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Turning Heads Kennel

Alaska Dog Sledding Tours

What To Expect When Visiting a Sled Dog Kennel in Alaska

May 13, 2015 by Sarah

Dog sledding is a must do activity in Alaska no matter what time of year you happen to visit. There are three main types of summer dog sled tours that we covered in our last post Everything You Need To Know About Alaska Dog Sled Tours that you should certainly read over if you are considering a trip to Alaska. Once you decide to go on a dog sled tour, what exactly should you expect and how should you plan ahead?

What To Expect When Visiting A Dog Sled Kennel

Sled dogs are working dogs that live outside year round. They are a high energy dog that are bred to endure the cold arctic conditions. Today’s racing sled dogs have lean athletic frames and are built for speed and endurance. Because of their high energy demands, mushers generally run their dogs on a consistent schedule. When they are not running, sled dogs are kept at their own individual house with their own private space. These houses are arranged in organized rows. This set up is commonly referred to as a “dog yard.”

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Seeing a dog yard for the first time can be quite strange to people who are used to owning one dog that lives inside and goes everywhere with them. Most people are not used to seeing so many dogs tied up. Keeping our dogs on swivel posts and chains allows them to run in their circle and get exercise to their hearts content.

It’s important to remember that the main function of a dog yard is to give our dogs time to rest. During the height of training, our sled dogs will run up to 120 miles at a time. Even though our sled dogs live outside, our lives revolve entirely around their well being so they get plenty of one-on-one attention too. We even bring our sled dogs inside for short supervised visits. If they are inside for too long, sled dogs get hot and anxious — not to mention our cat gets very offended!

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Older sled dogs sometimes retire to inside homes. If you are interested in adopting a retired sled dog, you can fill out our adopt a dog questionnaire. We don’t have any retirees available at the moment but we do like to keep a list of interested people. Placing our older dogs in loving homes is extraordinarily important to us.

Kennel Behavior

A common misconception is that sled dog kennels are loud. While at times a kennel can be loud, for the most part sled dogs should be quiet. Our guests are often amazed at how quiet our dogs, even once they enter our kennel. Sled dogs who live and work in a tour environment should be used to seeing people come and go.

In general, sled dogs who are well taken care of and have their needs met, should be relatively quiet. Sled dogs need food, water, love, and most importantly, the ability to run in pull, to live fulfilling lives.

Our dogs do get noisy when it’s time to run because they love to share and vocalize their excitement. All the barking is a big chorus of “pick me!” and “I want to run!” If you do not like dogs barking, or have sensitive ears, consider bringing ear plugs as they can get loud!

Sled Dog Behavior

Because sled dogs are working dogs, they don’t always react to people the same way a pet dog does. Always make sure you ask the owner or person in charge of your dog sled tour if it is ok for your to approach or pet a dog. It’s important to understand that each dog has its own unique personality. Some dogs are shy and do not like meeting strangers whereas some sled dogs want to meet everyone. Some of our best athletes are shy around guests! Although we do try to work with our shy dogs, we also respect their personalities.

PageLines- GodwinGlacier-3copy.jpgSled dogs may also jump or be overly excited when meeting new people. If you are uncertain about approaching a certain dog, always ask. Some kennels do not like guests petting or approaching their team; if this is important to you on your dog sled tour make sure you ask at the time of booking.

What To Wear On Your Dog Sled Tour

When visiting a kennel, it’s important to dress appropriately. Because sled dogs are working dogs they behave differently than pet dogs. Many mushers encourage their dogs to jump up and “hug” them. If you want to interact with sled dogs, you should expect some jumping. Wear a jacket that you do not mind getting a little dog hair or dirt on.

Dog yards are working facilities. We strongly encourage guests to wear pants and sneakers or hiking boots.Although we keep our dogs and our facility clean, if you choose to interact with sled dogs then there is a chance you could get some dirt on your clothes. Most people are not bothered by this but a great solution if you are worried about getting your jeans dirty from the dogs is to wear rain gear — which you should already be packing for your trip. Invest in rain jackets and rain pants for everyone in your group because when it rains in Alaska, it pours. Rain gear can also provide great protection from mosquitos in the interior part of Alaska.

Check Out These Great Dog Sledding Resources

Dog sledding is a fascinating sport. Although modern day racing takes the stage at many kennels, the history of dog sledding is extremely interesting. We love writing about sled dogs here on our blog and have started putting together some great resources to increase awareness and understanding of our sport. Check out these great blog posts.

  • What Is A Sled Dog
  • Sled Dog Care: Part 1
  • Sled Dog Care: Part 2
  • What Is the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
  • Training Sled Dogs In The Fall and Why It’s Important For Success

These are some great blog posts giving an overview about mushing.If you want to delve deeper, we strongly suggest checking out these books:

  • Winterdance By Gary Paulsen
  • Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers by Gary Paulsen
  • The Cruelest Miles by Gay Salisbury 

 

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Turning Heads Kennel
A lot of the time, we are running teams of 8+ dogs A lot of the time, we are running teams of 8+ dogs. It’s more practical with a lot of dogs in training. That being said, there is something magical about breaking things down and working with the dogs one on one in smaller teams. This is especially true for our youngest teammates!

