Book Description
Provides a lively history of sled-dog racing from its humble beginnings to the present. "Surveys the historical development of this sport of canine athletes and its present day popularity with amateurs and professionals throughout Alaska, Canada, and the northern states." -- Booklist ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

good for skijoring too
Much of the info in this book applies to skijoring as well.Recommended by the skijoring book Ski Spot Run.

Excellent for a Sprint Musher
This is a great book with some great information. It talks about what makes a good dog, running the dogs, training puppies, etc. It is more geared towards sprint mushing, but a distance racer can still get some good ideas from it too.

Excellent guide to training racing sled dogs
Jim Welch has written a clear and concisebook on training sled dogs to race. There arespecific examples to clarify most techniques and ample support for the effectiveness of each method. He has successfully condensed the knowledge of many of the world's top mushers into a relatively short book. Consider it essential reading for anyone who wants to reach the maximum potential of their dogs whether they be competitors at the national or local level.

... Read more

Book Description
Flyball Racing: The Dog Sport for Everyone
Imagine four dogs, competing against each other side-by-side on two separate racing lanes. Then picture a packed crowd of spirited spectators waiting to hear "Get Your Ball" and the excited barking of the competitors at the cue to start the race. If you can envision racing lanes with four jumps, spaced ten feet apart, and a Flyball box at the end of each laneyou know the thrill of Flyball Racing. The anticipation of a great race is just one of the resaons that Flyball Racing has become such a popular sport for dog enthusiasts all over the world. The enthusiasm pervades this comprehensive book that includes all of the details about this fun and friendly competition.

Flyball Racing: The Dog Sport for Everyone is the perfect guide for everyone from the novice participant to the experienced competitor. You will be taught how Flyball Racing has developed from its humble beginnings in a wood shop to a sport that, due to its large number of participants, has become a more formalized competition. You'll find out that all breeds (including mixed breeds) are eligible for play, how to train your dog for the sport, the equipment you need and the rules and regulations that direct all facets of Flyball Racing.

Other chapters include teamwork and how to build your own team, the role of the North American Flyball Association, how to get into competition and how to host a tournament. There is even a special section that breaks down the individual parts of flyball training in a performance checklist. The text of Flyball Racing is enhanced by numerous photos of competition in action that illustrate the spirit of the sport. An indispensable guide to a thrilling relay race, Flyball Racing is the ideal book to own, learn from and refer back to as you enjoy the competition.
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Informative
Everything you always wanted to know about flyball including how to build most of the equipment at home.

Detailed explaination of teaching through Back Chaining
This books gives directions for construction jumps,including a wonderfully simple "puppy jump", advice on solving problems (like getting a tight turn). She does sometimes seem to be relying on repetition to get your dog into the habit of what you want, but this would easily be used with clicker training to improve the time and reliability of these behaviors.
The most impressive part of this book though, was it's step by step detailing of how to teach your dog to run using BACK-CHAINING. She breaks the behavior into at least 12 different segments - starting with the last jump on the return and back-chains to the total run, including proofing the return to the 4th jump should your dog miss the ball and have to retrieve it before it's return run. (if you don't know what back-chaining is, check out Karen Pryor's clicker site - it's a GREAT learning tool)

Vague and somewhat confusing
I read this book as someone already familiar with the sport of Flyball. Ifound that it was a general overview of the sport as opposed to a trainingmanual that would help you to teach a dog to play flyball. The trainingadvice is somewhat vague and dated. Current training techniques arementioned, but not explained for a novice to understand. This book utilizesthe old method of pattern training and does not go into teaching orproofing the elements of the course. I found the book Flyball Training:Start to finish to be a much more thorough and concise guide of great useto the novice or experienced enthusiast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not too shabby but good information on sled dogging.
This is a good book to read if you don't know about sled dogs or if you want more information. It's not the best book in the world but it is packed with tons of information on running sled dogs. I know the titlesounds kind of joyful but this is the book for the serious minded beginningdog sledder. ... Read more

