FAQ : Frequently asked questions
The following are questions that you might want to ask before buying a dog or booking a dogsled trip. Some questions are only relevant for multiple-day trips, and the list should be modified to include your own interests and concerns.
Are the dogs dangerous? - The dogs we have are genetically close
related to the wolf. Some people state that wolves are not dangerous.
We do not apply to the statement that wolves are not dangerous. The
Siberian husky is a very social breed - suitable for families and
persons with pshysical disabilities.
Does the dogs really like being outside all year? - Answer yes! Some of the dogs are born outside in the small houses during mid winter; they are some of our best dogs.
Why dogs? - They are easy to be around and to have around. They are loving. They can truly work under extreme conditions.
Why dogs like these? - Temperature might go as deep as - 51,3 degrees centigrade during winter. The only dog that kan really thrive under these conditions is the Siberian husky.
What is "animal assisted therapy"? - "AAT" is therapy using animals as a theraputic modality - a tool in the treatment.
Can I have a dog like this? - You should really consider having one, but you need some space; preferrably a cold climate and a lot of time to spend. Then you shold get in touch with a kennell specialiced in Siberian huskies.
How do I start? - You shold get in touch with a kennell specialiced in Siberian huskies. You should discuss your need for a dog and your ability to have one before fou buy one.
Is it expensive? - Yes ! but you can get your budget going by getting some good sponsors.
Can I try it? - Again ; the answer is Yes! You can come to Teigmo helsegård, Karasjok and try mushing - dog handling and dog experiences.
How long have you been in
the sled dog tour business? I
started working as a tourist guide in 1987. We have always had
dogs: Our present firm was established in 1996. The farm is originating
from 1932.
Who actually conducts the trips? What are their qualifications and
experience? What medical training have they had? Only skilled personnel conducts the
trips. They are taught and quality assured by me. The medical training
is assured by myself as a doctor; spescialist in general practice and
family medicine
How many dog teams do you have operational at one time? How often do
the dogs run? oWe have 1-5
teams operational at one time depending on sledweight, snow conditions
and duration of trip. The dogs do not run every weekday: They get
plenty of rest between each group.
How many teams will be going on this trip? How many dogs per team? How
many people per sled? How many guides? It depends on which trip we conduct
How much are guests involved in handling, harnessing and mushing the
dogs? This depends on
how much you want to participate. Normally the guests are encouraged to
participate. On longer trips it is crucial that the guests help in the
handling.
What kind of dogs do you use for these trips (freighting, racing)? The dogs used are mostly bred by
ourselves. We have siberian huskies, alaskan huskies and laikas.
Are the dogs well socialized to people? Children as well? Do you have
dog fights often? The
dogs used are all family dogs. They are used to small children and are
even used to adolescents with conduct disorders or severe psychiatric
illnesses. Dog fights are very seldom occurring. When in heat the
bitches might be a little on the edge: We are aware of this
and always try to put arguing dogs apart from each other.
What is included in the price (food, gear, etc.)? On what departure and
return points is the overall cost of the package or trip based? What is included is
explicitly written. Our departure and return point is Teigmo helsegård,
Holganjarga, Karasjok.
What equipment is provided? What isn't provided? (If parkas, boots and
mitts are not provided, are they available for rent?) Do you provide a
recommended gear list? What
is included is explicitly written. Parkas, boots, mittens
and hats are available for rent, but must be booked ahead.
Do you have sleeping bags or comforters for guests who ride in the
sled? All will be sitting
on reindeer hides. Depending upon how many guests are seated in one
sled the guests riding in the sled will be tucked in in reindeerhides,
sheephides or warm blankets.
What kinds of meals are provided? What is included is explicitly written.
What kinds of accommodations will be used (tents, cabins, etc.)? Unless explicitly agreed upon we will be
using cabins and hostels. Tents are uesed when explicitly booked. Warm
sleepingbags are provided when use of tent.
Is the trip self-supported, or will a snowmachine transport some
of the gear and supplies?All
trips are self-supported. We carry what we need so please travel light.
Some places we have depots of dogfood and wood.
How much of the advertised trip time is used for transportation,
preparation, orientation and training? How much time will be spent on
the trail? Most of the time
is spent on the trail, but safety both for man and dog is important.
The guides must assure that you are safe and that the dogs are not hurt
in any way.
How many miles do you cover in a day? It depends on the trip you
have choosen. Depending on snow conditions we travel approximately
10km/hr. Rest for dogs and a stop for your comfort might be included.
Is experience required? What level of physical ability is needed? You can travel as a passenger
comfortably seated or you can have your own team of dogs. There are so
many different slopes and areas to chose from.
Will there be pre-trip training or information available?Yes. There is always a pre-trip session.
The only exception is groups doing the "short round":Just trying it for
10-15 min
Is everything available that is advertised in the brochure? We always try to have what we offer.
Outer circumstanses like weather or any nature given situation might
occur. There is no guarantee that we have the duodji produckts
in stock as these are products of inspiration, time, love and the right
materials.
Do you have liability insurance to cover all of the activities you
offer? Have you ever had an accident in which a guest was injured?We are insured through the IF insurance
company. Until now we have never had any accidents
involving any guests.
Do you have all the permits necessary to operate commercial trips in
the area? In Norway you
have a right to go everywhere you want du to a law called "all mans
right". However when crossing the border to Finland each dog
must have a valid passport. This is a very exclusive offer we
have with only a few dogs.
What are cancellation policies?t Please refer to the booking section where the cancellation policies are
explicitly written.
If we do not have the answers to
your questions we will get them. If we by chance can't get them we for
sure know someone that do.
You might try the following links for further reading:
Sled dogs and sled dog racing FAQ