Dryland – a new sport with a dog for the most active

When walking in the park and running on the playground with the dog are bored, it’s time to do real sports and take part in competitions. As an option, we recommend Dryland. This is a relatively new sport that has managed to win the hearts of dog breeders and their pets. 

Dryland translates as “dry land”. Imagine winter dog sled racing. So, dryland is the same, only without snow. It is interesting to deal with them in the warm season.

Let’s take a closer look at what dryland is in Russia, what kind of dogs and owners can handle it.

Dryland was originally a necessity, not a leisure activity. It appeared in regions where there is no snow for several months. There, draft and sled dogs were trained with the help of teams on wheels so that they would not lose shape during the warm months. 

Gradually, ordinary training turned into a sport and an unusual hobby. Now dryland is mastered not only by sled dogs, but also by everyone who is bored with the usual walks and exercises on the site.  

In Russia, sledding appeared at the end of the 2008s. The first competitions were held in XNUMX in Dzerzhinsk. Since then dryland competitions have been periodically held in other cities. Some participants drive thousands of kilometers with their pets for dryland. “SharPei Online” took a blitz interview with Anastasia Sedykh, which has been regularly hosting dryland competitions since 2016. Here is a short excerpt:

“In 2022, we are already holding. People come to this sport in different ways. Someone has a very active dog, and canicross and bikejoring are a great opportunity to throw out excess energy. And there are those who are very fond of an active lifestyle and specifically get a dog for sports. Basically, the leading places in sledding sports are occupied by “sledding mestizos”. But the mongrels also run great and show a very decent result. The benefits of dryland are enormous, we can talk about it endlessly. But the main thing is the unity of the dog and the owner and excellent physical activity!

Choose the type of dryland based on your personal preferences and your dog’s abilities. Four trends are currently popular: 

• Bikejoring: there are only two participants – a man and a dog. The man is riding a bicycle. The pair moves on a hitch with a special shock-absorbing rod. On the one hand, a person is fastened to the harness of a quadruped, and on the other hand, to a special device on a bicycle – a “rod”. 

• Canicross: there are also two participants, but the owner does not ride a bike, but runs. It is forbidden to control a pet with your hands while passing the distance: the dog must only respond to commands. 

• Karting: one or more dogs are harnessed to a cart on wheels – go-karts. On it, dogs tow a person.

• Scootering: the principle is the same as in karting, but pets pull a person on a scooter. 

Dryland means both training and competition. The main feature is the lack of snow. Usually competitions are held in spring or autumn. The air temperature should not be higher than +18 degrees, otherwise the dogs may overheat. The length of the track is no more than 8 km, so that tailed runners and their owners do not overwork. 

At the start and finish there are judges who keep the protocol, observe the control according to the rules and inspect the equipment of the participants. 

To pass the track in dryland, you will need special equipment. Pay attention to the quality of the cushioning that connects you and the dog. If there is no cushioning, there is a risk of serious injury. Grab a special cable that evenly distributes the load during a jerk from a place, turns and stops. In addition, active dog owners will need a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. And of course, comfortable clothes and glasses. 

A dryland dog needs a harness made of lightweight synthetic material. These are selected strictly according to the size of the dog or sewn to order.  

The wheels of the vehicle must be protected from traction and other objects, otherwise injuries cannot be avoided. It is extremely important to check the serviceability of the bike, cart or scooter so that the competition goes without force majeure. 

If you decide that dryland is the perfect sport for your dog, get ready to develop a complete understanding with your pet first. This sport requires the dog to obey you unquestioningly. Before the competition, it is desirable to take a general training course so that the pet knows at least basic commands. 

The main thing for dryland is that your dog sincerely wants to play this sport and receives only positive emotions from classes. If the pet is not interested, it is better to find another hobby.

In order for the dog to feel good during the competition and not refuse to run, experienced athletes advise not to overload the pet with physical exercises. For example, if training takes place 3 days a week, then it is a good idea to leave the dog to rest and gain strength the rest of the time. It is important that on the eve of the competition the pet has an excess of energy, then he will give all his best on the track at 100%. 

At the beginning of the season, dogs are first trained at short distances of about 500-1000 meters, gradually increasing the distance from start to finish. If you do not follow this rule, the pet will quickly get tired, lose motivation and will not want to run in competitions. 

Dogs of any breed can practice dryland. And even outbred ones. The most important thing is that the pet is healthy and with all preventive vaccinations. Also, the tailed athlete should be regularly examined by a veterinarian. 

Northern dogs are especially good at sledding sports: huskies, malamutes, samoyeds, Yakut huskies. They are naturally motivated to run and have incredible endurance, so drylanding them is a bit easier than other breeds. But it turns out to teach every dog ​​to run in dryland, even a Corgi or a Pekingese. It is much easier than it seems at first glance: just 2-3 workouts are enough.

Now, specially bred breeds of sled mestizos participate in many competitions. These are mixtures of pointers, hounds and other fast dogs. In world sports, these quadrupeds have become more often used, because they have higher speed and better endurance. But any dog ​​of any breed can engage in dryland, the main thing is the desire and support of a loving owner. Then everything will work out!