In this undated photo, Kate Walrath guides a team of mushing dogs. - Perth, Western Australia 
Area woman learns the art of dog sled mushing
When Kate Walrath has a harness in her hand, her dogs start “jumping, barking and howling.”
“They’re very excited,” she said.
That’s because she and they are trained in the art of mushing–traveling by dog power.
Ten years ago, Walrath, owner of Run By Dogs at 3832 Route 30, spent two years in Alaska where dog sledding and related conveyances are commonplace.
“I absolutely loved it,” said the Mayfield native.
She brought the experience back to the area and learned about training for mushing from reading and the internet.
“I was 100 percent self-taught,” she said.
The dogs and their handlers learn mushing together.
Mushing isn’t just about sledding. People can jog with dogs (canicross), ski with them (skijoring) or bike with them (bikejoring). Dogs can pull wheeled carts as well. Eight or nine years ago, Walrath enjoyed participating in the first bikejoring world championship in Bristol, Quebec, even though she didn’t place.
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