Sleds for sled dogs - how to make them yourself

Sled dog sleds are now available in a variety of places, with manufacturers offering many different models. This device has certain features that are worth studying before purchasing. Some craftsmen are able to independently make a sleigh into which they can harness dogs and go on a trip.

Dog sleds are still popular

Sleds for dogs

Sleds for dogs are special racing sleds. It is recommended to purchase them together with special ammunition that allows you to harness the animals. There are many different models, but each item has several necessary elements:

• The runners are located parallel to the ground at a slight angle, making them quite stable.
• The arc (the second name is ram) is a special place that the driver holds on to while moving.
• Hoof legs are parts that are connected using crossbars.
• A special flooring on which cargo is placed or a passenger is seated.

Sleds can be designed in such a way that they can harness from one to one and a half dozen dogs.

Other types of sleds

In addition to drags, there are other types of fishing sleds that are used by “penguins”. Among them the most famous are:

• Finnish;
• inflatable;
• on skids.

Each option has the right to life, its pros and cons, design features.

Inflatable

Inflatable sleds for winter fishing are made of rubber and PVC. Products made from polyvinyl chloride are more reliable and durable. However, this option has its drawbacks:

• the need to inflate the sled before fishing;
• can be easily damaged by contact with hummocks or gear and sharp elements of equipment;
• it is necessary to additionally secure the equipment so that it does not fly off when moving on uneven ice or snowdrifts;
• an insufficiently loaded sled can easily be blown away or overturned by a strong gust of wind.

The main advantage of an inflatable sled is its compactness during transportation and storage. They take up almost no space and are light in weight.

On skids

Fishing sleds on runners are the oldest model used by winter fishing enthusiasts. Any children's, metal, wooden ones are suitable for going out on the ice. Most importantly, they allow you to transport equipment, tackle and gear, making it easier to move from one promising place to another.

The disadvantage of sleds on runners is their weight compared to plastic drags. Also, not every model is strong and durable. They are not comfortable when moving on uneven ice, but they do a good job on snow cover.

Finnish

Finnish sleds for winter fishing are popular in the northern region of our country, as well as among the Scandinavian “penguins”. Structurally, they are runners with special pads for positioning the legs. There is a stool installed in front, designed to secure equipment while moving and sitting during fishing.

Finnish sleighs are a good alternative to drags

The fisherman is positioned at the back of the sled. He puts one foot on the runners, and the other pushes, moving around the water area. There are options with a folding design, and there are non-collapsible modifications. Some craftsmen modify them by installing guides for attaching the drawer directly behind the seat.

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From the history of dog sleds

Sled dog breeding began to develop approximately 350-400 years ago as a result of the penetration of trading capital into the tundra. The extraordinary fertility and endurance of animals made it possible to use them as a means of transport in the Far North.

With the help of sleighs it was possible to transport a large amount of goods. Sleds were used by hunters so that they could deliver their prey without much effort.

For reference! Similar devices are still used to travel between villages in the Far North.

What are dog pulls made from?

There are special requirements for sports equipment for dogs, since the health, comfort, and safety of the animal and person depend on it. The pull must be made exclusively from high-quality, practical, elastic and durable materials.

The leash must withstand maximum loads, be flexible and not succumb to deformation under heavy loads.

Important! The pull can be for one or more dogs. There are designs for 10-14 animals on sale.

To make pulls, in most cases, synthetic polypropylene, high-quality nylon sling with a width of at least 2.5 cm are used. Climbing cord, floating waterproof hollow cable with a diameter of 8 mm, and thick ropes are also often used as materials for production.

What kind of dogs are harnessed to sleds?

Not all breeds are suitable for harnessing an animal to a sled. Basically, such devices are used in rather cold areas, so it is necessary to choose suitable dogs.

