Dogs bound through the woods on the snowy trail. Their commander behind them barks orders. The sled eases under the canopy of trees, the obedient and athletic dogs making turns, avoiding objects, and stopping, when told to do so.

Mushing conjures up images of the wild, of men and women doing battle with the frigid wintry elements and themselves always aided by loyal and tireless dogs. Every year the world is transfixed by Alaska’s Iditarod, but mushing is also a way of life.

Neil Beaulieu got hooked on sled dogs living in Alaska’s interior and volunteering at the famed Iditarod race. A high school teacher and registered Maine Guide, he owns Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, New Hampshire with more than 100 dogs. Beaulieu takes in rescue and second-chance sled dogs, utilizing tours to support their care and placing dogs in families around the state through the nonprofit organization he launched with other mushers.

Mushing is also a way for people to enjoy the winter woods, whether as a passenger on a sled, or being master. But sled dogs are often used for other sports too like cani-cross, in essence running with your dog(s) while on a leash. There’s also skijoring, bikejoring, and scootering.

“Any healthy working breed would love to work with their pet owners to pull,” he said. “The best gift you can ever give your pet is to keep healthy and fit, developing a bond with them.”

Beaulieu was able to spare a few minutes of his time to answer my questions on mushing, sled dogs, and more.

Marty Basch: What’s the appeal of sled dogs?

Neil Beaulieu: Dogsledding allows you to get back to the basics, our roots in non-motorized transportation. Exploring nature from the back of a dog team is something I’ve never been able to top. You just never know what’s going to happen when you are on the trail. Every run with a team of dogs is an adventure.

What kind of dogs do you run?

My kennel has Alaskan Huskies, Siberians, and Malamutes. An Alaskan Husky is a “type” of dog that encompasses a huge range of characteristics and colors. They have been bred over the years for the characteristics sought by mushers such as speed and endurance.

How do you train them?

The dogs have an inherent genetic need to run and pull. We support the training of commands and trail manners using positive encouragement and discourage habits that don’t work on the team. The most amazing training “tool” is an experienced dog set next to a pup or inexperienced adult on the team. They can train the rookie faster than we can. Dogs learn from watching one another and see how the experienced adults respond to my commands.

What are the basic commands?

• Hike, Hike—to release the team and begin a run.
• Gee, Gee—to turn right.
• Haw, Haw—to turn left.
• On by—go past that distraction/other team/squirrel,
• Gee over or Haw over—move to the right or left of the trail.
• Whoaaaaa—to stop.

Any advice for people going on a sled dog ride where they command the team?

Take a deep breath and slow down. I find that many people get so anxious and animated on their first run. Be slow and intentional, confident and focused, and the dogs will respond in turn.

What’s the mushing community like?

New Hampshire has a large, active mushing community. The mushers are all so passionate about great dog care and devote their lives to the teams. I’ve noticed that mushers here are welcoming to rookies in the sport and often happily take on a mentoring role. Finally, there are so many different trail users. I’ve been impressed at how mushers here tirelessly work to educate the public on sled dogs and sharing the trails in summer and winter.

What does a musher carry in his sled?

First Aid equipment for musher and dogs, extra food for two-leggers and four-leggers, a fire starter, multi-tool, extra winter gear, and the sled bag itself to hold everything or transport a dog that needs a lift. We have to pack for anything and everything that could happen or need to be addressed on the trail like injury, weather, downed tree, and so on.

Sounds like this is a lifestyle choice. Yes?

I eat, sleep, and breathe sled dogs, carry the fur on my clothes, roll in mud with them happily and make every life decision with them in mind first. When you choose this lifestyle, you choose to forgo vacations, accept that your paycheck might as well be forwarded directly to the vet and dog food company, and that you’ll experience more unconditional love in return than you could expect.

Images courtesy Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel