Sled dog sleds are now available in a variety of places, with manufacturers offering many different models. This device has certain features that are worth studying before purchasing. Some craftsmen are able to independently make a sleigh into which they can harness dogs and go on a trip.
Dog sleds are still popular
Sleds for dogs
Sleds for dogs are special racing sleds. It is recommended to purchase them together with special ammunition that allows you to harness the animals. There are many different models, but each item has several necessary elements:
- The runners are located parallel to the ground at a slight angle, making them quite stable.
- The arc (the second name is ram) is a special place that the driver holds on to while moving.
- Hoof legs are parts that are connected using crossbars.
- A special flooring on which cargo is placed or a passenger is seated.
Sleds can be designed in such a way that they can harness from one to one and a half dozen dogs.
From the history of dog sleds
Sled dog breeding began to develop approximately 350-400 years ago as a result of the penetration of trading capital into the tundra. The extraordinary fertility and endurance of animals made it possible to use them as a means of transport in the Far North.
With the help of sleighs it was possible to transport a large amount of goods. Sleds were used by hunters so that they could deliver their prey without much effort.
For reference! Similar devices are still used to travel between villages in the Far North.
What kind of dogs are harnessed to sleds?
Not all breeds are suitable for harnessing an animal to a sled. Basically, such devices are used in rather cold areas, so it is necessary to choose suitable dogs.
Sled dogs are animals that were specially bred to transport goods and people. The main ones are:
- husky,
- malamutes,
- Chukchi, Kamchatka, Norwegian, Lapon, Taimyr sled dogs,
- likes,
- samoyed dog,
- Greenland dog and the like.
Depending on the purpose of the sled, different breeds are used. For example, sleds for huskies are not heavy, dogs have greater endurance and can pull them for a long time, and malamutes are able to move with heavy loads.
Different breeds of dogs are harnessed to the sleds
Advice from professionals
Experienced snowmobile owners say that there is no universal sled. In the snowy northern regions, this transport is used to perform various tasks. If you need to frequently transport cargo, want to go on vacation, give rides to guests, it’s best to get several sleds.
In the snowy northern regions, a snowmobile with a sleigh is a popular means of transportation.
The material for the sled is chosen taking into account the terrain on which it is intended to be ridden. Plastic is good for deep snow. To ride over bumps, you need a sled with wide metal skis. Passenger models are equipped with shock absorbers.
When transporting cargo, it is important to stow it correctly to achieve load balance. To protect luggage from getting wet, it is optimal for such transportation to have sleigh boxes.
Sleds for dogs
Sleds for dogs are intended for training, various amateur competitions, and country walks. The device has fairly wide runners that are flexible, but at the same time quite durable. Thanks to the variable geometry of the sled, it makes excellent turns, and a person can jump to his feet from the sled without hitting the dog.
The sled is equipped with a reliable braking system; its bumper is dense and quite elastic, which provides protection even in the event of serious impacts. The cargo area is durable and spacious, allowing you to transport both cargo and passengers.
Modern sledges
Sleds have remained popular for a long time. However, in the modern world, dogs have been replaced by snowmobiles. Sleds for sled dogs have also undergone some changes and have become more comfortable and stable. High-quality materials and modern technologies are used for production.
Residents of the northern regions use snowmobiles and sleds constantly for work and recreation, so no one began to come up with something new, they simply improved the sleds.
Sleigh rides are a popular recreational option
Types of sleds
There are several types of sleds, which differ in design, load capacity and other characteristics. Sleds for dogs can be open or closed; they can safely transport cargo and passengers.
Volokushi
Volokushi are the simplest and most affordable model of modern sleds. Externally, the device resembles a large trough on which a snowmobile drawbar is attached. The undoubted positive qualities of such a device are the following:
- low price,
- simple design,
- light weight,
- rare freezing,
- convenient to pack and transport luggage,
- low center of gravity, which makes the sled more stable and protects against capsizing,
- can be used on water - they just float.
Unfortunately, such plastic sleds are difficult to use for transporting people - they are very inconvenient. In addition, while moving, the sled completely slides along the ground (with its entire bottom), which leads to increased sensitivity to any unevenness. As a result, damage may occur in the event of a serious impact.
Attention! In case of strong impacts, the drawbar may break. The disadvantages also include low load capacity, the possibility of the load getting wet, and poor stability on slopes.