Book Description
32 pp. four color illustration

"Running with the Big Dogs" invites children of all ages to mush along with the sled dogs in the heart of Denali National Park, Alaska. Share the wonder of a Denali sled dog puppy as you follow him through his first year of adventure and learning. Experience the special bond between rangers and sled dogs as they patrol to preserve the wilderness of Denali during the harsh Alaskan winter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sled Dogs Run Away With Child's Heart.........
I had the good fortune of growing up with Lori Yanuchi in a little place called Allentown, PA. What I didnt know back then was her talent for writing and zest for the outdoors! My hat goes off to Lori for capturingthe hearts of young children and the young at heart with this great book"Running with the Big Dogs"! My boys were entertained andeducated about Alaska and are waiting impatiently for her next book.....nopressure Lori! This book is not a dust collector! ... Read more

Book Description
Sled-dog racing means everything to Scott McClure. It also helps keep his father's memory alive. Scott plans to form a new team of three sled dogs so that he can continue racing and become a champion like his dad. But life changes quickly when his mother remarries and they move from California to Montana. From the start, Scott has problems with his stepfather and his stepbrother, Brad. Scott won't let anything interfere with his dreams as he trains and races Kaylah, his Malamute, and the other dogs on the team. But Scott doesn't know the obstacles he must face. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

the winter of the three dogs
The Three Dogs were big and muscular, there was Bruno, Kalia but that they look and sound cool. The book gets more better towards the end when the three dogs won the sledding contest at Colorada. Kalia is a husky, which is a type of a wolf. Bruno looks like a black lab mixed with husky. I wish I could have these dogs from The Three Dog Winter. This is a good book.I will rate it a five.

It's A great Book !
I think that this is a great book. I couldn't put it down. It'sabout a boy named Scott McClure who races sled dogs with his dad. Then his father dies and his mother remarries . He moves from California to Montana. He had troble with his stepfather and his stepbrother Brad. Scott won't lett anyone or anything interfere with his dream. If you want to find out whats next read this book.

A Great Winter Story
This is a thrilling winter story that took my breath away as I read page after page of this exciting novel.As Scott and his family are trying to recover from the death of his father, Scott's mom seems to immediately re-marry again.Scott and his dad had both loved sled dog racing.In thenew home with more siblings, Scott wonders if he'll ever be able to race agreat team like his dad, since he only has one dog.Especially with thisnew family and new home.

three dog winter is a great book
This book is a great book. If you can get it I suggest read it.I really enjoyed it. I is about a young boy who sets out to fullfill his fathers dream. sled racing. His father dies and Scott Mclure only has one dog left.His mom sold all the other dogs. Scott's mom remarries and they move toMontana. Scott has trouble with brad his step-brother. when Scotts dadsfriend comes to visit he gives Scott chinook his best dog. scott then racesin the practice for billings race where brads dog gets injured.to find outwhat happens next read the book.

Three Dogs are so Hard to get Sometimes
This book was good I couldn't put it down.Scott has to have three dogs to run in the race, unless he wants to go with the little kids.Kayla and Chinook (Malamutes) are already trained sled dogs but the third dog comesand goes.They finaly end up with three beautiful dogs ... Read more

Book Description
At forty-one, husband and father Brian Patrick O'Donoghue feels his youth slipping away...It had been since six years since the newspaper reporter mushed to a last-place finish in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Yearning to challenge himself anew, he enters the Yukon Quest--a far more brutal, 1,000-mile run through mountainous wilds along the Yukon River between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and Fairbanks, Alaska.With wry humor and diminishing expectations, O'Donoghue shares the trail with Khan, Hobbes, Scrimshaw, Cyclone, and ten other excitable Alaska huskies, plus a diverse collection of rival racers and an assortment of "Bush rats" met on his way to the finish line. The mushers' strategies, dreams, and disappointments; the antics of their furry athletes; the drama of the race; and the unworldly winter wilderness venue add texture to this amazing personal story of a man and his dogs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Truthful account of one man's Quest
This book tells the story of one man's first experience of the Yukon Quest, and the problems and triumphs he encountered along the way. Very informative for some-one like myself (an armchair musher!)covering aspects which would never occur to me i.e. arranging food drops in advance!

A real page turner, i finished reading the book in one day.

Honest Dogs; Harsh Words
The real problem with this book lies not in his treatment of his dogs, but in his treatment of other mushers.It is odd that he could be so criticalof so many of the other mushers from the back of the pack.While not quitean armchair quarterback, he was definitely throwing some cheap shots fromthe sled runners. I had a suspicion while reading this book that he wassearching for a way to justify his utter lack of speed, instead of justreveling in the moment. While it is nice to hear about a musher that caresdeeply about his dogs (as most do), I felt that he simply did not have therapport with his dogs that most succesful mushers have.

