Northbound Huskies

09/21/2024

Hello! I’m North, a 5 year old Alaskan Husky.

I was born in the NT and been part of Northbound Huskies since I was a puppy.
I knew I was special the day I was born.
My humans say I’m a princess and since I know they love me I think it’s ok to allow myself some extra freedom every now and then, or not work as hard as the others when we all run as a team, they’d never notice.

I’m pretty chill and steady in harness and I think that’s why my humans make me walk and run along dogs that are new to Dog Powered Sports.

I also get very playful and silly. And even though I’m a quiet girl, I get vocal when I play hard with another dog and some think I sound mean (which I’m not!).

I absolutely LOVE people, especially kids and just want to be around them ALL the time. At school visits the kids always think I’m the oldest because I’m so patient, I know if I stay calm more kids will pet me- I’m smart that way.
I’m happiest if I can be with my people, no matter the activity, I’ll put up with anything just so I can be part of it.

I can tell if someone doesn’t reeaaally mean it and sometimes pretend I can’t move my legs. When I concentrate really hard I become invisible but oddly enough this one family member always sees me, regardless of how hard I try, so then I still do what I’m asked because after-all I’m a good girl.

09/20/2024

Hello, my name is Kakisa and I’m a 6 year old Seppala/Alaskan

I don’t need to be the center of attention and don’t really care for people. Kids are cool, some women are alright as long as they don’t try to be a “dog whisperer” Men? Totally unnecessary, I’ll wait over here.

I don’t think about the days when I was so scared I tried to get away from my human by climbing fences and digging out. And the two years before that I don’t talk about either, it doesn’t matter anymore.

I live NOW with a human that gets me, like really gets me and I feel good with my pack. I love life so much that I sometimes can’t contain my excitement and I just have to bounce around, there’s even sounds coming out of me now when I get excited.

I don’t run away anymore but I do need to RUN a lot. My human and I had some discussions because apparently I can’t decide when and where I go running, my human has to come with me, which is cool because often she sits on that wheely thing that makes her go much faster. I also get to go digging in the mud, oh boy that’s so fun. Or when they throw balls and I get to RUN after them- so good!
I don’t like when people touch me unless I go ask for pets and when I like them a lot I give them nose kisses.

My human sure was persistent though..would come look for me everyday. Other people tried to catch me too and they took all my siblings away..I mean I was curious about her but it was all so scary… and when she caught me and brought me home she told everyone I’m her foster and she’ll find a home for me,.. where I was like “excuse me, I already chose and I AM home”, it was so clear and simple but my human was a bit slow catching on. It’s alright though, we figured it all out and I make sure she gets her exercise, I threaten to chew markers or to take myself for runs if she tries to make excuses, you have to keep an eye on those humans because sometimes they don’t know what’s good for them.

09/19/2024

Hello I’m Skookum, a 10 year old Siberian Husky.

I was a top athlete at a dogsled kennel in the NT but they didn’t like that I complained loudly all the time and picked fights. I was 1.5years old when I became part of the Northbound Huskies.
They have me figured out pretty well and even though they shake their heads a lot about some of the things I do, they love me big times.

I do listen very well and like to stay close to my humans.
I’m a hard worker in harness but also a really good boy on a leash.
Once I warm up to other dogs I get really playful (especially when the humans aren’t watching).

Toys only interest me if another dog wants them, then I hide them on everyone.

I do a happy dance every-time we go for a walk- I get sooo happy I just can’t help it, my humans always smile about it and I can sense them feeling happier too.

They say I’m a bit of a drama queen, but I think it’s important for everyone to know when someone bumped into me or a stick pocked me.

I’m also a solid gee and haw leader but I sometimes yell at my partners so my humans had to learn who I run well with. They did a good job because over the years I’ve happily taught many dogs how to pull kicksleds.

And what do you mean you never chewed your way through a fence and opened gates?

What can I say, I’m a special, happy guy.

09/18/2024

Hello I’m Jazz, a 9 year old Alaskan Husky.
I’ve been part of the Northbound Huskies for 5 years.

