Mushers Bootcamp

Training Event Details

Team Composition – Require two people per team, preferably the people that normally work with the dogs. Other family members are welcome to observe.

Combined Kennels – You may combine kennels. This however is not about running large teams unless you feel you can deal with your issues in this manner. Ideally run smaller teams so that problems can be dealt with.

Dogs – Feel free to bring and use your younger dogs. Please let us know if you are running any pups (under 1 years old). We do not suggest using this to harness break a dog. If you have dogs with aggression issues (dogs or human) then just let us know, but we encourage that you bring them. Be prepared to deal with them.

This program is more about working the dog’s head, not them physically. It can be very tolling on the dogs, allow them to rest in-between activities and expect them to be tired at the end of each day. Stress can make your dogs behave a little differently, so stay very aware of your dogs. Most importantly stay positive regardless of what’s happening.

Overview

This training event is aimed at allowing you to deal with your problem areas and also provide an insight into other aspects of sled dog sports that can assist you in training and developing your team. We will put you in situations to expose your problem areas, we will not let you stay within your comfort zone or avoid problems. This is the only way you will be able to take your skills forward. Please bring your problem dogs and run them, know your dogs, their quirks and anticipate them. We are there to assist throughout and will step in as needed. Do not be concerned about things not working out or being out of your comfort zone, it’s a key part of the learning process. We have been through this ourselves before and this is the only way you will be able to build your team and the benefits will open up the sport for you.

Training Runs and Your Dogs

Don’t expect to be covering much distance or to be moving at speed. We will not be going particularly far. You will spend a lot of time with your dogs waiting in harness, giving you time to work on other areas besides going forward. The training runs are about team interaction, fixing issues as they arise and repetition. A training run may last 2 hours twice a day. Your dogs will be in harness throughout and attached to the gang line for the duration. You will be controlling those dogs for the duration.

We will be using check chains in a controlled manner. At no point are dogs harmed. Many people have preconceptions about check chains, when used properly they are an extremely good training tool.

This is a Club event, as a result those rules do apply. You will need to wear a helmet however, bungees are not mandatory and at some point we will take your necklines of your leaders.

Program Timings

Friday

1830 Introduction – Expectations

1915 Equipment and Considerations

2000 Open Discussion Q & A

Saturday

0700 Training Run

1030 Pull Training

Feed and water dogs prior to 1030

1130 Medical

1215 – 1300 Lunch / Rest Dogs

1300 Leader Training Basics

1430 Team Building

1530 Break away to prep for run

1600 Training Run

1830 Dinner / Debrief days activities

Feed and water dogs prior to 1900

1900 Nutrition & Conditioning Programs

2000 Open Discussion Q & A

Sunday

0700 Training Run

1000 Developing Leaders

Feed and water dogs prior to 1000

1130 - 1300 BBQ Lunch *Lunch provided

1300 Break away to prep for run

1330 Training Run

1500 Debrief

1600 Depart

This program is set up to allow lots of time for questions and maximum interaction. Our goal is to review everything we do to highlight learning points and further discuss them without the distraction of the dogs.

Logistics

What to Bring (Mandatory)

• Two check chains, to fit snug over dogs head.

• Two double ended leashes approximately 1.5m long each.

• Two spare leader necklines.

*Note: If you are only running one dog you only need 1 of each of the above.

• Headlamp per person. Your choice if you have one fixed to your rig, but one head mounted headlamp is required per person.

• Your equipment you use to train with (gang lines, harness, bowls, scooter or rig) a rig is preferred if you can get one. If not a scooter will work.

• Big bag of small dog treats for your dogs.

Bring clothing to suit the weather, we will go out regardless.

Meals

• Please provide everything you need for your dogs.

• Your own breakfast, lunches and snacks.

• On Saturday evening, we will have a communal meal that we will eat while we debrief after the evenings run. We will probably just chip in for fish and chips or something simple. This will be organized during the event.

We will provide a BBQ for Sunday lunch. (Included in cost for 2 people).

Registration

Please provide the following details if you wish to take part in the training:

• Name of both people attending

• Breed and number of dogs

• Short bio your experience with dogs or the sport

• Young dogs / Behavioral concerns if any

Full payment by February the 28th unless arrangements have been made with us direct

Cancellation Policy

There are considerable overheads to facilitate these training events. As a result we have implemented the following cancelation policy.

Cancellations by registered participants 30 days prior to event will receive a full refund.

Cancellations less than 30 days but more than 14 days will receive a 50% refund.

Cancellations less than 14 days of event, no refunds.

In the event of cancelling within 30 or 14 days you may transfer your position to another team, in this case no refund will be provided, it is up to you settle the fee with the new participant. Should we have another team that can fill the position then a full refund will be provided.

We reserve the right to cancel an event up to 14 days prior to the event. Our policy is to avoid cancellations if at all possible. In the unlikely event this happens a full refund of the registration fee will be made to registrants.

Summary

This event will be run in a relaxed learning environment with the sole focus on training dogs, addressing your problem areas and dealing with them. Its essential you turn up open minded for new ideas and training techniques with a willingness to put yourself and your team into problem situations. This event is not about promoting brands of equipment or dog food etc. If equipment has a deficiency we will highlight it in the benefit of the dogs and the development of your team. Please do not bring equipment that you haven't used in training before unless you are a beginner. The training we will take you through is the foundation of our team both here in NZ and Alaska. If you set your mind to it and remain consistent then it will change how you run dogs.