Dr. Mark Roberts

12/06/2024

Does anyone else have a dog that screams to go out, and then screams because they like being out?

25/05/2024

And so it starts again. Our trail system is now open and time to start conditioning the kids. We only go for just over a mile runs, and only head out if temperature permits, The crucial point here is to make them work hard, building muscle, and for the new members to get the idea of being a working dog. Getting this foundation right, really pays off when the mileage starts ramping towards the end of the year. I always aim for around 2000 miles per season, so just another 1999 before these guys are long distance ready. Tomorrow is the second group’s turn, to get back into the grove.

09/04/2024

My giant dog and human bed arrived today. Money well spent if you ask me.

08/04/2024

We were lucky to be on the direct path of the solar eclipse, and I wanted to see if the dogs reacted to the sudden darkness, so decided to video things. All I can say is for those that watch, totality lasts for about three minutes and also their response is typical of Sibes.

04/04/2024

I was just checking on the dogs during a April snowstorm. Nisha typifies a Siberian Husky, despite having shelter, she would rather be covered in snow outside.

28/02/2024

I thought about trying to get a good image of the dogs and the northern lights this particular night and decided to concentrate more so on getting to our next checkpoint. For some reason running sled dogs under these beautiful skys can’t help but flll your soul with joy.

27/02/2024

Few more images from the Canadian Challenge.

23/02/2024

The kids crossing the finish line. A few of them were barking to go again after 10 minutes, silly dogs.

23/02/2024

La ronge checkpoint. It’s always a great time to be out with the dogs when you have a nice sunset.

23/02/2024

Kai (aka cat dog) enjoying a massage from one of the vet staff.

23/02/2024

Crossing a lake on day two.

23/02/2024

Fiennes having a zen moment at a checkpoint.

species appropriate diet research canine nutrition guided by leading research [email protected] Canine Evolutionary Nutritionist Mark Roberts PhD   My name is Dr Mark Roberts and I work as a canine evolutionary nutritionist. I’m in a unique position, whereby I have a strong academic ...

23/02/2024

Nisha - only two years old and already running lead with her dad ,Dante. She was born to run at the front, and has no interest anywhere else.

23/02/2024

Thanks to everyone for your support and kinds words over this season. We finished the Canadian Challenge 200 yesterday. We also competed it as per Iditarod qualifier requirements . The dogs were great, and the only team that finished with no dropped dogs. Good kids.

20/02/2024

If anyone wants to follow the Canadian Challenge distance race, here’s the gps tracker page.

2023 Race Results2022 Race Results2020 Race Results2019 Race Results2018 Race Results2017 Race Results2015 Race Results2014 Open Results2014 8 Dog Results2014 12 Dog Results2012 Junior Results2012 8 Dog Results2012 12 Dog Results2011 Junior Results2011 Open Results2011 8 Dog Results2011 12 Dog Resul...

20/02/2024

Fiennes at vet check today. Twenty minutes before this he managed somehow to chew the wiring beneath my trailer whilst on a line two feet away. They always find a way to cause problems, but they’re still lovely dogs, so I always forgive them.

20/02/2024

I’m out at #6 tomorrow for the Canadian Challenge. Apparently it’s been a few years since a Siberian team competed in the race. Always good to still show its not all about Alaskans.

19/02/2024

My handler Bailey has a developed a thing for Dante after a week. That’s the thing with dogs, they have the ability to get under your skin.

17/02/2024

We made it, 2500 miles to Northern Canada. My two Kiwi co drivers/handlers enjoyed the novel concept of walking on a frozen lake at our end point.

13/02/2024

I had some fellow New Zealanders come and meet the dogs today. Charles and Bailey flew from NZ to both share the driving for the 5000 mile round trip to the Canadian Challenge and also be my dog handlers. So much of distance sled dog training and racing depends on the help of others.

31/01/2024

My spare husky that comes running with me. Not sure how fast he is, his legs are a bit short.

species appropriate diet research canine nutrition guided by leading research [email protected] Canine Evolutionary Nutritionist Mark Roberts PhD   My name is Dr Mark Roberts and I work as a canine evolutionary nutritionist. I’m in a unique position, whereby I have a strong academic ...

27/01/2024

I thought you might like an insight into a day’s training with the dogs .

19/01/2024

Just camping in the forest with the kids after a 40 mile run. Head off again after a couple of hours rest for some more fun and games.

17/01/2024

This is where my human and dog family lives.

16/01/2024

I thought this was a nice image from today’s long run. The dogs certainly enjoyed being the first ones to use the freshly groomed trails.

13/01/2024

My weekend helpers not being allowed to do their job.

09/01/2024

After all my years involved in sled dogs, I still love it when the curl up in balls in the snow. This was Ada and Luna having a rest when we where out today.

07/01/2024

I took one of my last three remaining New Zealand born dogs for a walk today. I had ten when I moved to the US five years ago. It was nice and cold, and despite his old age and arthritis he still pulls his line and loves going into the forest to loose his mind and find his soul. Even though I run the young bunch for what is a ridiculous amount of time over winter, my heart still remains with the oldies.

06/01/2024

Sorry guys, we've had to change the date of the webinar to next week (23th Jan) same time, due to technical issues. Sorry for the late notice.

Register now for the next webinar in my Webinar Series!

DATE: Tuesday 23 January 2024

TIME: 3pm to 3.45pm (PT) / 12pm to 12.45pm Wednesday 17 January (NZ)

PRESENTATION: Fueled by Fat – Training & Feeding Long Distance Sled Dogs

Learn how Mark is preparing his dogs for their upcoming participation in Canada’s Premier Sled Dog race, the Canadian Challenge, in February 2024. Mark will discuss exercising dogs and nutrition and review typical endurance diets for dogs. He will examine current research and share how he plans to determine if working dogs need carbohydrates. The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A session.

Dr Mark Roberts PhD – Canine Evolutionary Nutritionist

Mark has been involved in companion animal nutrition for many years, both in the commercial sector and research. His PhD focused on the instinctive diet selection of dogs and the health benefits from consuming a diet of this composition.

In addition to these studies, he spent time conducting research in Alaska, examining the feeding habits of wild wolves, how these impact on markers of health, and comparing this to domestic dogs, based on what they are fed.

Register today!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HJJMBtT-Sr-RJs8sqEG2vQ

Remember – these events are FREE for you and your team to join so please be sure to share the registration link below.

We look forward to seeing you there.

01/01/2024

Most people spend time at home on New Year’s Day. I prefer being in the middle of a forest with my dogs.