Besides not being scared of flooring and totally digging the indoors now I haven’t changed much. I’m still full of energy, do everything in full speed, love to cuddle and fetch and even though I’m a small girl I’m incredibly strong in harness!
I’m not good at pacing myself and tend to work too hard but my humans make sure I don’t overdo it so I can still safely enjoy all the activities we do.
My humans say I’m a very good listener - I really don’t like disappointing anyone. However I can be a bit sassy and been told I need to meet new dogs calmly because they don’t always like my attitude, so with that in mind (and frequent reminders 🙊), I’ve been making lots of new friends over the years.
I can be a bit on the nervous side but I feel very comfortable where I am now.

Also, did you know kids are awesome?? I was a bit hesitant at first but boy do I love them- they never get tired of throwing the ball for me and give me so much love!

I was born in New Brunswick, my mom is from Alaska and I spent my first years in the NT. This is my third home.
Even though I’m a Husky I don’t do well when it’s -30 and colder hence why I learned to appreciate the comfort of the indoors, I also have some cozy jackets for the winter.

If you are a skier and want to try skijoring this winter let me know, I’d love to take you for a spin 🥳

09/17/2024

Mark your calendars! The Kearney Dog Sled Races is scheduled for February 8&9,2025!

Whether you enter with your dogs or come to watch, it’s a fun weekend for everyone.
Experience the excitement of the dogs, talk to mushers and cheer on the teams!

The pics are from the 2024 race, taken by the talented Emily Ferrans Photography. Our first skijoring race-Baffin& Kakisa were incredible and we had a blast being on new trails and surrounded by great energy!

Our family is already excited to be part of the 2025 race and we hope you can make it too! 🎉

09/16/2024

This girl 💞

09/16/2024

Interested in learning about one or ALL of the activities we‘be been enjoying for years?

👉Sign up for one of our upcoming group events or contact us about a private lesson.

🤩We absolutely love getting people and their dogs started and set them up with the gear they need.

💪 Experience the mental and physical benefits Dog Powered Sports have on YOU AND YOUR DOG!

🐕 You don’t need to be an athlete and all types of dogs enjoy these activities.

Message us with questions, we’re happy to help!

09/13/2024

Getting back in shape!

🤩The temperatures are cooling down and we’re all excited to get back into harness activities.

🔉Here are some friendly seasonal reminders:

‼️Start slow ‼️
👉Easing back into it slowly will not only prevent injuries but also keep it fun- don’t push them to their limits, it will mess with their confidence and they’ll loose trust in you!

⚙️ Check your gear ⚙️
👉Is the harness still the right fit? Is your gear in good condition? Did you tighten all the screws and bolts on your equipment?

☀️ Keep an eye on the temperature ☀️
👉Mornings are often still a better time to go as it’s cooler.

😇 Be your dog’s best advocate! 💕
👉Know their limits and ensure they are having fun.
‼️Know the signs! Understanding what’s normal and what not and do what’s in your dogs best interest vs what you want to do that day.
👉👉Be flexible, adjust the length and speed and again: START SLOW with SHORT DISTANCES and build up from there!

🥳Have fun out there and remember we’re always happy to help. Seeing others have fun with their dogs makes our day!!

09/13/2024

👉Looking for a fun way to spend more time outdoors with your dog(s)?
👉Have a high energy dog?
👉Always wondered what Dog Powered Sports is all about?
👉Want to become more active with your dog? Want to try something new and find new ways to bond with your dog?
👉Have a dog that can’t be off leash or is dealing with reactivity?

✅If you answered to any of the above question with a YES, Dog Powered Sports may just be the answer for you!

👋 I’m Kaja and I’ve been enjoying Dog Powered Sports for over 15 years with my own dogs and clients dogs of all shapes and sizes. 
Getting people outdoors and helping them build a better relationship with their own dogs is a big passion of mine.

At this small group intro we will talk about different Dog Powered Sports activities and you’ll get a better idea what would work best for you and your dog. You’ll have the opportunity to try on gear, get fitted and purchase gear. The introduction includes a caniwalk (gear provided).

☀️ No experience needed, all fitness levels, all types of dogs.

Please email to register [email protected]

09/12/2024

Just a happy boy 🥾 🌲
Howling Dog Alaska

09/08/2024

Thank you Kearney Dog Sled Races ! Truly enjoy helping others enjoy these activities with their own dogs.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars! Kearney race weekend is February 8&9,2025. A weekend full of fun, happy huskies and awesome people. There’s lots going on also for spectators and it’s really cool to see all the different types of dogs and watch them do what they truly love!

A semi-local opportunity to go and learn how to start dog sports with your dog ! The family is ready to teach you all you need to know to begin getting active with your dog. Learn about canicross or bikejor, fall conditioning, and more. This caters to all experience levels. Musher-mom Kaja was first last year at our race in the in the 2 dog skijor and her children came in 1st & 2nd in the 2 dog sport class!

Reach out to Northbound Huskies directly for inquiries and registration.

09/06/2024

Kids who bikejor 💪
Howling Dog Alaska

09/05/2024

🌈 😢 💞
Always on my side,
giving your all with pure excitement.

You went camping by floatplane, boat, canoe, on foot and by vehicle, in the bush and on campgrounds.

You swam, you fetched, you played, you pulled, you run.

You explored Canada, lived in the suburbs, on acreages and in the city.
You even made it on The National.

You did it all, always with so much joy for life.

My most loyal companion, my powerhouse, my incredible leader. You were one of the most motivated and talented dogs I’ve ever met.

Your true self was already gone for a little while but your stubborness to stay around, be on my side and do what you were bred for kept you going until the very end.

Our winters will never be the same again, that’s the time you lived for the most.

You never looked for trouble and helped so many dogs build social skills. You were simply a genuinely kind and sweet loving dog.

I’ll miss having you right by my side on our off leash outings,
I’ll miss having you guide us through the woods and over frozen lakes,
I’ll even miss your famous face washes.

I’m not sure why we didn’t get more time with you but knowing you did what you loved until the very end will help me through it.

You were one of a kind Baffin, we love you so so much.
Run free my boy 🌈 💞

June 2016 - September 2024

09/04/2024

Do hills feel easier and more fun with some Dog Power?
ABSOLUTELY!
BUT!
You still have to move your own legs to get up there 😄

and make it fun with Dog Power 🤩

09/03/2024

Yellowknife we’re coming for you! 🤩

Northbound Huskies is coming to Yellowknife to get you started in Dog Powered Sports!
Having frozen lakes at your doorsteps and all these beautiful trails nearby, we think you and your dog would love Dog Powered Sports 🤩.

👉Looking for a fun way to spend more time outdoors with your dog(s)?
👉Have a high energy dog?
👉Always wondered what Dog Powered Sports is all about?
👉Want to become more active with your dog? Want to try something new and find new ways to bond with your dog?
👉Have a dog that can’t be off leash or is dealing with reactivity?

✅If you answered to any of the above question with a YES, Dog Powered Sports may just be the answer for you!

👋 I’m Kaja and I’ve been enjoying Dog Powered Sports for over 15 years with my own dogs and clients dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Getting people outdoors and helping them build a better relationship with their own dogs is a big passion of mine.

At this small group intro we will talk about different Dog Powered Sports activities and you’ll get a better idea what would work best for you and your dog. You’ll have the opportunity to try on gear, get fitted and purchase gear. The introduction includes a caniwalk (gear provided).

☀️ No experience needed, all fitness levels, all types of dogs.

Please email to register [email protected]

Registration deadline: September 22, 2024

08/30/2024

Canicross/Caniwalk 👉 hands free running/walking with your dog.

🤩A fun way for you and your dog to get fit, and create a strong bond!
All types of breeds, large and small, enjoy the health and social benefits canicross brings. The distance and intensity of your runs/walks depends on the type of your dog and your own fitness level.
Always take into consideration the weather conditions and terrain.

Message us for gear, lessons and group walks in North Bay and area.

08/29/2024

Always wondered what Dog Powered Sports is all about? Want to become more active with your dog? Is your goal to spend more time outdoors, explore your local area and try something new?

👋 I'm Kaja and I've been enjoying Dog Powered Sports for over 15 years with my own dogs and clients dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Getting people outdoors and helping them build a better relationship with their own dogs is a big passion of mine.

This introduction will give you a better idea what activity would work best for you and your dog.
You'll also have the opportunity to try on gear, get fitted and purchase gear.

