Find a good viewpoint behind the trail edge.
Teams
leave at one or two minute intervals and often are closely spaced.
Faster teams may have even passed a competitor.
Look
for dogs running well with their heads and tails down showing
concentration on their effort. Tugs lines will be tight. Be aware that
sudden movements or flashbulbs may startle dogs and break their
concentration. You will see the head and tail go up.
Mushers
will only ask for help if needed. Dogs often are shy of unfamiliar
people.
Getting entangled in a dog team can be very
hazardous for you and the dogs.
A dog
team traveling at up to 20 mph takes up to 50 feet to come to a stop!
Sleddogs
run very quietly. You may not know they are coming until you hear
"Trail!" or worse you are entangled in the lines because the musher
could not see around a corner.
Your
pet dog will not enjoy watching sled dog racing events. A fast moving
team will frighten most dogs. They also are a distraction to the racing
or training dog team. Do not bring your family pets to dog mushing
events.
Footprints
and hoof prints leave holes in the trail resulting in injured dogs.
OUCH!!! Please respect the designated sled dog trails.
They
aren't all Huskies
Even the family pet may take to mushing. The famed
Alaskan Husky is actually a blend of numerous breeds. Mostly a good
sled dog just needs to enjoy running, and it's hard to find a dog that
doesn't like to run.
Mushing
is a big part of Alaska's heritage.
It is a
great family activity and good for dogs. See if it might be right for
you and your dog(s) to pull a sled down the trail. Contact the club for
support.