How to Train for a Dog Sled Race

Athletes spend months training before their events. The same is true for a dog sled race except in this case you're training the dogs. The dogs have to be in good physical shape and mentally prepared to perform well during a dog sled race.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Watch the dogs on practice runs. Decide which dogs should run in what position. Put them into position and leave them there. This gives the dogs a chance to get used to their position and the dog they'll run next to.

2. Train for speed. Take your sled dogs on runs less than ten miles and go up some hills. Have them run at top speed the whole time.

3. Focus on endurance. Prepare your sled dogs by going on long runs at a slow pace. This will get their endurance up for their race.

4. Take some time off before a race. If you give your dogs a break for a week or two before a race, they'll be well-rested and ready to run on race-day.

5. Prepare for the race day. Book accommodations in advance. Pack food and supplies. Traveling with 8 to 16 dogs poses unique challenges as you'll need to stop often to give food, water and exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• The length of your practice runs will depend on the length of the dog sled race. For example, if you're training for the Iditarod (a 1,100-mile trek through Alaska) your practice runs need to be 350 miles or more.
• Always take the best possible care of your sled dogs. Never yell at them during training and praise them for their hard work. They will race better when they trust and care for you.
• Train with everything you plan to use during the race. Never use an item for the first time in a race. You don't want to find out the hard way that an essential piece of equipment isn't working properly.

Who Can Help:

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

Resources

• Never been on a dog sled? Give it a try at Muktuk Adventures Ltd.
• Read about the most grueling dog sled race there is—the Iditarod.