About the Musher: Peter McClelland, Ely, MN (USA)
Q: How many dogs do you have?
A: 100
Q: How old were you when you started using dogs to pull a sleigh?
A: I was 19
Q: What commands do you use to instruct your dogs, and what do the commands mean?
A: I use Ready to get ready, Alright to go, Whoa to stop (I won’t tell you what I say when they won’t stop), Gee to go right, Haw to go left, And on-by to pass Dave Daley (I won’t tell you what I say when he passes me)
Q: How fast can you go on a dog sled?
A: They will average between 7-12 miles an hour. Some sprint mushers go 20+ mph
Q: Do you have a favourite dog on your team? If so, do you keep it a secret from the other dogs?
A: What a question! I don’t know if I do. I am always partial to the dogs in lead at any given time. I don’t think you can keep secrets from your dog.
Q: If I was going to become a musher, what is the most important thing I would need to know?
A: Patience
Q: What has been your happiest moment while out with your dogs?
A: When the weather is nice and sunny and the snow is hard packed on the lake and the dogs can go anywhere on voice command
Q: What do you feed your dogs? Have you ever tasted dog food? Would you taste it if you were dared?
A: I feed ground meat and dog food. I don’t eat it myself but if I was stranded I would
Q: Are you good with other animals?
A: All of them except people.