**This is mostly in character, but not an official shop sled team. For RP purposes only, unless later instituted by the shop.**
Dakota stepped up onto a large stump, giving herself a good view of everyone. She cleared her throat, signalling to those around her that she was ready to begin.
"Today you have gathered to join one of the most prestigious of all dog teams, the sled team. We pride ourselves in training and hosting one of the best sled teams in town. That is something you want to be a part of, otherwise, you would not have come today." She paused for dramatic effect.
She looked out over the group before her. Dogs of all kinds stood dotting the grass. "If you wish to join this team, you must know beforehand that this is not just some walk in the park. You will have to work hard and train each day to get in shape for the annual sled team races. We have monthly competitions and weekly exercises to psych you up for the end of the year event. You'll be put on strict diets and exercise routines. If you wish to run with the best, you must become the best."
She heard murmurs begin throughout the throng. She smiled, pleased that her speech was going so well. "Now, if you will follow the signs, there is an area over to my left where you can sign up, and an area to the right where you can see the current members of the team. We will take all applicants who wish to sign up, but you must be in the sled dog profession to be considered."
"Positions on the team will be determined as you develop in your training. Stronger dogs, known as wheel dogs, will be placed near the sled. These dogs must have a relatively calm temperament so as not to be startled by the sled moving just behind them. Strength, steadiness, and ability to help guide the sled around tight curves are qualities valued in "wheelers".
Lead dogs steer the rest of the team and set the pace. Leaders may be single or double. In our case, it is currently single. I am the lead dog on the team, but we might possibly scout for a second once we assess all applicants. Qualities for a good lead dog are intelligence, initiative, common sense, and the ability to find a trail in bad conditions.
Swing dogs or point dogs are directly behind the leaders. They swing the rest of the team behind them in turns or curves on the trail.
Team dogs are those between the wheelers and swing dogs, and add power to the team. Team dogs are mostly made up of those that don't fall into the other positions."
"If you have a particular position you wish to try for, please note that on your "application" Thank you all for coming and I look forward to working with you." She smiled and stepped down from the stump, ready to mingle with the crowd.
TL; DR
- Basically, Dakota is recruiting sled dogs for the sled team she's on.
- You must be (own) a sled dog to apply. (The dog's profession must be sled dog.)
- Positions will be determined later, but you may request a certain one. (This is mostly OOC, unless we can all agree on a way to determine positions ICly.)
- Sled dog information was taken from here. Position information can be found here.
- Fill out the form below either IC or OOC, it doesn't matter.