How is a Husky Trained to Pull Sleds?

Dog sledding began as a mode of transportation in arctic climates and has morphed into a seasonal sport. Huskies traditionally are used to haul sleds through snow and ice because of their size and instinctive ability to pull weight. Successful training of sled dogs depends upon using the proper equipment and conditioning at the right time.

  1. First Steps

    • Puppies are walked consistently when they are young and then gradually encouraged to sprint and then run. This builds their strength, endurance and speed. Trainers compare this early stage to the workouts used by marathon runners, who focus on short jogs before building up to distance runs.

    Nourishment

    • Iditarod dogs can consume up to 10,000 calories daily. Dog sled trainers use a mixture of fish, meat and cereal when their huskies are weeks old. Sled dogs need plenty of water, and some breeders recommend warm soups instead of just clear water to ensure adequate hydration.

    Voice Commands

    • Dogs are taught directional commands at young ages, such as "gee" for right and "haw" for left. An owner should walk his dog around a parking lot using a leash and a harness and work on these directives. During training, the dog owner needs to rein in an animal who pulls the wrong way, because a mistaken turn on a snow-covered hill can be disastrous in dog sledding. A musher doesn't want to realize that his dog can't differentiate between left and right while barreling toward a tree.

    Rewards

    • A handheld clicking device is an effective way to reward a dog. The same clicker can be used in training as well as during a sledding adventure. Trainers advise against using treats during preliminary lessons because it will be too difficult to attempt to toss a snack at a dog who is racing across snow and ice.

    Start Mushing

    • Huskies are harnessed as young as six months. Their first attempts at pulling sleds will involve simple standup versions. Some trainers harness their dogs to four-wheeled All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) during warmer months so that huskies can tow the vehicles across dirt or muddy roads to get the hang of pulling weight. The ATV driver can adjust the vehicle's speed, depending on whether he wants his harnessed dogs to focus on hauling or sprinting.

    Sleeping Conditions

    • Huskies can sleep outdoors in huts or barns all year as a way of conditioning them to the colder elements. Beds of straw can be placed on the floors of these shelters for warmth and comfort. Owners of sled dogs consider the constant fresh air to be a boost to their huskies' overall health.

    Foot Protection

    • Special fleece booties are used to protect huskies' feet during their racing season. Stones and dirt can damage and irritate their paws. An Iditarod dog uses up to 2,000 booties.