[ed. I believe that this comment is automated spam. I have gone to the site linked and found it to contain half-truths and outright lies. It is impossible to force a dog to pull a sled for any distance whatever. To say otherwise is just plain ignorant of dogs, generally, and sleddogs in particular. The dogs do it because that's what they were bred to do and because they love it.

Dogs that participate in the Iditarod in particular are very well-treated and loved by their owners. The Iditarod itself is very well-regulated and the dogs are carefully examined throughout the race by veterinarians. To the best of my recollection no dog has died of abuse in the history of the race.]