Cargo sleds
Cargo models have special skis (runners), in some cases there are even shock absorbers. The positive aspects of such devices are their fairly high load capacity, excellent stability, and the ability to transport passengers. In a closed sled, the load will not get wet and suffer.
However, such devices are quite heavy, so when loading it is necessary to correctly distribute the load in the sled. In addition, metal parts often freeze.
Sleds have different purposes - for passengers, cargo and shared use.
Passenger sleds
Passenger sleds can be open or closed and can accommodate up to 8 people. They come in small sizes or, conversely, larger and more comfortable ones. The main characteristics depend on the manufacturers.
Homemade
Many craftsmen make sleds for dogs with their own hands. If you wish, you can find many drawings and diagrams. Making your own sled will be cheaper than buying it. In addition, this allows you to create exactly what is needed and fits well, as well as realize a variety of ideas.
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Sledding is, first of all, about dogs, a driver and properly selected equipment. The physical characteristics of the dog depend on how exactly the equipment is selected according to the size and shape of the dog.
Agree that in a narrow harness the dog will feel uncomfortable and run slower. A dog in sledding is like a child you are getting ready for school. She needs a “school uniform” or a harness and a “briefcase” i.e. all other equipment for riding sports. Depending on what ammunition and equipment you use, the success of your work depends.
- Walking. The load is distributed evenly mainly on the dog's shoulder girdle. Convenient when pulling the leash up. The lower back is not used. According to the laws of biomechanics and the structure of the dog’s skeleton, such a harness is NOT SUITABLE for safely pulling a human load or a load on the ground (wheels, sleds). (photo 1)
- Riding. The load is distributed evenly throughout the dog's body. The end of the harness coincides with the root of the tail, where the pull rod with a shock absorber is attached (photo 2, 2-a). With such a harness, the dog can pull a load with an attachment at the level of its height (bicycle, sled, running belt). Not suitable for a load on the ground (wheel), since the end of the harness begins to put pressure on the sacrum (the dog may begin to squat when walking). Another type of riding harness is Zero, which takes into account anatomical features, incl. non-standard breeds for sledding (shepherd dogs, Labradors, etc.). The harness in photo 3 is different in that it does not have crossing lines on the back.
- Freight. The design is similar to that of a sled dog, but the end is extended to shift the center of traction behind the dog’s body, the side slings go around the sides of the body (photo 4). Great option. if a spacer is made at the elongated end to the point where the pull is attached (last photo), this prevents friction of the slings on the dog’s sides (photo 5). This harness is perfect for loads lying on the ground or close to it (wheel, sled, argamak). It is not advisable to raise the attachment point higher, because The longer the lever, the more difficult it is for the dog to pull.
Dog training
Dogs need to be trained from an early age. During this period, it is necessary to stock up on patience and care. Training takes place on the following points:
- accustom to harness,
- teach to go out in harness one at a time,
- explain how to pull the load in the required direction,
- teach the “stay” command so that the dog stops in time,
- learn to line up on command.
It is recommended to constantly change the weights so that the pet does not get used to the same weight.
Dogs need to be harnessed correctly so that the animals can comfortably pull the sled.
Let's start putting on the harnesses
Now let's look at how to put on a harness. This process may initially present some difficulties for a beginner, but over time it will take less and less time. First, you need to insert your pet's front paws into the gap between the chest and chest straps and fasten the harness at the withers. The slut strap is secured in a similar way.
We hope that the above recommendations will help you fully enjoy winter walks with your four-legged pets.
How to make a dog sled with your own hands
It is quite possible to make sleds with your own hands. The work is carried out on the following points:
- Select runners - width 10 cm, length 2 m.
- Insert bars half a meter high into the runners (3-4 pieces).
- Make a rectangular frame for the flooring from the bars.
- Create a backrest from long pipes.
- Make an arc so that its horns are pulled towards the vertical bars.
- For pulling, choose a rope or belt.
Detailed instructions and master classes are available on the Internet.
If desired, you can make a sleigh with your own hands
Preparation
Before we start creating our winter structure, we need to decide what material it should be made of. Wood is perfect as a starting material if you want to make a sled like a sled or entirely made of plastic or metal with plastic parts. There are a lot of homemade models you can assemble. Sleds, thanks to their design solutions, are a very universal item; they can be easily attached to all models of snowmobiles. To optimally select sled models, consider these factors.