In this video, 16-month-olds Keister and Tucker are working as a lone pair. With no one else to guide them, the pups get their first experience taking commands without the pressure of having other dogs “chase” them. They also get to practice lining out and staying forward oriented.

Working at night with young leaders, a headlamp also becomes a great tool as we can easily show the trail we want the dogs to take. 

#dogsledding #mushing #iditarod #alaska
Under the pine boughs we go. Fresh snow makes fo Under the pine boughs we go. 

Fresh snow makes for fun runs and acrobatic mushing as you dip and dive to dodge the low hanging branches. On occasion, we use our axes to cut out trees too low to safely pass under. These momentary stops are an opportunity for the dogs to cool off and for us to stop and enjoy a warm thermos of tea.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 💕 Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 💕
Sunshine, mountains, and snow in the not so distan Sunshine, mountains, and snow in the not so distant future.🤞🏻

#turningheadskennel #dogsledding #falltraining #iditarod #mountains #optoutside #instadog #husky #huskygram #instahusky #mushergram #alaska #seward #dogsofinstagram #iditaroddogs #mountainlife #fall #falltransition #winteriscoming #oneteamonedream #trainhard
These spectacular fall days are 💯 #dogsledding These spectacular fall days are 💯

#dogsledding #dogmushing #instadog #dogsofinstagram #sleddog #husky #huskylife #huskies #instahusky #iditarod #seward #alaska #alaskalife #instadog #dogsofinstagram #dogs #happyplace #fall #dogstagram #huskygram
In the early days of fall, sometimes the cool morn In the early days of fall, sometimes the cool morning air gives way to a lingering sun-kissed warmth. When that happens, the dogs are all too eager to mush down the many little stream beds near our home.

#iditarod #dogsledding #mushing #seward #alaska #instadog #instahusky #explore #explorwithyourdog #iditaroddogs #instamush #huskygram #huskiesofinstagram #huskynation #huskylove #getoutside #optoutsidr #outdoordogs #turningheadskennel #sewardalaska
Hobie, with a salmon snack.⁠ ⁠ Our dogs eat fi Hobie, with a salmon snack.⁠
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Our dogs eat fish as part of their diet. Did you know that at the height of training and racing, sled dogs consume a whooping 13,000 calories a day? These dogs can pack away the food!⁠
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Salmon is a great snack year-round as it is high in water content. It helps keeps the dogs hydrated in the heat of summer and in the cold of winter!⁠
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#instadog #dogsofinstagram #dogslife #mustlovedogs⁠
#turningheadskennel #iditarod #dogsledding #sleddogs ⁠
#husky #huskies #huskygram #instahusky #yumm #salmon #fishsticks #munchies #bigappetities
Calysta and Goblin demonstrate some of the gear we Calysta and Goblin demonstrate some of the gear we use to protect our dogs out on the trail.⁠
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#turningheadskennel #iditarod #dogsledding #sleddogs ⁠
#instadog #dogsofinstagram #dogslife #mustlovedogs⁠
#husky #huskies #huskygram #instahusky⁠
#getoutside #explore #adventure #explorealaska #alaska #dogmodel #dogjacket #nonstopdogwear
Can't wait for those early mornings on the trail w Can't wait for those early mornings on the trail where the night fades into day.⁠
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#instadog #dogsofinstagram #dogslife #mustlovedogs⁠
#turningheadskennel #iditarod #dogsledding #sleddogs ⁠
#husky #huskies #huskygram #instahusky⁠
#getoutside #explore #adventure #explorealaska #alaska #nature #907 #photography #naturelovers #beauty #photooftheday #wilderness #alaskaphotography #outdoors #wanderlust #alaskaliving #naturephotography #travel
PHASMA. ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Or as we lovingly call her " PHASMA. ⁠
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Or as we lovingly call her "Spazz-ma" ⁠
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Phasma is a happy, high-energy, go-getter and is fun addition to any team.⁠
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#instadog #dogsofinstagram #dogslife #mustlovedogs ⁠
#turningheadskennel #iditarod #dogsledding #sleddogs ⁠
#husky #huskies #huskygram #instahusky
Goodbyes are the hardest part of mushing but an in Goodbyes are the hardest part of mushing but an inevitable part of owning a kennel. It never gets easy.

Today we said “see you later” to 8 dogs: Lizzie, Wrestler, Vrabel, & Mouse who left for Delta Junction and Schooner, Zema, Breck, & Check who headed off to Nome.

