Dog Scootering

I started scootering with my malamute, after deciding he needs faster and harding training than canicross. We are both keen long distance canicrossers, so moving up to scootering was the natural choice to increase Sukos speed and pulling strength.
I own one dog, and have always wanted to mush and compete in sled dog events, scootering is the perfect option.
I use a Dax scooter http://www.cani-fit.com/dax-dog-scooter/ , which is fantastic for cross country terrain. It has an excellent large kick board with great suspension, comfortable bmx handle bars with excellent front and back breaks (a must). The best part about the Dax is that it folds, so can easily fit in the back of the car, making it easy to set off.
You can attach the line to the brush brow, making the connection point lower, x back harness is best suited for this. You can also attach the line to front bar like you would if bikejoring, this way connection point is higher and a good running harness can be used on the dog.
I found training Suko on the scooter from canicross, difficult at first, the speed is much faster, so took time to get him into a steady rythmn that he can keep up. The hardest part of scooter training, is getting the dog to dig their front paws in and pull harder through their front weight/shoulders. If the dog is used to canicrossing (a slower pace and more gentle pull), then it takes lots of encourangement and work on building their pulling strength up.
I started off with short flat 3 mile courses, and slowly building the miles up, to help him build his pulling strength I would encourage him to keep a steady pull on a flat, but also ask him to work slightly more when the speed slows, lots of commands and praise. It is important to help the dog up hills and at the start, lots of scooting is required to take pressure off the dog.
I use same commands as I do in canicross to direct my dog .. "Go Gee" Go Right .. "Go Haw" Go Left... "Hike on" Dig in and pull..."Lets go" speed up..."On by" keep going ignore.
Scooting works different muscles from running so you get a great cross training session. Best position is to keep knees slightly bent, stand as though you were on a skate board, crouching down to go faster, and scooting with alternative legs when slowing, the higher you kick the further you will go. I would also recommend getting off and running up hills whilst pushing scooter. Great workout and your dog will appreciate the help.
I scooter to keep my dog fit, cross training for myself, and for enjoyment. We also compete
with SDAS and SSHC in dog scootering classes, so far coming home with a gold. However if competing against a Siberian Husky I doubt many freight dogs would keep up.
Scootering is a great Urban Mushing Sport I would highly recommend to try it out.
http://www.cani-fit.com/scooter-bikejor-session/
Happy training :-)
Lindsay and Suko @ Cani-Fit

 

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