Sled dogs are animals that were specially bred to transport goods and people. The main ones are:

• husky,
• malamutes,
• Chukchi, Kamchatka, Norwegian, Lapon, Taimyr sled dogs,
• likes,
• samoyed dog,
• Greenland dog and the like.

Depending on the purpose of the sled, different breeds are used. For example, sleds for huskies are not heavy, dogs have greater endurance and can pull them for a long time, and malamutes are able to move with heavy loads.

Different breeds of dogs are harnessed to the sleds

Sleds for dogs

Sleds for dogs are intended for training, various amateur competitions, and country walks. The device has fairly wide runners that are flexible, but at the same time quite durable. Thanks to the variable geometry of the sled, it makes excellent turns, and a person can jump to his feet from the sled without hitting the dog.

The sled is equipped with a reliable braking system; its bumper is dense and quite elastic, which provides protection even in the event of serious impacts. The cargo area is durable and spacious, allowing you to transport both cargo and passengers.

Sled

Sleds are intended for training, amateur competitions or weekend country walks.

The sled has wide runners made of composite materials (carbon fiber), which have high strength and, at the same time, sufficient flexibility.

Variable geometry allows the sled to smoothly make turns along the optimal radius.

A reliable braking system allows you to hold the sled in place with a team of up to 6 dogs.

A durable and elastic bumper protects it from damage even in a head-on collision with a tree, stone or any other obstacle.

The durable and spacious cargo area of ​​the sled allows you to transport both a musher and an adult as a passenger.

The maximum load capacity of the sled is up to 100 kg. (besides the musher); The maximum number of dogs in a sled is up to 6 dogs; The weight of the sled is 14 kg.

Sled price: 25,000 rub.

Review of sledges

... I would like to describe my observations during testing of the sled made by you. After killing operation for about 3 months, I discovered the following design flaws.

The sled is designed for 2-6 dogs, we harnessed only 4 dogs of the Siberian Husky breed (6 dogs are very difficult to hold together). We drove mainly in the forest. We fell many times and ran into various stumps and branches that were invisible under the snow. One day the leader “yawned” and as a result they crashed into a tree. There was always little snow on the route; in some places the snowstorms scraped down to the ground. The sled was often loaded with up to 160-180 kg. (musher and passenger).

It is very maneuverable in handling if I am driving alone. When you have passengers, the center of gravity changes and it’s harder to control. This may be because the runners, made of plastic, are too flexible.

Before that, I rode on a sled with cross-country skis attached, but that sled was less maneuverable and, moreover, heavy. The sled you made is lighter (my wife easily carries it) and, importantly, is collapsible and can be easily stored in the car. One day we lost the nut from the connection in the handle. I had to stop training. Therefore, all bolted connections must be fixed (for example, by a grower).

In general, the sled is very comfortable and durable for beginners. If you remove the shortcomings that I pointed out, it will be, in general, normal.

In severe frost (-20 C), all plastic connections behaved the same as at -5 C. No cracks or chips were noticed. The loading area is comfortable but slippery. We sewed a rug so that it would not be cold to sit on. At the moment, the dogs have already run 10 km. And at the beginning it seems that they do not feel the weight of the musher and the passenger. This is when they release the accumulated energy, they run more calmly and you can relax. And the speed is very high!

Modern sledges

Sleds have remained popular for a long time. However, in the modern world, dogs have been replaced by snowmobiles. Sleds for sled dogs have also undergone some changes and have become more comfortable and stable. High-quality materials and modern technologies are used for production.

Residents of the northern regions use snowmobiles and sleds constantly for work and recreation, so no one began to come up with something new, they simply improved the sleds.

Sleigh rides are a popular recreational option

Reliable sleds for snowmobiles and motorized towing vehicles

The section includes passenger drags with seats (as well as separate seats) and cargo sleds. Used for hunting, fishing and outdoor walks (for example, in the mountains or for ski trips for provisions). Sleighs can be of various sizes and configurations. They also differ in the material they are made of: metal or durable plastic.

