How to Make a Dogsled

While you can purchase a quality dogsled, it's an expensive prospect. A better option might be to make your own dogsled. Making a dogsled is difficult and time consuming but you'll have the advantages of saving money and making the sled to your exact specifications.

Things You'll Need

• Runners
• Stanchions
• Drive bow
• Bed slats
• Brake
• Foot board
• Brush bow
• Rawhide
• Nylon rope
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Start with the runners. This is the most critical part of your sled. These two pieces of wood are flat and covered with plastic to make it easier to glide over the snow.

2. Install the stanchions. These rise vertically off the runners and comprise the back of the sled and the sides of the basket.

3. Insert the drive bow. This is the handle of the sled. It will rest horizontally on the stanchions closest to the back of the sled.

4. Make bed slats. These will make up the bottom of the basket and run perpendicular above the runners.

5. Add a break. While some sleds don't have a break, professionals recommend this feature. This is added at the musher's feet and will give him more control of the sled and the team.

6. Put a foot board on the runners for the musher to stand on. This gives you a good foothold on the sled and keeps you from falling off.

7. Create a brush bow for the front of the sled. This will protect your sled should you accidentally run into a tree or rock on the trail.

8. Finish the sled. Add a basket--cover it with rawhide and tie it off with nylon rope. Put a coat of varnish on the entire sled and rawhide to protect it from the elements.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogsleds vary depending on the types of races you run. Long-distance races require longer sleds and baskets, while sprints call for shorter sleds. The above steps focus primarily on the elements common to all dogsleds. However the measurements will differ based on the type of sled you choose to make.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish