Dryland

The term dryland refers to events, training or racing on "DRYLAND" or during the no snow season. Looking at our weather patterns of the past few years, it is no wonder that so many of us in Minnesota are turning our attention to Dryland events. Dryland is broken down into different categories: CANICROSS-which is running while your dog is in harness pulling you along BIKEJOR-biking while your dog is in harness pulling you along CARTS-one or more dogs in harness pulling a 3 or more wheeled apparatus SCOOTERS-one plus dogs in harness pulling a two wheeled apparatus. This includes bikes if the chain is removed or disabled.

 

Dryland Options

Start with socialization and some basic obedience work, these build a teaching/learning and working relationship. Agility activities can do wonders for confidence and also strengthen the working bond between you and the dog.
Swimming is great exercise and a great cool down option as well as a mental diversion, assuming the dog likes water and you introduce him or her to swimming appropriately.
Some pull training is helpful and will help get you started off right

Canicross: Canicross is a sport where the dog is hitched to you and pulls you as you hike or run. It is typically done with 1 dog. It is great for training as well as conditioning.
Good balance is required,
Scout the trail 1st, and be aware of who the other trail users are.

Carts/Rigs: Carts and Rigs are available commercially or home built, in various styles, sizes, weights, and designs.
Cart design, weight, tire size, tire type, suspension, brake types, trail surface and conditions all effect handling, stability, rolling resistance as well as stopping and holding power. These cart attributes and trail conditions also dictate # of dogs that may be safely used on a cart. This can vary with dogs, trails, and of course training.
Carts can be good training tool as well as for exercise and conditioning.
Many carts allow you to stop, set a parking brake, and then proceed with confidence to position the dog for success in command training It also allows you take rest breaks, give treats, or water, cool down, and give praise and encouragement. Many allow easier co-training as 2 people can ride the cart.
A snub line can be used as a back up for the parking brake, as a light cart can still be dragged with a parking brake set.
There is no perfect rig other than the one that best fits "your" needs and uses.
Some are folding for easier transport; a few come apart for transport.
For rigs that use wheelbarrow tires, the tires can be replaced (when needed) by a trailer tire which will fit on the wheelbarrow rim and hopefully still have enough clearance for the friction/scrub brake which many use, reason: the trailer tire is far more durable.
On 3 wheel carts, many claim you can carry gear, passengers, or weight up front, Note that this will effect steering and handling. A passenger/helper riding the rear deck has less impact on handling than riding up front.
To add resistance you may add weights on the rear deck and still maintain good steering and handling, (this is assuming the rig is designed and built adequately to do this)

Scooters and Bikes:
This is usually or typically done with 1 or 2 dogs. Definitely start out with 1.
Scooters and bikes are easier to transport than carts or rigs. Scooters and bikes are similar in concept but yet have definite differences, and your choice is once again personal preferences. They have different balance points, different center of gravity and do require different riding skills and techniques.
Scooter are pretty simple so typically relative inexpensive and have less to break.
Scooters are sometimes referred to as kickbikes.
It is quicker and easier to put a scooter into you vehicle than a rig. Another advantage of a kickbike or scooter is the amount of new trails which become accessible, like cycle paths, plus another bonus is that as a Kickbike is similar in appearance to a bike, no permit is needed on forest trails, however unlike a bike if you do need to get off quickly then there is no crossbar to get in the way. The Kickbike does not have to be used with dogs,

Note: Not all scooters are marketed for(or built for the rigors of) dog use.

Bikes:
There is a Low tech and High tech approach and much depends on your riding style or purpose, the dog, and the trails you use.
Low Tech: basic rear wheel coaster brake on a bike frame that is comfortable for you, whatever seat and handle bars you prefer. Inexpensive (less stressful when it gets trashed)

Hi-Tech: lightweight, mountain bike technology such as alloy frames, multi-speed,
V-brakes and suspension systems.
Technology offers many obvious advantages but those may be null and void
if it gets trashed
Dog training can essentially be abusive on stuff and some equipment will
not hold up (this applies to bikes, scooters, carts/rigs and most everything.

It is your personal option of attaching to the bike or to a skijor belt, there are pros & cons to both. Dogs need to be thoroughly and well trained prior to using scooter or bikes.
The rider driver should have good balance and be a proficient bicyclist or scooter driver first before connecting to a dog. Wear protective gear.
For additional information look at their site www.kickbike.biz . There is also a scooter guide, on www.snopeak.com, which will give you information on connecting up the lines.

Do not be put off by all the talk of the competitive side of dryland. Using a cart, bike, or scooter, and doing canicross is just as much fun in a recreational capacity, it is ideal for going out with one dog for a quick short run during the off season to keep you and your dog in shape.

Additional note:
Rollerblades/Rollerskis: Many of the rollerblades and rollerskis are designed for use on pavement or other hard smooth surface which is hard on the dogs(foot pads and joints) and is also painful to fall on. Most have little or limited braking ability.
If you chose to try this option, one should have excellent balance and be very proficient at rollersports before attempting this and then should only be attempted with a very very well trained dog.
Wear lots of protective gear. Stay away from traffic.
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