Let’s Find Out Together What Mushing Is

Many times we hear words related to dogs that are unknown to us. This is the case with  mushing,  so you want to know what this term refers to? Read on.

What is  mushing? 

The  mushing  is a sport recognized nowadays,  although for many years was considered a means of transportation. Its name comes from a French word that is used to start the march. It could translate as “let’s go”.

It is a sport that is practiced  mainly in countries with low temperatures,  such as the Nordic ones and in North America. This is because it takes place  on snow,  although lately it can also be done on the ground.

Method of  mushing

There are several ways to practice this sport. Here’s how it is done in the snow:

• Sled. Several dogs are used to pull a sled in which there are two participants. There are races and tournaments. There is the standard sled and others, known as  Cart  or  Pulka,  which are different from the traditional ones.
• Tricycle. It is a three-wheeled vehicle suitable for snow-covered terrain pulled by three dogs.
• Skijöring.  In this case the  musher  uses his own means of transport such as skis or a scooter and lets himself be dragged by the dog. Undoubtedly a fun sport even if not competitive.
• Canicross. This activity is also practiced on the ground, however, it is a very well known and appreciated modality of  mushing  . It consists of running with the dog attached to the participant’s belt. This allows the animal to drag it when the forces begin to abandon it. 

Would you like to be a  musher?

Musher  is the name used to indicate a person  who practices one or all of the modalities of the sport. You have to have a number of requirements to be able to do this.

Taking care of dogs

Dogs that are used for mushing  are used to low temperatures and need specific care compared to pets  . Therefore, before becoming a  musher,  you must be well informed about the care that this type of animals need.

Dogs must be well trained

You and your dog both need discipline. The animal must have received adequate socialization and must be used to receiving orders. 

Furthermore, from a young age he must be trained to drag weights, as this is the purpose of this sport. The dog must be between six and twelve months to begin preparation.

Diet

Due to the low temperatures and the energy that is consumed during  mushing,  the dog must receive a diet based on this type of sport. This is essential even if you are not participating in tournaments.

Did you like to know what  mushing is  and how to practice it? If so, take your furry friend and go to the snow.