How to Build Dog Sleds

If you live in a snowy climate, dog sledding can be both functional and fun. Historically, dog sleds were used primarily to transport food and other necessities. Today, dog sledding is most often observed simply as a sport, with dog sled races regularly taking place in Alaska, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. If you want to give dog sledding a try, you can build your own dog sled.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lumber
• Skis
• Saw
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screws
• Wood varnish
• Sander

1. Saw your lumber to appropriate sizes. You need two 36-inch long 2 by 4s to serve as the handle beam, two 42-inch long 2 by 4s for the angled brace and four 22-inch long 2 by 4s that will act as cross-braces for the runners. You also need four 8-inch long 2 by 4s for the handle and support brackets.

2. Place two skis on the ground. These will serve as your runners. You can also make runners yourself by covering 2 by 4s in plastic so they'll glide easily on the snow.

3. Affix the runner cross-braces to the runners. The cross-braces should be perpendicular to the skis, and evenly spaced. Use your drill to affix them to the runners with deck screws.

4. Attach the handle bar just behind the back cross-brace. The vertical bar should fit firmly against the cross-brace for support. Use deck screws to affix it there.

5. Give additional support to the handle bar by attaching the handle support braces. These braces should be perpendicular to the handles and evenly spaced.

6. Install the angle braces between the vertical handles and the runners. The angle braces, vertical handles and runners now form two triangles.

7. Add one additional support bracket in front of each runner's angled brace. This last piece reinforces the structure, ensuring the handle stays upright at fast speeds.

8. Sand the wood portions of the dog sled, and coat with a wood varnish. Allow the finish to completely dry before taking it out on the snow.

Tips & Warnings

• Use at least four deck screws to attach each piece together. If necessary, use additional screws.
• Don't rush construction on your dog sled. Sloppy craftsmanship can make your sled dangerous.