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How to Begin Dog Mushing
Have you ever had the inclination to have a dog team? It's a common belief that you need to be in an Arctic Clime to do this. Not So. IF you have a dog who is willing to walk in front of you, pull objects that's a great start. Over 100 different breed of dogs have been used to pull sleds, carts, wagons, bicycles and Scooters, or maybe cross country skis or, inline skates or roller skates. Pretty much anything that will slide, glide or roll. The main element is the dog's desire to pull..
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EditSteps
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1ALWAYS keep a positive upbeat attitude. Test him or her. A leash and collar are all you need. If the dog is willing to walk out in front of you then that's a great start. If the dog insists on heeling then you may be out of luck but at a young age most dogs want to lead. #Take your time and keep the training lessons short but be persistent
- Stay on schedule. Take your dog out on daily jaunts encouraging him to keep a tight leash.
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2Introduce the dog to a harness. Don't go to your local pet store. They won't have what your looking for.
- Go on site and shop for a good quality X-back harness. Most reputable sites will have measuring charts to ensure the right fit for your dog. A little work and training and the dog will accept the harness willingly. Again there are the sites and online videos to help you with this.
- Attach the harness to a line ("6" is suggested) . With a good quality brass snap on either end. A great vehicle is a small tire.
- Drill a hole in the old tire and add an eye bolt. He will and you will need to attach a line to his collar and the line should be long enough to. to go to the rear of the tire + two feet.
- Now he's ready for his first pull. He will feel the weight.
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3Encourage him with a HIKE command and as he continues pull until YOU stop him with a "WHOA" command.
- Another option at this time is the 'Gee' and 'Haw' command. 'Gee' is for right, 'Haw' for left..
- Once he's mastered this he's ready to pull a lightweight vehicle of your choice.
EditTips
- It's best to water the dog a couple hours before a run and don't feed for an hour or so after working. . . .
