Iditarod Dogs

Visit to Jeff King's sled dog kennel in Alaska, August 2006

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Alaska
• sled
• dogs

[Miah151]

If you were on a four foot chain 24/7, wouldn't you run when attached to a gangline and ordered to do so? Running must feel pretty damn good when you live on a four foot chain.

[openhousespanish]

Guys keep doing a good job, love your dogs , care for them feed them.. it is your business..

Do not pay attention to the people who think they know more or because they and their dogs are pussies your dogs should be too. Freedom to them to be gay, freedom to them to do what ever they want. but they do not want to respect your freedom to own your dogs.

[MultiAnimalgirl]

sled dogs LOVE to run and what they do!!! they run in circles because they have aton of energy and they are really axicted!!!! do you really think they would run if they did not want to...??? i go dog sledding with friends and might be starting it myself, and i tell you the truth...they LOVE it!!!! call me whatever you want , say whatever you want, but this IS the truth!

[PointsofData]

Guys, do you think the dogs would run if they weren't treated well? They're running around in a circle because they have a TON of energy.

[sabakarunner]

but the internet has websites proving red is blue. you really need to be sure of your source before forming an opinion these days. I also have eight Siberians, all pets/rec team and they prefer to be outside on chains rather thatn in a kennel or in the house. And most Iditarod runners will free run their dogs because it promotes healthy conditioning. I free run my guys in off-leash fenced areas because they like to run too much and I'm afraid to lose them.

[solexgirl12]

i have had dogs in big pens and then tried out 7-foot light chans with swivels on top, and they really seemed to enjoy the chains better. They could play with their neighbors but didn't get into fights, and no other dogs were eating their food or sleeping on their houses.

[solexgirl12]

A lot of sled dogs get time to free run and just be dogs. Look at Sebastian Schenulle, 2009 Quest winner; his dogs sleep in the house with him. Or Karen Ramstead, or Frank Turner...the list continues. When you do this as your main hobby or job, I am sure that you have to love your dogs to get anywhere at all.

[neodymium1982]

You're an idiot.

[paulaoreillys]

They may get exercised but thats working.

Bet they never get free running time just to play & be dogs!! Just finished watching

'Alaskas Great Race' & i think its a disgrace that its a sport!!! Watching those dogs being ran for 9-10 hours when they are obviously limping,have chronic diarrhoea & weight loss is absolute cruelty.I've read that the training is also very brutal!!! The mushers say they love their dogs,I DONT THINK SO!!!!!!!!!!

[townsan1979]

I got 2 words for ya. Animal cruelty!