The effect of a traditional and a stick gang-line on the body position of working sled dogs

This study aimed to investigate the effect of two different gang-lines on pulling angle sled dogs. It was hypothesised that dogs would run with a straighter pull (in relation main-line) in stick (STICK) than they do traditional (TRAD). Eight dogs, divided into teams, ran 3.1 km trail twice both types gang-lines, quadbike dry ground. Each dog remained its team same position (side gang line, and forward or back line) for runs, using lines randomised order between runs. Markers were placed main lines, runs recorded by video camera. The dogs’ measured from recordings compared conditions. Thirteen positional measurements each during taken. used running TRAD not acclimatised STICK. Data analysed Wilcoxon Spearmans rho tests. regarding individual (n=13), teams (n=52), placements (n=4), gang-line related angles (n=104) analysed. Overall, when STICK, TRAD, median 19° (inter quartile range (IQR) 24.75°) 32° (IQR 25.75°), respectively (P<0.001). Between there no significant difference positions STICK (P=0.543), but In assessment, six eight (P=0.003 0.046) Dogs front pulled significantly (21°; IQR 23.75) (median 39°; 18; P<0.001).