Training sled dogs is an incredibly rewarding and unique experience. Not only do mushers and their dogs form an incredibly strong bond, but they must also learn to cooperate with and trust one another in order to have a successful run. Mushing is an art that has been passed down through generations and is a popular way of exploring the outdoors and appreciating nature. In order to be successful and create a strong, reliable team of sled dogs, mushers must spend a great deal of time and effort training their dogs. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common ways in which mushers train their dogs. We’ll look at the importance of building a bond between musher and dog, and the different methods used to teach sled dogs the commands and behaviors needed for a successful run. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of consistency and patience when training sled dogs.
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These dedicated athletes gather once a year to compete with their dogs over a 1,100-mile course. Even though the Iditarod is renowned as one of the toughest races in the world, the mushers and their dogs must undergo years of training just to be eligible. We’ve outlined key components of the training process for both the mushers and the dogs. On your next trip to Alaska, make sure to talk to any mushers you come across about the preparation for their dog teams. You’re sure to be impressed!.
Alaska is home of hardcore adventurists. People here, from bush pilots to crab fishermen, are aware that danger and excitement are a normal part of life. The majority of Alaskans hitch up their dogs and go for a 40- to 50-mile sled ride across wind-whipped tundra as their form of recreation. These sleds are not the lounging Santa sleighs, either. The entire time, the mushers are on the sled, steering the dogs clear of obstacles or distractions.
Working with our dogs from the moment they are born is one of the greatest joys of mushing. Watching an individual athlete’s progression is truly satisfying. As a musher, our job teaching our dogs never ends. Any time we hook them up is a training and teaching exercise because our sled dogs are capable of making mistakes and picking up bad habits; however, more often than not, it seems that the musher is the one who learns. Whether we are leading a tour or out on a training run, it is crucial that our dogs do their jobs.
Last but not least, we might have to come to a complete stop, check that our brakes are engaged, and physically move the dogs to the left or right in accordance with the command we have given them. Although not ideal, doing this may be necessary the first few times a dog runs in lead. It’s crucial to give lots of praise and reiterate the instruction.
The word “ready” instructs the dogs to get ready to run. When the dogs have stopped and are about to start running again, it is used. This signals the dogs to pay attention, undo any tangled hair, and get ready to proceed down the trail. “Alright” signals to the dog that it is time to run after the word ready.
We teach the dogs ready and alright through sheer repetition. The dogs discover that the signals “ready” and “alright” indicate when they should begin to run. Though a well-trained and well-traveled team won’t move until the command has officially been given, a musher is frequently holding their dogs back, preventing them from running; saying alright is the command that says “I’m getting off the brake, you can run now!”
Training is very straightforward; after the lead dogs correctly execute a command, we move on down the trail. If the lead dogs don’t understand the command, we stop. We do not use the “Whoa” command in this instance. Our sled dogs enjoy what they do, so allowing them to do it serves as positive reinforcement in addition to our praise. When they must stop running as a result of a mistake, that serves as punishment. Allowing our dogs to perform the tasks for which they were bred is sufficient for training them without the need for food. Simply harnessing the desire to run and using that love as our best training tool is all that is required of us when we are training.
FAQ
What commands do mushers use?
- Hike!: Get moving. …
- Gee!: Turn to the right.
- Haw!: Turn to the left.
- Easy!: Slow down.
- Straight ahead! : proceed, for example, at a trail intersection
- Whoa!: Stop.
- On By!: Pass another team or other distraction.
- Line Out!
How do you train to be a musher?
To begin mushing, research dog sled excursions and competitions, as well as pay a visit to a kennel for sled dogs. Try taking sled dog training courses, becoming a member of a group that promotes sled dog racing, or assisting a seasoned musher.
Is mushing cruel to dogs?
All dog-sledding operations are cruel, as shown by this investigative report, the film Sled Dogs, and PETA’s own investigation—whether they use dogs for tourism or racing or both.
How do mushers take care of their dogs?
The dogs are frequently fed and given a type of soup with meat in it to keep them hydrated while on the trail. This ensures that they receive adequate fluids as well. As they run along the trail, some dogs will also lick snow to stay hydrated. Most mushers run and rest the same amount of time.