What is skipulling?

Skipping has been known for a long time. Probably, this sport owes its origin to the northern peoples of Scandinavia. Previously, hunters went to the forest on a dog sled, loading sleds with everything they needed: provisions, equipment and weapons.

Today, skipulling is a sport in which dogs pull a small sled connected to a skier.

Features

Although skipulling is a winter sport, it differs in many ways from dog sledding or skijoring.

• The main equipment in skipulling is the pulka. This is a small lightweight sled made of durable plastic. There are recreational, tourist, expeditionary and even children’s pools;

• Pulka stands on skis, on the quality and ability of which the success of the team depends;

• A load is placed inside the pulka, it is 70% of the weight of the animal;

• Arc shafts, provided in the design of the sled, ensure the safety of the dog. If she suddenly stops abruptly, the sleigh will not run over her;

• The harness is slightly different from the one used in skijoring. Special harnesses are produced for sledding sports;

• Connects the pulka, the athlete and the animals with a long cord called pull. As a rule, they use the same as in skijoring;

• A special belt is designed for the skier, to which the pull is attached.

In skipulling, there are runs of different lengths. The shortest distance (in the relay) is up to 5 km, and the longest (in the individual races) is 50 km.

Skipulling is considered one of the safest dog sports. The animal cannot accelerate too fast, brake too hard, or, for example, suddenly jump to the side.

Dogs in skipulling

Of course, as in many winter sports with a dog, northern breeds are considered the most suitable for skipulling. Huskies, huskies, Greenland dog or Chukchi sled dog – all of them will be happy to learn how to pull the load. But the Malamute is not very suitable for speed competitions, the strength of this breed is the transportation of heavy loads. However, in skipulling, the breed is not of fundamental importance; animals without a pedigree can also participate. Even the weight of the dog is not strictly regulated – pets from 5 kg are allowed.

The main thing in this sport is the ability of the animal, including the ability to work in a team. After all, up to four dogs can be in a team at the same time, and all of them must act harmoniously.

Training

Dog training begins at the age of 6-7 months. Until the bones and joints of the pet are strong, in no case should you give physical activity.

You can train your pet for skipulling on your own, but, of course, it is better to entrust this to a professional. He will select the optimal training program specifically for your dog, taking into account its characteristics and abilities.

We must not forget that the athlete also needs training: he must stand perfectly on skis and maneuver. As a rule, together the team trains 3-4 times a week.

By the way, you can practice skipulling not only in winter, but also in summer. For this, there are summer pools on wheels.

Safer and less traumatic than skijoring, skipulling is gradually gaining popularity. Of course, professional classes will require quite large investments from the owner, but amateur competitions are available to almost everyone.

Skipulling is more than just sledding, it is first and foremost a team effort between a human and a dog. And their success largely depends on how they feel each other.