Many people have pets and will agree that they are a major part of their families. They travel together, live together, and enjoy spending time together. This bond between humans and animals is apparent everywhere. This same bond is why mushers pursue their sport and soon find their entire family wanting to participate. 
People ask if sled dogs are treated like pets. Usually they are much more -- not only do we spend as much time with our dogs as we do our families, but many pros depend on their dogs to make their living. This relationship truly defines "Team Work."  The team consists of handlers, drivers, and of course the dogs. There is a trust and a level of cooperation that far surpasses the dogs being pets.
Teams live, eat, sleep, and work together. While attending a sled dog event, people quickly realize that everyone on the team has equal importance. Whether it is the driver or a lead dog, everyone knows their place and once in motion have a unique combination of grace and athletic energy.
Many pet owners will agree that once they have watched sled dogs in action, they dream of such a relationship with their pets. This is why sled dog sports have such an appeal and once viewed can become a passion for many mushers.

Puppies waiting for dinner.

Why "dirt" -- we thought they were sled dogs? Well, as everyone is well aware, the planet has taken a turn towards warmer weather. While the snow racing circuit is still growing in the northern Canadian provinces, the lower 48 have had very tough seasons. The introduction of dryland racing in Europe and Australia was meant to extend the racing season and/or to allow competitions in countries where snow is rare, but not cool weather. This now holds true for many states in the U.S. The racing circuit for dryland will start in Ontario, then Maine, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota and end in Maryland. The groomed cross-country trails that are used for ATVs and mountain bikes are ideal venues for dryland racing. It has not stopped here, though; the trend is headed toward major motor speedways that have ended the motor-sports season and are looking for more attractions into the fall months. The first example of such a race is "East meets West" at Brainerd Motor Speedway in Brainerd, Minnesota. With support from major venues, world-class dryland racing will be present this season and is destined to grow quickly here in the U.S.

Sled-dog sports are exciting and fun family events. Watching teams in action, petting dogs and hugging puppies are just some of things to expect. Many tracks are designed to have easy viewing and large staging areas. Spectators can plan on being asked to be involved; whether it is something simple or helping an enthusiastic team to the start, there will always be something to do. Spectators are encouraged to ask questions and spend time with different teams. Everything from high-tech equipment to different breeds of dogs will be part of the experience. Since dryland takes place in the fall, enjoying beautiful weekends with autumn foliage and cool temperatures will only increase the excitement. It also increases the appeal for spectators that find winter conditions too harsh to enjoy. Please take time to attend a race near you this fall and join in on the exciting sport of dryland racing.