Dog Sledding Locations

I wish that anyone around the world could dog sled at their own location, but unfortunately that is not the case. The best dog sledding environments are the ones that have tons of white fluffy snow and it has to be in vast expanses of the open terrain. There are various locations with these ideal characteristics and luckily they aren't ALL in the same place, but Alaska is where you want to be if you are interested in any long races. There are other countries such as Switzerland, and even out west in the States, but those places would still be hard if you wanted to go long distance. 

Northern Alaska is great spot for those are seeking to take long adventures because the terrain is always covered in snow for most of the year and it has beautiful scenery. If you do plan a trip there, be sure not to get off the beaten path because you could get yourself, and your team in trouble if it is a new location you are unfamiliar with.When planning a journey, make sure you plan the route ahead of time and make sure you are only a few miles away from help in case of an emergency. This is not possible in many of the less populated places up north, but still talk to local guides to see which routes are the best and safest. 

The Real Life of a Musher

Are you a resident of IN, or live close by?

For any experienced mushers, or beginners, who want to hear more about what it is like to compete in a big dog sled race such as the Iditarod should go to the National Library Week celebration on Thursday, April 18th at 6 p.m in the North Webster Public Library.  An Iditarod musher from Hoosier Indianapolis will share her daring experiences of dog sledding in the Iditarod race. She will bring one of her brave dogs Borage. Other mushers will attend the event to share their experiences as well. There will be door prices and delicious deserts.  

The address is 301 N Main St  North Webster, IN 46555
(574) 834-7122

Dog Sled Clothing

Having proper clothing is the most important factor when dog sledding. To enjoy dog sledding, without being miserable, you have to maintain the right clothing. First and foremost, clothing has to be made of several layers that insulates you, and protects you from the winds. Layers are key, because if you have layers you could change easily as the weather changes. You can add a layer, or take off a layer. 

The first layer is the most important. This layer absorbs perspiration and it keeps you warm and dry. This layer is always thin and most of the time, you should get something that is made of polypropylene, polyester, or silk. Stay away from cotton because once it gets wet you will be cold the rest of the time. Wool is your best choice.

Second layer is used for insulation. This layer retains the body heat, and it is a little thicker than the first layer. This layer should be selected carefully because you don't want to pick something that will restrict your movement. You can choose wool, pile, or polar fleece for this layer.

The third layer should provide protection from the wind. It needs to be tight enough to prevent the wind from entering in, and getting in contact with your skin. This layer is also called the shell layer, meaning it has to be waterproof. This layer should be made of nylon, and a  hood on a jacket, gloves, and gaiters should be included. 

The fourth layer is or extra insulation. It is especially used when you are inactive (sleeping or sitting still). Examples of this would be a parka jacket or thin insulate over pants. This also includes emergency clothing if the rest of your stuff gets wet. 

Emergency Tools Recommended for Dog Sledding

As a musher, you have to be prepared to face any type of unpredicted harsh weather conditions. A musher who dog sleds in Alaska is prepared for the weather to change in the blind of an eye. You may get stuck over night, when you planned only to take a day trip. You may be planning for a nice day, then have to face a blizzard unexpectedly and deal with a sledge that is in terrible condition. This means that a musher must be prepared for ANY possible situation that comes his or her way. Here are a few things to pack along with you (of course this is not it):
1. multipurpose tool: A swiss Army knife or a leatherman tool. This can be used for fixing broken equipment. This will also help you if you have no shelter. You can use it to cut wood or make a shelter to make firewood. 
2. steel wire: you can use this to make a fire when snow is apparent on the wood. If dog sledders make a screen out of shell wire, they can keep a fire off the snow.
3. duct tape: it can be used to fix broken gear or hold together broken equipment. It can also be used to support the broken leg of a dog.
4.rice: use this for emergency food supply
5. lighters and matches: you will need this to start fires. Without it you could die.
6. wood powered camp stove: you need a hot stove to stay alive if you get stuck in the cold weather. You need to have hot water to stay warm in the cold temperature because there are no other sources such as gas or propane.

Dog Health and Safety

Whether you dog sled race for fun, or are involved in competitive dog sled racing, it is pertinent to prioritize the health and safety of the sled dogs. The Iditarod Race Committee is a perfect example of an organization who takes the health and safety of sled dogs very serious throughout the annual Iditarod Trail Race. Here are a few examples of how the Iditarod Trail Committee cares for their dogs. These are some good tips to consider if you race in other competitive races, or just do it for fun.

These are several examples of how they care for the sled dogs:
1. Within thirty days of the race, each sled dog receives a ECG evaluation that checks for heart abnormalities. They also do pre-race blood tests.
2. Each dog gets a pre-race physical exam by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of the race start.
3. Before signing up for the Iditarod, a musher must complete other qualified races. The Iditarod Trail Committee has to know these dogs are well trained and equipped for the big race. It generally takes a minimum of two years to prepare for the Iditarod by participating in other races. This prevents dogs from being put in a situation that is above their capability.
4. All dogs are required to be dewormed within 10 days before the race starts.
5. More than forty licensed veterinarians are present at each checkpoint to map sure each dog is cared for. They are highly trained and equipped for this task.

