There are many ways you can exercise your husky or sled dog. Walking, jogging, hiking, cani-cross, scootering or even sledding - husky, malamute and sled dog owners are lucky in the choices of activity they can undertake with their dogs. The main things to remember are;
If you have a bicycle, you can use it to exercise both yourself and your husky. The Walky Dog Hands Free Bicycle Leash
If you are interested in jogging with your husky or sled dog, you should invest in a 'jogging belt' such as the Cardio Canine - Hands Free Human Harness and Dog Leash System.
Generally speaking, dog-belts are a good idea for anyone with a husky or sled dog. Even if you do not run or jog with your dog, they make walking your dog a lot easier and more enjoyable by taking the strain off your arms.
Another useful piece for equipment is a collapsible bowl
Huskies and sled dogs are prone to overheating. You must not exercise them in high temperatures. In the summer months, it is best to walk your husky or sled dog in the cool hours of the early morning or evening. Running or cycling with your husky is only advised if the temperatures are low.
As a rule, we do not exercise our dogs like this unless it is below 50° F (10° C) outside. This means we get up very early in the morning during the summer months if we want to run our dogs!
If you are considering having a go at scootering, or you would like to find out more about 'working' your dog, the best thing to do is to get in contact with other owners who work their own sled dogs.
Most would be more than happy to take you out with their dogs and 'show you the ropes'.
It is definitely worth going along to an organized rally to watch the sled dogs on the trail and meet other owners.
Have a look at the websites of husky, malamute and sled dog organizations for events near you.
If you are interested in learning more about working and racing huskies, malamutes and sled dogs, you should first read some of the books written by mushers.
Mush!: A Beginner's Manual of Sled Dog Training
If you are interested in scootering with your husky or sled dog, try Dog Scooter - The Sport for Dogs Who Love to Run.
You can also find out more from DVDs about husky and sled dog racing. The DVD Pretty Sled Dogs
