Sledding with Your Siberian

The Siberian Husky is widely recognized as a breed that excels in sled dog racing, a tradition that originated during the Alaskan Gold Rush of 1896. The practice was formalized in 1908 with the inaugural All Alaska Sweepstakes Race. Given their breeding, pulling a sled comes naturally to Siberian Huskies and is a great way to honor their noble heritage. This chapter provides comprehensive information on sledding and carting with your Husky.

Sledding 101: The Basics of the Sport

Sledding and Huskies are often associated with one another. As depicted in Figure 15-1, the owner and their sledding Huskies experience immense joy. The subsequent sections provide a comprehensive understanding of sledding, comprising team composition, race procedures, key terminology, and necessary equipment for every musher. By familiarizing oneself with these aspects, one can avoid sounding like a novice in the field of sledding.

FIGURE 15-1: Sled dog racing is a great way for Husky owners to have fun with their dogs.

Identifying a sledding team’s makeup

Sled dog racing involves pairing dogs on either side of a gangline, with a tugline connecting the dog to the gangline and a neckline keeping the dog close. Professional teams can have up to 20 dogs, with lead dogs selected for their intelligence and willingness to lead. Both male and female dogs can be used as lead dogs, and co-leaders are used if two lead dogs are present. Point dogs, typically the fastest, follow the lead dogs, while swing dogs are responsible for turning the sled and keeping it on course. Team dogs keep the group moving, with wheel dogs being the largest and most powerful. It's important to note that one can mush with just one dog, and joining a sled dog club is recommended for access to training areas. Finding a suitable training location can be challenging, as concrete and dense forests are not ideal.

Remember

In order to ensure a well-functioning dog team, it is essential to socialize and train them to respect their human leader. Failure to do so may result in the team forming their own hierarchy and disregarding human authority. It is imperative that the human leader maintains control at all times. It is important to remember that a team of Huskies possesses much greater strength than any individual, therefore, it is necessary to exercise common sense and treat the dogs fairly to maintain one's natural position as leader.

Remember

Siberian Huskies perform optimally in temperatures that are 15 or 20 degrees below zero. During the warm off-season without snow, these dogs are trained on three- or four-wheeled training rigs.

Examining today’s racing world

In today’s sled dog world, dogs generally compete in one of the following races:

• Three dogs and three miles
• Six dogs and six miles
• Eight dogs and nine miles
• The unlimited class allows for up to 20 dogs to run at a distance of 14 miles or more. Notably, a team of 210 dogs was successfully harnessed to a flatbed truck, with a sled in front, and were able to pull it with ease.

A few of the more notable international races include the following:

• Iditarod: The Iditarod, the preeminent sled dog racing event, spans over 1,000 miles and stands as the longest sled dog race globally. Its inception was to commemorate the legacy of Leonhard Seppala, who orchestrated the 1925 run to Nome with diphtheria serum, rescuing the inhabitants from an impending catastrophe. The winning driver stands to receive a substantial sum of over $50,000. For further details on the Iditarod, please refer to Chapter The Last Great Race: The Iditarod.
• Yukon Quest: Another Alaskan and Canadian event, the Yukon Quest is a 1,000-mile run across rough terrain.
• Fairbanks North American Championship: This race covers 70 miles in three days.
• Fur Rendezvous Sled Dog Race: Commonly known as the Rondy, this 70-mile race is held every year in Anchorage.

“GOSH, THEY LOOK THIN!”

Similar to human long-distance runners and thoroughbred horses, a well-conditioned racing dog is lean and highly trained. It is important to note that these dogs are not underfed; in fact, they consume more calories per day than the average person. However, they burn off these calories through their rigorous training and exercise routines.

Using commercial dog food as a complete diet is not recommended for serious drivers. While these foods may be adequate for household pets, they do not provide the necessary nutritional value for a racing animal. Commercial foods tend to be low in fat, which is not ideal for working Siberians. Fats provide quick energy for dogs, and a racing dog's diet may consist of 50 percent fat, 35 percent protein, and 15 percent carbohydrates. Mushers may supplement a base commercial diet with ground meat, liver, oils, and fish.

Racing sled dogs are fed four or five times a day, often with high-protein foods such as salmon. They may consume more than 5,000 calories a day, although Siberians require less than other racing sled dogs. The food used for these dogs may have an unpleasant odor.

