CAPE TOWN SLEDDING

THE DOG TEAM

Many beginners start sledding with 1-2 dogs. 4-dog teams are quite popular as they can be run recreationally. In dog sledding, top performance is achieved by the quality rather than the quantity of dogs. On a team of 1 or 2, the dogs are hitched at the harness to the lead section of a gang line; dual-leaders are run side-by-side and may also be coupled at the collars by a short neckline. With 3 or more dogs, a full gang line is used and the dogs run at positions called lead, swing, point, team and wheel. At the head of the team is the lead dog. In this position, speed is necessary but intelligence and trail sense are more important qualities. A leader must be self-assured, willing to take commands and not easily frightened by unfamiliar situations. Lead dogs are classified as gee/haw leaders, while both set the team’s pace and focus on the trail ahead, only a gee/haw leader responds to voice commands from the musher. Behind the leader are the swing or point, team and wheel dogs. Fast and strong, the swing dogs help turn the team, and on a small team of 3 or 4 dogs, provide the power. Since their eyes are constantly on the leader, they can, if necessary, take over. On larger teams, the swing dogs are often second-string leaders. All the dogs between the swing and wheel position are considered team dogs, the heart and engine of the team. Directly in front of the rig are the wheel dogs. Usually the strongest members of a team, they help turn the rig and must constantly pull to keep the line to the rig tight. Building a team with young or inexperienced dogs will take time and patience. Although older puppies and young adults appear to be fully grown, they are still too immature physically and mentally for the demands of running on a team of seasoned adults. Their bones and muscles will continue to develop until about 18 months of age, and they lack the mental stamina needed to handle stress and unfamiliar situations. Expecting too much too quickly can destroy a young dog’s natural desire to run and ruin any chance of it becoming a good sled dog.