Axaeco was born from a passion for mushing, and even though we are delighted to have expanded our horizons to include all active dogs, mushing equipment is still very much at the heart of our brand!

We interviewed Petter Karlsson, who has been a top, multi-discipline, international musher for over twenty years. He has successfully competed in sprints, mid-distance and long distance skijoring and sled races. He wins competitions while never compromising on the well-being of his dogs. Petter uses our coats, paw ointment, massage cream and sleds.

As a multiple champion of the Finnmarksløpet and Femundløpet, Petter Karlsson knows putting together a winning team is all about careful preparation and attention to every small detail. After decades of breeding and racing experience, his knowledge is second to none!

Here are some of Petter’s secrets to becoming a Finnmarksløpet and Femundløpet winner!

1 - Breed healthy, fast and efficient sled dogs

"For a long time I used to think that ‘endurance and keeping the lines stretched’ were the most important things but they really weren’t! The most important trait in a great sled dog is the ability to sleep so that they recover their strength, get up and then be eager to go out for another run"

Petter says.

While establishing his own breed line, he has invested both time and money in finding just the right foundation dogs. There is no shortcut to success!

2 - Train your dogs for all conditions

As youngsters, Petter’s dogs work pulling tourists on tours which are similar in style to how Petter races. Already at this early stage, the dogs learn to rest comfortably at different spots along the trail, just as they would at race checkpoints. It is important to teach the dogs every aspect of routine, not just running and training, but also eating, sleeping and being handled on the trail. A well-prepared dog knows when to rest and so benefit the most from each and every break.

Spending longer periods on the trail is also important as a way for the musher to get to know his/her gear, giving the opportunity to use it regularly and develop good routines around it.

"I love this part of training. Staying out for days at a time, sleeping in a tent, just puttering around. You go out with a bunch of puppies and after a few days you come back with a team of experienced sled dogs."

In the autumn, Petters’ racing team is trained by handlers but when the snow comes, Petter himself takes over so he can monitor each and every dog thoroughly.

A great amount of training is structured similar to races.

"Your race plan has to be practised during training"

he says, meaning the team can cover multiple longer sessions over a few days, resting and eating out in the wild, before going home for a few days off.

The final stages of training focus on getting the dogs accustomed to his planned racing speed. Leading up to the race, Petter eases up on the training a bit, but not too much. His dogs are inclined to become overly energetic in the harness if training becomes too light. Instead, Petter still does regular long runs but with more rest days in between to help the dogs gain extra energy and stamina. Now is also the time for the rest of Team Petter Karlsson to start preparing for the race.

3 - Great preparation

The final weeks before the race are filled with work. Depot bags containing prepared food for the dogs, booties and other essential items must be packed and labelled before the race. Petter’s wife, Angela, monitors and organizes the team throughout the race.

For Petter, race planning and strategy are the most thrilling aspects of long distance racing. He doesn’t necessarily want to be in the lead during the main part of the race, but likes it best when he maintains a position in the leading group of mushers, knowing that his dogs are well rested, and ready and eager to overtake the others when the time comes for a strong finish.

4 - Use the best gear

Fast & Go

To maintain the dogs’ performance and give them the best care during extended training sessions, Petter spends hours tending to them during rest breaks. Some dogs need extra food, others need their muscles or joints massaged.

"I often use Fast & Go when doing massages, to optimize the dogs’ recovery and effectiveness of the massage"

Petter says and goes on to talk about the importance of paws.

WinterPad

"I have tried pretty much every ointment out there, but Winter Pad has been my absolute first choice for years now. It prevents snow balls from building up, adds moisture and creates a protective barrier against bacteria and water"

Petter says.

Dog Coat Ice Olation

"I want variation in training to strengthen and prepare the dogs in every possible way. Bad weather, cold temperatures and tough trails must be a regular part of their life."

To ensure the health of the dogs, Petter trains them to wear Axaeco Dog Coat Ice-Olation 2.0 both on the trail and during checkpoint rests. This dog coat is lightweight, insulated, windproof and with a great fit even when running.

The race

"By now, I have finished on top enough times to know what a strong team looks like. Nothing beats the feeling of running that team!"

When competing in the Finnmarksløpet 1200 km, the real race starts after the 800 km mark according to Petter. Until then, it's all about just keeping the team in perfect condition and preparing them for the last 400 km.

Although he admits that he doesn’t sleep as much or as well as his dogs, Petter does emphasise that self care is an important ingredient in success.

And after…

When the main race is over, most of Petter’s time is spent preparing for the next season.

Upcoming puppies are ready to enjoy their first taste of longer tours and young dogs are selected. Breeding is planned and put into action and so another year passes for the top performing long distance Team Petter Karlsson, with excellent physical and mental fitness of his dogs.

"I sometimes dream of a vacation but as soon as the race is over, I am already busy planning for next year!"