The temperatures in Knik, Alaska have finally dropped below 40 degrees F, which marks the beginning of dry land training for the mush puppies. Here Ben Harper, co-musher and I run a team of 8 youngsters. This is how we teach the young dogs (1-2 years) to follow directional call commands, "gee"(right) and "haw"(left). We encourage them with praise and give rest breaks. The season begins with a 3 mile run and the distance will slowly increase over the following months. Young dogs learn to adopt the energy saving trot, instead of the energy burning loping stride.