About Sled Dog Racing

                                                    What is sledding? 

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Sled Dog racing started in Australia around 25 years ago sledding has become a very popular 

winter sport in Australia that the whole family can enjoy while spending quality time with your

dog/dogs; where dog and musher work together making their way around the forest on dirt

trails. The 1 and 2 dog class: mushers use scooters. The 3,4,6 and 8 class mushers use

3 wheeled rigs. The dogs are highly trained, skilled athletes who learn specific commands to

take left and right turns to make their way safely around the track.

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There are different classes for different skill levels

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• Novice Class (new comers)

• Touring class (or non competitive dogs & novice mushers (this class for young dogs between 12 months & 18 months of age)

• Veteran class for dogs aged 7 & over

• Open classes for 1,2,3,4,6 & 8 dogs

• Pee Wee class for kids 7 & under

• Junior class for kids aged 8 & up

• Canicross for the more active mushers, the musher wears a custom made canicross belt

• Bike-joring where a push bike is used instead of a scooter.

 What Breed of dogs can run in harness?

Any breed of dog can learn to run in harness, they must be sound and capable of doing the work. Siberian Husky and Alaskan  Malamute are the most common breeds people see running in harness; however a number of breeds run in harness such as; Samoyed, GSP, Pointer, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Kelpies, Border Collies, Doberman and over the years  we've had  many rescues and cross breeds who have also excelled at this sport.

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   What equipment is needed?

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• A Kick scooter or rig

• A bike helmet, snowboard helmet or skating helmet

• A gang line (the gang line attaches from the scooter/rig to the dogs harness,)

• A strong collar,

• A Neckline (if running two dogs)

• A well fitting harness such as non-stop/taiger/dog booties

• A pair of side cutters (in case of emergency)

• Safety glasses

• Bike Lights and a good head lamp (for night races)

• A good pair of running shoes.

• If using a rig you'll need a snub line, locking brake.

• Australia now has 4 snow races, if you want to participate you'll need a snow sled and strong snow hook or 2.

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 Where can I learn more about Sledding?

Every state in Australia except Northern Territory now have a sledding club. All clubs hold a introduction to sledding day.                                         NSW Siberian Express offers a Introduction and Welcome to sledding day. This event is where we lend                                     all our equipment, scooters, harness' and gang-lines. We get people who attend to bring water, dog(s)                                         a bike helmet and themselves to come along and give sledding a go, it's completely free to attend.                                           Siberian Express experienced committee members do a  brief talk about sledding, the right                                                      commands to use and you're on your way! Siberian Express also offers training/mentoring boot                                              camps each month where we'll go into more detail about sledding, talk about the rules of sledding                                           and track etiquette. Once again we'll lend you all our equipment, one of our experienced committee                                      members will take a team out with you and  help you with any problems you may encounter when                                        running your dog/s for example pass training.

                             Find us on Facebook to see up-coming events or contact us directly with any questions you may have.