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The Kennel
We currently maintain a professional kennel of proven Alaskan Husky, German Shorthair Pointer and Eurohound Breeds. Arctic Paws is family run and family supported.
Kennel Construction & Maintenance
Our kennel practices safe methods for keeping our dogs safe and secure. We use perimeter fencing to keep unwanted animals out of sight and out of our dog lot. This keeps the dogs safe and quieter. We use a routine maintenance schedule to check chains, collars, snaps and swivels. Connection links are tightened regularly. Collars are adjusted to ensure that dogs are both comfortable and secure. Collars are replaced according to wear. We use high quality snaps from Italy that stand up to sand and weather. Cheap snaps will get gritted with sand and can get stuck open if a dog bumps it the right way. They can also become frosty and freeze open accidentally releasing a dog from their chain. The chances of this happening with quality snaps is greatly reduced. Certain winter weather conditions prompt extra caution. Snaps are checked every morning durring feeding and dog petting.
Dogs are set up both in chainlink pen runs and on swivel systems. The swivel is a piece of bent rebar with a welded fitting that allows it to be dropped into a sunk pipe so it can freely pivot. The chain is attached to the rebar and is long enough that the dog can run around freely in a circle and lay down completely in front of the pipe or inside their dog house. The chain is precisely measured so that it is not so long that the dog has to drag it along the ground when running. Having a chain too long can cause injury by wrapping a foot or getting caught on the dog house. This system is widely used by the most well respected mushers, such as the Seavy Iditarod Kennel in Seward, Alaska. The swivel chain system is highly useful for teaching young sled dogs "the ropes." If youv'e ever tried Chineese jumprope you know the difficulty of jumping around the kind of lines we use to hook up dogs. Dogs that learn to move freely with their chain and jump over it and under it as necessary to jump up on their house and navigate around feel very comfortalbe around the lines used to pull the sled. They are more confident around the lines and do not become scared or anxious as easily if they get tangled. While the pens are great for dogs that like to be together a lot, some of our dogs actually prefer to be on their swivel systems and prefer their own dog house and their own space.
We like our room
We rotate these dogs into pens occassionally to keep them use to being in close open contact with their teammates.
We like to cuddle!
Exercise
All dogs are exercised together in large open pens. We avoid conflicts by running our group of females separate from our males. Males are generally exercised in smaller groups. This free run time is an important part of keeping dogs fit in the off season. Dogs are carefully watched during free open exercise. All conflicts between animals can be avoided by closely monitoring their behavior. No teasing is allowed. Dogs learn that if they want to play, they have to play nice.
Playtime!
The swivel/ chain system is also highly useful for keeping the dogs fit. Navigating with the extra weight of the chain is the best way to slim down an older fixed dog, or one that's getting just plain lazy. They enjoy running around with the swivels and the feel of the chain reminds them of their dog sled lines.
THESE ARE SLED DOGS AND THEY"RE PROUD!
Volunteer
Arctic Paws is committed to the sponsorship and support of junior mushing. Our Junior Musher Sponsorship Program, funded largley by Rex's military retirement, has enabled many children to participate in our sponsored activities. Running dogs gives kids the opportunity to overcome a fear, become responsible for themselves and their dogs, and builds the self-confidence kids need to get through life. If you are interested in volunteering at our kennel or helping out at a future training or event, please contact us. We'd love to hear from you.
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August 2009
We are currently building our new facility off Route 66 north of Battle Creek, Michigan. We will be hosting an Open Kennel event this fall for our neighbors and those interested in being involved with our programs this season!
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Thank you!
2009 SPONSORS
Oak Frost Kennel, National Dog Food Dstb.
If your organization or business is interested in sponsorship, please contact us
And thank you to all those who are helping us with construction
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