Dog trekking
Dog trekking - in German "dog long-distance hiking " - is a dog sport that is particularly popular in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Belgium and Spain . The former mountaineer and now writer Jaroslav "Monte" Kvasnica and subsequently the sled dog athlete and journalist Vladimír Páral are considered the inventors of modern dog trekking .
Since the year 2000, numerous dog trekking races have been held each season in the countries mentioned, and a Europe-wide cup competition has existed since 2012.
Events between 40 and 80 km in length are referred to as doghikes , those longer than 80 km as dog trekking . In the course of some races, beginners' tours (mostly without rating) with a length of less than 40 km are offered.
The dog wears a tensile or harness , man a run belt as well in Canicross is used. Any leash, around two to three meters long, with a shock absorber, such as was developed for sled dog sports, is attached to it. Dog bags can also be used depending on the event.
During races, the route ( called the trail ) is walked or walked with the help of maps and a route description (provided by the organizer), in which case upper time limits are set for the individual route sections and / or the entire race and the correct covering of the route is controlled with the help of checkpoints to be approached (similar to an orienteering run).
Also mandatory for races is compulsory equipment, which mostly consists of first aid equipment, booties (paw protection for dogs), sleeping bag, mat, headlamp, map material, water for humans and dogs, food and bowls. However, this mandatory equipment may vary depending on the nature of the route. The minimum amount of equipment is specified in the regulations, but special equipment may be required in the announcement for each event.