Originally Posted by
Chuck M
I'm sure these are large, strong, and healthy dogs. But what you are asking of them in terms of physical stress and calorie needs I think will be very hard on the dogs. I'm trying to be as tactful as I can because I think you are being sincere, but this could be abusive to the dogs. These dogs will need to be fit for the task. Would you ride a century if you didn't train for it?
My dogs have been trained since they were about 7 months old for pulling, and trained since nearly birth on mushing commands. I haven't always had the time or equipment to mush them often enough, but they are pretty well trained and in good health. Yes they do need to build more muscle, and toning their commands would also benefit, and that's what I've been doing recently to prepare for our journey.