3 DIY Dog Sleds To Make Today (With Pictures)
Updated on
If you live in a cold climate, having a dog sled for your dog can be a fun activity for both of you. The winter time often diminishes outdoor activities for some dogs, but if you have a Husky or some other dog breed who loves to be out in the snow, having a dog sled can be beneficial.
For the DIYer, why not make your own instead of buying a dog sled? In this post, we’ll list four DIY dog sleds you can make yourself so you can have a fun day out in the snow with your doggie. Some plans are suitable for beginners, but some are well-suited for those with some experience. No matter your skill set, we’ve got you covered. Let’s check them out.
The 3 DIY Dog Sleds
1. DIY Homemade Dog Sled by Autodesk Instructables
| Materials: |
2×4 wood beam, 2×10 board, Hex head lag screw bolts, drywall screws, rubber floor mat, flathead screws, old tire, nails, wire lock pins, U & O shaped pole socket sets, electrical conduits, eye bolts and screws, washers, locking nuts, double loop chain, quick links, snap hooks/strong rope, bungee cord, wax
|
| Tools: |
Cordless drill, bit set, hammer, table saw, wrench, conduit bending tool, metal file, sawzall, heat gun or iron
|
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This DIY homemade dog sled kit is a multipurpose sled that can be used for you and your dog or with a friend who can pull you for added fun. A sled of this type will be pricey to purchase, but if you’re willing to tackle the project yourself, you’ll have the coolest sled on the block. This sled performs well in deep snow and is stable. It maneuvers easily through various terrains and takes up little storage space.
You’ll need quite a bit of material and tools to build this sled, but the website lays out the instructions nicely so you can follow along. This project is more geared toward the experienced DIYer, but if it looks like something you want to build but are not confident about, enlist the help of a friend.
2. DIY Dog Sled with Wheels (Wood Version)
| Materials: |
2×4 pressure-treated lumber, framing lumber, metal L brackets, wood screws
|
| Tools: |
Drill, wood glue, PVC joints, ski boot tracks, fine grit sandpaper, wood lacquer, wood vice
|
| Difficulty Level: | Beginner |
This dog sled with wheels only takes a day to assemble, but keep in mind the lacquer used for this project will take 48 to 72 hours to completely dry. What’s cool about this sled is the wheels, allowing you to use it without snow and making it quite versatile. You can use this sled for yard work that will allow your dog to participate in exercise, and the finished product looks like something you’d buy from a store.
If you’re unsure about the wood version, the builder provides a cheaper version that does not require as many materials and tools, and the materials and tools needed are probably items you already have lying around. The cheaper version will not look as fancy, but it will be more durable than the wood version. The website gives useful safety tips and valuable information so that you can make this sled safely.
3. DIY Dog Sled by National Mine School, Michigan
| Materials: |
Back brace, brake board, brush bow, cross pieces, driving handle, foot pads, front slat cross pieces, front stanchion, inside slats, rear stanchion, runners, side rails, side slats, slat braces, wedge
|
| Tools: |
Lock nuts, runner bolt flathead, eyebolts, hinge, wood glue, nylon cord, finishing oil, varnish, wood putty, bungee cord
|
| Difficulty Level: | Advanced |
Interestingly, this DIY Dog Sled was the invention of drafting students at the National Mine School in Ishpeming, MI. The students were instructed to design and manufacture a dog sled using conventional drafting techniques and computers to draw the design. The project was under the supervision of musher and dog handler Charlie Yeager. Students were instructed to track their progress in journals and write out the instructions, which are easy to understand from the website.
This sled is suitable for the beginner musher and can be used for sprint races, short-distance racing, and recreational mushing.
Conclusion
Building your own dog sled may be a bit involved, but if you’re willing to tackle the project, you can save money and have a nice, functional dog sled. Dog sleds are fun to have, especially if you live in a cold climate and you have a Siberian Husky or similar breed. However, you can also build a dog sled with wheels that can be used in any climate.
We hope these plans help you make the best DIY snow sled on the block. Have fun and follow the instructions to ensure your DIY dog sled is safe for use.
Featured Image Credit: Geoffrey Kuchera, Shutterstock
