Education

The Siberian Husky:
For those of you reading this who currently own a Siberian Husky, how many bought it just because you simply could not resist that thick coated black and white, blue-eyed puppy sitting in front of you, and six months later wondered where in tarnation that cute puppy went, and how in the heck this devil-dog replaced it without you knowing?

For me it actually wasn’t my first Siberian who got me in trouble, it was my second. My first (Konan) simply hooked me because he was awesome – bought him out of a newspaper for $100. Konan could be “off-leash”, had a great temperament, he never (okay, rarely) escaped, and generally was a great partner. So he ate through a few couches, big deal. I had such a good time with him that I bought a second “to keep him company”. And that’s when “Grace” entered my life- and changed it forever. There could not be two more different dogs on the planet than Konan and Grace, and yet they were the same breed. (Please see their individual profiles to learn more about them-and in doing so, more about both the good, and the bad, of the Siberian Husky breed.)

There are some very good informational write-ups on Siberians, so I won’t write my own here, but I will aim you towards the Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA) web page as an invaluable resource both in finding a reputable breeder to get your Siberian from, and in describing honestly the traits of this breed we love so much. (Hint: They are not EVER an off-leash dog, and are QUITE adept at bolting through doors, gates and jumping fences!) The SHCA developed the “Fact Sheet” which is now included in every AKC Siberian Husky purchase paperwork, this sheet is a good source of information and can be found on the SHCA web site.

Other Sledding Breeds:
Please follow this link to photo’s of other northern breeds that excel in racing and recreational pulling events. Included are pictures of Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyed’s, Alaskan Huskies and even Chinooks! It is important to note, that you do not have to have one of these breeds to compete in sledding events as some of the most successful sled dogs are NOT one of these breeds, but in reality pointers or pointer crosses. The variety of dogs that can do this is astounding! One of my race team members is a lab cross from the local animal shelter!

Mentoring:
As my time allows I do take on students (of any age) who are interested in learning how to work their own dogs, or are simply interested in the sport and may get their own dogs one day. If you live near the Sierra-Nevada’s and are interested in this, please contact me and we can discuss what your needs are. My training season runs from September through December, and then I travel and race during the months of January and February. I don’t do much of anything during the months of June, July and August as it is way to hot in Reno and the dogs and I take a much needed break!

Dog Sledding in Nevada?:
Although sled dog racing has been around in the Sierra’s for quite some time (I’ve seen photo’s of teams in Truckee, CA as far back as the early 1900’s) it has become something of a novelty in the past 10 years as the mushers of late retire and get out of dogs; as county requirements on the west coast get more complicated; and as the cost of property gets almost prohibitive. I believe the sport in this part of the county is on the verge of disappearing entirely unless those of us who are currently involved educate the young, and the old-er, who are interested in the options and resources available to them.

When the average person thinks about “dog sledding” 99 out of 100 times they think about the Iditarod; they think about long strings of dogs in Alaska and cold temperatures. The reality is that there is a wide variety of classes offered at sled dog events, some of which require only one dog and a pair of skis! Nowadays you don’t even need snow as there is a growing movement towards “Dryland” events which include sports such as “Canicross” (running with your dogs pulling in front of you), “bikejoring” (bicycling with your dog/s pulling in front of you), “gig” racing with 3 or 4 wheeled carts or even scooters! The list of things the average person can do with an athletic medium sized dog is almost endless! But where does one learn about these events? And where does one learn how to train themselves and their dogs?

Events:
Under my “Links” tab I have included web pages which list races and events in the United States. These may be general sled dog web pages, specific dog club sites, breed club sites or other kennels that I am familiar with and support.

Within these sites lie valuable information on local sled dog clubs, breed clubs, newsletter editors (newsletters are a good source of local information, and maybe even mentors), classified ads for equipment or dogs, and just tons of available information.

Dog Training:
It used to be that one would have the dogs, hook them up to something, and practice as best they could with whatever they had gleaned from books or the occasional musher who gave them five minutes at a sled dog race. This process could take a very long time to get going anywhere! I know, because this is how it was when I started. It was frustrating indeed. The good news is that today there is no reason to “learn the hard way”, as there are great resources out there to help the aspiring musher (or skijorer or bikejorer, etc.) learn the ropes of this sport in a safe and fun environment.

MUSHING CLINICS
Under my “Links” tab you will find some of these resources. I have put a link, for example, to the Ann Stead/Jamie Nelson Mushing Boot Camp series. I have attended this training course every year since their inception save one, and will probably be attending it every year from now until the end of time. Most of the basics of sled dog training and care I have learned from Ann and Jamie, and I couldn’t ask for better friends and mentors! Ann and Jaime are dynamic women with tons of experience, and they have themselves instilled in me a passion for training dogs, and a desire to teach. Please check out this web page, read their bios, and read the testimonials of folks who have attended the course. The price tag may seem high in these days of cost crunching, but I can vouch for the fact that it is worth every cent; and that you will likely save money in lost time, wrong equipment, and just bad general advice from well-meaning folks. I have also put a link to the Sierra-Nevada Dog Driver’s web page as they offer annual Fall mushing clinics in Truckee, CA, usually during the month of October. This weekend clinic is taught by experienced members of the club, and is aimed at beginners. It is a great source available to those who live within driving distance of the Sierra-Nevada’s.

BOOKS
There are quite a few books out there that deal with the training of sled dogs. Here are a few that I have found quite useful in my quest. They all can be purchased from the same sled dog equipment suppliers you might buy your equipment from or from entities such as Amazon. Some are out of print and hard to find, but are available every now and again on Ebay.

• “Mush! The Beginner’s Manual of Sled Dog Training”, by the Sierra Nevada Dog Driver’s. This book is in the process of being revised, but whether you get the older version or the newer (or both!) you will find solid information for the beginner musher on dog care, housing, and training.

• “Dog Driver: A Guide for the Serious Musher”, by Miki Collins

• “Everything I Know About Training and Racing Sled Dogs”, by George Attla

• “The Siberian Husky”, by Joan McDonald Brearley

• “The New Complete Siberian Husky”, by Michael Jennings

There are also tons of books written by folks who have been around, or completed themselves, the Iditarod and other sled dog events. These are fabulous reads and I encourage everyone to read their tales of fun and adventure… and sometimes of things gone awry!

The above is my no means a complete list and I am sure I will keep adding to it as I add books from my own bookshelf as well as others’ recommendations.

Enjoy!