Announcing the winners of our 2018 Photo Contest!

FIRST PLACE

Image submitted by Ed Boon (United States).

The photo features, Aska, an avid hiker, who is always comfortable in our Distance Harness.

CONGRATULATION, Ed!

SECOND PLACE

Image submitted by Michelle Miller (United States).

Michelle’s pack of Siberian Huskies is talking a walk in our Distance and our Second Skin Harnesses.

THIRD PLACE

Image submitted by Julie Schultz (United States).

Julie’s well-trained gang is posing for a photo sporting our Standard and Distance Harnesses.

RUNNER UP

Image submitted by Tiago Costa (United Kingdom).

Tiago’s dogs are exploring the countryside while wearing our Tough Skin Harness and our Hybrid Light Weight Harness.

 

View complete vote tallies here.

Return Shipping

We understand that shopping online can be tricky and that on occasion a harness must be tried on first in order to select the correct size. Or perhaps the dog is “oddly shaped” and a harness needs to be exchanged for a different size. Or perhaps the customer makes a mistake and orders the wrong size of a harness. It happens!

That’s why we have a convenient exchange policy in place! 😊

On occasion, we come across a customer, who is not satisfied with our exchange policy due to the cost of return shipping. It is up to you, the customer, to cover the cost of the return shipping (and our labor associated with the process). There is a flat fee for a harness exchange that is the responsibility of the customer. Please, understand why we have this policy in place:

  1. We are a relatively small company and we can’t afford to subsidize shipping costs.
  2. All exchanges are shipped by Priority Mail (insured).
  3. Unlike some “big name” companies out there, we keep our products prices low and affordable. We do not mark up our equipment by hundreds of percent to justify free exchanges/free return shipping. This keeps the prices of our gear affordable for everybody!
  4. We try to be flexible and work with you, the customer, to select the best fitting harness style/size.

Thank you for your understanding.

Aliy Zirkle’s Testimony

We have used Howling Dog harnesses for over 10 years. After switching to the Distance Harness system, we have never looked back! We sincerely believe that our long distance mushing set up using system “Howling Dog Distance harnesses and no necklines” is overall safer and healthier for our team. This results in our dogs becoming injured less, tired less and can compete at a higher caliber. Our Huskies have no leash attached to their necks urging them to continue down the race trail, they have free will, and choose to continue down the trail in order to please their musher and please them self. We believe that our successful racing results over the past five years (Two Rivers 100/200 wins, Copper Basin 300 wins, Yukon Quest wins, Iditarod top placings) are indicative of healthier and happier dogs. That is what the sport of dog mushing should be about.

Ivana and the Howling Dog Alaska team has always worked with and communicated with our team about their products and new innovations. Over the years, the Distance Harness has improved with the fantastic reflective stitching, improved padding, and better webbing material. Ivana and her crew are pleasant folks and easy to deal with. We highly recommend Howling Dog Alaska products for your fastest racing dog or your cuddliest couch dog… Or perhaps they are the same dog! 🙂

Howling Dog Alaska Distance Harness – used and recommended by Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore!

TEAM Howling Dog (2017-2018 race season)

JEFF KING (Alaska, USA – long distance mushing)

Howling Dog Alaska has been one of Jeff’s main sponsors for many years now. And we are mighty proud of it! And here we are, with yet another season ahead of us!

Jeff King is often recognized as the “Winningest Musher in the World.” He holds four championship titles for the 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1993, 1996, 1998, and 2006. Jeff took first place in the 1,000-mile Yukon Quest in 1989 in addition to earning twenty-four other first-place titles in races across Alaska and other parts of North America. Jeff was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.  In 2006, at age 50, he became the oldest musher to win the Iditarod. Jeff King has twice received the prestigious Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award for exemplary care of his dog team. He has logged more than 150,000 miles on a dogsled over the past thirty-five years.

Jeff King has captured worldwide media attention for decades. Associated Press, BBC, CBC, ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” ESPN, CNN, Discovery Channel, National Public Radio and Mushing Magazine have regularly featured Jeff in race coverage of the Iditarod and international news reports. From his scientific methods of feeding and training dogs, to his calculating trail strategies and innovative sled designs, Jeff has been the one to watch, year after year.

