Reading the Dog

Running the Mid Distance Beargrease Sled Dog Race
Day 38 October 8, 2010
Team Buzzsaw / Stewart Taylor Printing

I have learned to watch for specific traits a dog might show when pulling. I watch for who is the first and last to start loping, what their gait looks like, if their body is square to the harness or if they are pulling to the side. Is the the tail up or down? Do they keep looking back at other dogs? Do they try to get a sip of water from a puddle every chance and are they overheating? After 38 days, I have started to see things that were not even a thought when I started. I am getting more comfortable and confident and look forward to the challenge of the sled on ice and snow. I have been running more and biking too and I feel better than I have in over 2years.