We are a medium size kennel of Siberian Huskies based in the UK. Our dogs are regularly trained, worked and raced in harness. Our lives changed when we were captivated by the calm fury that is sled dog racing and today we devote all our time to working, caring, training and racing these fantastic athletes.

The dogs are run around the farm and adjoining tracks, in forestry commission and privately owned woods and estates. Our kennel has always been keener on longer distance work than most UK mushers and the dogs are regularly taken on mid distance treks and camping trips. Compared to sprint work, this requires completely different training techniques and education, not least to ensure the dogs remain hydrated, do not over heat and are physically and mentally prepared for longer runs. Up until 2008 we competed in UK sprint races between October and March. From 2008 onwards we have devoted our attention to mid-long distance training and preparing the dogs to race in Europe's 2 longest sled races in 2010. We are dedicated to monitoring and improving the health, fitness, nutrition, happiness, confidence and education of each of our dogs and every dog gets to run, from the main racers to the oldies having fun on the beach.

Equipment
We use Cudos rigs, Ridson harnesses and make our own ganglines.  Our team training is done with Quad bikes, a 4 wheeled cart and sleds and we use mountain bikes for bikejorring and a good pair of trainers for cani-X when we want to focus on individuals. Hydration and Nutrition are the most vital elements to any athletes health and training and huskies are no different, we feed a combination of performance kibble and raw meat. Tweaking and improving the dogs diet is a constant process as new research and products become available.

Food
The dogs are fed a combination of "Quest Dog Food" kibble and raw meat in order to maximise their performance. The dogs thrive on the food and never turn their noses up at it, this is an excellent quality food with a very good balance of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and all the suppliments you want to keep any athlete in top condition.

THE SIBERIAN HUSKY- Athlete not Pet!!!
Siberian Huskies are a demanding and challenging ancient northern breed that should not be confused with the pooch that sits on your sofa. This keen adventurer is a pack animal and first and foremost a working dog that requires a role within their pack. The sled dog is the world’s premier endurance athlete, capable of pulling 200% of their own body weight and reaching speeds of over 30mph, they can also cover more ground faster than any other animal on the planet. As such they require vast amounts of exercise, training, care and attention. Their intelligence and problem solving skills make them ideal as sled dogs, but as untrained or unexercised pets they bore easily, will run rings around the average dog owner and will destroy a house in minutes. Even when extensively trained they can never be let off the lead as their natural desire to run has been inbred for hundreds of years and they will run straight down a road into oncoming traffic. They love being part of a pack, mixing with humans and playing with children but their ambivalent nature will also welcome a burglar making them unsuitable as guard dogs and their hunting instincts will see a small fluffy animals as prey.
Siberian Huskies make up approximately 5% of the worlds racing sled dogs, they are still worked in a huge variety of arenas, from transporting mail, felled trees and supplies to search and rescue missions. Their beauty has seen them excel in the show ring and more recently become a popular; but often unsuccessful, family pet. Any one considering buying a Siberian Husky should remember that to turn the gorgeous little puppy into a well behaved member of the family will be a fulltime physically exhausting job and will cost of small fortune. Those that are successful at calming the madness within are themselves keen and active outdoors or sports people with patience and a good sense of humor.

mail@greentrail.co.uk