Becoming a Sled Dog

The number of sled dogs at a typical kennel is around 75, though some might house as few as 20 or as many as 150. Many kennel owners are avid mushers and compete in dog sled races. They also train other mushers and sell and lease dogs.

The organization Mush With PRIDE (Providing Responsible Information on a Dog’s Environment) was formed to address how sled dogs are cared for. Guidelines developed by the group give advice on breeding and maintaining a kennel.

The training for each team of racing dogs varies by musher (or whomever is preparing the dogs to race). Conditioning the dogs to run long distances is vital, and teams may cover 2,000 to 3,000 miles (3,219 to 4,828 km) in the course of training leading up to an endurance race. Since training may take place year-round, the dogs sometimes run on dry land, and sometimes pull all-terrain vehicles.

Dog owners start grooming their dogs to pull sleds at a very young age. When they are a couple of months old, they may be fitted with a harness and collar, just so they get used to wearing them. As they get older, a small object may be attached to the harness to practice pulling weight. Mushers also start teaching the dogs verbal commands. When dogs are ready to train alongside a team, at around 6 to 8 months old, they start by pulling light loads for short distances. Over time, they build up their strength and stamina and are able to go farther and pull more.

Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images Veterinarians keep an eye on dogs during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to make sure the furry athletes are healthy. The race can be hard on the dogs, who have to cross dangerous, icy terrain at high speed.

Sled dogs that are well cared for and loved by their owners are quite friendly and gentle. While they may fight with other dogs, it is rare that a sled dog would be aggressive toward people. Mushers have been quoted as saying that they take better care of their dogs than themselves, and that the dogs eat better than they do. Relationships between dog and musher vary, but most mushers consider their dogs family. Mushers generally follow the reasoning that a dog that’s not properly cared for will not perform, so it wouldn’t make sense to mistreat dogs.

For races such as the Iditarod, veterinarians are on hand to examine dogs, and race rules require proof of certain vaccines and check-ups. Dogs are implanted with microchips to help keep track of them. The International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association is a group of veterinarians who are dedicated to the welfare of sled dogs.

Dog Abuse and Sled Dog Action Coalition In 1999, retired schoolteacher Margery Glickman founded an activist group, the Sled Dog Action Coalition, to improve the conditions for dogs racing in the Iditarod. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States have also taken issue with the Iditarod. While race officials disagree that dogs are mistreated, and there is an Iditarod rule stating, “There will be no cruel or inhumane treatment of dogs,” there have been incidents of animal abuse by Iditarod mushers, including: In 1985 musher Wes McIntyre kicked a dog after it bit him, and the dog later died. McIntyre was disqualified. In 1990, Jerry Riley, who had won the 1976 Iditarod, received a lifetime ban from the race for mistreatment after injuring one of his dogs. Nine years later, he was allowed to race again. In 1992, Frank Winkler, a two-time Iditarod racer, was convicted of animal cruelty for his treatment of 14 unwanted puppies. In 2005, musher David Straub was found guilty of animal cruelty for not providing proper food, water and care. In 2007, Ramy Brooks was disqualified and also suspended for two years and put on probation for three years for abusing his dogs during the race.

In the next section, we’ll look at how sled dogs prepare for a race.­