Mushing is a sport with dogs that is gaining more and more followers. It's just that the one who starts practicing, falls in love! It becomes a custom, a lifestyle. If you have a dog and are looking for some sport or activity to do with it, mushing may be what you need. Let's tell you what it is!
What is mushing?
Mushing is a shooting sport. There are two modalities, one of snow, in which the dog pulls sleds, and another of earth in which tricycles or karts are used. In this way, mushing can be practiced all year round, not only during the winter season.
It is an activity in which dog and guide function as one, it takes great coordination and training to achieve perform in the best possible way.
If you want to practice mushing, you should know that not all dogs are trained for it, it is not a sport suitable for anyone.
The best dogs to practice mushing
When we think of sled-throwing dogs come to mind scenes full of snow with dogs like the Samoyed, the Alaskan malamute or the Siberian husky. And it's not for nothing; they have great physical strength, agility and ability to adapt to snowy environments and cold weather. In fact, they love to run, exercise, play and yes, sledding.
The is a breed of dog raised in Norway in the 80s. It does very well in short mushing racing and has great speed, it is a perfect dog for sprints. This high performance was achieved by crossing hunting dogs, like braces, with labels.
These dogs not only work well in this type of activities, but they are also very docile, affable and enthusiastic about physical exercise. They enjoy doing it!
How to feed a dog that practices mushing
Feeding high-performance dogs is essential for good health, fitness and vitality. Due to the physical exertion they perform and the atmospheric conditions they face (in the case of sedums mushing), these dogs need special nutrition. It is important to give them a feed with a high calorie value, since they burn a lot of energy, and in addition to easy digestion. Nutritional supplements are most likely needed to facilitate digestion and avoid intestinal disorders.
Omega 3 is highly beneficial, as it increases physical endurance, is a natural anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant that promotes cell regeneration. In addition, supplements like chondroitin help keep joints strong and resistant.
Other care for mushing dogs
Feeding is not the only thing that you have to adapt to the circumstances; in fact, mushing requires constant care and attention of the dog that practices it.
Hydration is very important, as well as respecting rest periods. It is essential to plan an appropriate, adapted and progressive training program to avoid injury and maximize performance. Also, of course, if you are going to practice mushing it is very important that you have educated your dog in obedience and that he has a strong confidence in you.
Keep in mind that dogs that practice this sport are prone to develop ingresses, as they generate high doses of adrenaline and must run on an empty stomach to avoid problems such as gastric torsion. Stomach protectors and probiotics will go a long way to preventing ulcers.
To avoid damage to joints, shoulders and feet, you'll need to get quality protective equipment. Well-being is the first thing!
Would you like to practice this sport with your dog?