Dog Sleds for Kids
Kids can enjoy the thrill of a dog sled ride as much as adults. A number of lightweight sleds that a single dog can easily pull are suitable for kids to use. Older children, or kids who are assisted by an adult, can make their own homemade dog sled. Dog sledding is a safe and fun activity for kids, provided the dog sled has a functional brake and is pulled by a trusted family dog.
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Traditional Sled
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The traditional kids' dog sled is typically made of northern hardwoods and has a handwoven rawhide seat and back support. The steam-bent runners normally have a Teflon rail added on the bottom for easy movement. The top of these runners are invariably manufactured with a non-skid surface. Traditional sled designs incorporate a heavy metal foot brake, which is used to either slow down the sled or to stop it completely. The rugged construction of these hardwood sleds normally supports 200 pounds (either kids or their gear). A medium-sized dog of suitable temperament can pull a traditional sled with ease. A motorized vehicle should not pull this type of sled, which weighs 16 pounds. The dimensions of such a traditional sled are 43 inches long by 18.5 inches wide by 32.5 inches high.
Homemade sleds
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Adults or young people can design a homemade dog sled. A homemade sled doesn't necessarily have to fit any description, but it needs to be fairly lightweight for a single dog to draw it. Although typical sled dog teams include numerous dogs,a single dog should pull a sled on which kids will ride, for safety reasons. Homemade sleds need to be fitted with functional runners and a good brake for safety. These sleds should ideally also have a seat for comfort and be constructed of robust materials, so that they do not fall apart when in use.
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Klondike
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Klondike sleds are designed in such a fashion that the wood for their construction does not need to be steamed. This interesting design incorporates double cross rails, which ensure that the sled weight is kept to a minimum. These double cross rails make a very rigid framework. Kids will require assistance from an adult when constructing a Klondike sled, as a drill press is required for the many holes that are needed for this design. Scout troops for Derby races typically build Klondike design sleds.
Komatic
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The Inuit developed this sled design to haul their belongings over long distances and to take hunting trips across the frozen, barren lands. Dogs used to pull the sled, on which the musher lay face down. As this is not an easy sled to make, kids will require the help of adults. The komatic design differs from most other dog sled models, because the kid will be lying down and not sitting in an upright position.
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