Mushing School
Conditioning
These dogs are true athletes. They have to train and stay in shape just like marathon runners. Their off-season is summer since it is often too hot to really run a great deal. Come fall the mushers (that's what you call someone who dog sleds) begin to train the dogs to build up their endurance. They begin with shorter runs- maybe only a half of a mile at a time- and add distance gradually, just like a distance runner training for a marathon. Eventually once the snow is more plentiful and the conditions are right the dogs are able to run further and further distances. Our team ran 14 miles on our outing- Josh and Garrett of Sirius Sled Dogs said that this was a great distance and where they'd like to have them maintain, going 14-20 miles per day. However a racing team would work up to even further distances.
Ready to run
Meet 'n Greet the Dogs
The dogs were all so friendly, they love to have a good head scratch or belly rub. While I can't identify or remember most of the dogs here are a few of the Sirius team. Nita and Josh have a wide array of types of dogs, they vary in sizes and breed. They have some that have been rescued and others that have been born by existing members of their team. Often times litters of pups will be named with a theme. One dog was named Control, her siblings were Alt and Delete. There's also rock n' roll singers, bugs, and candy.
Sled dog
Be sure to watch for the final part of this adventure in the next entry we actually go mushing (video included!)
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