Dog Scootering
Dogs
Dog Scootering
Dog Scootering is a sport where one or more
dogs pull a
human riding an unmotorized
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 dogs wear the same
harnesses that sled dogs wear, and are hooked to the scooter with a
gangline. The gangline usually incorporates a
bungie
to smooth out the shocks of speeding up and takeoff. Most of the same
commands are used, although dog scooterers tend to be more relaxed about
their commands, sometimes using "right" and "left" instead of "gee" and
"haw", for example.
Scooter
The scooter is generally unmotorized, and has
mountain-bike-style tires ranging from 16" to 26". These aren't razor-type
scooters,
which would be dangerous in this sport. The scooters incorporate
mountain-bike-style brakes and have a large footboard to stand on and kick off
from. The scooters are occasionally called kick bikes because they are
not yet largely marketed for the sport of dog scootering. Some of the newer
scooters also incorporate front shocks similar to mountain bikes to absorb bumbs
better.
Location
While this can be an urban sport, done on sidewalks and paved trails, more
dog scooters take the sport off-road to mountain-bike trails and back-country
roads, where a higher level of skill is needed. There is also less chance of
having to dodge people or vehicular traffic on these trails.
Benefits
Scootering provides exercise both for the dog and the rider. The dog gets
exercise pulling the scooter but people have to help push, especially up hills.
Dogs that exercise regularly tend to be better behaved, as a lot of bad behavior
is due to boredom and lack of exercise.
Behavior Problems
Most dogs take to this sport with little encouragement. They get to run as
fast as they can and get to see and visit new places. As dog scooters become
more experienced, they tend to take their dog(s) and scooter(s) with them to new
trails. This can lead to a stronger bond between people and their dogs.
Activities
Dog scooterers get together for fun runs, where a number of dog scooterers
run their dogs and scooters on the same trails. Fun runs may be just a morning
run, or can be a weekend-long activity with multiple runs scheduled. This is
still a maturing sport, and there are not yet formal dog races or other
competitions.
In December 2005, dog scooterers are putting on the first Dog Powered Sports
relay,
Dogs Across America, where participants from around the country will choose
one of the trails in their state and ride it in relay style to cover the entire
length.
See also
Related sports are
carting or
dryland mushing,
bikejoring, and
sulky riding or racing.
External links
Home | Up | List of Dog Sports | List of Protection Sports | Badger-Baiting | Bait | Dog Fighting | Sled Dog | Greyhound Racing | Canicross | Carting | Companion Dog Title | Coursing | Dachshund Racing | Disc Dog | Dog Agility | Dog Harness | Dog Racing | Dog Scootering | Dog Show | Drag Hunting | Flyball | Lure Coursing | Mushing | Musical Canine Freestyle | Pulka | Schutzhund | Sheepdog Trial | Skijoring | Tracking | Weight Pulling | Wiener Nationals
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