When people picture sled dogs, they often see strong dogs racing across snowy trails. That picture is true, but there’s more to it. Our sled dogs are not just animals pulling a sled. They are athletes, teammates, and part of our family.
Because of this, we put their care first. When sled dogs feel good, they run better and stay safe. They love their work because they trust us.
Also, good sled dog care means visitors get the best tours. Happy dogs make each trip fun for guests too.
If you want to learn how our care works, keep reading. You will see how we feed, train, rest, and protect every sled dog.
What Is a Sled Dog?
Born to Run and Pull
A sled dog is a dog trained to pull sleds through snow. Sled dogs have thick coats to stay warm and strong muscles to run long miles.
They work with a musher. A musher is the person who stands behind the sled and gives commands. These dogs listen to words like “gee” (turn right) and “haw” (turn left). They run in teams to share the load.
Different Breeds That Pull
There is more than one kind of sled dog. Here are the most common:
- Alaskan Huskies — They are not purebred. They are mixed to be fast and strong. They often have lean bodies and short fur.
- Siberian Huskies — These dogs have thick coats and blue or brown eyes. They run slower than Alaskan Huskies but handle deep snow well.
- Alaskan Malamutes — These are big dogs with heavy fur. They move slower but pull very heavy loads.
Next time you see a sled dog, you might spot the difference.
Why Good Food Is First
Food Builds Strong Teams
Food is one of the most important parts of sled dog care. Sled dogs burn thousands of calories a day. If they do not get the right food, they cannot run far or stay healthy.
Sled dogs eat food with lots of protein and fat. Protein builds muscles. Fat gives them fuel for long runs.
For example, mushers feed dogs salmon, beef, chicken, or special high-fat kibble. We plan each meal carefully.
Want to learn more about sled dog diets? Read trusted tips from Cornell University’s sled dog nutrition guide.
Also, when you join one of our Winter Dog Sled Tours, you can see how we prepare meals behind the scenes.
Water Keeps Dogs Safe
Hydration Is Key
Sled dogs get thirsty fast. When they run, they lose water through panting. If they do not drink enough, they get tired or sick.
Because of this, we always give clean water. Sometimes we add warm broth to help them drink more. This keeps muscles working well and stops cramps.
When you visit our kennel, you may see mushers filling water buckets many times a day. Clean water is as important as food.
Want to help our dogs stay healthy and happy? Support the Kennel and sponsor the team’s care
Daily Checks for Healthy Dogs
Every Dog, Every Day
Before and after every run, mushers check each dog nose to tail. These daily checks help find small problems before they get big.
We look at:
- Eyes: Should be bright and clear.
- Nose: Should be moist, not dry or cracked.
- Mouth: Healthy gums and clean teeth.
- Paws: No cuts or ice balls stuck.
- Legs: No swelling.
- Tail: Wagging and lifted up.
If a dog shows any pain or injury, it rests right away. No run until they are healthy again. This is how we keep our team strong for adventures like the Sled Dog Racing Experience.
Warm Beds and Cozy Kennels
Good Rest Is Part of Good Care
After a run, sled dogs need good rest. They sleep on thick straw beds inside small houses called kennels. The straw keeps them warm and dry. The kennel blocks wind, snow, and rain.
If a dog sleeps on cold, wet ground, it can get sick or stiff. Warm sleep keeps dogs healthy and ready for the next run.
For example, the famous Iditarod racers pack straw to set up warm beds on the trail.
Want to see what cozy kennels look like? Check out our Photo Gallery for real-life pictures.
How We Train Sled Dogs
Start Young With Kind Hands
Training starts when dogs are puppies. Pups watch older dogs and follow short runs. They learn to wear a harness, which is a strap that goes around the chest and back. The harness lets them pull safely.
Next, pups learn to follow commands like “gee” and “haw.” They get used to the sled, the gear, and working with people.
We use kind words, treats, and gentle hands. This makes dogs trust mushers.
Positive Words Build Trust
Why Kindness Matters
Sled dogs love happy words and gentle pats. When a dog does well, the musher says “Good dog!” and gives a small treat or scratch behind the ears.
This makes dogs feel safe and proud. It also helps them trust their musher. Trust is key for working together in tough snow and long races.
Unlike some sports, we never yell or force dogs to run. If a dog feels scared, it will not want to pull. So, we keep training fun and calm.
Want to meet our happy team? Take a look at Meet Our Sled Dogs to see their profiles.
Why Paws Matter So Much
Paws Are Like Shoes
A sled dog’s paws are strong, but snow and ice can still hurt them. Sharp ice, rocks, or rough trails can crack pads. If a paw cracks, a dog cannot run until it heals.
Because of this, mushers check each paw before and after every run. They look for cuts, ice balls, or swelling. Small problems get cleaned and treated right away.
During a Winter Tour, guests often see mushers bend down to lift each paw for a quick look. It’s part of our daily routine.
