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Are you looking for a unique activity for your upcoming Furano trip?
Colorful flower fields are a must-visit, but it won’t be in season during winter but don’t worry!
Dog sledding is a perfect activity to explore the landscape as the adorable dogs pull you through the snowy roads!
Dog Sled is Only Available in Few Cities
You probably didn’t know dog sledding is available in Furano as it is mainly known in places like Canada or Alaska. A large dog pulling a lantern-lit sleigh through the snowfields sounds like an image from a foreign country.
Dog sledding is available in Hokkaido, but only in limited areas such as Furano, Tokachi, and East Hokkaido.
It is an activity you can’t miss on your winter visit to Furano!
What it is like to Dog Sled?
The origin of dog sleds goes all the way back to 35,000 years ago in Mongolia.
It has been a staple since then as these dogs can cope with the cold and have enough endurance to be used as a method of transportation.
Taro and Jiro from the film “Antarctica” is well known in Japan as sled dogs.
Balto is well-known sled dog leader that traveled 1,000km to relay diphtheria serum in Alaska when airplanes weren’t available.
How Dog Sleds Work
The best way to learn how dog sled work is by experimenting for yourself!
If you have a decent sense of balance, equivalent to riding a bicycle, you can be a musher (pilot) of sled dogs.
Children can be a musher too so take a video of your child riding a dog sled!
It is not difficult, but not as simple as holding on to the reins.
The most important factor is the build a relationship with the sled dogs.
Make sure to communicate properly with your partner sled dogs and get to know them well before you experience the sledding.
Getting to know these dogs is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the Furano dog sledding experience.
Dogs are big and may seem a little scary, but they love humans and are friendly.
Two Types to Connect Dogs
First type is called “tandem style,” also known as the line type where the dogs form a straight vertical line.
This style is often used in forests landscapes where the roads are narrow with obstacles.
Second type is the “fan type.”
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Fan types comes from the fan formation of the dogs. This style have been passed down from the Inuit days in Northern Canada.
Roles of Each Dog
Now that you know how dogs are connected, lets learn about the position and each role of the dogs. We’ll go over based on the tandem style.
The one that runs at the very front is the “lead dog.”
The lead dog is crucial is it navigates the rest of the dogs in team while responding to the musher’s commands. This dog must be very loyal to the musher.
Positioned directly behind the lead dog is the “point dog.”
Also referred as the swing dog, swings the dogs into the direction led by the lead dog. Dogs in this position has speed and great balance.
Dogs closest to the sled are the “wheel dogs.”
The wheel dogs must be able to communicate with the musher and the dogs in front of them so a sense of cooperation is required.
Knowing the dog positioning and characteristics of sled dogs will make your ride experience more enjoyable!
Most Suitable Dog Type
Did you know not all dogs are suitable for dog sledding?
Dogs must be able to tolerate the cold weather and be intelligent to build a trusting relationship with the musher.
Breeds suitable for sled dogs include the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, and Sakhalin Dog.
Musher’s Role
There will be guides that will assist you during the dog sledding experience, but let’s first learn about what musher actually does. As a pilot, there are a universal set of commands used.
“Mush” and “go ahead” are used to move forward.
“Whao” and “stay” are used to stop.
“Haw” and “gee” are used for left/right directions.
The dogs will respond to the commands above and you’ll likely recognize them during your ride as well!
Where to Experience Dog Sled
You are now ready to hop on the sled for your first dog sled experience, but where exactly should you go?
Please take a look at this activity plan; a horse stable that offers horseback riding in summer and dog sledding in winter.
The Siberian Huskies are all raised here and are very loyal to the guides and have tons of experience running in this environment. These friendly and gentle dogs will safely take you on an adventure!
The feeling of mushing with the dogs in the wilderness is already exciting just thinking about it.
This activity can easily fit into your itinerary as you can sign up every 30 minutes.
Participants must be age 4+ and it is available from mid-December to mid-March so don’t miss your chance for the exhilarating adventure when you’re in Furano!
Furano Dog Sled Summary
Dog sledding in Furano sounds fun, doesn’t it? It is a rare activity only that is only available in limited areas of Japan and would make a great memory especially if you’re looking for something different!
We hope you enjoy!
For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip
