Jumping in their tracks, panting and howling--the beloved mushing dogs simply cannot wait for that glorious command from their musher which allows them to take off and hit the trail! These dogs are truly in their element and they rejoice in doing what they love and do best...running!
 

It is unfortunate that there are a handful of people throughout the world who find dog mushing to be a display of cruelty towards animals. But one needs only to witness-- first hand -- the mutual love between a dog musher and his treasured K-9 companions. They are not whipping their dogs to make them go. No, they spend hours and hours, years and years, raising, praising and stroking these beautiful animals. They feed their dogs probably as well as they feed themselves, sometimes even better! Their love for these animals quite obviously meets that of any other dog owner's in the world.

So, how popular is dog mushing in Alaska? So much so that it is considered the official state sport! Not many people can wake up on a winter weekend morning and enjoy the day watching this exciting activity. But here in Alaska, especially in the Interior where mushing is most popular, people of all ages enjoy the fun of it.  And it's not just for competition. Many residents have a couple dogs for themselves that they can spend the day with, winding around the countless trails and gliding across frozen waterways. If you're wondering -- in the summer, the dogs don't just sit around, getting lazy. They are kept happy and fit by continuing to pull the sled. A sled with wheels, that is!

Visitors to Alaska can also enjoy a sled ride! There are companies that offer day outings or even extended packages that include lodging, etc. Excellent for the person wanting to get the full experience of the Last Frontier driving their own sled! Yes, you can do it too!