Preparing for Winter: Training Dogs, Training People, and Building a Stronger Team
As autumn paints Lapland in warm shades of gold and red, we’re reminded that winter is just around the corner and with it, the start of another exciting season at Bearhill Husky. Our dogs are already back in training, feeling the familiar pull of the harness and the crisp northern air. But as important as it is to prepare our dogs, we also know that preparing our crew is just as essential.
From our humble beginnings as a small kennel, we’ve grown into a slightly bigger operation. Every winter, we welcome a team of enthusiastic people from all over the world who come to help us create unforgettable experiences for our guests. Some are returning faces, seasoned Bearhill veterans who know the ropes, while others are brand new, eager to learn and be part of something special.
No matter their background, our goal is always the same: to ensure everyone is trained and confident enough to safely handle our dogs, guide our guests, and uphold the high standards we set for our tours. Our guests arrive expecting not just a sled dog ride but a Bearhill experience and that means we need a team that’s skilled, knowledgeable, and comfortable working within our unique way of doing things.
Why Our Training Week Matters
Like many kennels in Lapland, we train our staff before the season starts, but we do things a little differently. Over the summer, we evaluate everything: what worked well, what could be improved, and where we can innovate. By the time autumn arrives, we often have new ideas, updated procedures, or entirely new systems in place.
For example, this year we’re introducing new trails and adjusting the way we run some of our tours. Even returning staff who’ve worked with us for years need time to learn the changes and adapt. Our training and orientation week, held at the end of September, is when we bring everyone together to share knowledge, set expectations, and prepare for the months ahead.
Starting Early – For the Dogs and the People
One thing that truly sets us apart is how early we start. While many seasonal operations in Lapland begin preparing their teams much later, we like to get a head start. Recruitment begins almost as soon as one season ends, and by late September, most of our team is already here.
Why so early? Because building a smooth, well-functioning season takes time:
- Time for our crew to learn – There’s a lot to absorb, from safety protocols to guest interaction to understanding how we do things differently at Bearhill.
- Time for our dogs to adjust – Meeting new people, sensing their energy, and building trust doesn’t happen overnight. Giving our seasonal team and our dogs the chance to get to know each other early makes an enormous difference.
- Time to work as one – A good season depends on harmony between people and dogs. Training early gives us space to find the rhythm that works best for everyone.
Yes, starting this early is a big investment, it means bringing in nearly a full team long before the busiest part of the year. But the benefits are undeniable. The dogs feel calmer, the crew feels confident, and by the time winter truly arrives, we’re ready to welcome our guests with the quality and care they’ve come to expect.
Building a Better Season Together
At Bearhill Husky, we believe that a great season isn’t just about stunning trails and happy guests — it’s also about creating an environment where our dogs thrive and our crew feels empowered. Training early and training well allows us to do both.
This autumn, as the first frost settles and the long nights return, we’re excited to start another season — prepared, connected, and stronger than ever. The trails are waiting, the dogs are eager, and we can’t wait to share this winter with you.
