Sled/packing dogs?

Question

I am planning a long, long hike---possibly across the USA. I'd like to get a dog for companionship and who can perhaps pull a backpack---(and maybe me) during 25-30 mile a day hikes. Where do I go to talk with sled dog owners, what do I look for in a dog of this sort, and is there a better breed than a Huskey for this sort of thing?

Answer 1

First of all, to the people who keep insisting that the Siberian "is not for the long haul", I encourage you to brush up on your breed history...or at least read the breed standard: The Siberian was developed for "carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances" -- and this is the only purebred dog consistently used in races such as the Iditarod and Yukon Quest (1000+ miles).

So get over that.

Siberians are able pack dogs -- as others have said, using a dog to carry a backpack makes more sense than having them pull one -- and as long as you ensure that they are wearing the proper equipment, they can help pull you up those steep hills, too.

That said, you *will* need to take heat into consideration if planning a long-distance hike. Animal Artwork gave you some good ideas. The book by Charlene Labelle is also an excellent resource. I would think a Malamute a lot less ideal for a trek of this type, primarily due to overheating issues -- they are a large, heavy-built dog, and the heat gets to them quickly.

Remember that if you decide to take a dog on this hike with you, yes, you will have a companion to help share the load, but you will also be required to look after the both of you -- not just yourself. There will be addition supplies to carry (i.e. dog food, water dish, etc.) And when your hike is done, you will still have a dog with a 12-15 year lifespan.

Also keep in mind (and this is probably the MOST important thing) that a Siberian will need to be on-lead at all times. They aren't a "stick with you" kind of dog, especially in a forested area with lots to do.

There are other breeds that can also carry a pack, but may not have the endurance of a Siberian. A lot of the hunting dogs (i.e. Labradors) have good endurance, and may not be as prone to the heat.

ADD: I assume this hike is something a ways down the road, so that you would have adequate time to find a good breeder that could give you the qualities you're looking for (i.e. with endurance and good feet in their lines, as well as a low incidence of hip problems), raise the puppy to maturity (you wouldn't want to take an immature dog on a trek of that distance), train it to work with you on the trail and carry its own load, and then condition you both for the journey...? Right?

Answer 2

Yes there are better breeds. Huskys are racers, built for speed, therefore not the best choice for a long haul.
When will you do this? If not in the summer, an Alaskan Malamute would be a good choice. They are almost twice the size of Huskys, calmer, and bred for long hauls. I had two, one after the other, and took them hiking and camping often. They love people, and people like them as soon as they are convinced its not a wolf!
For more info about backpacking with a dog, check out "A Guide To Backpacking With Your Dog" by Charlene LaBelle. Its one of the best, if not the best, on this subject. Good luck.

Answer 3

Probably need more than one dog to pull you, but any husky (any dog for that matter) can carry its own backpack. If you're traveling with a husky, make sure you don't travel through very hot areas during the summer. They do better when the weather is cooler, so you may want to take a northern route.

You can join Sibernet to talk to husky people all over the world:

http://www.sos-srf.org/SibernetL.html

http://www.sibernet.com/

Answer 4

Huskies are not for long hauls. The Malmute can carry a good load but probably not a person if just one. This kind of adventure requires conditioning and training just like it does for a human. Not going to be a short term thing unless you can talk someone into selling you their trained dog (not likely) you will have to train and condition an adult dog for at least 3-4 months maybe longer. Be sure you read up on the quirks and personality of the breed b4 taking one on - they are not your normal dog and have special personalities and requirements. In addition, if you ever lose control of one they will hike on without you - must be leashed at all times and they will chew that off if you aren't watching. LOL

Answer 5

Interesting question... For my canine, it is dependent upon what temper she is in. If she is in considered one of her sweet and soft moods, then she would most commonly work at a kid's sanatorium, or perhaps a nursing residence. We now have realized that she may be very gentle with children and the elderly, so she could be best for this sort of job...If that was once her mood at the time... If our canine was once in considered one of her opposite moods (maybe she has more than one personalities), then she could be the operator of a crane and wrecking ball. Considered one of our canine's favourite things to do is get onto our sofa and knock off each single pillow and blanket, and she additionally loves to knock things over (equivalent to folding chairs, liters of pop, boxes, and so on...) with the intention to get our awareness...So, i am quite particular she would experience a job within the demolition area... And what would your dog be doing if it had a job? First-class wishes!

Answer 6

A Husky is probably your best bet.

Wearing a backpack is a better idea than pulling one. In *my* opinion the best packs are http://www.wolfpacks.com/

You'll need to address issues like:
sore feet
heat (I carry a spray bottle for my Bernese in the summer as they are heat intolerant)
food
medical issues - take a pet first aid course

A few years ago there was a guy who did this with a Samoyed (I believe it was a b*tch).

Answer 7

Oh Loki......Please tell this gentleman about the training and conditioning needed to achieve this...

Answer 8

what you need to be worrying about is a water proof carrier for your lap-top and every wirless connection spot you can find along the way! your gonna be missed :(

Answer 9

I hope you are not planning to become da bum or hitch hiker.