In case I must leave Montana before getting a chance to go dog sledding this winter -- it's item 48 on my 100 things to do in Montana list -- it's good to know that I'll be able to do it back in Baltimore, snow or no.

As of this year, one can dog sled in Baltimore -- well, Baltimore County, anyway -- thanks to Maryland Sled Dog Adventures, a company started by a husband and wife that offers dryland dog sled rides.

Dryland dog sledding -- long used to train and condition sled dogs in the off season -- is rapidly becoming a sport of its own, partly as a result of global warming and the shorter, more temperate, less snowy winters that it has brought. 

Catherine Benson and her husband Eric, who live in Baltimore's Roland Park area, started the company after sledding on land, wet and dry, for about seven years.

"We got started after we got our first dog, Zoe," Catherine said. "Zoe ate two couches and we finally decided she might need a little more outlet for her energy than her daily walk around the block."

They offer rides with their four dogs, but also have a "run what you brung" program that lets you try dog sledding with your own dog. They also offer lessons in canicross, skijoring and bikejoring (see previous entry).

The company bills itself as the only dog sledding touring operation in central Maryland. Sled teams operate in other parts of the state, including western Maryland, where both Yellow Snow Adventures and Husky Power Dogsledding are based.

Maryland even has a dog sledding race -- albeit one sponsored by an outfit in Pennsylvania. The Fair Hill Dryland Challenge, is held Dec. 8 and 9 in Fair Hill. It's sponsored by the Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club.