Hey everyone.

I am actually going to go for it with this tax return.

I am going to get Okami and me a sled.

I put this under the training thread area, because, well I am a noob, and so is she.

I am going to say right now that I am pretty set on this Canadian Kicksled $295 + $55 shipping---> http://www.blackicedogsledding.com/product-p/sr36.htm

I did make an offer to this person for this sled to lower the price to about $400 http://nmi.craigslist.org/spo/4865894184.html (It comes with a lot of stuff, so it may end up being a better deal?)

So here is what I have worked out... I know I am going to need a snow hook, and this one looks pretty snazzy http://www.blackicedogsledding.com/product-p/sk71.htm (I am going to be sledding her out on the lakes around here (there are sooo many) So I figured I would need a heavy duty one to work well on ice. Also Okami is a bear so I already know a regular one isn't going to work properly as much as they say it can hold one dog.. I don't believe it and I really think it is better to be safe than sorry, plus, I am thinking for the future. I really think I am going to have more in my pack in the future.

I know I need a gangline and a harness... I haven't worked out if I am going to get it through the same people the Black Ice dog sledding... because I am quite fond of Alpine Outfitters. However, from my understanding, Alpine doesn't have a single dog line, or do they? I know the Black Ice site does... I guess this is an insert your personal preference topic area...

Also a bag is something I would like, because I would like my daughter to ride with me, and if we get far away, I need to have ample supplies to keep her, Okami and me happy.

I have looked at ruffwear.com a lot before, and I keep hearing people swear up and down that their dog booties are the best. But I read the review area (for all the versions they have) , and all I hear is complaints about their dogs with dew claws getting raw, or cut... Well Okami has dew claws, and I was wondering what booties does anyone know of that have dew claw forgiveness? I don't want to give her anything she is going to hate running in.

What am I missing? Can anyone give me a necessities list (including or excluding anything I have listed here already)

I want to be thorough with this and give her and I the perfect start to the sledding world as I can.

Thank you for your help, consideration and time.

I think with just the one dog I would try and stay as light as possible and go for the kick sled. Buy a harness from any of the known suppliers, I use one from Ikon outfitters, my first was from Konari outfitters, there is Black ice, Adirondack, Alpine, I don't think a harness from any of them would be a bad buy, just measure very carefully so it fits properly. They all also sell gang line and snaps, but seeing as how you have been able to make "Lightning Girl" from household items making a gang line wouldn't be to difficult either( and it really isn't, a web search will give many examples) I've never used a snow hook so I have nothing to add other than I think they are pricey for what they are. I would bet that a black smith or welding student at a local tech school could whip one up and save a little money.

This is all just my opinion, Lani and some of the other people on the list run dogs more than I do so if they chime in by all means take advantage of there experience. Good luck and have fun!

For one dog I'd definitely recommend a kicksled. Anything larger you'd really need two or more dogs to pull, especially if you're also carrying gear. Maine Made Dogsleds makes a decently priced kicksled with child carrier for a child up to 80 pounds. It's small enough that 1-2 dogs can pull it, and it even folds up for easy storage in or on top of a car. http://mainemadedogsleds.com/KicksledwithChildCarrier.htm (EDIT: They also make a regular folding kicksled with optional bag -- http://mainemadedogsleds.com/Recreationalkicksled.html)

As for an X-back I'd recommend Alpine Outfitters, though there are other great brands out there as well, such as Nooksack (http://nooksackracing.com/harnesses.html) and Mountain Ridge (http://www.mtnridge.com/). I like Alpine because they have a good selection, quality and generally good customer service. While I haven't had any interaction with Nooksack, I know people who have who say their customer service, quality and prices are both top-notch.

Hope this helps!

-bump-

Thank you guys, I will certainly look into everything you both suggested.

-Hughie- I probably could make some of the things! That is a great idea.


Still looking for more suggestions, Thanks!

Liz that is a nice little sled and the price is not real bad either!

I really do like that sled too... It really has made it tough to pick between that one and the Canadian Kicksled I linked... I have a really tight window of a budget... I just have to actually make a pricing list with all the things I like and compare, contrast....

I really am stuck on the booties... does anyone know where I should look into for quality booties besides ruffwear? I just want to know what people have had luck with, to not hurt the dew claw area.

Real simple booties, polar fleece and Velcro, Just a sack with the Velcro around the top to hold them on. I think it was 2x8 folded so it's 2x4 or 2x12 folded to 2x6, I'll have to look it up. Leave the seams on the outside.

Like Hughie said, you can absolutely make your own booties tailored to your dog. In addition to Ruffwear, Mountain Ridge makes booties that are used by many professional teams: http://www.mtnridge.com/booties.html

I just got all of the sled stuff yesterday, with Megan's help (mobezilla) ... paid way less than I expected to... I will post sled pics when we get all the stuff! So excited!!!