Scootering with your dog

Scooter (sled dog sport class), also known as scootering with a dog, is a fast-paced sled dog sport where one or two dogs pull a person on a large-wheeled scooter designed for off-road use. The sport combines the dog's running instincts, the rider's driving skills and fitness, and outdoor movement in a way that suits both as an active hobby and competitive sport.

Scooter is one of the official sled dog sport summer competition classes. Competitions are held in one-dog (DS1) and two-dog (DS2) classes, usually over distances of about 5-7 km.

What is scootering with a dog?

In the scooter class, the dog pulls the scooter and its rider using a pulling harness. The dog is attached with a flexible pulling line connected to the front of the scooter via a pulling antenna. The person contributes to forward motion by kicking, especially when starting, going uphill, or moving slowly. On flat or downhill surfaces, the dog's pull often maintains the speed, allowing the rider to rest briefly. The rolling depends greatly on the surface.

The sport resembles bikejoring, but the scooter offers a lower center of gravity and allows quick dismounting if needed. This makes it an easily approachable alternative to biking, especially in the early stages of pull sports.

Scootering is usually done on wide and well-surfaced routes, such as gravel roads, ski trails, outdoor paths, and forest roads. Very rocky or root-filled trails are not suitable because the scooter's footboard clearance is relatively low compared to a bike.

Who is the sport suitable for?

Scootering suits almost all healthy dogs enthusiastic about pulling.

The sport is often practiced with active, fast, and enduring breeds such as;

  • Siberian huskies and Alaskan huskies
  • Eurohounds and greysters
  • German pointers
  • Herding dogs and retrievers
  • Other active breeds motivated to pull and hunting breeds to maintain fitness outside the hunting season.

More important than the breed is the dog's health, sufficient age, and good basic fitness.

Scootering as a hobby with a dog

Scootering is an excellent form of exercise for an active dog and owner. The hobby can be started with one dog, and competing is not necessary.

Regular training develops:

  • the dog's muscle strength and endurance
  • cooperation between the dog and the handler
  • versatile driving technique and fitness of the driver
  • controlled work of the dog in the harness

For many, scootering offers a fast-paced alternative to regular walks and fits well alongside other hobbies.

Scooter as a Sled dog sport competition discipline

Scooter is one of the official warm-weather competition disciplines in Sled dog sport. In Finland, the sport is competed at national competitions as well as at the Finnish Championship level, and internationally it is part of the competition programs of the sport federations ICF, IFSS, and WSA.

DS1 – one-dog scooter

In the DS1 class, one dog pulls the scooter. This class is the most popular scooter class and is suitable both for beginners and for international top-level competition.

DS2 – two-dog scooter

In the DS2 class, two dogs pull the scooter side by side. A two-dog sleddog team allows for higher speeds, which emphasizes the driver's riding skills and the quality of the equipment. DS2 is a fast-paced competition class that requires experience from both dogs and the driver.

What equipment do you need?

Safe practice starts with the right gear. HBasic equipment for the sport includes:

A two-dog sleddog team also requires a neckline that safely connects the dogs to each other.

What kind of scooter is suitable for pulling sports?

Not all scooters are suitable for Sled dog sport.

A scooter intended for Scooter use should have:

  • effective, functional brakes at the front and rear
  • large diameter wheels with a grippy, rough tread pattern
  • stiff and durable frame
  • stable riding position (affected by factors such as wheel size, deck length, and handlebar width)
  • good handling even at higher speeds

Choosing the right scooter significantly affects the riding experience, safety, and control.

👉 Also check out To our scooter buying guide, where we compare the features of different models and help you choose the option that suits your needs.

In which season can you practice scootering?

Scootering with a dog is a warm-weather activity practiced in cool conditions. The best training seasons are usually autumn and spring when the temperature is safe for the dog. In summer, training should be scheduled for early mornings or other cool times, and if these aren’t available – training is paused. As with all dog sports, the dog’s well-being always comes first. Pulling should not be practiced in hot weather. 

Speed runs on slippery winter surfaces should also be paused. But in snowless winter weather or on packed snow, scootering is excellent. As winters warm, the scootering season is continuously extending.

Why choose a scooter?

As a scooter sport, it offers a unique combination of speed, sweaty exercise, outdoor activity, and seamless cooperation with the dog. The hobby suits both active fitness enthusiasts and competitive athletes, with or even without a dog!

Scootering with a dog but without pulling?

Of course, you can also scooter without the dog actually pulling, just running alongside. This is a great way to maintain the dog’s basic fitness: compared to a runner, a scooter rider is clearly faster – making them a more fun jogging partner since most dogs love speed. Scootering to the dog’s trot pace is also more varied exercise for the human compared to sitting on a bike saddle next to a trotting dog.

Scootering without a dog?

The scooter is an excellent exercise tool even without a dog. Scootering effectively develops endurance, oxygen uptake capacity, core control, as well as glute and leg muscles, and provides a versatile full-body workout. It is excellent for fitness, commuting, and as a varied training method for active athletes like competitive skiers.

Although the main goal is to practice scootering primarily with the dog, we recommend first practicing without the dog as well. This way, you learn to control the scooter safely, practice effective kicking technique, braking, and cornering, and get used to riding on different surfaces before adding the extra speed the dog brings.

Good riding skills make the hobby safer for both the rider and the dog. When handling the scooter feels natural, you can better focus on guiding the dog, cooperating, and sharing experiences!