Highly recommended for dog lovers & armchair adventurers.
In Honest Dogs: A Story Of Triumph And Regret From The World's Toughest Sled Dog Race, journalist and family man Brian O'Donoghue shares the story of his experiences upon entering the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race at the ageof 41. Brian writes with wry humor of sharing the trail with his Alaskanhuskies Khan, Hobbes, Scrimshaw, and Cyclone, as well as a diversecollection of rival racers and resident bush rats. Honest Dogs is a candid,vivid account of a punishing personal journey and relates the strategies,dreams, and disappoints of the contestants, the antics of the furry canineathletes, the sheer drama of the race, and the unworldly wilderness settingin which Brian and his dogs found themselves. Honest Dogs is highlyrecommended reading for armchair adventurers and dog lovers everywhere.

I just loved it!
This is an amazing book!--I had no idea what it takes to compete in a major sled dog race.All those pictures we see of the "romance" of sled dog competitions don't even begin to cover the fatigue (of dogs andpeople), the logistics and the problems.It must be an incredibleexperience to even finish in a race like this. I'm glad the author let meexperience a little bit of it through his book.

A must read for sled dog racing fans
Once in a while you come across a book that you are sorry to see end.Honest dogs was one of those books for me.The chapter on going over american summit was very exciting.When I was in Anchorage for the start ofthis years Iditarod I got to see and pet O'donogue's lead dog"Khan". in person After reading this fine book I want to moveto Two Rivers,Alaska and take up Mushing myself

. ... Read more

Book Description
O'Donoghue tells what happened when he entered the 1991 Iditarod, along with 17 sled dogs with names like Rainy, Harley and Screech. O'Donoghue braved snowstorms, sickening wipeouts, and endured the contempt of more experienced racers. Narrated with icy elan and self deprecating wit, this is a true story of heroism, cussedness, and astonishing dumb luck. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

No match for Paulsen
Every once in a while we go up to Ely, MN, and spend a day or so dogsledding.So, prior to this year's trip, I bought a few books on the Iditarod and mushing in general.

With the Iditarod in the news right now (especially with the legally blind woman competing this year) I figured I'd learn more about that particular grueling race.This was the first book I got, as the title caught my eye and the reviews were good.

About 1/3 the way into the book, the jumping around between the various mushers and their stories started to get annoying.While I was interested in the various stories, interspersing them in a sort of "time line" format along with O'Donoghue's own experiences was not something I, myself, particularly enjoyed.There were other things about his writing style that seemed to indicate the book was written for his associates and the people with whom he raced, rather than the public at large.As a reporter, it made sense that O'Donoghue would toss in some short human interest stories of the other mushers.But he also had a few nicknames and references that seemed to be for the benefit of those in the know.

Then I made the mistake of picking up Gary Paulsen's Winterdance before I had finished this one.What a huge difference!

I reluctantly came back to My Lead Dog Was A Lesbian and am still trying to finish it.After Paulsen, it just isn't the same.Not to mention his overuse of the word "lesbian" as an adjective, almost as if he felt it necessary to justify the title of the book.OK, the dog was "confused".We get that.But halfway through the book I started noticing he was referring to her as "the little lesbian" or "the lesbian" more often than anything else (like "my lead dog" or her name), and once that sort of thing is noticed, you know, it then just sort of jumps off the page at you.So it's gotten to the point where, when I read that description of his lead dog my eyes roll and I tend to flinch.Gahhh not another one!

I'm still stuck somewhere in the middle of the Iditarod with "O'D" and just can't quite bring myself to pick it back up.He doesn't convey anywhere near the appreciation or love of the dogs that Paulsen does, and it is, after all, all about the dogs.Or should be.

If you want objective, dry facts and figures, this is your book.If you want the soul of mushing, read Paulsen.

A must read
I thought the book was well written - I read at every opportunity, even my lunch time at work!I'm from South Africa, where winter day temperatures hover around 15 deg C (59 F) and I've seen snow maybe twice in my life, but this story was written in such a way that I'm burning to try mushing myself!Imagine that!I've ordered other books on mushing which, I'm hoping, will convince me that I shouldn't be so crazy.

