How to Dog Sled

Experience an exciting way to travel and view the land--hop on a dog sled and glide across the snow being pulled by a team of dogs. This is an exhilarating sport that challenges anyone to a bitter cold race. Feel a sense of power and freedom competes with the vulnerability of being exposed to the bone chilling open air. Take a ride on the wild side of life.

Instructions

1. Arrange a time to meet with a "musher." Learn about the breeds that make good sled dogs like Siberian, Alaskan Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. Find out how much they cost and where to buy them. Read books and watch races on dog sledding.

2. Learn how to care for the dogs. Find out how to shelter, feed, snack and discipline them. Learn how to administer first aid to a wounded dog. Know what season to begin training your dogs and when to retire a dog.

3. Speak. Study their language to give verbal commands. The word "mush" isn't used anymore; instead "hike" or "hike up" gets the dogs moving. To slow down shout "easy," to turn right say "gee" and make the dogs turn left with the word "haw."

4. Get training on the sled. Learn the parts of the sled, how to operate it and make emergency repairs. Know the types of sleds.

5. Load up the sleigh. Pack the sled bags with recommended items for the length of your trip and watch the weight limit. Install the sled bags securely. Know how to use drag mats, brake bars and snow hooks to stop or slow down the sled.

6. Dress in layers for the cold weather. Shop at specialty outdoor stores for the required gear. Don't wear cotton as a bottom layer since it won't repel moisture. Instead wear nylon or polyester than a layer of fleece or wool. Cover that with a pullover, heavy parka and snow pants and top with tall boots, gloves and a hat.

7. Practice harnessing the dogs and hooking them to the sled. Learn how to add neck, gang and snub lines. Set up your hitch in tandem, single file or fan method. Have your route mapped out and know where the check points are.