Dog Sledding on Wheels: How Sled Dogs Train Before Winter

Many visitors are surprised when they arrive in Tromsø during autumn and see sled dogs pulling carts instead of sleds.

One of the first questions we hear is:

"Is this just because there's no snow yet?"

Yes—but it's also much more than that.

For sled dogs, autumn is one of the most important times of the year.

Athletes Don't Start Training on Race Day

Imagine expecting a marathon runner to perform their best after spending the entire summer on the sofa.

It simply wouldn't work.

Sled dogs are endurance athletes. Just like human athletes, they need months of gradual conditioning before the winter season begins.

That's exactly what autumn training is all about.

Long before the first snow arrives in Northern Norway, our dogs begin building strength, endurance and teamwork using specially designed training carts.

Why We Use Wheeled Carts

The carts allow us to train safely on gravel roads and forest tracks when there isn't enough snow for traditional sledding.

From the dogs' perspective, very little changes.

They still run as a team.

They still wear the same harnesses.

They still respond to the same commands.

They still experience the excitement of working together.

The only real difference is what they're pulling.

Training Is Carefully Planned

One of the biggest misconceptions about sled dogs is that more running automatically creates better dogs.

The opposite is often true.

Successful training isn't about pushing the dogs as hard as possible.

It's about finding the right balance.

Throughout autumn we carefully adjust:

• Distance.
• Speed.
• Terrain.
• Temperature.
• Recovery time.
• Team composition.

Some dogs are young and learning their job.

Others are experienced leaders helping train the next generation.

Every training session has a purpose.

We Train for Health, Not Just Performance

Our goal isn't simply to prepare dogs for winter tours.

Our goal is to keep them healthy for many years.

That means avoiding overtraining, allowing proper recovery, providing high-quality nutrition and monitoring every dog individually.

Because we increase the workload gradually throughout autumn, our dogs experience very few training-related injuries.

Healthy dogs enjoy running.

Healthy dogs recover well.

Healthy dogs remain enthusiastic throughout the season.

Why We Train in Small Teams

Training is about much more than fitness.

Young dogs learn confidence by running beside experienced teammates.

Future lead dogs learn to respond to commands.

Dogs develop trust in one another and become stronger as a team.

Every kilometre helps build communication between musher and dogs.

That partnership cannot be created overnight.

An Authentic Autumn Experience

Joining an autumn cart tour isn't a compromise because there's no snow.

It's an opportunity to experience a side of sled dog life that many winter visitors never see.

You'll witness the dogs during one of the most exciting parts of their year, when they are full of anticipation for the coming winter season.

After the ride, you'll have time to meet the dogs, learn about their training, ask questions and discover what life at a working sled dog kennel is really like.

Depending on the time of year, you may even meet puppies or young dogs beginning their journey towards becoming future sled dogs.

Every Season Has Its Own Magic

Winter offers silent forests covered in snow and sled runners gliding across frozen trails.

Autumn offers colourful landscapes, crisp Arctic air, energetic dogs and a fascinating glimpse into the preparation that makes winter dog sledding possible.

Neither experience is better.

They're simply different.

For us, dog sledding isn't just a winter activity.

It's a year-round lifestyle centred around healthy dogs, careful training and a deep respect for the incredible athletes that make every adventure possible.

Whether you visit us in October, January or April, you'll discover the same thing:

Happy dogs doing what they love most—running together.