dog in bas*ket
What Is The Definition Of Dog In Basket In Dog Mushing?
In dog mushing, a dog in basket is a term given to an exhausted, injured, or sick dog placed onto the sled during a portion of the race. The basket is the portion of the sled that can carry people, dogs, and gear. Whether the dog gets better determines if it will
become a dropped dog.
How Does A Dog In Basket Impact A Dog Mushing Race?
A musher will take the injured or tired dog from the line and place it in the sled basket until they reach the next checkpoint. At that time, they must drop the dog (or return it), so it can be taken to the racing team’s kennel for proper veterinary care. Race rules stipulate that a team must arrive at a checkpoint with the exact number of dogs they had at the previous checkpoint. Race organizers carefully examine the mushing team’s rosters to make sure how many dogs have arrived, and they must relay veterinary information at the checkpoint to ensure different vets understand dog conditions and health concerns. This is crucial in longer races like the Iditarod. While a team must arrive at a checkpoint with the exact number of dogs from the previous one, it’s not uncommon for a mushing team to finish a race with fewer dogs than started.
Examples Of How Dog In Basket Is Used In Commentary
1. During the annual Iditarod, it’s not uncommon for sled teams to begin the 938-mile race with 12 to 14 dogs and finish the race with fewer because of dogs in baskets that were eventually returned.
Sports The Term Is Used
1. Dog Mushing