What can a reader infer based on the information in the excerpt? Sled dogs like Balto depended completely on mushers to make the decisions on a journey. Sled dogs like Balto were stubborn and had difficulty following directions from their mushers. Sled dogs like Balto used their natural animal instincts to make intelligent decisions. Sled dogs like Balto lost the use of their natural animal instincts when they lived with people.