Most people get started in mushing using small teams in the sprint races. You can start training right away for the 1 and 2 dog junior events if you have a pet dog who likes to run and is strong enough to pull you.

You will need to learn how to teach your dog. One of the best teachers for a dog is another dog. A good way to start is to get an experienced sled dog. It is always fun to have a cute puppy, but if you are serious about mushing, it is easier to start with a dog who knows about the sport and can help teach you.

You can find trained sled dogs by going to races and talking with mushers, by joining a sled dog club, and by reading sled dog publications. You will find that mushers love to talk about their dogs. Most mushers remember when they were starting out in the sport and will offer to help.

If you join a club, you can meet many helpful people. Some clubs have Junior Musher divisions to help children begin. In some areas, groups like the 4H have Junior Musher clubs.

Tips for a new musher from a new musher...
the things seasoned mushers forget to tell you.

1. Don’t be shy ask questions, most mushers are willing to help. Use the club bulletin board as well as contacting individuals.

2. Participate as much as you can in each event. Don’t feel embarrassed—everyone was new to the sport at one point.

3. Try to participate in mushing training clinics (ex. Mushing boot camp).

4. Try to find a local musher/mentor that you can train with.

5. When purchasing equipment don’t feel overwhelmed, you don’t have to buy “state of the art” equipment at first. Check out the bulletin board for used equipment, even e-bay has some deals.

6. When fitting your dog for his first harness use a weight/breed chart provided by a harness company. Do not try to measure the dog for a custom fit harness until a professional has shown you how to do so properly.

7. Read a lot. I recommend (“Driving dogs” and “Training Lead Dogs My Way”), these may be found used on e-bay. Also read all the websites you can.

8. When training your first dog don’t get discouraged. Your asking him to do something very strange, it is normal for him to get a little nervous or scared just have patience and work through it together. End every training session on a good note and praise your dog a lot. Keep it fun for both of you.

9. Learn all you can about canine health and nutrition. Check feet after all runs.

10. Mushing is for colder weather. Train only when it’s below 55 degrees and there is low humidity. Learn the signs of heat stress in dogs and carefully monitor all dogs during training and racing sessions for any of these signs.

11. This is your time with your furry companion, use it to strengthen your bond together and have fun together.

12. Park your truck in the same spot each day at multiple day events (this helps prevent the spread of disease).

13. Research and invest in appropriate cold weather clothing for yourself and anyone helping you, it is never fun to be cold.

Getting The New Dog

Once you have decided to buy an experienced dog, you should think about the kind of dog you would like. You don't need the world's fastest dog, not yet.

Sled dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While almost any dog can be taught to pull a sled, the breeds shown below are the more popular and better suited breeds used today. First is the Alaskan Husky, probably the most popular dog used for racing today. They will weigh between 35 and 65 pounds depending on the breeder's line. Although the Alaskan Husky is not a recognized purebred by the AKC or other registries, their lineage is as traceable as the purebreds. Next is the Siberian Husky which will weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. The third breed is the Samoyed which will weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. The fourth breed is the Alaskan Malamute. While not as popular for racing, these 85 to 130 pound giants are well suited for freight work and recreational mushing. Another breed is the German Shorthaired Pointer. These dogs are popular with the skijoring and pulk racers of Europe and are becoming more common for sled work in this country and Europe. The last breed shown is the Greenland Husky. This is another breed of dog which is bred primarily for working as opposed to racing. These dogs are well known for their hard working ability and their ability to withstand very harsh conditions.

A smart and obedient dog who is patient with new mushers is the dog for you. A dog who has been a successful leader but now is a little too old or slow for a senior musher's team might be just right to help you train a pet dog to make your two-dog team. If you can promise to give the dog a good home, you may not have to pay much money.

Write a list of questions to ask the dog's owner because you will need to know a lot about your new dog. Some of these questions might sound like these:

What sled dog and other command words does the dog understand and obey? What type and size of harness is best for him? Is the dog used to walking on a leash? What kind of food does the dog eat? Can you give me a record of his vaccinations? Has the dog been spayed or neutered? What are the dog's best point? What are his bad habits? Can I call or write to you if I have questions?