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