The Rise of Dog-Powered Sports in Minnesota
The rise of dog-powered sports in Minnesota
Introduction
“Never in my life did I think I’d be letting my dog pull me on a bicycle,” laughed recreational musher Jenny LaBelle. She and several members of a growing dryland dog-powered sports community in the Twin Cities met with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS at Lake Elmo Reserve Park Sunday for a demonstration of bikejoring.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Benefits of Dog-Powered Sports
- Improved well-being for both humans and dogs
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased socialization for dogs
- Opportunity for outdoor activities
Community Growth
LaBelle and her rescue canine companion Sota started the sport about a year ago to better both of their well-being. The sport has eased Sota’s fears of people and other dogs, LaBelle said. The pair is part of a growing dryland dog-powered sports community across the state, according to Renee Casey, who said it comes in tandem with a decline in winter dog-powered sports — like dogsledding, something Casey has loved to do for decades.
Mush Minnesota LLC
Casey founded Mush Minnesota LLC in 2016, which began as a Facebook forum to educate, create meetups, and show people that dog-powered sports go far beyond the winter. “It’s kind of been a reinvigoration of the sport, I think, altogether,” she said.
Types of Dog-Powered Sports
- Bikejoring: One dog leading its owner on a traditional bike or a dryland cart led by four dogs
- Canicross: Running led by a dog
- Scooterjoring: Riding behind a dog on a scooter
Accessibility and Cost
“Beyond having a dog and a bike, all you need is an antenna, an elastic line, and a harness,” said AJ, owner of the dog-powered sports store Jack and the Pack. The initial investment to get started is relatively low, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
Jack and the Pack Store
AJ’s struggle to find suitable harnesses for her dog Jack motivated her to start Jack and the Pack. The store officially opened its doors last week, providing a convenient resource for dog-powered sports enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Dryland dog-powered sports can be enjoyed throughout the year, offering a variety of activities for dogs and their owners. The sport not only promotes physical fitness but also strengthens the bond between humans and their canine companions. As the sport continues to grow, it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the rise of dog-powered sports and how they contribute to the well-being of both humans and animals. This connects to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being. The article also mentions the decline in winter dog-powered sports due to changing weather patterns, which relates to SDG 11 and the need for sustainable cities and communities. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of responsible consumption and production in the context of dog-powered sports equipment (SDG 12). Finally, the article mentions the activities taking place in natural environments and parks, which aligns with SDG 15 and the goal of protecting life on land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
The specific targets identified are based on the issues discussed in the article. SDG 3.4 is relevant because dog-powered sports contribute to physical activity and mental well-being, which can help prevent non-communicable diseases and promote overall health. SDG 11.7 is applicable as it emphasizes the importance of providing safe and accessible public spaces, including parks, for recreational activities like dog-powered sports. SDG 12.2 is relevant because it calls for sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, including the equipment used in dog-powered sports. Lastly, SDG 15.5 is connected to the article as it highlights the need to protect natural habitats and prevent the extinction of threatened species, which includes responsible engagement in dog-powered sports activities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of participants in dog-powered sports activities
- Percentage change in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases
- Availability and accessibility of green spaces for dog-powered sports
- Efficiency of natural resource use in the production of dog-powered sports equipment
- Extent of reduction in degradation of natural habitats caused by dog-powered sports activities
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, potential indicators can be derived. The number of participants in dog-powered sports activities can be used to measure progress towards SDG 3.4. The percentage change in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases can also be an indicator of the impact of dog-powered sports on health and well-being. The availability and accessibility of green spaces, such as parks, for dog-powered sports can be an indicator for SDG 11.7. The efficiency of natural resource use in the production of dog-powered sports equipment can be measured to assess progress towards SDG 12.2. Lastly, the extent of reduction in degradation of natural habitats caused by dog-powered sports activities can be an indicator for SDG 15.5.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | – Percentage change in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases – Number of participants in dog-powered sports activities |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | – Availability and accessibility of green spaces for dog-powered sports |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | – Efficiency of natural resource use in the production of dog-powered sports equipment |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | – Extent of reduction in degradation of natural habitats caused by dog-powered sports activities |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: kstp.com
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