NEW ENGLAND MUSHING TRAILS ®

Our dogs LOVE to run & pull and we give them a chance to get the exercise they need & deserve through various “mushing” type activities such as dog scootering, carting, bikejoring, canicross, skijoring, weight-pulling, and yes, even dogsledding. Dog scootering is a sport where one or more dogs pull a human riding a non-motorized kick scooter. It is similar to mushing, which is done in the winter, but generally with fewer dogs and with a scooter instead of a dogsled. The scooter is generally non-motorized and has mountain-bike-style tires ranging from 16" to 26". The scooter has mountain-bike-style brakes and a large footboard to stand on and kick off from. Scooters are occasionally called kick bikes because they are not yet largely marketed for the sport of dog scootering. An alternative is to use a bicycle instead of a scooter. This is seen as a more dangerous alternative, as it is more difficult to dismount a bicycle in an emergency. This alternative sport of harnessing dogs to a bicycle is known as bikejoring. As with bikejoring, line-roll over should be a major consideration when deciding how to outfit your scooter. Even though the line could be attached directly to the stem or head tube of your scooter, this is probably not the best choice. Lines attached directly to the scooter without some sort of attachment to keep the line above and over the tire can cause problems. Proven alternatives include: attaching the line to you via a belt designed for skijoring or canicross or an attachment mechanism that gets the line out over the tire, thus reducing chance of roll-over. There are no hard & fast rules governing this as the governing body for sport has left room for personal choice & innovation. So experiment to your hearts content, "necessity is the mother of invention.
Scooter is the dryland discipline of dog-powered sports that most closely intimates mushing or skijoring & we help introduce people & their dog(s) to these sports & also help people find the proper equipment to use. Some people forego an attachment device all together & opt instead to attach the line directly to themselves by a skijoring or canicross belt. Its more secure having the dog tied directly & this method allows better control with their body weight rather than Fido controlling the bike or scooter with his.
What equipment is needed?
To enjoy this sport, you will need: a scooter, heavyweight bungee with lead line that connects the scooter to your dog(s), a harness for your dog(s), a helmet for your head (other protective gear optional) & plenty of WATER for your dog(s).
There are no reins or other signaling devices to control the dog:
The dog must be motivated by its own desire to run & respond to the owner's voice for direction.
What type of dog do I need to scooter with?
This sport is open to many dogs, from Huskies, to Great Danes, and Schnauzers to Pit Bulls. Any dog over 30 lbs that loves to run can pull a scooter, smaller dogs in teams can also be used. Note: The smaller the dog, the more you will have to help out on hills and rough spots. Remember: all dogs regardless of size must be slowly worked into fitness.
What type of dog do I need to sled with?
Several distinct dog breeds are common use as sleddogs, although any medium-sized breed may be used to pull a sled. Naturally, most northern breeds are used as sled dogs. Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Eskimo Dogs, and Samoyeds are all sled dogs. Any working breed can enjoy mushing sports. In fact, most modern day speed and endurance mushers use mixed breeds known as the Alaskan Husky.
So, if you do not have a "sled dog", but still want to enjoy the sport, fear not, for most any type of dog can be used. Mushing is fun, both to take part in and to watch. Your dog will love it, you’ll become a team and you’ll get fit too! Lastly and most importantly – we are here to have recreational fun!
You want a HEALTHY, ACTIVE DOG who loves to run & be with you. This is the most incredible way to create a life long bond with your pet.
GEE = RIGHT / HAW = LEFT / WHOA = SLOW DOWN TO STOP - SO COME HAVE FUN MUSHING!!
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PLEASE BE AWARE THAT MEETUP SITE HAS A COST FOR WEB HOSTING:
1 MONTH @ $19 / 3 MONTHS @ $45 / 6 MONTHS @ $72 / 1 YEAR @ $144
Suggested sliding scale donation of $5-$20 for promo, printing, graphic design, web expenses, advertising expenses & time to plan/facilitate the events. All & any donations gratefully received!
THIS IS A VOLUNTARY ADULT/DOG RECREATIONAL URBAN SPORTSMANSHIP THAT IS NON PROFIT & DRAMA FREE - WE RESPECT EVERYONE & ASK WILLINGLY TO COME SHARE WITH THE DOGS
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