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.
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. "...Most people think that it can be necessary to get dog training tips earlier to having their pets. Some people might discover this fascinating but a lot of people could concur that this is a excellent tip to follow. The situation with a number of pet owners is they will get a dog and then find out that they may be not suitable to be aware of them. Ultimately, they would probably get away from their pets in order to reestablish their old lives. These dog training tips can let people find out what they need to consider and if they have the time to educate their dogs. These guidelines may be found on Secrets To Dog Training. Through the time to perform correct dog training, you will delight in a lifetime of comfortable a relationship with your ".... 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.
Where does the Iditarod Dog Sled Race end - The Q&A wiki
wiki.answers.com Categories Travel & PlacesWhere was the Iditarod dog sled race? in alaska it starts at anchorage and ends at nome i think! What is the Iditarod dog sled race? Follow the related link, below ...
Iditarod - Last Great Race on Earth
iditarod.comOfficial site for the world's foremost sled race, the Iditarod Great Sled Race, with regular updates during the race, musher biographies, and educational links.
ILW: Classroom Resources: The Iditarod Dog Sled Race,
www.uic.edu/depts/lib/projects/resources/ilw/classroom/iditarod.htmlThe Iditarod Dog Sled Race Prepared by Judy Bernard Learning Center Divison; Edgewood School Woodbridge, IL Dist. 68 Overall Intent: The overall intent of this unit ...
How to Race Sled Dogs in the Iditarod : The Brake Bar of a Race ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGqyOL7fKMLearn tips and information on the break bar and how to use it for a dogsled race in this free instructional video clip about the dogsled race in Iditarod ...
Sled Dog Central Race Information
www.sleddogcentral.com/raceinfo.htmsled dog race results, race calendars, race result archives,links to race web sites
Sled Dog Action Coalition: Iditarod Information
helpsleddogs.orgComprehensive information about the Iditarod dog sled race including pictures, quotes, dog care, mushing, kennels, veterinary information, statistics, press
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race news, photos and video ...
www.chicagotribune.com/topic/sports/dog-racing/sled-dog-racing/...News, Photos and Information about Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iditarod_Trail_Sled_Dog_RaceThe Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome. Mushers and a team of 16 dogs, of which at least ...
53-year-old Mitch Seavey wins the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ...
www.washingtonpost.com/national/41st-iditarod-begins/2013/03/04/...Mar 12, 2013 The 53-year-old former champ takes first in the Iditarod, becoming the oldest winner of 1,000-mile sled dog race.
2013 Iditarod Sled Dog Race news, standings and results ...
www.adn.com/iditarod2013 stories, current standings and news from the Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Willow, Yentna, Skwentna, Finger Lake, Rainy Pass, Rohn, Nikolai, McGrath, Takotna ...
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