Training sled dogs: Matching effort to weather One of my core beliefs about training sled dogs is this: huskies aren’t born fit – they get fit. We’re lucky to work with animals that have an incredible natural drive to run. When they’re well bred, their determination and ability to adapt to training are astonishing -…
De-training after the season: Helping sled dogs come down safely By the end of winter, our dogs are in a very particular state. They have worked hard for months. They have pulled, trained, toured, recovered, eaten, slept, and repeated the same routines day after day. Their bodies are strong, their fitness is high, and their…
Sled Dog Endurance Training: Gradual Progress and Recovery for Peak Winter FitnessAs autumn temperatures drop, Bearhill shifts from early-season intervals to longer, sustained pulling sessions. This blog explains the “three steps forward, one step back” training principle, why recovery is critical for sled dogs, and how gradual progression ensures teams are fit, fresh, and eager…
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…
Polarised Sled Dog Training: Building Strength and Endurance at BearhillDiscover how Bearhill prepares sled dogs for winter using a polarised training approach inspired by human triathlon methods. Learn why combining long, low-intensity dog walker sessions with short, high-intensity “power pyramid” intervals builds both endurance and explosive pulling power before the snow arrives. As July turns…