The dogs are not mistreated. They train as a team and if you have ever had the enjoyment of being pulled by a sled team, you would know how much energy and enthusiasm the dogs have when they get harnessed up. There is no whipping to get them going. Quite the opposite. The sled has to be stake down to prevent the dogs taking off too early and the stake is released when the sled is ready to go. It takes off like a rocket shot. The dogs live for being part of the team.
I have a mixed breed that loves to run. I hook her up to the dog leash on my bike and bam! we’re gone. She pulls me for the first block before she slows down. Sometimes she gets going so fast I have to break to slow her down. She loves it!