What is the most important command for
dog powered sports?
It depends a little on who you ask, but
most people would either answer "line
out" or "on by".
"Line out" is important because
if your dog does not stay out in front,
it's tough to get going down the trail.
If your dog does not line out, then you
have to keep getting off the rig, bike,
scooter, or sled and correcting them.
If your dog lines out on command, then
you can actually start to work on some
of the moving commands. "Line out"
is a command that can be worked on at
home, at the park, or even during a Orioles
game. If your dog already knows obedience
commands, feel free to use the "stay"
command in lieu of the "line out"
command.
"On By" is one of the most
important commands once you start down
the trail. Dogs can be easily distracted
while running down a trail and the "on
by" command is about moving beyond
those distractions. On many of the trails
in Maryland, there is a lot of other trail
traffic, death defying squirrels, and
almost domesticated deer. "On by"
is essential to avoid having your team
chase the local wildlife through the wildflowers.
Below, two dog teams can be seen doing
a head on pass at the Tug Hill Challenge
dog sled race in upstate New York. These
mushers are using the "on by"
command to take their dogs "on by"
another dog team. For a list of other
frequently used dog sledding commands,
see our dog
sledding commands section.
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Group Pull
Training Clinics and Dog Powered Sports Clinics
Maryland Sled Dog Adventures LLC occasionally offers
Pull Training Clinics and Dog Powered Sports Clinics as an opportunity to learn about
dog powered sports, dog sledding, and dryland dog
sledding. Pull training clinics are group lessons
that focus on the important ground work skills needed
for dog powered sports. Dog Powered Sports clinics focus on Dog Powered Sports appropriate for one to two dog household such as dog scootering, skijoring, bikejoring, and canicross. To see whether there are any
upcoming pull clinics scheduled, please check the Upcoming Events section of our home page.
October 17, 2009: Dog Powered Sports Clinic
The October clinc was a great success in spite of some very wet weather due to a massive nor'easter. The seven participants and their dogs were able to learn about the equipment required for dog sledding and the fundamental training required for dog powered sports. Participants and their dogs were able to try their hand (and dog) with a dog scooter and two different dryland dog sledding rigs.
Additional pictures from the Clinic are available
on our Webshots gallery.
May 31, 2008: Pull Training Clinic
The Spring pull training clinic focused on the ground training required for dog powered sports. Participants ere able to learn how to teach their dog to line out, to pull consistently using a double snap leash approach, and to avoid distractions through drag training.
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Pearl demonstrates a perfect line out.
Additional pictures from the Clinic are available
on our Webshots gallery.
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This furry Samoyed puppy liked the ground work
and is looking forward to more dog powered sports.
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| Griffen, the English Mastiff, rested during the
discussion of dog powered sports. |
This Siberian husky was remarkably attentive.
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Catherine and Sobo demonstrate command training.
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Nanook, an Alaskan Malamute, waits patiently for
the pull training to begin.
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