Well worth the read and keep it on your bookshelf for future reading.

a lot safer than taking on the iditarod yourself
This is far from the best-written non-fiction book I have ever read.The journalist's experience writing in the shorter form of articles shows through in the disjointed feel of much of the narrative.This is still well worth the read if you have any interest in Alaska, mushing, or man's working relationship with dogs.Even without those interests you may well find the book enjoyable.
At the beginning I was first overcome by the romantic notion of this amazing race, and reading through his preparations deluded myself with the fantasy of doing such a thing myself (a real joke considering how much I dislike even camping).Once the race gets underway, my most common thought was "these people are ...insane!"It was terrific and I really wanted to know how it would turn out for each and every one of them.
The title can provide for some fun too.The other day I overheard from another room Child A ask, "What is a lesbian?" Child B responded, "It is a type of dog."After much laughter I had to call them in and correct it, although I had fun imagining the kind of conversation this could cause in public at one point if they were both left with their misconception.
Since you are on this page, and reading these reviews, you are probably interested enough in the subject that reading this book would be a positive experience for you.

I'll Just Read About It, Thanks.
Of the Iditarod books I've read this has to rank as one of the best. Apparently a good sense of humor and a high appreciation of irony is a necessary component of being a Musher.

And I thought rock climbers were a bit off the scale.....
A dynamite read even for someone who has never lived north of Key West, who has never even heard of the Iditarod, and who hates dogs. Adds credence to the fact that I never read fiction..life is a lot stranger, and a lot more exciting ... Read more

Book Description
GREYHOUND RACING AND BREEDINGBy A. Croxton SmithA VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINTThis scarce early work on greyhound racing and breeding was originally published in 1927. It is now very hard to find in its first edition, and consequently increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished it using the original text and photographs as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS series. The author was a well known dog book writer of his day, with his main interest being dogs of a sporting variety. This well researched book will prove of much interest to all with an involvement with greyhounds. Its hundred pages contain nine detailed chapters, all well illustrated with vintage black and white photographs:How the Sport Originated. - Method of Conducting Meetings. - System of Handicapping. - How to Choose a Dog. - The Cost of Racing a Dog. - Behind the Scenes. - How to Start a Kennel. - The Fastest Animal. - Heroes of the Track. - Rules of the Greyhound Racing Association. Etc. In addition to being a fascinating read for any greyhound enthusiast, the book also contains much information that is still practical and useful today. Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Book Description
A chance encounter on a chilly, rainy day started a heartwarming adventure for a blind dog and a human. This is Rivers' diary of that adventure; becoming pain free and dealing with his disappointments while learning to interact with humans. Rivers tells of a blind dog's efforts to overcome his challenges and achieve his destiny. Rivers is a tale of the bond between a dog and a man, of courage, friendship, loyalty and adventure. It is full of positive messages for both young and old. Rivers takes place in that mystical land called Alaska, where sled dog racing is the state sport, dogs are considered athletes, and mushers are their coaches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

rivers - racing sled dog
I went to great lengths to get this book. It is a beautiful story, but the read was spoiled for me by all the errors in grammar, usage, suffixes and wrong words in places. I can't see how it has gone through three printings without someone pointing this out - after all, it is recommended for young people, and we are trying to get them to write and speak correctly!! Please, Mike, get yourself a proofreader!! The word "of" was used throughout the book where it should have been "have", ie "would of" for "would have".

heartwarming story
wow what a heartwarming story for parents to read to their children. It is especially wonderful for parents with children who have special needs. It shows how no matter what you can achieve your dreams....what a positive message ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The inside track
Greyhounds have been revered since ancient times where they appear on the walls of the tombs of the Pharos. For Henry VIII they were his favourite hunting dogs. But in Laura Thompson's book we find a personal testament to a more modern chapter in the history of this noble creature.

Greyhound racing in the United Kingdom came to prominence in the dark economic recession of the 30's, being in some ways a cameo of its elder sister - horse racing. Sharing a deep and longstanding affiliation with Ireland champion racing greyhounds, like cup-winning racehorses, often drew their first breath on the other side of the Irish Sea.

Laura Thompson's book takes us right into the heart of people, places and of course the dogs she knew as a child. With the hindsight of an age in which some of the great Stadia like White City in West London have already been lost, she takes us on a journey which immortalises a generation of owners and trainers.

For anybody who has ever spent an evening at a Greyhound Stadium and wondered what lay behind it all.. this book is the inside track.

