| What is there to do in Vermont during the fall? There | | | | shorter runs than they were used to at the end of |
| is hiking and enjoying the foliage but for the more | | | | last season. As the season progresses the teams |
| adventurous how about dog carting! You might ask | | | | become stronger and stronger and are able to do |
| "what is dog carting"? It is an increasingly popular | | | | longer runs. |
| activity offered by several Vermnt dogsled tour | | | | Some kennels have carts for their fall training that |
| companies in the cooler months before and after the | | | | allow passengers to ride along with the dog team. |
| arrival of snow. Most people don't think if dogsledding | | | | This is a great opportunity to go for a dog team ride |
| until the snow comes but in reality dogsledding | | | | and view the fall foliage at the same time. Cart rides |
| season has started months before. | | | | are just as fast as sled rides but are generally |
| Most mushers begin running their dogs once fall | | | | warmer for the passengers. Most aspects of the cart |
| temperatures arrive with wheeled vehicles of one | | | | runs are the same as sled runs with the exception of |
| sort or another. They are beginning to get their dogs | | | | the wheels and the fact that there is no snow. When |
| in shape for the winter season after a summer of | | | | running with the carts the same harnesses are used |
| relative inactivity. Depending on where they are and | | | | for the dogs. The gang lines attaching the dogs to |
| what type of dogs they have some mushers are | | | | the cart are generally the same as the lines used on |
| able to do some running over the summer. A few | | | | sleds and the same commands are used. Carts are |
| mushers have even begun cross training their dogs | | | | easier to get in and out of than the sleds due to the |
| by having them swim in the off season. This allows | | | | elevated seats. These seats will make the ride more |
| them to keep in shape and stay cool at the same | | | | comfortable for most people. Going for a cart tour is |
| time. For the rest of us without the funds to have a | | | | a great way to enjoy fall in Vermont and beat the |
| doggie swimming pool or a lake on our property our | | | | winter sled season rush. The next time you are |
| dogs spend much of their time during the summer | | | | visiting Vermont in the fall in addition to leaf peeping, |
| laying around in the shade trying to keep cool. Just | | | | hiking, craft shows or hunting give dog carting a try. |
| like humans when they begin to exercise at a higher | | | | It's guaranteed to be a memorable experience that |
| intensity they have to ease into it starting out with | | | | you will never forget. |