| Sled dogs are a group of dogs that are used to pull a | | | | Pups that are being trained to be sled dogs are |
| vehicle that has no wheels but is set on runners over | | | | weaned from their mother as soon as possible in |
| terrains of ice and snow. Sled dogs are attached to | | | | order to shift their attentions to their musher. They |
| these vehicles by harnesses and lines. It is said that | | | | are at about six weeks old shifted from their mother |
| the origins of sled dogs can be traced back to Siberia | | | | into their own pen in order to accomplish this. |
| as the people that live there have a long history of | | | | When pups that are being trained to be sled dogs |
| nomadic travel due to rather harsh winters. | | | | are around five months old they are already running |
| There are certain breeds of dogs that are | | | | around with the lope that is characteristic of a sled |
| synonymous with being sled dogs. These dogs being | | | | dog and is also the time when they are first |
| Huskies and Malamutes although just about any | | | | introduced to a harness. |
| medium sized dog would be suitable to be a sled dog. | | | | There are many methods in which pups learn to be |
| Dogs that are selected to be sled dogs need to | | | | sled dogs. A very common method is to harness up |
| exhibit three main qualities. First of all they need to | | | | to a dozen pups behind a pair of experienced older |
| be in peak physical condition and be able to pull a | | | | sled dogs and control the speed that they go with |
| sled, they need to have the endurance to be able to | | | | the use of an atv. The speed that the older dogs are |
| pull a sled over sometimes great distances and they | | | | allowed to go is gradually increased as the pups' |
| need to have the speed in order to do the task of | | | | endurance and strength continues to increase. |
| pulling the sled quickly. There are many teams of sled | | | | People are amazed that sled dogs are so excited to |
| dogs that have been able to travel over one hundred | | | | be able to pull a sled over long periods of time and |
| miles in a twenty four hour period of time. | | | | generally over very rough terrain. Mushers can |
| Teams of sled dogs can range from three dogs to a | | | | attribute this to the very early interactions that they |
| team of two dozen dogs. Sled dog teams not only | | | | have with the pups that builds such a strong |
| pull several different types of sleds for racing and | | | | relationship between themselves and the dogs so |
| other transporting purposes they have also been | | | | very early in their lives. |
| known to pull skiers when there is little to no snow. | | | | |