You can run with just one dog. You just won't go as fast or as far. With skis, you might surprise yourself. Same for jogging/running with the dog tied to you (canicross). I started with one dog. Then it was three, then 5, then 7, 8, 10 and 12.
I found myself too far back from lead with 12. And I've been stuck on 8 for several years now. It's faster to hook/unhook and it's all kinds for what I do.
A three ski sled ridden by a child and pulled by a dog can go quite a ways. My kids did 25 km. runs weekly that way. I just introduced a hunting bud to the sport. His son is now following the snowmobile on a 3 ski pulled by buds 2 labs.
You can buy a small sled for 1 dog also. I do not recommend those "kick sleds" that Scandinavian people use to scoot around. They are tippy and get busted up. In Quebec you can buy a small sled for about $250.00 brand new.
You can also make something yourself with rummage sale skis and 1x2's. Tie wraps and a drill will do most of the work. A sled must bend or it will break.
A good harness will soak you $25 and you can get snaps/cord at the hardware store.
Be sure to tie the cord that the dog pulls the sled with to the sides of the sled and not the front cross piece. Ideally the cord is tied to each upright that hold the skis. that way the power of the dog is spread out evenly on the sled.
Add some anti slip stuff (old welcome door mat/ bike tire) to the skis where you will stand.
A brake is handy, too. It can be nothing more than angle iron, attached to a piece of wood, that you step on so that it bites into the snow. A spring from an old door will retract the brake when you are not stepping on it.
With 2 dogs you'll go faster/further. It depends on the snow conditions. I haven't gone out in over a week due to the conditions. It is sheer ice and 1 dog is too hairy. A wipe out may result in more than the sled being broken.
You should give it a go. The dog will love it and you will have a blast.
Canicross is gaining in popularity around here. People are running through the bush while being pulled by their dogs. It isn't done with huge dogs, though! It is also done with mountain bikes ...
Here is a link so that you can see a few photos of small sleds. Sled is "traineau" in French.
www.equipementsapivok.com/#!le-trotteur---1-à-2-chiens />
www.levillagedemusher.com/annonces/img/upload/husky.jpgBTW: please post you location in your profile.