In addition to their diet, racing dogs require an enormous amount of water. They do not eat snow, as this activity can be dehydrating. Serious mushers are always seeking a diet that will give their dogs a winning edge. However, it is important to note that not all attempts at creating a winning diet are successful, as evidenced by the infamous "honey balls" stew described in Brian Patrick O’Donoghue's book My Lead Dog Was a Lesbian.

The International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA) is responsible for sanctioning and overseeing these events, ensuring that safety regulations, trail conditions, and required mushing equipment are all in compliance. The welfare of both dogs and drivers is of utmost importance to ISDRA, which mandates that all participating dogs are certified healthy and free of contagious diseases. In order to ensure the safety of the canine athletes, dangerous equipment such as choke collars and muzzles are strictly forbidden, and regular drug testing is conducted. Even aspirin is prohibited.

Within the continental United States, sled dog championships are held in Idaho, New Hampshire, and Minnesota. These events often offer races for kids, as well as torchlight parades, Mushers’ Balls, and other exciting Winter Carnival-like activities.

Watching a sled race

If given the opportunity, we highly recommend observing a sled race. It is a truly remarkable event to witness, even if participation is not of interest. It is important to note that bringing personal dogs to the event is discouraged as it may distract the canine athletes, potentially causing a dangerous situation if they break away and interfere with the race. Photography is permitted, but it is imperative to remain a safe distance away from the trail as the dogs swiftly pass by.

Tip

It is recommended to seek permission from dog owners prior to petting their animals, and refrain from offering any treats to the dogs.

Prior to the commencement of the race, there is typically a window of time during which one may witness the animals being harnessed and prepared for their duties. It is not advisable to engage in discussions with mushers regarding their pastime during this period. However, once the race has commenced, it may be appropriate to converse with handlers, acquaintances, and enthusiasts of sled dog racing regarding their experiences and perspectives on the matter.

Understanding some mushing lexicon

Verbal commands play a crucial role in the realm of sled sports. As the driver lacks reins to steer the team, they rely on their voice and the obedience and sound judgment of their lead dog. Modern-day mushers opt for the command "Hike!" akin to a quarterback, while "Go!" is also used at times. The term "mush" originated from the French "March!" which translates to "Get along! Walk on!" Some claim that "mush" was deemed too gentle and unsuitable for drivers, who are still referred to as mushers.

• Gee!: Turn right! This term and Haw both come from old draft-horse terminology.
• Haw!: Turn left! Some people just say “left” or “right,” but the nice thing about Gee and Haw is that they’re the same all over the world, in every language.
• Tshckt!: Keep going!
• Go by! (or On by!): Pass on, pay no attention to whatever is distracting you!
• Trail!: Yield the right of way!
• Whoa!: Stop! (More horse lingo.)

THE ALL ALASKA SWEEPSTAKES RACE

In 1909, William Goosak, a Russian fur trader, arrived in Nome with his nine Siberian Huskies to participate in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race. This race, which covered a distance of 408 miles from Nome to Candle, had been introduced the previous year in 1908. The race was designed to be a challenging marathon that tested the participants' endurance and resilience, as they encountered various weather conditions and landscapes, including forests, tundra, narrow declivities, and glaciers.

The winner of the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race was awarded a prize of $10,000, a significant amount of money in 1909, which required the participants to complete the grueling 408-mile race. At that time, Siberian Huskies were not commonly seen in Alaska, and the rugged Alaskans were not particularly impressed with the newcomers. The Huskies were considered too refined and short-legged, and the Nomers even nicknamed them "Siberian Rats." Despite this, Goosak hired a musher named Louis Thrustrup to lead his team, and they managed to secure third place, despite being 100 to 1 underdogs. Thrustrup's team could have won the race had he rested his dogs correctly.

There were rumors of race-fixing, but none of them were ever substantiated. It was fortunate that the Siberians did not win the race, as it was claimed that the Bank of Alaska would have gone bankrupt due to the number of bets placed against them. In 1910, Fox Maule Ramsay, a Scottish businessman, witnessed the race and was impressed with the Siberians' performance. He chartered a schooner to Siberia and purchased 60 of the best racing stock he could find. By the time of the 1910 All Alaska, Ramsay entered the race with three teams, and his teams secured first and second place. The little dogs with the big hearts had captured everyone's attention, and they remain an iconic breed today.

