WORKING WITH YOUR ALASKAN MALAMUTES - SCOOTERING

[Johan Mostert]

What is Scootering?

If you can ride a bike then kicking (scooting) and riding a scooter is
easy. It is advised at first to become good at scootering without the
dog(s) before hitching them up. Be sure the dog(s) know commands like
“Stand!” and “Wait” before hitching them up. Same weight and size is
best for a scooter dog team, although unmatched dogs can be scootered
fine.

You should have a dog trained to lead. A dog darting off to the sides
for minor distractions can cause a crash. Start out with a well
maintained scooter and only one dog. Be extremely alert to trail
hazards. Wear a cycling helmet and cycling gloves. The maximum for
scootering would be 2 dogs as controlling more dogs would become a
risk.

What is required?

For 1-dog you need a gangline with bungee, a single attached tugline,
with the gangline attached to the scooter and the tugline attached to
the dog. For 2-dogs you will require 2 tuglines and a neckline. The
dog(s) to be in a long-distance harness.

Competition:

Scooter events may be divided into 1 and 2 dog classes and are held in
combination with other mushing activities. Competitors are started
individually and the distances run may range from 3 to 8 kilometres
and run over fairly level terrain on grass, dirt, gravel, sand or
similar surfaces. Asphalt and concrete are avoided.

Events are usually held early mornings over weekends. Competitors must
use the same dog(s) in all heats of the event if held over more than
one single day and the length of the line between the competitor and
the dog is regulated, generally between 2,5 and 3,65 meters.

Safety:

Ambient temperatures exceeding certain limits may be cause for
cancellation of events as the safety of dogs and humans is of
paramount concern.

Fitness:

Ideal for training and keeping your dogs fit in the off-season should
they also be used in other mushing sports principals.