The best option would be to make a sled on a steel frame, as it will be more durable than plastic ones. The main disadvantage of such equipment is considered weight, however, this pays off with a significant margin of safety and a long service life.
In such devices, it will be necessary to change the plastic slides as they wear out, but at least once every three years.
Dimensions and drawings
Before preparing your masterpiece, you need to make a design for it, in which you need to constructively decide what size the sled will be. We have prepared a rough drawing of the sled, which we will describe later. As you can see, the dimensions of the structure are a little more than two meters in length, the height of the product is 98.5 cm, the width in the front part is 75 cm, and in the back it narrows to 74 cm. The drawing is very detailed in the height of all parts. Drawings can be found on the Internet, but it is better to come up with your own based on your technical considerations and calculations.
Tools and materials
To make a snowmobile sled yourself, you need to stock up on the following materials:
Snowmobile sleds are made from any available materials, not just those purchased specifically for this purpose. Craftsmen can make a sled from a motorcycle carriage or a sled from wood, and some craftsmen even make sleds from barrels.
What types of racing are there on modern sleds?
There are different types of sled racing. There are several popular ones:
- For short distances - sprint.
- Average distances - up to five hundred km.
- For long distances - more than five hundred km.
- Multi-stage - from several distances.
- Freight - transportation of luggage.
- With orientation to the terrain - a team of two people participates on the track.
Dog sleds are now used more often for entertainment. However, there are nationalities for whom they still remain the best transport.
Dog Sled: Born to Run
Based on historical facts, we can say with confidence that the use of a dog as a draft force began a long time ago.
Initially, the dog was not a sled dog; primitive hunters tried to take them as assistants and trusted them to pull the valuables obtained by the tribe. The further spread of riding art was facilitated by man's mastery of fishing? the catch fully met human needs and was considered excellent food for dogs used for transport. Subsequently, sled dog breeding was inextricably linked with the development of trade; transporting goods over fairly long distances with the help of such an intelligent animal greatly facilitated the process. The development and detailed study of the northern regions became possible thanks to the dog, only in this way could people reach hard-to-reach places. Today, our planet still has many unexplored territories, which only a dog sled can reach.
In the modern world, riding animals are not something rare or unusual; they are considered practically the only means of transportation in the Arctic. Dog packs have become an integral part of a beautiful and spectacular sport; now the races of northern favorites are more designed for aesthetic pleasure, so true applied goals have somewhat lost their relevance.
Dog training
Dog pack training? a responsible undertaking that requires a huge investment of time and effort. Animals intended for riding must be hardy, physically strong and fast. The process of education requires love, care and patience, so before you decide on the choice of breed, you need to be confident in your abilities. An option that can unquestioningly carry heavy loads is the Siberian Husky dog breed. It is recommended to purchase a husky puppy at the age of 4–6 months; during this period, establishing contact with the owner is most productive. You can professionally train dogs to pull sleds by following these rules.
- Get used to harness. Huskies quite often do not notice its presence, so after the habituation process, you can safely attach a leash to the harness, at the other end of which there is a load.
- Teach the dogs to go outside one at a time in a harness with a leash (anxiety about the load quickly disappears).
- Under the clear guidance of the owner, the dog should be taught to pull the load in the desired direction. To do this, the owner of the husky can use special commands to direct it in the appropriate direction. Dogs that are used to bending do not respond easily to this type of training, so the owner should lean back slightly behind the dog's back as he pulls the load.
- Teach to follow the command “stand”, periodically stopping and rewarding the huskies when they stop dragging the load and stand peacefully.
- To train dogs to line up on command, you need to secure the leash and voice the command.
- Vary the loads constantly.
After all of the above, the animal can be harnessed to pull a sled; when looking towards the owner, you need to let the dog pack chase someone.
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How dogs are harnessed to a sleigh
The horse harness is the oldest and most popular. With this option, the animals become pairs, positioned behind each other, at a distance of one and a half meters. There are three ways to make a train harness:
- in pairs;
- herringbone;
- goose
The convenience of a train harness is due to the ability to cross loose and deep snow; the leading pair paves the way and makes the road easier for those following. Management is carried out by a special team, and each dog sled must know its name. Such requirements are put forward for the dog walking at the head (leader), the rest will follow him.
Dog packs are also harnessed in another equally common way called a harness. It is most effective in sledding: harnessing into x-shaped harnesses, the load on the front part of the chest increases, thereby distributing the other part of the load evenly throughout the dog’s entire body. Harnesses can be made of leather and synthetic materials. Lightweight and without buckles, they do not damage wool.
