Kennel Council
Minimum age for competition: 18 months Breed restrictions: only open to dogs over 15kgs |
What equipment do I need?Sled Racing: for sled racing, you will need a correctly fitted harness for your dog and a scooter/cart/sled (talk to your trainer about which ones they recommend) depending on the conditions you will be running under, as well as sled kit (gang lines, neck lines and tug lines etc), tie out gear or crates to contain your dog when it is not running, a safety helmet, a head lamp for night races and side cutters to cut through the lines or harnesses in an emergency.
Backpacking: for backpacking, you will need a correctly fitted backpack and weights to slowly build up your dog's strength while training, and then on trial day, you will need consumable weight for their pack (water, food etc) and hiking gear for the owner. For the highest level, WPDX, the handler must carry all the gear needed to camp for the night so lightweight camping and hiking gear is required. Weightpull: for weight pull, you will need a correctly fitting harness for your dog, as well as gear (like lines and a tyre) to train your dog to pull. You should consult with your trainers to find the appropriate sizing and gear for your dog. |
How much training is needed?While each discipline has behaviours you will need to teach your dog to successfully compete, much of the training for sled sports is about ensuring that you do adequate conditioning and fitness work to enable your dog to be strong enough and have enough endurance to do the job the sport requires.
Sled Racing requires your dog to run with other dogs if you wish to do so as well as learn directional, pull, brake and stop cues. Dogs who are Backpacking will need to learn to tolerate the weight of the backpack and have the endurance to carry a significant amount of weight for long distances. For Weight Pull dogs will need to be trained to pull in harness towards you. They tend to require a lot of strength building exercises to give them the explosive power to start the cart moving. |
Sled Racing
|
Backpacking/Hiking
|
Weight Pull
|
NSW Breeder Identification Number: B000685661 | Victoria Source Number: EE102260
Dogs NSW Member Number: 2100088743 |
© Pawformance 2023
|