Author:  Wayne Ellis
Part I...Sledding
A series of articles will be written by Mr. Ellis.  In each of the issues throughout the year,
the articles will begin with understanding the basics and ending with the seasoned veterans and what it takes to be competitive on the trail.

A short time ago, I was asked to provide some info on training Siberians for sledding, either for the recreational sport of it, or for those considering the racing side of the sport, for the winter months.

This article will be based on (what I was taught and learned only). There are many fine books out there that can be of some guidance for the “newcomer”, or getting with a musher in your locale. They too may be into it for the recreational sport, or for the sincere desire to compete in local races, or further their racing sport into larger and more well known races. So bear with me, and “if” you find it either too difficult, or know a better way, then pursue that avenue. Or incorporate these given with yours, too hopefully “improve” your mushing skills and stronger performance from your Siberians.

When does sled dog training begin many have asked?

There are really no defined starting times, such as Summer, Fall, or not till Winter starts in December. Reason, for not starting so late in December though, is that races are usually just around the corner, with most starting mid December, or just around the 1st of January for some locale’s. And also depending on the snow pack, or whether starting out running in pre-season “gig races”. Gig races will be discussed a bit later is the article.

Summer and Fall is a good time, with the Summer weather being watched really close. Many don’t run their dogs for training, in the Summer, when the temperatures reach 70 degrees and going higher, even in the early mornings. (A rule of thumb, I was taught, was to watch the “combined” numbers of both the temperature and humidity). If the two combined together total more than 120; then don’t run that day.

What age should sled dog training start?

Many say the sooner the better, for the Siberians, as they are quick to learn and need a place to spend all that energy.

Young puppies under “six months” of age, the training should ONLY BE; basic obedience. Such as the four commands…SIT, STAY, COME, NO. Along with the light harness training. (Meaning they are in harness, with a short tug line; attached to something like an ATV tire, and nothing bigger or heavier; or a block of log; no heavier than 10/15 pounds). Attached to the snap end of the harness “also” is a leash of at least 8 to 10 feet; OR you walking along side with a normal walking leash; attached to their neck collar. This is to control the speed of pulling and close enough to make the proper corrections of the four commands given to train the puppy(s). With the pulling, be sure there is no place that the weight being pulled can hang up, or make a sudden stopping jerk on the puppy. Main objective IS NOT to let them do any straining, or over-work them. Make it “fun” and enjoyable also. As many arctic breeds really aren’t mature, until sometime in their “second or third year”. Therefore, young bones and muscles, can be easily strained.

The command word NO everyone understands why, where, and when to use that command. So that doesn’t need to be expanded on any further.

SIT, as most know is a good control command. In harness that can be very, very important; so that your Siberians have learned to sit still and not be “gang banging” when being hooked up in harness, into the gang line prior to taking off. (less chance of having to go up forward constantly and re-arrange them, for being crossed over the gang line, or straddling the gang line, or tug lines crossed with the Siberian next to them. And when stopped on trail, gives a backup control, with the snow hook in the snow/ground, from being pulled loose and the team running off.

STAY, is another command that is equal to and useful with the “Sit” command. “More so”, if you are running, in a “gig race”,; or training on the sand dunes, dirt logging roads; and have to stop for any emergency or rest. For running/training on the sand dunes, there is No Place to drop a snow hook, or to anchor your cart. You usually have to lay your dune cart, over on it’s side to be the anchor. Meaning the equipment your carrying on the cart, for yourself and the team; will fall out, or parts of it. Having a team with a strong leader, to either or both Sit and Stay; on the sand dunes, dirt logging roads, is a Safety matter.

COME, also is fairly self explanatory, for those that do obedience, agility or home use. A good leader backed with team member, might be the difference between your team getting away from you. Leaving you “miles” to walk to get them back; (hoping they have tangled up with the sled or cart) somewhere down the trail. And without any injury to your dogs. A good leader or all the team trained with this command, will hopefully respond, by turning around and coming back to you, where you were either dumped or fell off, while going down the trial.

It does happen to every musher at least “once” in their years of mushing. And old saying is “that your truly not a musher, until you have been dumped, or lost your team at least once”!

Since this is late in the season, and most races are already on, some have been completed around the country and some have been cancelled due to lack of snow already. One that I know for sure here in Oregon. And training is not too late to start for the “newcomers”, or refreshers for the “novice”, I hope I haven’t bored you with this article as I am hoping the editor will allow me to do several future articles, till the subject has been fully written. I’d like to make it one of maybe five articles on the subject!