The Skills of a Musher

Have you ever wondered what kind of skills are required of a musher? It takes a lot more than just being "in-shape" to become a successful musher. Having a greater knowledge and skill of what it takes to travel in fierce weather conditions is the most important. As a musher, you have to know how to keep yourself safe and warm, as well as your dogs. They must know how to steer a sled that is jam packed full of equipment, as well as being able to read the ice of frozen lakes. They have to make smart judgements on when to press on, when to stop, and how to stay mentally focused the whole way through.


Even though it takes a brave soul to become a musher, mushers are able to build strong character deep in the backcountry as they are forced to stay emotional stable even in the harshest of winter situations. Being a musher is a reward that is unlike most others. If you are interested in becoming a musher, you must get an instructor that can teach you how to properly stay warm in harsh weather conditions. You must know how to build a camp for yourself and your dogs in these winter conditions as well. You can even google "skills for winter camping" to get you started. What's the most amazing about being a musher is that you come to a realization that you are stronger than you thought you were. You push your body to the limit, and develop trust and strong leadership with your team. Somehow, facing the winter landscape can help you find who you are, and enable you to build an inner strength that can stand any trial.

History of Dog Sledding

The earliest account of dog sledding occurred around 2000 B.C. Scholars suggests that it originated in Siberia or North America, where Indian cultures used dogs to pull goods. Portions of the Iditarod Trail, located in Alaska,  was used by the Native Alaskan Eskimo peoples hundreds of years before the arrival of fur traders from Russia in the 1800s. The trail was used the most starting in the late 1880s and the mid 1920s as miners came to Alaska and began to mine for coal and gold. The Iditarod Trail is still used today for the annual Iditarod Race which commemorates dog sledding in Alaska. It specifically celebrates the use of dog sledding when the diphtheria epidemic occurred and supplies were needed to be transported around the country to save people's lives.   During this 1925 serum run to Nome, 20 mushers and about 150 sled dogs transported the antitoxin 672 miles across the state of Alaska in five and a half days. 

Pre- Race Training

Training is definitely not an easy task mushers. It takes a lot of motivation and inner passion for dog sledding in order to begin the training months before each big race. A team who prepares for the Iditarod usually covers 2,000 to 3,000 miles before the race.The musher is responsible for training their dogs year around with what to expect and the core responsibilities as a sled dog.

Even though the physical preparation is important for the dogs, and the musher, it is more important that the musher stay "tight" with their dogs so that they see them as the main leader of the team. They have to be comfortable with the musher. Even in the summer, the dogs should be physically active. The musher could encourage their dogs to swim, or even let them run free in an open field. Fall training begins when the temperature is at least below 50 degrees. Since mushers can't use their sleds on the dirt, they use various forms of wheeled vehicles to train their dogs ( an ATV for example).  Participating in shorter races (100-300) miles is a great way to prepare for large races, such as the Iditarod, in the winter season once snow has accumulated on the ground.

Not only do the sled dogs need to stay in tremendous shape, the mushers do as well. They may need to run behind the sled during certain points of the race, and this is a hard task even for the most physically fit person in the world. The cold weather can take a toll on their bodies, so being in shape is a requirement for a successful musher. Running, jogging, and other forms of exercise are great ways for mushers to stay in shape. Dog sledding is a unique sport, and just like many other sports, training occurs year around.

Dog Sledding Fun Facts

1. Sled dogs can run 20 m/hr or 30 km/hr
2. Since dogs are pack animals, it is important to pick a lead dog that is accepted by the other sled dogs on the team
3. The dogs behind the leader are called the point dogs, and the ones behind them are called the swing dogs. The wheel dogs are directly in front of the musher
4.The musher has to push the sled when the snow gets to soft
5. The harness must be straight at all times, because if not, the harness will get stuck on the feet of the sled dogs
6. When picking out a sled dog, they must have a very dense coat of fur as a puppy
7. Sled dogs usually way from 50-65 pounds
8. Sled dogs cannot be picky eaters at a young age, because they have to be okay with whatever food is given to them by their mushers during a race
9.Sled dogs love reindeer meat soup
10.Sled dogs must be built, and have stamina for long distance running

How to get started

Are you interested in dog sledding, but don't know how to begin? Here are a few tips on how to begin. First and foremost, this may surprise you, but any breed of dog will do, they just need to be fairly large and quick. Huskies (Siberian and Alaskan) to tend to pull naturally. You will need tug lines, gang-lines, harnesses, booties, and a scooter(sled). To find out more information on the equipment visit www.isdra.org. Go to the "events" tab to see what dog sledding races are going on, and where.To begin training your dog to get used to the "dragging,"attach a water bottle to the harness at first so they get used to it, then change it to something heavier. While having them pull the drag (water bottle, or something heavier) tell them GEE (pronounced like the letter G) and when you turn right and HAW when you turn left. Hitch the dogs to the scooter (or sled) and make sure you wear allow and knew pads as well. If you want to partake in competitive dog sledding, you may have to move if you are from somewhere like Ohio, and head to Alaska. If not, hopefully these few tips can help you get started!