Dog Carting in Vermont

What is there to do in Vermont during the fall? There is hiking and enjoying the foliage but for the more adventurous how about dog carting! You might ask “what is dog carting”? It is an increasingly popular activity offered by several Vermnt dogsled tour companies in the cooler months before and after the arrival of snow. Most people don’t think if dogsledding until the snow comes but in reality dogsledding season has started months before.

Most mushers begin running their dogs once fall temperatures arrive with wheeled vehicles of one sort or another. They are beginning to get their dogs in shape for the winter season after a summer of relative inactivity. Depending on where they are and what type of dogs they have some mushers are able to do some running over the summer. A few mushers have even begun cross training their dogs by having them swim in the off season. This allows them to keep in shape and stay cool at the same time. For the rest of us without the funds to have a doggie swimming pool or a lake on our property our dogs spend much of their time during the summer laying around in the shade trying to keep cool. Just like humans when they begin to exercise at a higher intensity they have to ease into it starting out with shorter runs than they were used to at the end of last season. As the season progresses the teams become stronger and stronger and are able to do longer runs.

Some kennels have carts for their fall training that allow passengers to ride along with the dog team. This is a great opportunity to go for a dog team ride and view the fall foliage at the same time. Cart rides are just as fast as sled rides but are generally warmer for the passengers. Most aspects of the cart runs are the same as sled runs with the exception of the wheels and the fact that there is no snow. When running with the carts the same harnesses are used for the dogs. The gang lines attaching the dogs to the cart are generally the same as the lines used on sleds and the same commands are used. Carts are easier to get in and out of than the sleds due to the elevated seats. These seats will make the ride more comfortable for most people. Going for a cart tour is a great way to enjoy fall in Vermont and beat the winter sled season rush. The next time you are visiting Vermont in the fall in addition to leaf peeping, hiking, craft shows or hunting give dog carting a try. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience that you will never forget.