How Do You Train A Sled Dog?
Watching sled dogs pull a musher over miles of terrain in harsh conditions is an amazing sight. Mushers spend years training their dogs to pull correctly and work as a team. It will take time and patience, but you too can train a sled dog. Start to train when your dogs are puppies. This is so important that experts suggest purchasing a litter to train. Starting young is a good way for you to gain your dogs’ trust while training them to pull. Familiarize your puppies with their collars and leashes. Keep them in collars most of the day and take them for walks often. They will learn to trust you and enjoy your company while learning to take commands. Introduce your dogs to the harness at about four months old. Buy a harness small enough for a puppy and attach something three feet long behind it. Attach a 15- to 20-feet rope to the dog’s collar and give your start command. Run behind the dog while he pulls. Give the stop command after the dog has gone about 50 feet. Step on the drag as you
