The Demonstration

The Sled Dog Demonstration is put on by the park rangers, and is a free program for all who wish go see it. The U.S. Park Service runs free shuttles all around the area to move people where they need to be. We loaded all of our carry-on luggage, coats, and totes onto the shuttle bus and went to the Sled Dog Demonstration.

Rangers patrol the park year-around. In the winter they use the sled dogs. these dogs love to pull the sleds. In the summer, when it's show time they all vie for positions in the demonstration team. The rangers say that mixed-breed dogs make the best working sled dogs as they usually have a more even temperament and learn quickly.

We had heard that in order for them to be working dogs and obey the commands, the dogs could not receive any affection or special attention. The rangers didn't follow those rules at all. They praised and petted the dogs enthusiastically.