No experience needed, all fitness levels, all types of dogs.

Please email us to register at [email protected]

08/20/2024

High five! Little throw back to our daughter’s first year of riding her own kicksled.
We started them on a GT-sleigh so they could get a feeling of when to apply the breaks, learn the commands and sitting vs standing was easier for them when they were tiny. We had their dog on a leash so it was safe and controlled. The winter they turned 4 they started using their own kicksled, with me always right next to them, often on skis so I’d have my hands free to help. They started with short runs (1-3kms, also weather depending, remember most of our runs were in the -30s ☺️) and over the years built up to over 20kms runs on their own sled. It’s amazing when you can share your passion with them. It takes time and patience but the memories are so worth it 💕

08/19/2024

Happy Monday!
Days are starting to get shorter but our walks don’t have to ! Brighten the trails with some lights and ensure others can see you 🎉

👋 I’m Kaja and I believe daily outdoor time and movement is extremely important for our dogs AND us humans! I love sharing and making products easily accessible so we can all safely enjoy the outdoors, all year round, anytime of the day 😁

The noxgear_nation lights have been keeping us safe for yeeeears and we have tested them on the coldest winter days- trust us, not much work in -40s , these do! 😄 We keep them in stock for your convenience. Message us to get yours 🎉

08/16/2024

Whether you drive, canoe or hike in, take that trip and spend the weekend exploring and relaxing. The chores can wait 🤪!.......

08/14/2024

Kicksledding is an activity many want to get into with their dogs. It is indeed super fun but it DOES REQUIRE YOUR INVOLVEMENT!

Don’t delay and start getting yourself and your dog ready for winter, starting TODAY !🤩

We can help you get started!

Learn the basics, teach your dogs the commands and build up stamina! You’ll be unstoppable if you start today 🥳

08/12/2024

Get ready for your best winter yet!

Always wanted to skijor with your dog? Start teaching your dog the basics of Dog Powered Sports TODAY and get yourself and your dog in shape for this fun winter activity!

Let us help you get started! Book a private lesson, message us about group events or come by to get set up with the gear you need!

This winter, don’t let the cold hold you back from making outdoor memories!

08/09/2024

Biking with a springer! 🚲

Pullers or non-pullers, small and big dogs, biking is such a fun way to get some exercise 🎉

Biking with a springer attachment allows you to keep both hands on the handlebar and your dog away from traffic!

Tip:
👉Start by going slow and doing short distances and slowly build up from there.
👉Avoid hot pavement!

👏The attachment fits on most bikes and we have them in stock along with the harnesses we recommend using!

Message us to get geared up 🥳

06/21/2024

Warm summer days shouldn't stop you from having fun outside! Modify your activities and consider an earlier start!

One way we modify outdoor time on warm days is by doing less Dog Powered Sports but do leash walks instead (less intense) and depending on the weather get an earlier start or wait until later at night. While not all of our dogs are big swimmers they all enjoy time by the water. They also don't mind extended evening yard play time; more cuddles, more squeaky balls, rolling in the green grass... Doesn't sound all that bad does it?? 😄😄

How does your dog enjoy the warm summer days??

06/20/2024

This gorgeous Shepard boy, Toby is fuelled by Inukshuk 30/25.

Here is what his mom says:
“I love the fact that I only feed him about 2 cups a day. He is striving on this food and loves it. He is very active and is able to maintain his weight on this product.”

06/20/2024

Another hot one today! Over 30C ☀️

🐶 On days like today we avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposed trails and pavement!
Fetching balls in the water, swimming and staying in the shade was a great way to still enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise! 💦

06/19/2024

THIS OR THAT?

Why not both? 🤷🏼‍♀️

👉One can help the other and doing both means more options!

☀️ Dog Powered Sports is not something we can do as much of on the hot days. Leash walks are a great alternative, it’s less intense, we go slower and it’s another great bonding activity.

06/17/2024

Toby (Beagle/Spaniel mix) loves Inukshuk Marine 16.

Here’s what his mom says:
“He is an allergic dog with scratching and ear infections and with the Marine food his skin, coat and ears are clear without medication. “

How amazing is that??!! :-)