Give The Dogs five bones - !
This is not just a history of greyhound racing, it is a deeply moving personal insight into Laura Thompson, her love for dogs and her love for the father who owned and raced them. The book is Fever Pitch with heart; I wept buckets reading the damn thing. It is full of compassion for the greyhounds who run in the name of business and sport, and full of guilt for the fact that they give so much pleasure while being used, all too often, as playthings. It is also a journey into a completely separate world of which I hitherto knew nothing, and which came wonderfully alive for me. I found this book by accident in a second hand shop and couldn't help myself from wanting to say something about it - it is really beautiful. ... Read more

Book Description
THE GREYHOUND:BREEDING, COURSING, RACING, etc.By James Matheson.A VINTAGE DOG BOOKS CLASSIC REPRINT. Originally published in 1929, this extremely scarce early work on the Greyhound is both expensive and hard to find in its first edition. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS have republished it, using the original text and photographs, as part of their CLASSIC BREED BOOKS series. The author was a well known greyhound man. He was as successful with his dogs on the track as he was in the field. His many years of expert knowledge are encapsulated within this book's two hundred and sixty eight pages. Twenty seven comprehensive chapters contain valuable information on:Origins and History of Greyhound Racing. - Future of the Greyhound? - What is a Good Greyhound? - Breeding. - Walks v. Rearing at Home. - The Whelping Hut. - Management of the Brood Bitch. - Rearing. - Management of the Saplings. - Training. - Proper Racing Weight. - Transport and its Effect on Coursing. - Blood. - Selection of the Racing Brood Bitch. - Kennel Ailments and Their Treatment. - Weights of Growing Greyhounds. - Measurements of Points. - Rearing and Training Expenses. - The Show Greyhound. - Breeding and Rearing Champions. - Greyhounds as Companions. Kennel Construction. Etc. The contents are well illustrated with vintage photographs of famous greyhounds and Waterloo Cup winners of the time. This is a fascinating read for any Greyhound enthusiast or historian of the breed, but also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Many of the earliest dog breed books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. VINTAGE DOG BOOKS are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Couldn't put Mary's book down.....
Mary's writing takes you along for the ride!Wonderful insight to the people, the villages, the Iditarod trail, and the landscape. She makes you feel like you are there. 1st woman to finish the Iditarod race. Her description of the experience is great.

Her special bond with her Black Labrador lead dog "Cabbage" is inspiring.

My Husband & I both read the book & are still talking about it!
You'll like this book!

Mary's writing puts you on the sled , on the trail... !
Inspiring and accurate in its well selected detail,Mary Shields offers an insight into Alaska wilderness and the travels with dogs that each of us can 'feel' as we travel 'with' her.Having visited her at her home, andhaving reread this book, would like to see her do a SEQUEL now!Thanks,Mary!Very, very inspiring... makes you feel you, too, can meet suchchallenges. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A good book
A good book that helps people train sled dogs.A must for a beginner.It helped me out a lot.Good for all. ... Read more

Download Description
This report consists of units mainly engaged in operating facilities specially used and designed for horse or dog racing. This report also includes the operation of racing stables and kennels. Horse racing includes the racing horses which are ridden or which are pulling a vehicle.The Industry P9311 - Horse and Dog Racing in Australia ranks 302 out of 496 by industry turnover and its life cycle is in a mature phase, which means that the industry is generally growing at at the same rate as the economy. Capital/labour intensity is low and the uptake of new technology is low. The industry's globalisation level is low and the trend is increasing.The industry has a low level of exports, which means exports generate less than 5% of the industry's turnover. The industry has a low level of imports, which means imports generate less than 5% of the industry's domestic demand. The trend for exports is increasing and for imports it's increasing.The level of regulation is heavy and steady and government assistance is low and steady.This industry is forecast to have a strong average annualised growth rate over the next five years. A full analysis of each of the above conditions and more is available in every IBISWorld industry report! ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Jack & Jill, published by Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc. on December 1, 1999. The length of the article is 476 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Dog-Sled Dreams.(Oregon girl trains sled dogs for racing)
Author: Susann Keys
Publication: Jack & Jill (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 1999
Publisher: Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc.
Volume: 61Issue: 8Page: 31

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Children's Digest, published by Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc. on December 1, 1996. The length of the article is 1072 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The sport of "mush." (sled dog racing)
Author: Sherry Shahan
Publication: Children's Digest (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 1996
Publisher: Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc.
Volume: v46Issue: n8Page: p4(4)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more