Dry Sleds for Dogs

Sled dog racers or "mushers" begin training early in the fall, even before the snow falls. They use a device called a rig or gig. Also called a "dry sled," it is built either for heavy training or speed.

  1. History

    • Rigs or gigs evolved from the dog carts and gigs of Europe. Mushers started with these carts and adapted them to sled dogs.

    Function

    • The rig or gig is used for training and dry-land racing.

    Features

    • Rigs or gigs are three- or four-wheeled carts with minimal braking and a place for the musher to stand on like a chariot.

    Size

    • Lighter rigs for racing can weigh 100 pounds or less. Some can be as light as 28 pounds.

    Considerations

    • Dry-land rigs can be very unstable and even dangerous. Many mushers train by hooking up their dogs to ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) for stability.