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Career Advice on How to Become A Professional Musher Dogs do not mush themselves. While some experiments were conducted in the 1930s in Germany, all proved less than fruitful. The UN outlawed attempts to breed dogs that “self-mush” in 1948. Okay, that isn’t exactly true, but its more interesting than the reality of dog mushing. If you are like most people, dog musher is probably not on your job search or career-planning list. However, if you like dogs and live somewhere cold, this career isn’t out of the realm of possibilities. |
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Career Facts:
Dog mushing is often referred to as a “sport.” This is much like competitive eaters see themselves as athletes. Many dog mushers also fancy themselves as being athletes. The criteria, of course, should transcend simply being difficult and unpleasant. Regardless, much like a horse jockey, a professional dog musher attaches a sled to the real group of athletes, (namely, his or her dogs) and goes about racing across vast stretches of icy wasteland. Why? Why not!
A successful dog musher needs dogs, a sled and GPS. Now, not any dog will do. In general, dogs like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are the type of dogs best suited for this job. Clearly, dogs that are highly adapted to cold weather are the only ones suited for this work.
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook-Unknown:
There are races that have decent paydays, such as the famous Iditarod. Corporate sponsorship is also another option for raising money.
A Day in The Life:
A professional musher spends their day driving their dogs like a maniac, while hoping not to fall through the ice and die. Nights are spent hoping to wake up the next day. Fun, oh yes! Can’t you tell?
Average Salary:
Whatever you win, whatever you can make from tourists and prize money.
Career Training and Qualifications:
One should probably know a great deal about dogs, sledding and cold climates before tackling this most unusual of jobs.
