Iditarod  dog  training

          Our project is on how mushers train their sled dogs for the Iditarod. The dogs need to be trained year round. Fall training consists of short runs and many rest stops. The mileage of the runs must be increased slowly so the dogs are able to get used to it. Most mushers start their training in August, using an ATV as a sled. These runs start out short, about 2 miles each. By the end of December the training runs can be upwards of 30 miles long.  Once snow falls the dogs are able to do 15-20 mile training runs with the sled. It is easier to pull a sled on snow then a 4 wheeler on grass.

Training starts at the age of 5 months with getting them used to the harness. By the age of 12-24 months or 1-2 years the dogs start pulling the ATV in the summer. While training the dogs you must make sure you listen, encourage, and reward your dogs. Before any race or training run make sure that your dogs have a good attitude and are cooperative. Different ways to train your dogs are: running them in a team, running along side of a bicycle or car, skijoring (a skier being pulled by more than one dog), or having a dog pull a tire or log.

Mushers usually have their dogs run a couple of mid-distant races (200-300 miles) before entering in the Iditarod. By the time the Iditarod begins most dogs would have run 1000 miles or more. Most mushers continue running until the snow melts, usually around late April.

When training the dogs with the sled always start the sled out almost empty (just enough to keep it steady in the snow.) Always keep a positive attitude and you want the dogs to think they want to pull the sled. Continue adding more weight as the race gets closer. Make sure to determine how much gear you will put onto the sled. You should be able to comfortably skijor your sled a couple of times before the big race.