The drags are designed for snowmobiles or motorized towing vehicles, but plastic versions can be used without equipment: attached to sled dogs or even people (this is often done during winter expeditions). The load in most drags is carried in bulk or can be secured with straps (usually in a metal sled). There are also covers that cover the contents of the container.

Types of sleds

There are several types of sleds, which differ in design, load capacity and other characteristics. Sleds for dogs can be open or closed; they can safely transport cargo and passengers.

Volokushi

Volokushi are the simplest and most affordable model of modern sleds. Externally, the device resembles a large trough on which a snowmobile drawbar is attached. The undoubted positive qualities of such a device are the following:

• low price,
• simple design,
• light weight,
• rare freezing,
• convenient to pack and transport luggage,
• low center of gravity, which makes the sled more stable and protects against capsizing,
• can be used on water - they just float.

Unfortunately, such plastic sleds are difficult to use for transporting people - they are very inconvenient. In addition, while moving, the sled completely slides along the ground (with its entire bottom), which leads to increased sensitivity to any unevenness. As a result, damage may occur in the event of a serious impact.

Attention! In case of strong impacts, the drawbar may break. The disadvantages also include low load capacity, the possibility of the load getting wet, and poor stability on slopes.

Cargo sleds

Cargo models have special skis (runners), in some cases there are even shock absorbers. The positive aspects of such devices are their fairly high load capacity, excellent stability, and the ability to transport passengers. In a closed sled, the load will not get wet and suffer.

However, such devices are quite heavy, so when loading it is necessary to correctly distribute the load in the sled. In addition, metal parts often freeze.

Sleds have different purposes - for passengers, cargo and shared use.

Passenger sleds

Passenger sleds can be open or closed and can accommodate up to 8 people. They come in small sizes or, conversely, larger and more comfortable ones. The main characteristics depend on the manufacturers.

Homemade

Many craftsmen make sleds for dogs with their own hands. If you wish, you can find many drawings and diagrams. Making your own sled will be cheaper than buying it. In addition, this allows you to create exactly what is needed and fits well, as well as realize a variety of ideas.

Preparation

Before we start creating our winter structure, we need to decide what material it should be made of. Wood is perfect as a starting material if you want to make a sled like a sled or entirely made of plastic or metal with plastic parts. There are a lot of homemade models you can assemble. Sleds, thanks to their design solutions, are a very universal item; they can be easily attached to all models of snowmobiles. To optimally select sled models, consider these factors.

The best option would be to make a sled on a steel frame, as it will be more durable than plastic ones. The main disadvantage of such equipment is considered weight, however, this pays off with a significant margin of safety and a long service life.

In such devices, it will be necessary to change the plastic slides as they wear out, but at least once every three years.

Dimensions and drawings

Before preparing your masterpiece, you need to make a design for it, in which you need to constructively decide what size the sled will be. We have prepared a rough drawing of the sled, which we will describe later. As you can see, the dimensions of the structure are a little more than two meters in length, the height of the product is 98.5 cm, the width in the front part is 75 cm, and in the back it narrows to 74 cm. The drawing is very detailed in the height of all parts. Drawings can be found on the Internet, but it is better to come up with your own based on your technical considerations and calculations.

Tools and materials

To make a snowmobile sled yourself, you need to stock up on the following materials:

Snowmobile sleds are made from any available materials, not just those purchased specifically for this purpose. Craftsmen can make a sled from a motorcycle carriage or a sled from wood, and some craftsmen even make sleds from barrels.

Dog training

Dogs need to be trained from an early age. During this period, it is necessary to stock up on patience and care. Training takes place on the following points:

• accustom to harness,
• teach to go out in harness one at a time,
• explain how to pull the load in the required direction,
• teach the “stay” command so that the dog stops in time,
• learn to line up on command.

It is recommended to constantly change the weights so that the pet does not get used to the same weight.

