Carts and ATVs
How do the teams larger than 2 dogs get in their miles before the snow falls?
Most training is done with an ATV - this allows for the musher to control the speed and also ensure the dogs have help during the early part of the season when they hit a hill or are extending distance.
ATVs are not permitted in races though (unless they are a modified ATV without an engine) and so carts are used in races. Carts have a ‘dirt brake’ that can be set to keep a team in place, though it is also suggested to tie the cart off in addition to the dirt brake in case the dogs ‘pop’ the brake out.
Clayton Perry participating in the costume contest at a Montana Dryland event.
ATV Selection
Some general pointers when selecting an ATV to train dogs with:
A 220cc is the smallest size ATV that should be used - this allows for extra supplies and weight to be carried (in case you need to load up a dog), and can ensure you climb steep hills and can power through mud and snow.
Many individuals prefer a 4WD vehicle as this enables training even after snow has begun to fall, but before a snow hook can be set for a sled to be safely run.
Select a model year that still has parts in production. If you buy too old of a machine, it will be very difficult and expensive to do routine maintenance and keep it running for years to come.
Try to select a machine that has not been run in sand/salt water and has tires designed for dirt. Sand and salt water are hard on machines, and wear out parts faster at lower mileages. You will also save money putting on a new set of tires.
Carts
Carts often show up used on Facebook Marketplace and mushing groups, but they can be VERY heavy. When selecting a cart, keep in mind the following things:
How many dogs are you running? How heavy is the cart?
What is the braking mechanism? Friction brake or disc brakes?
Is there a dirt brake in addition to a friction brake that can be set?
How are you going to transport the cart? Some may come with a hitch attachment that allows them to be attached to the back of a car. Otherwise a trailer would be necessary.
Do you have a way to carry a dog in the event one is injured? Some races require this is in the cart design and highly competitive racing rigs such as the Traczer cannot carry a dog.
