You Know 'Bout Juneau - Sled Dog Discovery & Mushers Camp - Juneau, AK

This visit to Juneau, we are doing something we have never done in Alaska – the “Sled Dog Discovery & Musher’s Camp”. 

The musher’s camp is located on Douglas Island (across the channel from Juneau).  A small bus takes us to the rustic camp where four teams of 16 dogs each are anxiously waiting for us.  When we arrive, we meet Shanie (our dog team musher).   These dogs are her babies.  They are barking and jumping in the air with excitement and eager to start running. 

Once the dogs get running, they are all business.  Our mile long ride takes us down dirt roads through an old-growth forest.  When Shanie gives commands like “Gee” for “right” and “Haw” for “left”, her voice is gentle but firm. 

After the ride, we are introduced to the dogs in our sled team.   Petting the dogs and interacting with them is strongly encouraged.   We have some Q&A time about the care given to these beautiful dogs, the Iditarod, and dog sled training.  Finally, we get to hold the puppies. 

For more information about the Iditarod, check out the following link:

Iditarod