Sled dog racing in Tasmania growing in popularity - Launceston, TAS 
Sled dog racing in Tasmania growing in popularity
For anyone who has ever been dragged around the dog park by their excited four-legged friend, this might just be the sport for you.
Dog sledding.
There may be a lack of snow and ice in Tasmania, but that hasn’t stopped a bunch of enthusiastic dog-lovers from taking up the sport.
They’ve taken ski runners, replaced them with wheels and voila a land-sled is made.
The ‘sleds’ used range from big-wheeled scooters to three-wheeled chariots.
Then there is ‘canicross’, where the dog is attached to their owner and they both run.
The Tasmanian Association of Sleddog Sports Inc. started in 2014, and the sport is growing in popularity across Tasmania.
The club meets are filled with excited baying, howling and barking as dozens of dogs meet, mingle and mush their way around the track.
When the starter sounds eager dogs are either held back until it’s their turn or encouraged (if encouragement is needed) with cries of “Hike, hike!”.
While the term sled dog traditionally refers to breeds like huskies, Alaskan malamutes and samoyeds, TASSI promotions officer Kim Sellers said lots of other dogs can also take part.