2006-11-26 12:56:41 · 7 answers · asked by Sushi C 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am sure you will have to get special training for that Petco is not going to cut it
2006-11-26 12:59:21 · answer #1 · answered by Help Needed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You start out with a properly fitting harness. Ultra important. You can buy a harness on-line, my favorite supply site is Black Ice Sledding equipment. There are diagrams there on how to properly measure your dog to get the correct fit.
After getting the harness, first let the dog simply get used to wearing the harness in the house. The feel of all those straps is strange at first. When the dog no longer acts as if the harness is strange, it's time to start the light work.
You begin by having the dog simply drag a 10 foot piece of rope. Walk around the yard, next to the dog, until he finally ignores the rope dragging behind.
Next, attach a small (one inch diameter) stick to the rope. Repeat the walking until the dog ignores the stick.
Gradually increase the weight the dog pulls, until he is dragging a tire (minus rim) with no hesitation.
Next step is to fill a plastic jug with pebbles and have him pull this. It will startle him at first, be ready. But he has to get used to rattling behind him, as when the sled crosses different terrain, it can get quite noisy.
DO NOT pull on the leash to get the dog to pull the weights. Encourage with words and treats. Pulling on the leash will have the dog pulling backwards, which defeats your intent. DO NOT yell at the dog if he is confused, use only praise and treats and encouragement. Yelling will make him think of pulling as bad. DO NOT ever let an object hit him in the butt while he is pulling, or he will not be happy about pulling anything.
Once the dog is comfortable pulling 20 pounds or so (rimless tire), start working further and further back behind him while you walk. Until you are completely behind him.
Prior to receiving the harness, you can start on groundwork for sledding commands. The common terms for mushers are: Gee - right; Haw - left; Whoa - stop; Hike - go; Easy - slow down; Pick it up - go faster; and, all important...ON BY - ignore whatever it is you are looking/sniffing at and keep on going!
Work with him while out on daily walks on these terms, using the leash to gently teach him the terms. After he is harness broken and is pulling small objects, walk him while he drags the objects, using the proper terms every time you turn/start/stop.
Once you can leave the leash loose for the entire walk, with him in front of you, with you giving the commands for turning/starting/stopping, he's ready to start sledding!
The training takes some time, anywhere from a month to six months, depending on how much time you invest in daily training and how receptive the dog is.
Good luck!
2006-11-26 14:38:59 · answer #2 · answered by Lori R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You get some books and do some research FIRST, so you can do it SAFELY. Then you get a proper fitting harness and start having the dog pull milk jugs with a little water in them. Add more water as the dog tolerates. Move to a small sled. Keep going!!
2006-11-26 13:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aL21e
A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.
2016-05-14 16:19:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Making of a Sled Dog:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/sleddogs/making.html
The training of sled dogs begins at an early age over short distances. With age and experience distances increase, but at all times the welfare and enjoyment of the dogs is of primary concern.
2006-11-26 13:00:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to look up the calls for sledding and start yelling them out and then say what they mean and the dog should get used to it.
2006-11-26 13:00:41 · answer #6 · answered by AliApplesauce 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it particularly is in no way too early to start training. i'd start up now by merely putting a proper harness on him, and taking him for each and every day walks/ jogs so he gets used to being in a harness. as quickly as he seems mushy, then you definitely can start up having him pull weight. if it tires you to stroll him that far, you're able to try rollerblading. it particularly is much less confusing on the knees and ankles for you, and helps your canines to tug you, which might help him practice for sledding too. solid luck!
2016-10-04 09:57:43 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