German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) are known for their physical strength and aptitude. They also happen to be highly intelligent and fiercely protective dogs. But does this make them excellent sled pullers?
A German Shepherd Dog can easily pull a sled behind it, especially when trained to do so. Siberian Huskies often accompany this breed in sledding tournaments. The athletic nature and thick snow-friendly double coat of the German Shepherd Dog allow it to work in even the harshest conditions.
We’ll review some training steps, tips, and tricks to help you and your pup enjoy some snowy sledding fun. By the time you’ve finished this article, you may have all the tools you need to start dog sledding!
Are German Shepherds Able To Pull A Sled?
The short answer to this question is yes: A German Shepherd can pull a sled. The average male German Shepherd Dog weighs between about 65 and 90 pounds, and females aren’t too far behind, and these animals are capable of pulling more than twice their body weight, making them excellent helpers for those living in snowy areas or elevated terrain. For this reason, some German Shepherd Dog owners may choose to practice weight pulling exercises with their pups.
As long as the weight is comparable to the dog’s size and ability, this training routine poses little risk to the dog. Naturally, German Shepherds fed protein-rich diets, plenty of heart-healthy fats, whole grains, and dog-safe veggies are less likely to suffer physical injuries or ailments due to strict training sessions.
However, German Shepherds are prone to both elbow and hip dysplasia. They can also have arthritis as they age. As such, it is crucial to screen your dogs for joint issues before engaging in any physically demanding type of training. A diet rich in calcium and natural collagen can also help prevent joint problems.
Proper training is essential to having an enjoyable sledding session with a German Shepherd Dog. While improperly trained pups may be able to pull your weight, they may not be the most obedient listeners or drivers. An inattentive puppy can pose a significant risk to sled riders, so training is a must.
Training A German Shepherd Dog To Pull A Sled
Though there’s plenty of moral controversy concerning professional dog sledding competitions, recreational dog sledding is far more accepted and embraced. That’s because pet owners hardly push their pets as hard as professional sledders push their packs.
Still, if you plan on tackling snowy hillsides or vast frozen plains with your sled and your German Shepherd Dog, you may need to rethink your plan. While the GSD is a tough, medium-to-large dog with plenty of power, they can become quickly tired after hauling more than twice their body weight around deep snow.
If you’re serious about having a roaring good time with a few pups and sled, you’ll need to create a sledding team. This team could consist of between two and six dogs. However, there’s a lot of training involved.
Better yet, it might be more fun to train your family’s German Shepherd to run around the snowy yard with a sled attached to its back. This choice is bound to result in plenty of giggles and delight-filled screams as you and your family take turns letting your pup mush around the backyard.
No matter which route you take, semi-serious or just-for-fun, you’ll need to follow a series of training steps. These steps can be summarized into four simple parts:
- Buy Equipment
- Fit the Harness
- Learn the Commands
- Practice
By following this series of steps, you can feel the rush of pride that comes with teaching your dog something new. And your dog can take pride in leaping about in the snow as you enjoy the experience of dog sledding.
Buy Equipment
The very first thing you’ll need for a successful dog sledding experience is a sled. This fact might seem obvious. Most store-bought sled and toboggans are flat, hardened plastic objects that aren’t too safe for dogs to pull.
More traditionally-styled sleds are often the smarter option when hoping to get the family German Shepherd involved. The Excursions Wooden Foldable Dog Sled is just about as traditional as you can go. It’s made of solid maple, rawhide cabling, and Teflon runners and can hold a fully grown adult person.
Another adult-friendly option is the more contemporary Yukon Hammerhead Pro Snow Sled. It’s made of stainless steel and tough carbon fibers and can carry more than 200 pounds of weight. However, it is a bit lower to the ground than more traditional dog sleds.
Fit The Harness
Once you have your dog-friendly sled and harness, you’ll need to ensure that the harness fits. This process can sometimes feel like outfitting a lumpy parcel, but with the right shopping know-how, you can purchase a harness that fits perfectly the first time to slip it onto your dog.
Adjustable harnesses tend to pale compared to pre-sized harnesses, as adjustable belts and loops can snap or loosen during use. Excitable dogs may also struggle to sit still during the delicate adjustment process, which is why pre-sized options may be preferable.
The Neewa Sled Pro Harness comes in six sizes for maximum compatibility. It’s made of non-allergenic polypropylene and has light padding between the layers for extra comfort against your dog’s body. This harness is available in six bright, easy to spot colors, and comes with reflective areas for nighttime viewing.
Once you’ve found the ideal harness for your German Shepherd, you’ll want to allow them to get comfortable with wearing it. You can accomplish this feat by slipping it onto your dog before their daily walks. When they seem at peace with their new garment, you can move on to the command stage.
Learn The Commands
If you are not familiar with dog sledding commands be sure to practice your newfound commands before unleashing them upon your German Shepherd Dog. When you sound confident in what you’re saying, your dog will be more apt to pay attention and respond to commands.
Some of the most basic and practical commands you may want to master include:
- Mush. This command is one of the most traditional orders for ‘go’ that initiates the sledding experience.
- Haw. This command tells dogs to turn left.
- Gee. This command instructs dogs to turn right.
- Woah. You’ll want to call this out to slow your dog’s pace and command for it to stop.
Don’t worry about looking or sounding a bit silly as you practice and teach these commands. They are genuine dog sledding commands used by for professional dog sledders and their dog teams.
The right Alaskan ushanka hat may help put you in the mood and recreate your ideal sledding look. Besides, it’ll certainly keep your head and ears warm from the wintry cold.
Practice
Practice may occasionally make perfect, but in most cases, it merely makes better. That’s what you should be aiming for when training your German Shepherd Dog to pull a sled.
Unless you’re a hardened professional (in which case, you likely already know much of the information in this article), there’s no need to push a dog into becoming the ultimate sledding champion.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherd Dogs are strong enough to tow a child or adult around through the snow, but they’re not the ideal choice for sledding dogs. As such, they should only be encouraged to participate in dog sledding recreationally.
Owners should also take extra measures to ensure their dog’s safety and comfort while sledding with them. Still, with adequate training and practice, any German Shepherd Dog can learn to pull a sled safely. This experience makes for an excellent opportunity for owners to practice dog sledding commands.