Dogs need to be harnessed correctly so that the animals can comfortably pull the sled.

How to make a dog sled with your own hands

It is quite possible to make sleds with your own hands. The work is carried out on the following points:

• Select runners - width 10 cm, length 2 m.
• Insert bars half a meter high into the runners (3-4 pieces).
• Make a rectangular frame for the flooring from the bars.
• Create a backrest from long pipes.
• Make an arc so that its horns are pulled towards the vertical bars.
• For pulling, choose a rope or belt.

Detailed instructions and master classes are available on the Internet.

If desired, you can make a sleigh with your own hands

Cargo homemade sleds for snowmobiles

A special feature of cargo sleds is their resistance to heavy loads. This is achieved by using durable materials, such as metal. Skis are made wide. Due to this, the runners do not fall into the snow. Improves maneuverability and stability when the snowmobile moves at high speed. Shock absorbers are sometimes provided between the runners and the platform frame. They smooth out impacts on bumps. The sled bounces less, which reduces the likelihood of damage or loss of cargo.

Shock absorbers smooth out impacts when riding a snowmobile on uneven terrain, thereby improving cargo safety

READ ALSO: After 3 years, swelling appeared on plastic pipes (photo inside)

The snowmobile sleds shown in the photo are made from metal with your own hands. The platform is covered with plywood. The sides are welded from tubes. They won't interfere with cargo sleds. It is convenient to secure the transported cargo with straps over the sides.

What types of racing are there on modern sleds?

There are different types of sled racing. There are several popular ones:

• For short distances - sprint.
• Average distances - up to five hundred km.
• For long distances - more than five hundred km.
• Multi-stage - from several distances.
• Freight - transportation of luggage.
• With orientation to the terrain - a team of two people participates on the track.

Dog sleds are now used more often for entertainment. However, there are nationalities for whom they still remain the best transport.

Dog Sled: Born to Run

Based on historical facts, we can say with confidence that the use of a dog as a draft force began a long time ago.
Initially, the dog was not a sled dog; primitive hunters tried to take them as assistants and trusted them to pull the valuables obtained by the tribe. The further spread of riding art was facilitated by man's mastery of fishing? the catch fully met human needs and was considered excellent food for dogs used for transport. Subsequently, sled dog breeding was inextricably linked with the development of trade; transporting goods over fairly long distances with the help of such an intelligent animal greatly facilitated the process. The development and detailed study of the northern regions became possible thanks to the dog, only in this way could people reach hard-to-reach places. Today, our planet still has many unexplored territories, which only a dog sled can reach.

In the modern world, riding animals are not something rare or unusual; they are considered practically the only means of transportation in the Arctic. Dog packs have become an integral part of a beautiful and spectacular sport; now the races of northern favorites are more designed for aesthetic pleasure, so true applied goals have somewhat lost their relevance.

Types of homemade sleds for snowmobiles

In general terms, a sled is a universal vehicle. There are several types, but they all simply attach to any snowmobile. To decide on a suitable model, you need to take into account a number of factors:

• the complexity of the route along which you have to navigate;
• thickness and quality of snow cover;
• terrain features of the site;
• type of cargo transported;
• travel distance;
• driving style.

Initially, it is worth finding the answers to each item. After this, it will be easier to choose a sled for your snowmobile, and all models are divided into three types:

