At our husky ranch in Lapland, we are deeply committed to animal welfare, ensuring our nearly 100 Alaskan Huskies receive year-round care that goes beyond regulations. Their well-being is the foundation of our work, built on a cultural heritage where humans and working animals thrive together in the Arctic landscape.
This commitment means our dogs are treated as family and athletes, with their daily lives encompassing a balanced rhythm of activity, rest, and conditioning throughout Lapland’s changing seasons. We invite you to see what this means in practice every day.
A Year in the Life of a Sled Dog
A common misconception is that our huskies only work during the winter. In reality, their well-being depends on a balanced, year-round rhythm of activity, rest, and conditioning. The changing seasons of Lapland dictate the pace of life for everyone here, including our four-legged team members.
Winter: The Thrill of the Run
When the snow falls and the air turns crisp, our huskies come alive. This is their element. Alaskan Huskies are born and bred to run in the cold; their thick double coats, tough paws, and incredible metabolism make them perfectly suited for the Arctic winter. The enthusiastic barking you hear before a safari is pure, unadulterated joy.
Running is a physical and mental necessity for them. Our husky safari experiences are carefully designed to match their capabilities, with options ranging from short 2km or 5km tasters to full-day wilderness journeys. We manage distances, pace, and rest periods to ensure the dogs are challenged but never overworked. Along the way, our guides share stories about the individual dogs, the local nature, and the life of a musher. After a run, the dogs receive a warm, high-energy meal and settle down in their kennels for a well-deserved rest, content and tired.
Summer and Autumn: The “Off-Season” That Isn’t
What happens when the snow melts? The work doesn’t stop; it just changes form. The warmer months are crucial for keeping the dogs fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated. We don’t chain them up and forget about them until the first snow.
Instead, when it’s cool enough, we switch from sleds to wheeled carts for training runs. We also take our guests on husky hikes, where you can walk through the forest with a husky companion attached to a special belt, helping to pull you along the trail. These activities maintain their muscle tone and endurance. More importantly, they provide vital one-on-one interaction and a change of scenery, strengthening the bond between the dogs and our guides. A kennel visit in the summer is a chance to meet the pack in a more relaxed setting, learn about their personalities, and see the care they receive year-round.
What a Full Day with the Huskies Looks Like
To truly understand the connection we share with our dogs, there’s nothing like spending a full day with them. The experience goes far beyond just the sled ride.
Your day starts at the kennel, where you help us prepare the teams. You’ll feel the dogs’ excitement as we select them for the run and fit their harnesses. Once everyone is ready, we head out into the stunning Lappish wilderness for a journey of 20 to 45 kilometres. We’ll glide through silent, snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. Halfway through, we stop to build a fire and enjoy a picnic lunch, surrounded by the peaceful Arctic nature while the dogs rest quietly in the snow.
When we return to the ranch in the afternoon, the work isn’t over. You’ll help us give the dogs a post-run snack, check their paws, and make sure they are comfortable in their kennels. It’s a routine of care and mutual respect. After a final coffee and saying goodbye to your team, you’ll leave with a much deeper appreciation for these incredible athletes.
The Cornerstones of Our Animal Care
Behind the thrilling safaris is a daily routine dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare. This is a 365-day-a-year commitment that covers every aspect of their lives.
1. Housing and Environment
Each husky has their own wooden dog house that provides shelter from wind, rain, and sun, with plenty of dry straw for bedding. The kennels are designed so that the dogs can see and interact with their pack mates, fulfilling their social needs. They are not isolated. At the same time, each dog has their own personal space to rest peacefully, which is crucial for their well-being.
2. An Athlete’s Diet
Sled dogs are elite athletes, and their diet reflects that. They are fed a carefully balanced, high-calorie diet rich in protein and fat to fuel their runs and keep them warm. Hydration is just as critical. While Finnish law requires constant access to fresh water, it allows for an exception during freezing temperatures at professional kennels. On those days, we ensure every dog is watered with fresh, warm water at least three times a day to keep them fully hydrated.
3. Proactive Healthcare
Our dogs receive regular check-ups from veterinarians. We follow a comprehensive program of vaccinations, deworming, and preventative care to keep the pack healthy. Our experienced guides are trained to spot even subtle changes in a dog’s behaviour or condition, ensuring any potential issues are addressed immediately.
4. A Dignified Retirement
One of the most important questions we get asked is what happens when a husky gets too old to pull a sled. The answer is simple: they stay with us. Our retired dogs, or “seniors,” are a cherished part of the ranch. They enjoy a slower pace of life, go for leisurely walks, and play a vital role as calm, wise mentors for the younger puppies. They remain part of our family for their entire lives.
Finland’s Animal Welfare Laws
As a professional family-run company, we operate under the strict regulations of the Finnish Animal Welfare Act. This legal framework ensures that all professional animal handlers in Finland are held to a high standard. The law requires that anyone operating a kennel of our size must be registered with the authorities and demonstrate sufficient competence through training or experience.
This means we are required to have detailed plans for everything from daily care routines to emergency situations like power outages. The legislation sets clear, enforceable standards for housing, nutrition, healthcare, and the overall treatment of animals. It’s a system we fully support, as it aligns perfectly with our own values.
Your Visit Makes a Difference
When you visit a husky ranch in Lapland, you are not just a tourist; you are an active participant in this unique culture. By choosing an operator that is transparent and committed to ethical practices, you help support the sustainable care of these amazing animals.
We encourage you to look around, ask questions, and meet the dogs. See their bright eyes, healthy coats, and wagging tails. Feel their strength and incredible spirit when you’re on the trail. That is the truest testament to their well-being. Their happiness is our success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the huskies do during the summer and autumn months?
During the warmer months, our huskies stay fit and stimulated through training runs with wheeled carts and husky hikes with guests. These activities maintain their muscle tone and endurance, providing vital interaction and a change of scenery.
What does a full day with the huskies involve?
A full day includes helping prepare the teams, a 20-45 km sled journey through the wilderness with a picnic lunch, and assisting with post-run care like snacks and paw checks. It’s a routine of mutual respect and care.
How are the huskies housed at the ranch?
Each husky has its own wooden dog house with dry straw bedding, providing shelter and personal space. Kennels are designed for social interaction, allowing dogs to see and interact with their pack mates while still having a quiet place to rest.
What kind of diet do the sled dogs receive?
Our sled dogs, as elite athletes, are fed a carefully balanced, high-calorie diet rich in protein and fat. They receive fresh, warm water at least three times a day, especially during freezing temperatures, to ensure proper hydration.
What happens to huskies when they retire from sled pulling?
Retired huskies, or “seniors,” remain a cherished part of our ranch family. They enjoy a slower pace of life, go for leisurely walks, and act as calm mentors for younger puppies, staying with us for their entire lives.
