Well we're just getting started learning the 'ropes' for sledding and carting. So far we've been pretty successful in training and having a blast! We got our first sled last winter and then promptly had the driest winter I've ever seen in the Inland Northwest! So this year I got a cart and we've gone out a handful of times and just having a blast! My team consists of my oldest (first) Siberian Dakota an 8 year old black and white male who is probably one of the hardest in harness workers I have, Juneau my 6 year old red and white girl, and my boy Denali who I also show in AKC conformation. I will be adding a new addition named Seal who will also show conformation...and am hoping to buy a trained lead dog, but that is still something in the works for now-

Here are some pics, sorry they are blurry I WILL remember my camera one of these times! LOL

That looks like so much fun.. AND work! How do you keep from pulling your hair out? Huskies everywhere! The gray one in the lead is absolutely gorgeous.. they all are.

Welcome! I hope you guys get some snow up there this winter, and your dogs are absolutely gorgeous

Thank you both! I'm happily adding a 4th to the team, may be giving that a go later today now that the rain is finally lifting.

Some updated photos from our training session last night My, now 4 dog, team consists of Juneau and Seal in wheel, Dakota and Denali in lead.

Looks like a bunch of fun! I went dog-sledding with an 8 dog team in Calgary, Alberta last year. It was a TON of fun! These doggies have lots of torque!

I was thinking about having Juneau (btw your Juneau is very cute! ^^) pull me on a bike when she hits 1 year, but this cart stuff looks fun! Looks like I have to adopt another husky!

Enjoy!

Just a suggestion Jackie- wait until at least 18 months before you start working your pup, they are still growing at a year don't want to put too much strain on the growth plates

HuskyMom09 wrote:

Just a suggestion Jackie- wait until at least 18 months before you start working your pup, they are still growing at a year don't want to put too much strain on the growth plates

Oh, I was just basing 1 year off plenty of suggestions from other forum members when they go bikejoring. lol I will probably have to wait a few months anyways - I want to order a custom x-back harness from either Alpine or Nordkyn and they usually take a while before it comes in.

Thanks for the tip! I'll wait a little longer.

I hate waiting! I cannot wait to take Anna bikejoring!!!

A pic from our race today! Team Keahi following Team Kaniska down the trails. Official times Team Keahi 16:49:35 and Team Kaniska 18:49:66 very pleased with how the team did

HuskyMom09 wrote:

Just a suggestion Jackie- wait until at least 18 months before you start working your pup, they are still growing at a year don't want to put too much strain on the growth plates

I am looking into joining an urban mushing group here and they told me that the dogs have to be 18 months before they are allowed to pull any weight. Only harness training until then.

I laughed when I saw the photo with all the mud holes and they looked like they were trying to avoid them. I can just picture my girls dragging me right through them and then stopping to roll in them!

Love your cart! Wish I had one! I like my dog scooter, but I wish it could stand up on its own.

Was it hard teaching them gee and haw?

you all look awesome! I wish I could get a picture of maggie is action! hehe.

SaraB wrote:

I laughed when I saw the photo with all the mud holes and they looked like they were trying to avoid them. I can just picture my girls dragging me right through them and then stopping to roll in them!

Love your cart! Wish I had one! I like my dog scooter, but I wish it could stand up on its own.

Was it hard teaching them gee and haw?

Well we are still learning Gee/Haw to be honest, we're getting there though! A lot of patience and practice to go still! I've been considering purchasing a trained lead dog to help me train my novice team

Looks like fun and your dogs look amazing!

Gunnersmatejmac wrote:

Looks like fun and your dogs look amazing!

Thanks! They're really coming together well we trained today and went 5 miles without an issue

HuskyMom09 wrote:

Gunnersmatejmac wrote:

Looks like fun and your dogs look amazing!

Thanks! They're really coming together well we trained today and went 5 miles without an issue

Nice!

We'll be headed to LaPine OR this weekend with the team. More fun training and meeting other mushers opportunities! Looking forward to it! In other news we're in the process of designing my dog truck, hope we can make it happen soon!

Would having a runner along side the dogs be counter productive later on? Our dogs are still learning. We take them running with us and we're working on Gee/Haw. Hike or Let's Go was easy, Whoa not so much.

So I'm thinking at first when we get a scooter, one of us would run along with the dogs while the other does the scooter until they get the hang of it. Hopefully that will prevent any major issues. We just stick to the neighborhood for now so lots of distractions but they are getting better.

Thanks! We are really excited to get a scooter or a cart.

T.Riley wrote:

Would having a runner along side the dogs be counter productive later on? Our dogs are still learning. We take them running with us and we're working on Gee/Haw. Hike or Let's Go was easy, Whoa not so much.

So I'm thinking at first when we get a scooter, one of us would run along with the dogs while the other does the scooter until they get the hang of it. Hopefully that will prevent any major issues. We just stick to the neighborhood for now so lots of distractions but they are getting better.

Thanks! We are really excited to get a scooter or a cart.

I feel having someone run with the dogs is only going to slow them down and not give them the opportunity to think through what you're asking. You want them to work through what you are asking of them. Having someone that could bike with you and offer minimal assistance when needed would be better to keep them in working mode. I found that with the cart, being able to set the brake and get off and call them in the direction I wanted to go we have learned and exceeded initial expectations and are now fairly consistently nailing our commands. Just my opinion.

Hmm, good thoughts. Thanks!

What cart do you use?

T.Riley wrote:

Hmm, good thoughts. Thanks!

What cart do you use?

I got a used Arctis cart from a local musher that had upgraded. I'd look on craigslist for used ones, they can be pricy.

Though Denali is out on injury with a torn pad (playing in the yard not while working), training must go on! So in his place once again is Xena of Dashing Siberians. The team preformed flawlessly over 6 miles I couldn't be more pleased! With any luck Denali will be back on the team in no time

Looks like so much fun! I bet your pups are all excited to start the trails. I went dog sledding in Canada and all 178 (yes, 178) dogs were barking like mad to get started! I think we covered 10 miles in 4 hours, so it was a good trail!

I am so envious!