1. Volokushi are considered the simplest type of sled. In the factory version, they are often made of plastic and resemble a rectangular trough in shape. The drags do not have skis. While driving, the bottom slips on the snow. The weak point of the drag is considered to be the front part. It is most often destroyed. However, such a product is inexpensive, it is easier to buy it than to make it yourself. The drags are shaped like a rectangular trough, and the bottom is not equipped with skis
2. Passenger sleds are extremely rare for sale. This is due to low demand. The design is a covered booth mounted on skis or a skid. There is one or more seats for passengers inside. Advanced models have heating and lighting. In such a booth it is convenient to go fishing together or just relax. Most often, passenger sleds for snowmobiles are assembled with their own hands, which significantly reduces the cost of the design. Their main disadvantage is their heavy weight. You can only attach it to a powerful snowmobile. Passenger sleds are convenient for going fishing or relaxing in winter, but they can only be attached to a powerful snowmobile
3. The cargo sled took all the best qualities from previous varieties. They are more resistant to drag due to the presence of skis. With small dimensions, they are lighter than passenger sleighs, although they can withstand several times more load. Due to the presence of skis, maneuverability and maneuverability on difficult terrain are improved. The main purpose of the sled is to transport goods. However, people can ride them with success. Devices in the form of springs are usually installed between the skis and the bottom of the cargo sled to increase the load capacity.

READ ALSO: Mistakes when welding (soldering) polypropylene pipes: what do you need to know?

Of all the options, the most popular on the farm are cargo sleds. Volokushi and passenger models are used by amateurs for entertainment and recreation.

In the video, a homemade sled for a snowmobile with your own hands in running-in:

Dog training

Dog pack training? a responsible undertaking that requires a huge investment of time and effort. Animals intended for riding must be hardy, physically strong and fast. The process of education requires love, care and patience, so before you decide on the choice of breed, you need to be confident in your abilities. An option that can unquestioningly carry heavy loads is the Siberian Husky dog ​​breed. It is recommended to purchase a husky puppy at the age of 4–6 months; during this period, establishing contact with the owner is most productive. You can professionally train dogs to pull sleds by following these rules.

• Get used to harness. Huskies quite often do not notice its presence, so after the habituation process, you can safely attach a leash to the harness, at the other end of which there is a load.
• Teach the dogs to go outside one at a time in a harness with a leash (anxiety about the load quickly disappears).
• Under the clear guidance of the owner, the dog should be taught to pull the load in the desired direction. To do this, the owner of the husky can use special commands to direct it in the appropriate direction. Dogs that are used to bending do not respond easily to this type of training, so the owner should lean back slightly behind the dog's back as he pulls the load.
• Teach to follow the command “stand”, periodically stopping and rewarding the huskies when they stop dragging the load and stand peacefully.
• To train dogs to line up on command, you need to secure the leash and voice the command.
• Vary the loads constantly.

After all of the above, the animal can be harnessed to pull a sled; when looking towards the owner, you need to let the dog pack chase someone.

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Sledding is, first of all, about dogs, a driver and properly selected equipment. The physical characteristics of the dog depend on how exactly the equipment is selected according to the size and shape of the dog.

Agree that in a narrow harness the dog will feel uncomfortable and run slower. A dog in sledding is like a child you are getting ready for school. She needs a “school uniform” or a harness and a “briefcase” i.e. all other equipment for riding sports. Depending on what ammunition and equipment you use, the success of your work depends.

1. Walking. The load is distributed evenly mainly on the dog's shoulder girdle. Convenient when pulling the leash up. The lower back is not used. According to the laws of biomechanics and the structure of the dog’s skeleton, such a harness is NOT SUITABLE for safely pulling a human load or a load on the ground (wheels, sleds). (photo 1)
2. Riding. The load is distributed evenly throughout the dog's body. The end of the harness coincides with the root of the tail, where the pull rod with a shock absorber is attached (photo 2, 2-a). With such a harness, the dog can pull a load with an attachment at the level of its height (bicycle, sled, running belt). Not suitable for a load on the ground (wheel), since the end of the harness begins to put pressure on the sacrum (the dog may begin to squat when walking). Another type of riding harness is Zero, which takes into account anatomical features, incl. non-standard breeds for sledding (shepherd dogs, Labradors, etc.). The harness in photo 3 is different in that it does not have crossing lines on the back.
3. Freight. The design is similar to that of a sled dog, but the end is extended to shift the center of traction behind the dog’s body, the side slings go around the sides of the body (photo 4). Great option. if a spacer is made at the elongated end to the point where the pull is attached (last photo), this prevents friction of the slings on the dog’s sides (photo 5). This harness is perfect for loads lying on the ground or close to it (wheel, sled, argamak). It is not advisable to raise the attachment point higher, because The longer the lever, the more difficult it is for the dog to pull.

