For those interested in an awesome, intelligent companion to fill their life with love, a retired or otherwise adoptable sled dog might be right for you. Much like prospective pet owners, no two sled dogs are the same. Sled dog organizations across the country are often looking for potential adopters once their trusted companions retire typically 6–10 years into their pulling career, and each of these passionate enterprises go out of their way to find the right home for their canine colleagues.
To help answer the question, “is adopting a retired sled dog right for you?”, The Clymb reached out to six different sled dog organizations including kennels, teams, and sanctuaries to gain some insight. Just covering the tip of the iceberg in retired sled dog adoption. To find more information about each contributing organization, follow the links by clicking the organization’s name.
The Clymb: What is the need for sled dog adoption?
“There are MANY awesome dogs out there who just need a chance or two at adoption with their only problem being misunderstood. Many sled dogs, especially older retirees, don’t need miles and miles of trail to run. Some just need a nice comfy couch—but an adopter needs to honestly evaluate their lifestyle and what they can provide.
If you’re a marathon runner needing a running companion, great; if you’re a movie night every night kind of person, great! I guarantee there is a sled dog out there that can match anyone’s personality, and if the homework is done on the background of the dog and their needs, a successful match can be made each and every time.”
Raven Vinter—President
Sled Dog Sanctuary (AK)
The Clymb: What are some of the unique traits of retired sled dogs that make them great pets?
“Retired sled dogs are no longer puppies and have less of a need to wander so far from home or to try and escape every chance they get. They know how to behave in a pack, usually meet other dogs easily (that’s definitely an individual trait, every {dog} is different). They can definitely learn new tricks and new rules with patience, consistent cues and the right timing of reward or correction.
Their energy levels are much more manageable. They still love a good long walk, hike, cross country ski, run, bike ride…but need to do those less often. Trusting them off leash will take time. Trusting them unsupervised in the house will take time. They are usually loving, friendly, quiet and just easy to be around.”
Tracie Martin—Owner / Operator
Dog Sled Rides of Winter Park
The Clymb: Would you recommend a retired sled dog for a first-time pet owner?
If you are a first-time pet owner; do not hesitate to adopt a retired sled dog. If you are looking to make a great home for an animal there is no reason a sled dog would not be appropriate fit for you. We would make sure that you are aware and understand the breed and what to expect when adopting our dogs.
Here at Chocpaw, we are family and we want our future adopters to keep in touch. We love getting updates with pictures and stories of how your new dog is adjusting to their new life. We also ask people to not hesitate to call or email with any questions they have regarding their new dog. There are often small suggestions we can make to help the dog adjust faster and smoother if you are having any problems. It is very important to us that if you feel your new pet is not a good match for you that the dog comes back to Chocpaw.
Kaylee Moore—Expedition Leader
Chocpaw Expeditions
The Clymb: What is the screening process involved for someone interested in adopting a retired sled dog?
The screening process is free and relatively easy. It involves a conversation between the hopeful adoptee and the Program Director. The discussion involves home situation…other animals, kids, yard, house vs apartment, family routine, financial responsibility.… We also speak about the dog they are interested in and why or why not it will work out. On-site we bring the dogs in our own houses as test runs and even have a neighbor cat in which we can test our dogs on! We do have a no questions asked return policy, in which we would rather have the dog come back here rather than get put in an SCPA type of situation.
Bud Ahrens—Program Director—Ely Winter
Voyageur Outward Bound School
The Clymb: Would you recommend a retired sled dog for a multi-pet household?
Of course, it always depends on the dogs. Dogs are a lot like people—they have different personalities and preferences just like we do. But I do find that in general Alaskan Huskies tend to get along pretty well with other dogs. They are born and raised within their litter, so they have their littermates, and then they are raised within their packs, their kennel, so their whole life they’re around other dogs.
Just like anytime you introduce a new dog to a family, you might get some power dynamics—but that stuff all usually shakes out with dogs in general. And with cats, I’ve been really pleasantly surprised how well these dogs tend to get along with them. Especially if the cat is brave and just won’t run away. Alaskan Huskies are very obedient and so once they know that they need to behave a certain way around a cat, they tend to learn that very quickly, so they are obedient and very smart.
KattiJo Deeter—Owner and Founder
Black Spruce Dog Sledding
The Clymb: What kind of exercise does a sled dog breed need in a home environment?
Generally, a fair amount of walking. Maybe two one-mile walks a day. Some can do a lot more than that, and some enjoy being a running companion. If you have snow, they LOVE to pull. Pulling a sled, or pulling you skijoring is a great way to keep them in shape. They like to do things with you, not for you—so not as likely to fetch a ball multiple times, but be your partner on a walk or hike.
Jane Cordingley—Vice President
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
