Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Welcome Aboard Part 2

I am so into this - thanks for checking it out. I was forced to start this blog for my reports and ramblings about my love of dogs and all the fun we are having bikejoring together, as my homesteadingblog was becoming a platform mainly for my latest crash, or Pepper and Snoopy's antics! So I gathered up all my killer mushing links and started with a fresh template. The NewBlogger stylee is worth the switch - it is SOOOO much easier than HTML.

If you look through some of the links you will find all the information and gear (even
dogs !) that you will need to start a great new activity with your canine friends. This sport is set to sweep the nation - now is the time to be at the head of a new wave of fun! Running is a dog's reward, and running your dog will reward you too. For after a good run, escaping, barking and chewing things, all seem like work! Tired pups are good pups. It is a total blast! So, If you like dogs, nature, and speed, mixed with a bit of danger, daring and exhilaration, you must try dog powered sports! The bond that has been formed through our strenuous outings is like no bond I have ever had with a dog; and I have had a good number of dogs.

First and foremost, before you hitch Rover up to the BMX, is obedience training. Any dog owner interested in tapping into the amazing power contained in their pooch, must first have a good command of that dog. Basic obedience, such as focusing on you, sit, stay, stop, no, and leave it, are all essential for staying alive while hitched to your dog(s). Keeping in mind a good heel may not be a valuable skill in this circumstance - if they pull on the leash they'll probably be great at mushing!

An easy,
citified way to run your pup, when obedience is not so solid yet, is the WalkyDog. It is not exactly mushing, but provides a great way to run your dog. It is ideal for dogs that are too small to pull, but are blessed with abundant energy (we love you tyke!) The one disadvantage if you want to eventually train them to pull, is that they must learn to run in front after the WalkyDog has conditioned them to run at the side. I still like being able to use it. It is ideal for urban situations, where you need to be in absolute control of your dog and not take up too much space!

We took a few pics at the park yesterday, I will post them soon. I must admit it has been difficult to document this process with very many photos, as the speed and danger elements seem to dominate! ;}

2 comments:

Rose said...

Cool stuff! (You can have multiple blogs with Blogger, you know, so you can keep the Homesteading one, too.)

Thanks for the links for the dog harnesses - and the Iditarod shots. I have a Husky who would LOVE to be pulling something!

Rose said...

Correction! Just clicked on your profile and see you have MULTIPLE blogs. Very nice!