How dogs are harnessed to a sleigh

The horse harness is the oldest and most popular. With this option, the animals become pairs, positioned behind each other, at a distance of one and a half meters. There are three ways to make a train harness:

• in pairs;
• herringbone;
• goose

The convenience of a train harness is due to the ability to cross loose and deep snow; the leading pair paves the way and makes the road easier for those following. Management is carried out by a special team, and each dog sled must know its name. Such requirements are put forward for the dog walking at the head (leader), the rest will follow him.

Dog packs are also harnessed in another equally common way called a harness. It is most effective in sledding: harnessing into x-shaped harnesses, the load on the front part of the chest increases, thereby distributing the other part of the load evenly throughout the dog’s entire body. Harnesses can be made of leather and synthetic materials. Lightweight and without buckles, they do not damage wool.

Where to buy sleds for dogs?

If you like to combine winter walks in the fresh air with excitement, if you are interested in active recreation and like exotic sports, buy a Finnish dog sled, presented in an assortment on the official Finsani website. On our website you can order and purchase inexpensive, high-quality products from the world's leading manufacturers of Finnish sleds. The prices of dog sled sleds presented in our online store are affordable and optimal for products in this category.

• The models presented in the catalog are suitable for walking and training runs, for riding by adults and children.
• The products are made from high-quality materials, the wooden elements are made from strong, durable and lightweight Karelian birch.
• A reliable and spacious cargo area allows you to transport one more person, or use the seat for rest during a rest stop.
• The folding design of the sled for dogs offered by us makes it possible to transport the sled in the trunk of a car or on public transport.

In addition to sleighs, you can purchase various harness equipment and other products for sledding from us. We deliver throughout Moscow and other regions of the Russian Federation.

How to make a dog sled with your own hands?

Making a sled for dogs yourself at home is not that difficult.

1. We select runners with dimensions: width 10 cm, length 2 m (the distance between the runners is no more than 55 cm).
2. We insert bars (3?4 pieces) 50 cm high into the runners.
3. We make a horizontal quadrangular frame for the flooring with our own hands from the bars.
4. We make our own backrest from long beams.
5. It is necessary to make an arc on a homemade sled so that its horns are pulled up to the vertical bars.
6. Choosing a strong rope, leather belt? they will act as a pull.

Pull design for dogs

On one side the pull has a reliable metal carabiner, on the other side there is a convenient loop-handle. One end of the pull is fixed to the harness worn on the dog, the second end, as a rule, to the belt on the person. To soften jerks there is a built-in shock absorber of different power. The power of the shock absorbers depends on the number of dogs. The shock absorber is fixed to the pull using built-in loops (“loop to loop”).

The pull can be for one or more dogs. For example, for 2-3-10 sled dogs, the pull consists of several sections. So, for two dogs, the length of the pull rod with a shock absorber should be 2.7-3 meters, two carabiners. The main part of the pull rod is one meter long, two lines are attached to it, each at least 100 cm long.

Mechanical “smaller brothers”

You can also make a motorized dog with your own hands. The huge demand for light motorized towing vehicles is due to the compact size of the device and excellent cross-country ability. The main element for making a motorized dog with your own hands is the engine, for example, the Sh-58 moped motor, designed for manual switching. Homemade motorized dogs are universal. The controls of a motorized towing vehicle are also important, and a steering wheel with built-in controls is best suited here, namely the gearbox switch, gas handle and clutch from a motorcycle. The supporting structure of a motorized dog can be a welded frame consisting of pipes of various diameters.