Summer Dog Sled Ride & Kennel Tour: A Review

Dog sledding in the summer? That sounds a bit unusual, it does sound sort of out there, doesn’t it? You see, dog sledding isn’t just a winter activity limited to blankets of snow, it seems. So, if you are like your average person, chances are, you picture it happening solely when everything’s frozen, right? However, quite a few places, most likely in areas with the right kind of setup, give people a chance to go dog sledding during the summer months. These trips usually include a wheeled cart instead of a sled, and they typically involve kennel visits, it looks like.

For example, during my trip up north, I wanted to see what exactly the Summer Dog Sled Ride and Kennel Tour was all about, really see what it was like, so to speak. The idea of connecting with these amazing canine athletes during the warmer season seemed super fun. What was it like? How did it stack up? I’m going to break it all down for you, share what I learned, and then, you can decide if it is something you might want to try, OK?

What to Expect on Your Summer Dog Sled Adventure

First off, it is really not what you might expect, believe me. Basically, the tour starts with some chat, doesn’t it always? An introduction to the guides, who apparently love what they do. The passion, seemingly, it is rather infectious. You see, they will fill you in a bit on the background of dog sledding. They will explain how these dogs, the four-legged friends, are really cared for. Then, of course, they show the summer rig which is not a sled on snow, OK? These summertime adventures utilize a wheeled cart, similar to an all-terrain vehicle, that, too, is pulled by the dog team.

You get the chance to actually meet the dogs, maybe even the stars of the operation, it is possible, yet. Some places even allow you to assist with hooking the dogs up to the cart, which I thought was extra, it gives you that chance for bonding time with your new furry buddies. As I recall, I really felt this excitement just watching the dogs; that feeling seemed mutual as they got ready to run.

The ride itself is often fairly short, usually a mile or two, often dependent on weather conditions, but also the dogs’ fitness. The dogs love to run, I could see, yet they aren’t made to run for too long. You will be cruising down the trails, in a way, really enjoying the Alaskan scenery, or whatever region you are in. These dogs can move. You might even get a chance to give words of encouragement to your team.

Getting Up Close and Personal: The Kennel Tour

What really sets the Summer Dog Sled Ride and Kennel Tour apart is probably this look into the dogs’ day-to-day existence. These kennels are not your backyard shed. These setups can be actually like small communities built around the well-being of the dogs. Tour guides often talk a bit about what it takes to keep sled dogs well-fed, trained, and fit. I also heard stories of these individual dogs, how they came to the kennel, what their running styles are like; you start to see them like members of a very dedicated family, you can see that, really.

As far as what goes on day-to-day, I observed there is a careful routine of training exercises, medical care, rest times, and playtime, it is rather impressive, maybe even remarkable. It depends on the operation but in my opinion, this really makes it worth the time, so to speak. You come away appreciating how the humans behind dog sledding actually treat these animals, maybe even honor them as athletes.

What I Really Liked About It

You will be surprised but the personal engagement made it stand out from other attractions I did, so to speak. This isn’t a simple “look but don’t touch” experience. I got a great sense that connecting with the dogs, appreciating what makes them special, I felt was very important, definitely made the tour feel worthwhile. It actually didn’t feel overly commercial.

What struck me, actually, that this adventure promotes respect for the dogs and the sport, probably. It goes beyond the usual tourist snapshots and delivers some actual information, maybe education, is that so? These folks clearly adore what they do, so too the animals seem pretty happy, it’s plain to see, really. They actually make you part of that appreciation.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before booking, it is rather smart to research tour operators. Pay close attention to customer feedback to make sure your chosen outfit is concerned for animal welfare, is that plain enough? Find operations that prioritize the dogs’ health; these tours might cost you a bit more, but it guarantees peace of mind, as well, is that not true?

Bear in mind that you are visiting animals. Dress so that you are comfy, so too that you respect the setting. Maybe layers will work best, also, bear in mind sunscreen if you’re spending a lot of time outside, OK? Most tours happen in the warmer months, yet conditions change fast in certain locales.

While every tour is made accessible, it’s possibly smart to give them a heads-up if someone in your party has limited mobility, as I was saying. Doing this gives the company a chance to adapt activities as needed. That said, I personally found most operators accommodating.

Worth It? My Verdict

Bottom line: the Summer Dog Sled Ride and Kennel Tour, generally, isn’t simply your typical attraction, generally speaking, of course. What struck me: it blends adventure with the chance to understand these amazing animals, it may even transform your thinking, truly. As long as you find the outfit that loves the dogs and really respects what they do, chances are, you might find yourself thinking about these moments for a long while.

Connecting with these dogs in the summer, in a way, gives you a quite different perspective on sledding than you may typically expect. It challenges people’s winter biases, maybe. You get a real view behind the scenes of kennel life, so too what’s needed to keep these dog athletes healthy and happy. If you value education or just being closer to animals, chances are you may find it a perfect day trip activity, truly. I surely did.

Key Takeaways:

Understand dog sledding continues in the summer via wheeled carts, very unlike a winter setting.
Most tours include a kennel portion so you see daily dog care and even routines.
Finding the right, probably a well-reviewed operator makes your whole trip rewarding.
Prepare actually for all weather with layered dress as tour times do vary.
Worth doing? You can make up your own mind, but in my opinion it’s an education and, really, touching.

#DogSledding #SummerAdventure #KennelTour #AnimalLovers #TravelReview