Training

We have had a bit of a cold snap here in Alaska… which in no surprise considering for many years the beginning of February is exactly when the Yukon Quest starts! And how many years did we gather at the starting line at –30, 40, -50? While the National Weather … Read More

Training Individuals

SP Kennel is full of individuals. Dogs and mushers. Even though it would be easier if everyone fit the same mold… they don’t! Our conditioning and training program follows this same theory as well: every one is an individual. The challenge at this time of the season – for any … Read More

When is it too Cold?

The thermometer read -43ºF on the porch this morning. That usually means that it is even colder in the yard below the house. Ryne Olson – whose kennel is 4 miles to the east – texted me that it was -48ºF at her place. (Glad I don’t live in her … Read More

More About Dog Booties

Dog booties are used in order to protect dogs’ paws. They are precautionary. Humans wear hiking boots to hike just like sleds dogs wear booties to run. But dogs don’t wear booties all the time just like human don’t wear hiking boots to walk around the shopping mall. Dogs wear … Read More

Best laid plans…

Well… you know how it goes. Things work out eventually if you keep plugging away. We plan optimal training runs for the dogs. Getting them in shape for certain races at the correct time, as well as  keeping them happy and healthy are our highest priorities. Throughout the season, we … Read More

Campfire Dogs

We enjoyed a campfire cookout with the dogs earlier this week. As those of you who follow our racing know, we “camp out” with our dog teams a lot during races. It’s part of a successful long distance race plan. Anyhow, why not “camp out” on a delightful afternoon in … Read More

King Solomon’s Dome

Aliy was keen to get the YQ200 dogs out for a stretch out run in Dawson as they had been in the truck for a few days and it was going to be a long drive home. After checking with race officials that it was okay to use the trail, … Read More

Gorgeous days

We have been on the sled runners… a lot! The days are getting longer with daylight increasing substantially every day. The prolonged sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. Most of the time we see them both from the back of a dog team.

The Horizon looks bright ahead!

Happy new year to you all. Just the other day while 12 dogs and myself were going on a 70 mile camp out in the hills I started thinking about the future. And, by golly, it seemed awfully bright to me. The new year is here and the opportunities and … Read More

Photos from the trail

Karolyn has taken some incredible photos while out on the trail. She is quite the musher photographer. The cooperative dogs in front of her are: Kodiak & Chipper, Bruno & Five, Rodney, and Violet & Scooby. The team ahead of her in several photos is: Aliy and Mismo & Commando, … Read More

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