By Brittany North - Boreal Community Media - December 20, 2024

When you picture mushing and sled dogs, you likely imagine a wintery snowscape, a musher standing on the runners of a sled, and a team of fluffy, thick-coated dogs happily pulling them down the trail. While what you’re picturing is real, what we don’t see are the months of preparation blanketed with intense effort, relentless teamwork, the drive to go the next mile, and most importantly, the bond between a musher and their dogs. Dogs and mushers must train their bodies and minds to face the harsh winter trails that northern Minnesota demands. 

In this series, we’ll take a look into what it takes to prepare for and run a team of sled dogs in a race; from training routines, to diet, to veterinary care, to training puppies and everything in between. We’ll also explore the nuances and intricacies of sled dog races that take place in Cook County, the Gunflint Mail Run (January 11th, 2025), the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon (January 26-28th, 2025), and The Dog Days of Winter (a skijoring race, TBD). 

Whether you’re new to mushing or Cook County or a longtime fan of mushing, this series will give you a deeper understanding and insider look at the demanding lifestyle and determination it takes to be a sled dog team, but moreover, the unwavering relationship between musher and dog team. 

So, grab your anorak, mukluks, and hand warmers, it’s time to learn about mushing along the north shore!

Editor's note: This is the first in a multi-article series written by Brittany North for Boreal Community Media during the dog sled race "season." The next article will be published in January. Brittany is the owner of North Paw's Canine Services, where she offers obedience training and classes for dog owners. She has worked in Alaska as a sled dog handler and served on the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon board.