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 the Midwest are turning our attention to Dryland events. In many other areas dryland is the norm, snow is the exception, so "urban mushing or dryland mushing" is the way to go. Even us in the midwest have more snowfree days than snow covered trails. Your dog will enjoy the year round activities. Categories of Dryland These foundation skills are key to building a good working relationship. Command Training: is teaching your dogs the commands on foot while you still have control. For everyones' safety, pull training and command training should be done extensively before doing bikejoring or scooterjoring.
Scooters and Bikes Scooters and bikes are activities typically done with 1 or 2 dogs. Definitely start out with 1 until you have experience. Scooters are pretty simple so typically relatively inexpensive and have less to break. Scooters are sometimes referred to as kick-bikes. It is generally quicker and easier to put a scooter into you vehicle than a rig. An advantage of a kickbike or scooter over a cart is the amount of new trails which become accessible, like single track cycle paths(non-paved). Another bonus of the scooter is that it is just a small step down to the safety and security of "terra firma" compared to an impromptu bike dismount. PSA/Safety Tip: Wear protective gear (helmet, knee-pads, gloves, safety glasses).
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 has a basic rear wheel coaster brake as well as a handbrake (redundant braking for safety) on a bike frame that is comfortable for you, with whatever seat and handle bars you prefer. High Tech are lightweight, mountain bike technology such as alloy frames, multi-speed, V-brakes or disc brakes and high end suspension systems. Technology offers many obvious advantages but those advantages can quickly be null and void if the bike gets trashed. It is your personal option of attaching to the bike or to a skijor belt, there are pros & cons to both. Note: Dogs need to be thoroughly trained to stay out front and to precisely execute commands prior to using scooters or bikes. The rider/driver should have good balance and be a proficient bicyclist or scooter driver before connecting to a dog. PSA/Safety Tip: Wear protective gear (helmet, knee-pads, gloves, safety glasses, etc).
Most of the rollerblades and rollerskis are designed for use on pavement or other hard smooth surface which is extremely hard on a pulling dog (foot pads and joints) and is also quite painful to fall on. Most have very low rolling resistance and little or limited braking ability. If you chose to try this option, one should have excellent balance and be very proficient at rollersports itself, before attempting adding a dog to the equation and then should only be attempted with a very, very well trained dog. PSA/Safety Tip: Wear lots of protective gear. Make sure your health insurance coverage is current and stay away from traffic. Personally, I keep inline sports (rollerblading and rollerskiing) separate from dog training. CARTS, RIGS, & GIGS 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 the number of dogs that may be safely used on a cart. This can vary with dogs, trails, and of course training. 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).
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DRYLAND