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.