Wildland Sled Dogs

Found some photos from Jenn’s very first race and had to throw in a few current ones too. ❤️🐾

It’s pretty wild looking back at where this all started. I took you on your first ever dog sled ride, then watched you drive a team on your own for the first time. Not long after that, you were standing on the runners at your first race, taking on 15 miles.

Now we’ve tackled 100 miles and we’re going beyond. I even got to watch you tackle a 100 miler on basically no notice, finding out the morning of and just stepping up and doing it.

From learning the basics, frozen eyelashes, long training miles and everything in between, you’ve come a hell of a long way. It’s been pretty cool getting to watch your confidence grow and seeing you become the musher you are now.

15 miles felt like a huge deal back then. Now it’s just a normal tour. 😂

Although when we inevitably end up racing each other, I’d probably double check your sled before the start 😂 I’m not saying I’d tamper with it to win… but I’m also not saying I’m above it.

Here’s to seeing just how far you and these dogs can go. ❤️❄️🐕

Old guy Racer had himself a pretty big day today. ❤️ at 10 or is it 11…

We took him in for a senior checkup and to finally have all those lumps and bumps looked at. Thankfully, they’re just fatty deposits and some of the things you collect along the way after a lot of years and a whole lot of miles.

Overall, the vet said he’s looking really good. He does need a dental cleaning because of some buildup, and we came home with some anti-inflammatories for those days when a run takes a little more out of him, especially with that back hip.

As you can probably tell from the vet picture, I was a little more stressed about this appointment than Racer was. 😂 He seemed completely unfazed by the whole thing.

Today was probably full of firsts for the old timer too. A solo trip into town, sticking his head out the window and getting to be the only dog getting all the attention.

Also, you either got a good picture of Jenn or a good picture of Racer… apparently getting both was asking too much. 😂 So enjoy the best two.

Pretty damn good report for the old guy, and definitely one we were happy to hear. ❤️🐾

One of the perks of living where we do is being able to head out, catch our own fish, and stock the freezer for the kennel.

We freeze them and bank them for those extra warm summer days when it is too hot to train. It takes roughly 35 to 40 pounds for the whole crew to enjoy a frozen treat, so a successful fishing trip does not last nearly as long as you might think 😂

The dogs absolutely love them. Some take their time and carefully work away at every bite, while others act like they have five seconds to finish before someone steals it from across the yard.

It is a great way to keep them occupied, help them cool down, and give them something different to enjoy while we wait for cooler temperatures and the start of another season.

A good day on the water always turns into an even better day in the dog yard. 🐟🐕❄️

A New Name, but the Same Wildland

Over the last few years, Wildland has grown into something much bigger than we originally imagined.

What started as a small racing kennel built around a handful of dogs, a lot of determination and some pretty big dreams has become a life centred entirely around sled dogs. Racing will always be a major part of who we are, but it is no longer the only part of our story.

Our dogs carry us through races, training runs, long winter days, backcountry adventures and the tours we are working toward offering. They are our teammates, our teachers, our family and the reason Wildland exists at all.

That is why Wildland racing Kennel is becoming Wildland Sled Dogs.

The new name better reflects who we are today and where we are heading. It represents both sides of Wildland: continuing to build a competitive distance racing program while also creating opportunities for more people to experience sled dogs, learn their history and understand the connection between a musher and their team.

This change is also about what comes next.

There are some big things happening behind the scenes, and even bigger things on the way. New opportunities, new goals and a new chapter are beginning to take shape for Wildland, and we cannot wait to share more as everything comes together.

Our drive has not changed. Our goals have not become smaller. If anything, they have grown right alongside us.

Same dogs. Same people. Same grit, passion and big dreams.

Just a name that finally fits the full story and the future we are building.

Welcome to Wildland Sled Dogs.

Jenn says we post Racer a lot, so naturally, here is Racer again 😂

Honestly, with a face this judgemental, he creates his own content most of the time 🤣

🐾 Wheel Dogs, The Power Behind the Team 🐾

Running closest to the sled, wheel dogs have one of the toughest jobs in dog sledding.

These dogs are responsible for getting the sled moving from a standstill and handling the weight of the sled through every turn, climb, and rough section of trail. Because they're closest to the sled, they feel every movement, bump, and change in terrain first.

Wheel dogs need to be powerful, confident, and mentally steady. They must stay focused despite the noise of the sled behind them and have the strength to help control and stabilize heavy loads on technical trails. Their reliability gives the rest of the team a solid foundation to work from.

Not every strong dog makes a great wheel dog. It takes experience, composure, and the determination to keep pulling when the work gets tough.

At Wildland Racing, our wheel dogs are the driving force behind every run. They may be the last dogs in the lineup, but they're often the first to feel the weight of the job and they rise to the challenge every single time.

🐺 Strength. Stability. Heart. That's what makes a great wheel dog.

🐾 Swing Dogs 🐾

In our Wildland Racing team, swing dogs run directly in front of the wheel dogs and behind the team dogs. They are the link between the main body of the team and just ahead of the most powerful dogs closest to the sled.

Swing dogs help keep the rear of the team organized, maintaining a steady rhythm and smooth line tension as the team travels over changing terrain. Their consistency helps the wheel dogs stay focused while keeping the entire team working together.

This position requires dogs that are dependable, level-headed, and responsive. They need to handle pressure well, stay in sync with the dogs around them, and help maintain the flow of the team through every mile.

While they may not be the first dogs people notice, swing dogs play an important role in every successful run. They're trusted, reliable, and always ready to do their part—day after day, trail after trail.