Meet the Dogs
The heart and soul of Aurora Husky
Is dog sledding ethical? It depends entirely on how the dogs are kept, and that is why this page exists. Aurora Husky is home to more than 90 Alaskan huskies at Camp Aspemo in Breivikeidet, and they are the reason the company exists, not the other way around. Our dogs are bred to run the way border collies are bred to herd: it is what they love, and anyone who has stood at the start line of a tour and heard ninety dogs howl to be picked knows it. But loving to run is not enough. Ethical dog sledding means the dogs eat before we do, rest more than they work, see a vet without delay, and stay with us after they retire. Below is how that works in practice, and if you want to check for yourself, come early to a tour and spend time in the yard. We have nothing to hide and ninety-some dogs who would enjoy the extra attention.
How our dogs live
Our huskies live at camp year-round in a social dog yard, in pairs and groups, with insulated houses and daily free runs. Alaskan huskies are working dogs with thick double coats built for exactly this climate; the snow you shiver in is their favourite weather. Every dog has a name, a personality the mushers can describe in detail, and a place in a team chosen to match its strength and temperament.
Food, health and rest
Working dogs burn enormous energy, so our feeding follows the season: high-fat, meat-based meals in winter, lighter in summer. Water is warmed in the cold months. Every dog is checked before and after every tour, feet first (a musher's habit), and our vet is involved in everything from vaccination schedules to retirement decisions. Tours run within the limits of the team, never the other way around: on warm days we shorten or cancel, and no dog runs two long tours back to back.
Training and retirement
Puppies grow up underfoot at camp, socialized with people from their first weeks, and learn the trade slowly: first running loose beside a team, then short stints in harness next to an experienced dog, and only later a full tour. At the other end of the line, retired dogs stay. Some become "puppy professors" who teach the young ones manners; some just supervise the yard from a sunny spot. When we do rehome older dogs, it is carefully and to homes we know.
A few of the characters you will meet, though all 90+ consider themselves the main attraction.
Storm
Storm has been leading our teams for three years. He has an uncanny ability to find the trail even under fresh deep snow.
Luna
Luna is fearless and keeps the pack's spirits high even during heavy winds. She works in perfect harmony with Storm.
Rex
Rex helps guide the team through tight turns. He is always looking back to check on the musher and make sure everyone is happy.
Freya
Freya is extremely responsive to commands. She is the sweetheart of the kennel and loves post-run belly rubs.
Bear
Bear is placed right in front of the sled to provide maximum pulling power. Despite his massive size, he is incredibly gentle.
Odin
Odin is a powerhouse. He has endless stamina and loves the challenge of pulling heavy loads uphill.