Dogs leave our kennel for various reasons but  generally it can be summed up by that they will have more and better opportunities elsewhere or to provide talent in their new home that is needed.
Just because they leave our yard, doesn’t mean they leave our heart. 💕💕💕

(And yes, I still cry every time )
- Sarah
🎶The best way to spread some cheer is singing l 🎶The best way to spread some cheer is singing loud for all to hear 🎶

#mushing #sleddogs #huskies #elf #iditarod #alaska #dogsledding #kennel #seward #sunset #singing #howling #howlforhealthcareworkers #dogs #instadog #dogstagram #travelingdogs #dogsofinstagram #turningheadskennel #love #lovetosing #spreadjoy #hAppy
Life is better shared with dogs. 💕 So proud of Life is better shared with dogs. 💕
So proud of this incredibly talented group of athletes. We are lucky to share such an amazing life together!
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#dogsledding #iditarod #alaska #explore #denalihighway #mushing #bluesky #getoutside #optoutside #huskygramn#magic #explorealaska #wanderlust #instadog #huskies #huskygram #dogstagram #sunlight #winter #snow #peaceful #happydogs #workingdogs #epic
Earlier in the year we broke a lot of trail. So gl Earlier in the year we broke a lot of trail. So glad as this year #Iditarod is going to be SNOWY!
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#dogsledding #mushing #alaska #eureka #explore #sleddogs #huskies #musherlife #instadog #workingdog #dogslife #happydogs #winter #getoutside #optoutside #wanderlust #alaskalife #snow #snowy #instahusky #husklove #travel #travelgram
The #iditarod race team is busy training hard 😂 The #iditarod race team is busy training hard 😂😂😂
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Don’t be fooled — Fun, rest, and recovery are JUST as important as miles in leading up to race day!
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One week til the #Anchorage start! We’re ready! Are you?!
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#dogsledding #mushing #huskies #instahusky #huskygram #dogstagram #workingdogs #doglife #dogteam #sleddog #sleddogs #mustlovedogs #doghouse #ilovedogs #mush #alaska #doglovers #instadogs #instadog #alaskanhuskies #alaskaphotography #dogmushing #northernlife #dog #doggo #dogphotography
Down to the last few days before #Iditarod 2020. W Down to the last few days before #Iditarod 2020. We did a HUGE shout on our facebook. Did you see it?⁠
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>> https://www.facebook.com/turningheadskennel/⁠
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#instadog #dogsofinstagram #dogslife #mustlovedogs⁠
#husky #huskies #huskygram #instahusky⁠
#getoutside #explore #adventure #explorealaska #alaska⁠
#denalihighway #cantwell #turningheadskennel #iditarod #dogsledding #sleddogs #dogsledding #mushing #northernlife #alaska #explore #travelgram #snow #winter #optoutside
Suns out, tongues out! Vrable & Wrangler . . . . Suns out, tongues out! 
Vrable & Wrangler
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#iditarod #dogsledding #happydogs #instadogs #dogsofinstagram #mushing #alaska #husky #huskies #huskygram #instahuskies #mushlovedogs #mustlovedogs #explore #optoutside #winter #snow #workingdogs #explorealaska #workingdog #travel #travelgram #instatravel
Delta. This spitfire finished the 2019 Iditarod w Delta.

This spitfire finished the 2019 Iditarod with Sarah and the 2020 Kuskokwim 300 with Travis.

Delta is an amazing, tenacious dog. We love her intense personality punctuated with moments of goofiness.

This dog is 🔥🔥🔥 Go Delta 🎉 
#dogsledding #iditarod #dogsofinstagram #sleddogs #mushing #mushinglife #huskygram #instahusky #instahuskies #huskiesofinstagram #instadog #instatravel #dogsofinsta #optoutside #alaska #alaskanadventures #thealaskalife #explore #happydogs #mustlovedogs #itsadogslife #🐾
Meet Birdie. Yesterday, she and her teammates had Meet Birdie.

Yesterday, she and her teammates had their pre-race ECGs and bloodwork. This is mandatory preparation in order for a dog to be eligible to compete in #Iditarod

The ECGs look for cardiac arrhythmias and heart murmurs that may otherwise go undetected. The bloodwork that is done also helps ensure everyone is physically sound.

These incredible scientific tools are an important part of the pre-race dog care that goes into competing in a 1,000 mile long race.

Many incredible volunteers put in countless hours to help mushers ensure that dogs heading out on the trail don’t have any unseen medical conditions.

Thank you to everyone for their hard work!

#dogsledding #mushing #winter #dogsofinstagram
Movin & groomin! . . . Trail work never ends. Keep Movin & groomin!
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Trail work never ends. Keeping our trails in tip-top condition is a full time labor of love and requires constant work. It’s a part of dog sledding often overlooked as it goes on “behind the scenes” but it a crucial part of keeping our dogs safe and healthy. Good trails means stable footing and less chance of an athletic related injury such as a muscle strain. Thanks @alaskabackcountryaccess for the snowgo to use.
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#dogsledding #iditarod #mushing #snow #snowgo #trailgrooming #dogs #huskies #huskygram #getoutside #mustlovedogs #alaska #winter #explorealaska #instadog #workingdog #snowdog #snowdogsofinstagram #huskylove #travel #winterwonderland
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☎ (907) 362-4354

Turning Heads Kennel
31722 Herman Leirer Road
Seward, AK 99664

Info@TurningHeadsKennel.com

Recent Posts

  • How Mushers Get Home After Finishing The Iditarod
  • Scouting Our Glacier Dog Sledding Camp
  • Turning Heads Kennel is Featured by The Seward Chamber!
  • The Role of Tourism in Racing the Iditarod
  • Travis Beals Finishes the 2018 Iditarod
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