Sled dogs?

[wy0mn]

I did a search of the forums and can't find any mention of sled dogs.
Does anyone have any experience sledding, and if so, what breeds?
All I've dealt with are beagles, various coon hounds, and pitbulls. I know absolutely nothing about sledding. I'd really be interested in info on temperment and health issues such as hip displasia.

[flatwater]

One of my neighbors does the sled dogs or at least he did>>>it's a money and a time pit.
Flatwater

[wy0mn]

Thanks.
I was thinking of their value when the SHTF. There is a post in the General Forum, Record Snowfall thread, by Koolibri_Rantso that I found interesting. He was speaking of horses, but I found it apt.
Lex

[annabella1]

There was a time that there were not only sled dogs but breeds of cart dogs. with the advent of internal combustion engines a lot of these are gone. I have been researching Royal Tartarian cart Dogs and can't find much info about them. I had a friend who brought her aunt's cart dogs to a show and tell kind of forum in Junior high school. The two dogs she had were gold colored and had markings like Siberian huskies but in brown instead of black and they had the most gorgeous blue eyes. They pulled a cart that would carry 2 adults, or a group of us kids. I was fascinated by them. they were very well trained, sitting quietly until they were set to go. Not yapping and barking like you see sled dogs in the movies.

[wy0mn]

I tried carting once with a dog that was normally very docile, but showed a violent disinterest to cart work! Looking back, I should have spent much more time in harness training & commands prior to hooking up.
Dogs are very practical beasts to have about.
Alarm & defense, herding, hunting by scent & gaze, carrying packs, carting, sledding or mini-travois. They have been bed warmers & mobile commissary to various cultures, as well as occasional babysitters.
I can't imagine a homestead being complete without them around.

[Jason_Montana]

Hey, Ive got 22 sled dogs. And, I defiently don't find them a waste of time and money. I have Alaskan Huskies, they are truest form of modern sled dogs. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the dogs seen in Disney movies, must most people who are seriously using sled dogs for work, use Alaskan Huskies. They are dogs of hybrid origin that date back to traditional Alaskan Native villages, then were mixed in with dogs from the Gold Rush era to get the fastest, most athletic working animal in existence. Please message me and i'll be happy to discuss any sled dog topic

[MooseToo]

hey - this board is a wonderful learning resource - don't limit your discussions to pm's cause we all enjoy reading over your shoulder even if we don't join in -

[Northern_bushrat]

Sled dogs haven't made the leap to pets yet (of course there's exceptions). They are working dogs and to keep them and you happy, should be treated as such. They are notorious for taking off on you for hours/days if you walk them off leash in the woods, and for harrassing wildlife and livestock. They are diggers, howlers, stubborn and not particularly eager to please, and they need a lot of excercise (what will you do with them in the summer,they easily overheat?).
Up here, the shelters are full with sled dogs that people got in a misguided notion of wanting to mush through the woods every now and then. Your best bet would be to housesit for someone with a team, after a few weeks you'll have a very realistic idea whether it's your cup of tea or not.
This all probably sounds rather anti-husky; I have 3 dogs and my favourite one that is the best dog I'll ever have is a husky. I've housesat and dogsat sled dogs, and know several mushers. I just really hate seeing dogs/animals end up in the shelter because people don't realize what they're taking on.

[Cuffo]

My family used to have a Samoyed, who loved to pull me on a bike, she also liked to herd things. I guess they were bred as sled/multi use dogs in Siberia.

Hear is an interesting link to check out on DogScootering.

http://www.dogscooter.com/

[Jason_Montana]

Bushrat, I disagree with most of your views on Sled Dogs. Haven't you ever heard the old saying "There are no bad dogs- only bad owners"

I have had huskies for over 12 years and I rarely have any of them take off for hours- much less days. Furthermore, mine are overly eager to please- and they never chase livestock.

Your comments are sterotypical of just about any unsocialized, untrained dog. Currently, I have over 20 sled dogs- and none of them meet your descriptions. The reason why is because I lead the pack, I let them know from the get go what is acceptable and what is not- and I continually enforce those rules. Sled dogs don't have to be unruly- but they do have to know their boundaries and who is boss.

[rAcErRicK]

hey - this board is a wonderful learning resource - don't limit your discussions to pm's cause we all enjoy reading over your shoulder even if we don't join in -
Yea Guys, please don't go the PM way. There aren't many mushers in SW Fl. either, but I too enjoy, as another dog lover, your wisdom and knowledge on the sledding part of the issue. Great stuff, thanks for letting us share.

[OzarkMtnDaredevil]

There aren't many mushers in SW Fl.
Rick. Didn't you get snow back in 1982 or something? ;) :P

[rAcErRicK]

Rick. Didn't you get snow back in 1982 or something? ;) :P


Yes we did ! I have seen snow twice in my life in SW FL. and made a snowball both times, it took a bit of collecting, but I finally gathered enough. Late 1957 just before I went in the service, was one, and you are close on the second, but I didn't have sled, and my dog wouldn't come out of the house anyway. lol

Scared people to death, some thought it was the sky falling.

I liked it so good I volunteered for Germany and spent 3 years in the Bavarian Alps. Most beautiful place I've ever been and loved the people. Lived in it the entire time too.

[blkjckranch]

I too have sled dogs and dont think they are a waste of time or money...my dogs are very loving and so ready to please me. We have a great time all winter, even though we are still learning everyday. They have better manners then alot of others every time I am out on a trail I have to worry about others dogs that they let run loose. I just started sledding this past year I, and I am hooked..
michele

[harvester]

I would imagine that most sledders dont believe their dogs are a waste of time or money, or they wouldnt be doing it huh? Also I would imagine that most sledders cherrish their dogs as much as us little ole ladies cherrish our pocket poodles. (not that im old or have a pocket poodle). Its my understanding that if you want a dog to work best for you, you have to grow a good relationship with them. Works for my dogs and im sure it works for sledders too.
However, back to the main subject of the origonal poster. I would assume that you are in an area that does sledding. Not in florida or the gobi. Therefore the best way to learn about something as intensive as dog sledding is to find a sledder in your area who is willing to take you under his/her wing and teach you all things sledding. Its not like learning how to tie your shoes. Its a very calculated and intensive process that can take years to perfect.