| Training a winning dog sled racer goes beyond | | | | and make sure you provide them with clean and dry |
| endurance and strength. Just like a professional | | | | bedding. You also want to regularly clean their kennel |
| athlete, every facet of life from diet to housing | | | | thoroughly. Regularly wash out their runs, individual |
| needs to be fine-tuned to the goal of optimum health | | | | kennels, feeding bowls, drinking areas and training |
| and athletic ability. Learn how to train a winning sled | | | | gear. 4. Provide lots of water, especially in the |
| racing dog with these top tips from champion | | | | summer. Dogs need water. Working dogs need a lot |
| trainers. 1. Start with a good diet. Again, just like a | | | | of water. Make sure your animals have a good supply |
| professional athlete, your champion dog needs a | | | | of clean drinking water. If you live in a climate that |
| champion diet to win. Purchase high-protein food | | | | gets hot in the summer, be sure to up the supply |
| that's specially made for active canines. You also | | | | during the warm months. Many working dogs are |
| want to make sure that your dog has some good | | | | used to a colder climate and will need a lot of shade |
| fats and omega fatty acids in his diet. Working dogs | | | | and water to survive the heat. After a run, or during |
| like Huskies and Malamutes burn a lot of energy, and | | | | breaks on a long run, make sure your dog is well |
| health fats are an enduring fuel. And remember, just | | | | hydrated. 5. Don't let them be distracted by annoying |
| as a professional athlete wouldn't cheat with | | | | pests. Dogs and fleas have a way of finding each |
| cheeseburgers and milkshakes, don't jeopardize your | | | | other. When a dog experiences flea bites on a |
| dog's chances of winning with table scraps and extra | | | | routine basis, they can distract his focus and turn his |
| treats. 2. Follow a regular training schedule. Train your | | | | attention to scratching relief. Flea and tick collars can |
| dogs regularly and consistently. Pick a time of day to | | | | be helpful, but if you notice your dog spending an |
| do practice runs and stick with it. Your dog will get | | | | inordinate amount of time digging, scratching and |
| comfortable in the routine and be more willing, while | | | | licking himself, visit a veteranarian for assistance. 6. |
| looking forward to his daily run even if you aren't. | | | | Buy from a trusted breeder. To avoid genetic |
| Another area where scheduling can be very | | | | diseases or health problems, be sure to purchase |
| important is when it comes to bathroom breaks. | | | | your racers from a trusted and referred breeder. For |
| Train your dogs to only take breaks at specified | | | | advice, ask your veterinarian or consult your local |
| times. If your dogs know that every two hours you | | | | breed association. |
| will stop for a short break, they'll become adjusted | | | | For information on practical dog necessities, please |
| to that routine and less likely to veer off at a key | | | | visit a popular site providing great insights concerning |
| moment. Once you pick a break schedule, stick with | | | | issues that help you with dog care, such as dog |
| it. 3. Keep your dogs and their housing hygienic. | | | | training products, dog medical supplies, an electronic |
| Disease can spread fast on a sled team, so hygiene | | | | dog fence and much more. |
| is of utmost importance. Wash your dog's regularly | | | | |