Welcome to Our Blog
At Turning Heads Kennel, our life revolves around sled dogs, snow, and storytelling. Whether you’re planning your dream visit to Alaska, curious about the world of mushing, or simply following along with our family’s journey, we’re glad you’re here.
Explore our posts to:
- 🧭 Get helpful Trip Planning & Visitor Info
- 🐾 Dive deep and Learn About Dog Sledding
- 🌲 Connect through stories from Our Life on and off the trail
How to Attend the Iditarod in Person
Updated for the 2027 Iditarod Sled Dog Race Attending the Iditarod in person is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Alaska—but it can also be surprisingly difficult to plan. Events are spread out, logistics aren’t always obvious, and once the race begins, access becomes limited very quickly. This guide walks through...
What Is an Alaskan Husky?
A clear guide to the most efficient sled dog in the world While most dogs are bred to meet a visual standard, the Alaskan Husky has been bred to meet a performance standard. Appearance is secondary. Function is everything. That distinction is what makes the Alaskan Husky one of the most unique and effective working...
How to Qualify for the Iditarod: What it actually takes to earn a spot on the starting line
Qualifying for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is not a single step—it’s a process that unfolds over years. From the outside, it can look like a matter of completing a few races and submitting an application. In reality, the qualification system is designed to answer a much bigger question: Can this musher safely and responsibly manage...
How to Become a Dog Musher: A Realistic Look at Entering the World of Sled Dogs
Dog mushing is often introduced through images—the quiet of a winter trail, a team moving in rhythm, mountains stretching out in every direction. And while those moments are real, they are the result of something much less visible: daily care, repetition, and a long-term commitment to a group of dogs who depend on you. At...
How Sled Dogs Keep Their Feet Warm
A practical look at protection, adaptation, and daily care One of the most common questions we get—especially from people seeing sled dogs for the first time—is how their feet handle the cold. It’s a fair question. Dogs are traveling across snow and ice for hours at a time, often in temperatures well below freezing. But...
Second Place, Full Heart: Travis Beals’ 2026 Iditarod Reflection
A Season That Meant More Than the Finish Some races are measured by placement. Others are measured by what it took to get there. This year’s Iditarod was both. Coming off a season that held both deep joy and deep loss for our family, this race carried a different weight. It wasn’t just about competition...
Glacier Camp Setup is Underway!
We’ve officially started establishing our dog sledding camp on Godwin Glacier for the 2025 season! Today, we took advantage of beautiful weather and flew load after load up to the glacier using a long line and helicopter. We’re feeling lucky to have several more clear days in the forecast and are getting excited for tours...
5 Reasons Why You Should Go Dog Sledding in Alaska
Dog sledding is a one-of-a-kind adventure that takes you on a journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Whether you’re someone who loves connecting with animals, experiencing different cultures, or understanding a part of Alaska’s rich history, dog sledding offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are five reasons why you...
2025 Glacier Dog Sledding Season is About to Begin
Another Season is About to Begin! We’re gearing up for another exciting summer on Godwin Glacier! Right now, we’re deep in preparations for setting up our remote glacier dog sledding camp. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making this experience possible. This year, we had some welding done to reinforce the platforms...
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