Spectators may be surprised at the dogs' lean appearance, but it should be remembered that an overweight dog, like an overweight person, is not fit and cannot run at a competitive pace. T he training of sled dogs begins at an early age over short distances. With age and experience distances increase, but at all times the welfare and enjoyment of the dogs is of primary concern. B ritish sled dog races are generally held on a looped course over forest or similar trails with each team being timed by stop watch starting at timed intervals. In races of more than one lap, the total elapsed time is taken to determine the winner.
T here are many ways in which the safety of racing dog outfits can be compromised.
The speed at which the dogs take corners mean that the 'musher' must lean in like a sidecar racer to hold the lightweight chariot upright, and it is quite easy to overturn, branches overhanging or underfoot add to the danger. If the rider is dislodged, the team will carry on dragging the cart, and can cause injury to themselves when it crashes into trees. Sometimes the harnesses become tangled, dogs detached from them, or a rider entangled may be dragged along and into trees. A ll these situations can be the occasion for unfortunate consequences, and the presence of Raynet observers in handy places is therefore a welcome sight to anxious drivers.