Booties Keep Feet Safe
What Are Booties?
Sometimes sled dogs wear booties. Booties are small cloth shoes that protect paws from sharp ice or snow buildup.
For example, in long races like the Yukon Quest, dogs wear booties for almost every mile. The booties stop snow from clumping between toes.
Before big races or longer tours, mushers pack extra booties. If one bootie slips off, it can be replaced fast.
Want to gear up for your own ride? Use our Sledding Gear Checklist to pack smart.
The Right Pace and Breaks
Plan Safe Runs
Even though sled dogs are strong, we never push them too far without a break. Good mushers plan rest stops every few miles. Dogs drink water, eat a snack, and stretch.
These short stops give dogs energy to keep going for hours. Breaks also give mushers time to check harnesses, paws, and gear.
Safe Loads Help Dogs
Sleds must not be too heavy. Too much weight can hurt a dog’s back or legs. Good mushers know how much each dog team can pull.
This means guests enjoy a smooth ride, and dogs stay healthy.
Dogs Have Feelings Too
Happy Dogs Run Better
Dogs feel emotions just like people do. They can be happy, scared, excited, or sad.
When a sled dog feels safe, it works hard for its team. When it feels scared or stressed, it might not run at all.
Because of this, we keep our kennel calm and quiet. Loud noises, rough handling, or sudden changes can make dogs nervous.
Play Time Builds Bonds
We spend time playing with our dogs. We talk to them in soft voices. We pet them and watch how they act. This builds trust and strong bonds.
For guests, we share tips on reading dog signs too.
How We Teach Visitors
Rules for Guests
When visitors come to meet our sled dogs, we give simple rules:
- Be calm and quiet.
- Let the dogs come to you first.
- Do not grab or chase the dogs.
This makes dogs feel safe and helps people enjoy a calm visit.
Read Dog Signals
We teach guests how to spot when a dog is happy or tired. A wagging tail, bright eyes, and bouncy steps mean a happy dog.
If a dog has droopy ears or a low tail, it may need a rest. We explain these signs so people know when to step back.
How Dogs Show They Love to Run
Signs of Joy
A healthy sled dog shows clear signs. It may jump, bark, wag its tail, or even “sing” when it sees a harness.
Mushers say dogs “sing” with high barks when it’s time to run. This shows they are excited for work and proud to be part of the team.
Next time you visit us, listen for this happy sound. It is one of the best parts of the trail.
Ready for the Harness
When mushers pick up harnesses, dogs run over fast. They spin in small circles or jump into their spots.
It is like a soccer player excited to get in the game. They want to pull because it is fun for them.
Want to see our team in action? Drive a Dog Sled with us for the ultimate hands-on ride.
Want to see our team in action? Drive a Dog Sled with us for the ultimate hands-on ride.
Why Daily Checks Matter
One Small Check Can Save Big Problems
We never skip daily checks. Mushers check each dog from nose to tail before and after runs. This stops small cuts or sore spots from turning into bigger problems.
A simple look at paws can show a tiny crack that needs rest. A quick feel of a leg can find a sore muscle. Checking eyes, nose, ears, and tail shows us if the dog feels good.
When we care for dogs this way, the whole team stays strong. Every tour guest can see how much we check on our dogs.
What We Look For
Here’s what mushers check:
- Eyes: Clear and bright.
- Nose: Moist, not cracked.
- Mouth: Pink gums and healthy teeth.
- Ears: No dirt or bugs.
- Paws: No cuts or ice stuck between toes.
- Legs: No swelling or limping.
- Tail: Wagging and up high.
If a dog is hurt, it rests that day. Because of this, the dog heals fast and avoids worse injury.
How Care Helps in Races
Healthy Dogs Run Better
Big races like the Iditarod or Yukon Quest are over 1,000 miles long. Teams run day after day through snow, wind, and ice.
Dogs who get good food, rest, warm beds, and kind care do best in these races. They stay strong and safe. They also trust the musher fully.
Fewer Injuries, More Joy
Well-cared-for dogs trip less and pull muscles less often. They run smoothly and stay excited. For guests, this means fun rides with happy, safe dogs.
When dogs feel good, they pull well. When they pull well, the team works together better. This is why care is the heart of all great sled dog adventures.
Easy Sled Dog Care Facts
Below is a simple table showing how our daily work keeps dogs strong:
| What We Do | Why It Matters |
| Check paws daily | Stops cuts and ice burns |
| Feed high-energy food | Builds muscle and fuel |
| Give fresh water often | Stops dehydration |
| Warm straw beds | Keeps dogs healthy and dry |
| Use kind words | Dogs trust and love to run |
| Take breaks | Dogs stay strong on long trips |
Why Good Care Builds Trust
Our sled dogs trust us because we care for them with gentle hands and calm voices. Good food, warm beds, clean water, soft checks, and safe training keep them healthy.
When people book a tour, they see that care firsthand. This is why many guests come back year after year.