Dogs

Question
Hi!
My name is Danielle i am 14. Unfortunately i do not own a husky since they do not really suit my lifestyle (ive heard they are known to roam and i live near a busy road where a lot of dogs are hit yearly so i didnt want a roamer is this true that they roam?) I personaly love Huskies and wouls love to have one but like i said i cant. They are beutiful dogs. Anyway i own a german shepard and a lab/springerspanial i would like to teach them to pull me on a sled (mabey not race but similar) the german shepard in only a pup but my lab is older and if i bring her down the road and attach her harness to the sled she will pull me home. But other than that she wont go on command. I would like the  two dogs to work together when the pup is older could you tell me how to train them. I know they dont have  the skills of the huskie o the background but i am sure with work it is possible can you help me? Thanks for your time
~Danielle

Answer
Dear Danielle
Well you seem to me like you are half way there already with your sled team.Did you know that springer spaniels make excellent sled dogs.The lab x would also help with their size and bulk.Shepherds can be good sledders but due to their raked backs and tendancy to have hip problems i would tend to be careful.However if your dog is young and sound i can't see that it would do any harm.
Firstly make sure that you have proper racing harnesses as it is important to distribute the load evenly for your dogs.Not using correct gear could hurt your guys.Also never let your pup pull your sled until it is at least 9 months old.Any earlier and you can also risk damage.
As you have stated you are having trouble getting your guys to pull you on command,huskies rarely have much trouble with this idea but other breeds of dogs need a bit more coaching.ONE warning here however if you do train your dogs to pull you do risk making them hard to walk as they may want to pull when you are walking them too.Mine WILL NOT HEEL AT ALL!!!!!!but they run like hell.
THe best way to get them to pull is to go to somewhere unfamiliar,and exiting to your dogs.It is best if you find a place like a park or forest trail with a very definite track.DO not run them on cement or bitumen as they will wear or cut their feet.Soft surfaces only.THen encourage them to run.Eventually if you are patient they should get the hang of it.Go with a friend and get them to call then,when they do as you ask reward them with praise,not food while they are running as it isn't good for them until they cool down.if you need any further help you can contact me direct at snodogz@riverland.net.au.
Yours sincerely Faye and Husky CRew.