Making a pull
In addition to the sled, you will need other equipment for huskies and other sledding breeds. First and foremost is the center towing strap. Northern peoples call it “pull”. It is noteworthy that in some territories the dog sled itself is also called.
This element can be made from a long leather sling or a reliable, thick rope. When considering how to sew a harness, it should be noted that the length of the belt is determined by the number of animals you want to harness. Often these are 1-14 four-legged helpers. Remember that you should not force one animal to drag more than 50 kg of cargo.
The pull is the basis of the entire structure. It is tied to the arc at the front of the sled. Special side straps are attached to it, to which harnesses with dogs in pairs are then fastened on both sides. Do not forget that the leader must be in the leading pair, which goes first. This method of arranging harness is called train or paired. You need to harness well-trained animals that strictly obey the owner.
There is also a fan method, which is often used by beginners and is not as perfect as the first. With this method, the four-legged helpers are tied to the sleds separately, and they move like a fan. In this case, the leaders are placed on the sides.
How to make a dog sled with your own hands?
Making a sled for dogs yourself at home is not that difficult.
- We select runners with dimensions: width 10 cm, length 2 m (the distance between the runners is no more than 55 cm).
- We insert bars (3?4 pieces) 50 cm high into the runners.
- We make a horizontal quadrangular frame for the flooring with our own hands from the bars.
- We make our own backrest from long beams.
- It is necessary to make an arc on a homemade sled so that its horns are pulled up to the vertical bars.
- Choosing a strong rope, leather belt? they will act as a pull.
A few secrets of sewing a harness
Riding animals are familiar with a collar, but they pull weights with the help of a harness. It is a wide strap that intercepts the dog's chest over the withers, directly behind the front legs. Another strap is attached perpendicularly to it, which intercepts the animal’s chest under the neck.
This is a kind of loop that is put over the head, secured around the body and supported by additional back straps. Its end is located on the side of the animal and is fixed to the pull rod.
The modern niche market offers a large variety of devices of this kind, but not all of them are suitable for riding structures. You can make a harness with your own hands from non-rigid leather belts, the width of which should not be less than 4 cm. Thinner slings will simply cut into the skin of the animal, injuring it.
When making this equipment, you should definitely take into account the size of each specific dog. To take measurements, use a regular measuring tape, which every tailor has in their arsenal. It is imperative to measure the distance from the withers to the tail, the circumference of the chest behind the front legs and the circumference of the neck.
To fasten all the elements together, carabiners are used, which make it easier to put on and remove the harness, which is especially important in conditions of sub-zero temperatures and the use of bulky mittens. The most preferred are modern carabiners made of high quality steel.
Mechanical “smaller brothers”
You can also make a motorized dog with your own hands. The huge demand for light motorized towing vehicles is due to the compact size of the device and excellent cross-country ability. The main element for making a motorized dog with your own hands is the engine, for example, the Sh-58 moped motor, designed for manual switching. Homemade motorized dogs are universal. The controls of a motorized towing vehicle are also important, and a steering wheel with built-in controls is best suited here, namely the gearbox switch, gas handle and clutch from a motorcycle. The supporting structure of a motorized dog can be a welded frame consisting of pipes of various diameters.
Homemade snowmobile sled made from plastic pipes
Polypropylene or PVC pipes can serve as material for sleds. The design will be lightweight and suitable for any snowmobile. The connection of individual elements is carried out with a soldering iron. The load-carrying capacity of the structure will be small, since the plastic tubes will not withstand heavy loads.
Pipe blanks are cut to size according to the drawing
First you need a drawing. It's simple. The design consists of two curved runners that act as skis. Vertical posts extend from them, which support the main platform.
You can give the pipe the desired angle using a hair dryer, heating the area required for bending
After cutting the tubes, begin soldering. First, clean the edges of the workpieces. Nozzles are inserted into the soldering iron. Install the fitting and pipe section. When the plastic softens and begins to melt, the blanks are removed from the hot nozzle and joined together. All elements are collected in a similar way.
The fittings are joined to the pipe using a soldering iron.
The skis are assembled first. They consist of three paired pipes. Tees are soldered at equal intervals along the runners. Racks made of pieces of pipe are attached to the central outlet of the fitting. Their upper end is connected with jumpers using tees and pipes. They form the platform of the future sleigh.