Recognizing basic mushing equipment

The sport of sled dog racing requires a significant investment. Below is a list of essential equipment that mushers must acquire, with prices subject to variation:

• Sled: Both a basket or toboggan sled are suitable options, with the former being more beginner-friendly. A high-quality sled can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, and there are even fold-up sleds available for convenient storage. It's important to note that these fold-up sleds do not have brakes. Additionally, carts are available for purchase, with some models being compatible with or without snow.
• X-back harness: The x-back harness is a standard sled-pulling harness that is highly recommended. A quality harness can be purchased for a reasonable price of $50.
• Gangline or towline: The central rope that spans the length of the canine team is known as the tugline, to which other lines are fastened. A gangline or towline starter is a necessary item for approximately $30.
• Sled bag: A sled bag may not be deemed essential for novice riders to purchase. Its primary function is to transport equipment and its cost can vary significantly.
• Snow hook: A snow hook serves as an emergency brake and functions similarly to an anchor in the snow. It is typically priced between $10 to $15.
• Booties: Huskies utilize booties as a means of safeguarding their paws against harsh winter conditions such as ice or slush. High quality booties, suitable for sledding purposes, typically range between $3 and $4 each. For those considering purchasing in bulk, it is important to note that these booties do wear out and may become misplaced over time.
• Snubline: A rope that attaches the sled to a tree or post while resting.

Getting a Sled Dog

For those with a serious interest in sled dogging, it is recommended to purchase a dog from a kennel that specializes in breeding Siberians for sledding. However, it is important to note that even with this approach, there is still a level of risk involved as kennels often keep the best stock for themselves in order to improve their line. It may take up to 18 months for the true qualities of a sled dog to show.

Alternatively, there is still the possibility of finding a good sledding prospect from kennels that are overstocked with males. Even without a specially bred sled dog, it is still possible to enjoy the hobby with most Huskies being able to learn how to pull a sled.

It is worth noting that a sledding or racing Siberian may differ in appearance from their conformation counterpart, often appearing rangier with longer legs and bigger feet. Many working or racing Siberians may also not possess the classic close-set, inward-pointing ears of the conformation dog.

Aside from physical attributes, mushers also look for several key mental elements in a good mushing dog including attitude, a good work ethic, trainability, and a desire to please.

Sledding for Fun

According to experts, a dog's mushing ability is determined by both genetics and training. However, if your goal is recreational rather than competitive, it's worth noting that most Huskies can be trained to pull a sled. It's not necessary to invest in a top-tier racing dog, which can be costly and difficult to find.

Tip

If you are interested in experiencing the thrill of sledding or becoming a musher but are unsure where to start, there are many options available to the general public in most northern states. Various outfitters offer excursions ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, both during the day and at night. Each sled is typically accompanied by a professional musher and eight to ten dogs, with a limit on the number of passengers per sled to ensure the safety and well-being of the dogs. This unique experience is not to be missed, and many companies are equipped to accommodate individuals with special needs

Tip

It is recommended to seek out a mentor to assist in the initial stages of training. This can be achieved by reaching out to your local Siberian Husky Club or Sled Dog Club and inquiring about the possibility of training alongside an experienced musher. It is worth noting that many within the mushing community are approachable and willing to offer guidance to those new to the sport.

It is recommended to begin teaching your Husky to wear a pulling harness at around 5 months old, although some racing experts may start earlier with a soft harness attached to a small log. It is important to ensure that your Husky learns to pull a sled when wearing a harness and to heel when wearing a collar, and to establish a clear connection between the dog and handler. During the training process, it is advisable to stay behind the dog and avoid leading or walking alongside him. Starting on a well-marked path can help the dog get used to walking on a trail.

Serious training usually begins when the dog is about 1 year old, typically during the cooler months of fall. It is common for new dogs to be placed in an established and harmonious team of dogs, allowing them to learn proper behavior from example. Socialization with the team, paying attention to pulling, and listening to the musher are crucial skills for sled dogs to learn. Short runs should be initiated initially, gradually increasing in length as the dog builds up strength and muscle. Fully grown racing dogs are known to train for 10 to 90 miles every other day during racing season.