Training Information on Sled Dogs in the Iditarod Race

The first annual 1,150-mile Iditarod was run in 1973 from Anchorage in south central Alaska to Nome on the western coast. Called the "Last Great Race on Earth," a shorter version was run in 1967 as part of Alaska's centennial year celebrations, and took place again in 1969. The purpose was to commemorate the Iditarod Trail, which had been the main thoroughfare through the state, and to highlight the importance of the role of sled dogs and the trail in Alaska's history.

  1. The Dogs

    • The dogs used most often in the Iditarod are Alaskan huskies. This is not a registered breed, and although the breeding of the dogs is mostly carefully planned they are often a mix of various northern breeds. Alaskan huskies are preferredover the Siberian husky, and are bred for their strength, stamina and will to pull. Dogs with strong characters and decision-making abilities are trained to become team leaders that set the pace and obey the commands of the musher.

    Puppy Training

    • Training begins during puppyhood, starting when the dogs are eight weeks old with socialization and basic obedience. They are taught to accept wearing a harness, and though other dogs are trained not to pull against the leash, sled dogs are taught to do so. Trainers make it a game, and the puppies learn to enjoy pulling small objects or carts with the harness.

    Training for the Race

    • Once the dogs are six months old they begin running loose beside the sled team, and after a few months they are put in harness for short runs with the experienced dogs. Dogs are rotated in the line so that they gain experience in different positions. In the months leading up to the race the team is run daily, gradually working up to longer runs until they are able to run 100 miles at a time. In training they run 35-mile legs and rest for four hours before running again. The dogs wear booties to protect their feet from stones and ice.

    Training the Lead Dog

    • Most Iditarod dogs are trained by their owners, who are frequently also the mushers that run them in the race. Some dogs are sold at the peak of their careers to other mushers. Lead dogs, however, form a close bond with their handlers and are usually trained from puppyhood by the musher to become a team leader.

    Treatment of the Dogs

    • The Iditarod organizers and the Alaskan authorities take reports of ill-treatment and cruelty very seriously. Dog care rules require participating dogs to undergo an ECG, blood work and a physical examination before the race. During the race, any dog showing signs of illness must be taken off the team and carried on the sled until the next stop where the illness is reported and the dog dropped off. Dropped dogs are flown back to Nome where they await collection by their owners after the race. Necropsies are conducted on dogs that die during the race, and if it is found their death was caused by neglect or abuse, the musher is disqualified from the race.