Cat and Dog Blog

Where can I find the best sled dog equipment that is $20 or less?

I want to train my dog to be a sled dog. I need
two harnesses
and/or a gangline for two,
but I’ll settle for just one right now.
I’ll order it online or buy it from somewhere near Dallas.
It has to be $20 or less please.

OK mushing is expensive, really expensive, so be warned. There is an old joke, “SO you want to be a musher? get up every morning at 6 AM, go stand out in the freezing cold, and burn a 100 dollar bill, if you can do that a few months then you might be ready”

Also you don’t mention what type of dogs you have. Many breeds are successfully working in sled dog sports. But to be safe you may want to talk with your vet and make sure yours are sound and healthy to work. Also living near Dallas heat and hydration will be a concern. Have your vet teach you about judging and managing hydration for dogs working in hot climates.

The links given above do have cheap stuff, but I would not vouch for the quality. When you are working with dogs your gear will take a beating, so you should invest in quality well made gear. When it comes to harnesses this is critical.
You should make sure that you get a harness that is properly fitted, find a knowledgeable musher (one who trains and runs sled dogs) to show you how to fit your dog. A poorly fit or made harness can cause discomfort or injury. I would not go to a pet store, the harnesses they sell are not properly designed or padded for pulling.

In my opinion, if you are being thrifty you are better off buying really good gear used, then crappy gear new. Gangline can be made easily, all you need are the raw materials and some fids (tools for making lines, they are really cheap) and someone to show you what to do.

Lastly I have to say training dogs to mush without having either trained dogs to help you or another experienced musher to help you will be a real challenge, not impossible, just hard.

But I have solutions to offer along with all my opinions

Your best bet would be to find a local mentor, or dryland club to work with. Dryland is mushing done in areas without snow, using either carts, bikes, quads, or running.
Sled dog central has great links to clubs, events, and suppliers.
http://www.sleddogcentral.com/

Also consider some of these books and websites, the more you learn the better things will work out for you. A real key to training working dogs is being clear and consistent with them. SO you need to really understand what you want them to do, communicate it clearly, and always respond in a consistent manner so you dog will learn what to expect from you.
“Dog Driver” Miki and Julie Collins – a MUST read, this a great book, and will help you lots.
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Driver-Guide-Serious-Musher/dp/0931866480

The Speed Mushing Manual, Jim Welch, good info even if you just want to have fun
http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Mushing-Manual-Train-Racing/dp/0962364304/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Ski-jour with your Dog, Mari Hoe-Rattio again the advice here is great regardless of weather or not you ski-jour
http://www.amazon.com/Skijor-Your-Dog-Mari-Hoe-Raitto/dp/0963085409/ref=pd_sim_b_14

These have been recommended to me, but I have not read
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Scooter-Sport-Dogs-Love/dp/1411657063/ref=pd_sim_b_11

http://www.amazon.com/Mush-Revised-Beginners-Manual-Training/dp/097906760X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

http://www.amazon.com/Training-lead-dogs-ordinary-positive/dp/B0006DY0LG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234597889&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Mush-Revised-Beginners-Manual-Training/dp/097906760X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

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