Dry Sleds for Dogs

In order to train and race during times with no snow, mushers use rigs.

Sled dog racers or "mushers" begin training early in the fall, even before the snow falls. They use a device called a rig or gig. Also called a "dry sled," it is built either for heavy training or speed.

History

Rigs or gigs evolved from the dog carts and gigs of Europe. Mushers started with these carts and adapted them to sled dogs.

Function

The rig or gig is used for training and dry-land racing.

Features

Rigs or gigs are three- or four-wheeled carts with minimal braking and a place for the musher to stand on like a chariot.

Size

Lighter rigs for racing can weigh 100 pounds or less. Some can be as light as 28 pounds.

Considerations

Dry-land rigs can be very unstable and even dangerous. Many mushers train by hooking up their dogs to ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) for stability.

References

• Margaret H. Bonham, "Northern Breeds," 2001.
• Lee Fishback, "Training lead dogs: Or, How to turn ordinary dogs into lead dogs thru positive training," 1979.
• Charlene LaBelle, "Mush Revised: A Beginner's Guide to Sled Dog Training, 2007.