Hey There
Bored of the usual way to exercise your dog? Is fetch just not cutting it anymore? Why not try dryland sledding? Wait.... You can do that in Australia?
YES!!!
Sledding not only exercises your dog but it's a great way to bond with them while having fun. You have to be switched on and engaged not just aimlessly throwing a ball or pounding the pavement, although there is nothing wrong with either of those.
About Sled Dog Racing
We at Siberian Express are here to answer all your sledding questions! We have sledding veterans that have been training and racing for 15-20 years right down to our rookies who haven't been with us long but have already got a wealth of knowledge to share.
Our main aim is to learn, grow the sport, and most importantly have fun with your dog/s. You don't have to own a Siberian to join. If your dog loves to run or if you just want to come and hang out, turn up to our Introduction to Sledding Day and have a ball! BALL!!! Where!!!!
See our Calendar or visit our Facebook page and Instagram to join in the fun and keep up to date with our racing season!
What is sledding?
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.
There are different classes for different skill levels
Novice Class (new comers)
Touring class for 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.
Where can I learn more about Sledding?
Every state in Australia except Northern Territory now have a sledding club. Most 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. Siberian Express experienced committee members do a brief talk about sledding, the right commands to use and you're on your way! As mentioned, 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 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.
