Laika in training

Training for Laika and her stunt doubles continued right up until the launch: Laika was placed in a container for several hours each day.
She became accustomed to the feeding trough, which resembled a machine gun belt, composed of small boxes filled with gelatinous, high-calorie food. The food supply was designed to last 20 days. Her freedom of movement was limited by chains attached to the sides of the container, but she could sit, stand, lie down, and even move slightly forward and backward.