NorSled
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
Resources
Breed Information
To learn more about Nordic Breed dogs, click on Breed Information.
Contact Us
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
PO Box 5784
Vallejo CA 94591
Phone: 800-471-5822
What's New!!
Donations Needed
Northern CA Sled Dog Rescue (NORSLED) is a 501(c)(3) non profit all volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused Northern breed dogs, including Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimos and mixes of same. We work throughout Northern California and parts of Nevada. We often provide extensive medical care as well. Donations to NorSled are tax deductible. Please click the PayPal icon to support NorSled.
Sled Dog Fun
So, now you've got your Sled Dog! Most of these breeds are not found in the AKC Working Group just as a fluke. They were intended to work and love doing it. There's many ways to have fun with your dog with and without snow. Here's some suggestions with links to get you started on your research. Any trainable dog can become a "sled dog".
Places That Welcome Dogs
Not every park, restaurant or hotel will welcome your sled dog. This website is a great resource for a variety of venues that are particularly dog friendly.
Internet Guide to Dog Friendly Places
Weight Pulling
The same sled dog who pulls you around on your walks together can participate with you in Weight Pulling events. There's training involved, but that's part of the fun. Basic equipment includes a collar and a properly fitted harness.
International Weight Pull Association
Animal Assisted Therapy
Nordic breed dogs can be great therapy dogs - they are snuggly, with soft fur, and many are tolerant and enjoy being petted. They pay attention for food and can be very charming in order to get it. You will need to know your dog well to do this, but it is well worth the effort (and the baths).
Two Samoyeds, Cassie and her brother Bear pose to the left. Both now 12 and in costume as part of their job as therapy dogs. Photo courtesy of Lisa Davidson.
Dog Play - Animal Assisted Therapy
Carting
Any dog that can be trained can be taught to pull a cart. It's fun, great exercise for a dog's hips, and can be done without snow.
Ski-journing
Something you can do with the dogs with minimal equipment, especially if you are already a cross country skier.
Sled Dog Central's Skijorning Portal
Scootering
A relatively new sport where one or two dogs pull a person along on a large, specially made scooter. Very practical for urban living. Can be done with or without snow and with one or more dogs. This is exercise for both dog and handler. (Note: these scooters are NOT the ones that are so popular lately; see the various resources below on the proper scooter and scooter safety). Check these links for more information:
Hiking/Packing
Hiking with you dog is a pretty obvious activity. With the proper pack, your dog can carry not only his water and food, but your supplies too! Also consider that if your dog's pads have not been toughened by trail walking, you might need protective boots to prevent pad injury.
Wolfpack's Guide to Dog Packing
Clever Web Sites
Vicariously enjoy other folks' fun with their sled dogs (and other breeds) through these clever, funny and informative sites. You may be inspired to do one of your own!
My Darn Dog - See what Dobi's destroyed recently. Submit your dog's destruction and win an award.
Sled Dog Cafe - See what Paco and Cisco the Sibes are doing now.
Sleepy's Dog House - Seven Siberians, a cat and Lhasa Apso....Lots of good info too.
Billy and Shadow's Cyber Dog House - two Sibes in Cyberspace
Informative Web Sites
SledDoggin "Uniting the Sled Dog Community"
General information about sled dogs and sled dog events.
Sled Dog Central - the name gives you the idea; a central site of sled dog information.
Jeff King crossing the finish line at the 2001 Iditarod. Photo courtesy of Ken and Cathy Bullard.