“For years, the inventive King has cut his own mushing path with notable success…he has trained his dogs by having them swim during the summer to build stamina, he’s tinkered endlessly with nutrition…” says the Anchorage Daily News. Lee Larsen, president of the Iditarod Trail Committee, calls King a “champion in many, many ways.”

Jeff moved to Alaska in 1975 in search of adventure. He quickly became interested in dog sledding and Alaskan huskies, devoting all his spare time and money to building his own team, while developing a construction business. He began racing in 1980. His competitive nature and athleticism had found a new outlet, and Jeff set his sights ever higher, entering his first Iditarod just one year later. In 1992 he decided to devote his full time and energy to training and racing, setting aside his construction business. He won his first Iditarod the following season.

Jeff enjoys living just outside of Alaska’s Denali National Park and sharing his life with his sled dogs. In the summer months, Husky Homestead welcomes visitors from around the world to watch his sled dogs in action, hear stories of adventure, learn about Alaskan Huskies, the tradition of dog mushing and the life and spirit of Alaska, the last frontier.

A natural-born storyteller, Jeff shares a lifetime of adventure stories in public speaking engagements and in his book Cold Hands Warm Heart. Since the release of his first collection of stories, fans have been begging for “More!” In the fall of 2011, Jeff produced a newly expanded edition with additional stories and photographs and a deeper look into a life well-lived.

Visit Jeff’s Husky Homestead website.

Jeff’s harness of choice is our Hybrid Light Weight Harness.

 

ALIY ZIRKLE & ALLEN MOORE (Alaska, USA) – long distance mushing

Here they are! The famous wife & husband duo, known not only for their outstanding race performance but also for dog care that is second to none!

Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore own and operate SP Kennel – a premier Alaskan Husky sled dog kennel in Two Rivers, Alaska. They are dedicated to their individual dogs through excellent health, nutrition, training, and care.

Aliy races the Red Team and Allen races the Black Team. The goals and strategies for each team vary from race to race so any dogs may run on either team at any time. They strive to be the best they can through complete dedication to their canine teammates and to the sport. They are also committed to the Alaskan community that has given them unwavering support and incredible encouragement through the years.

SP Kennel is a “dog first” Kennel. Aliy and Allen put the care and safety of their dogs above everything else, including competition results. Their breeding program is highly selective. They breed only for the dogs they want to raise, train and race. They do not breed in order to sell dogs or lease dog teams. Their dogs are bred for their team. They keep every dog they breed for its entire competitive racing career.

After a racing career – whether it be long or short – their dogs retire and are placed in carefully screened and selected homes. The dogs than live out the rest of their lives in situations and homes that are suited to their personalities and traits. Many of the dogs transition to a “couch life” easily. Active dogs who still need to run — but not the number of miles involved in our racing program — are placed with highly qualified “dog first” recreational mushers world-wide. These retired Iditarod and Yukon Quest veterans spend the rest of their lives doing what their genetics have taught them in a relaxed, enjoyable “pet home” atmosphere.

Aliy and Allen are both Yukon Quest Champions. Allen has won the Copper Basin 300 six times and Aliy has placed in the top five in the Iditarod for the last five years (placing second three consecutive years: 2012, 2013 and 2014). Howling Dog is thrilled to have Aliy and Allen aboard for another season!

Check out SP Kennel’s new website.

The SP Kennel’s harness of choice has been our Distance Harness for many years now.

 

MELISSA STEWART & JASON STEWART (Alaska, USA) – long distance mushing

Jason and Melissa Stewart own and operate Owl Creek Kennel in Knik, AK.  Owl Creek Kennel’s origins go back to the mid-80’s and was started by Melissa’s parents Mike and Patricia Owens in Nome, AK.  Jason’s and Melissa’s goal for this season is for Jason to compete in his first Iditarod and cross under the Burled Arch in Nome.  Jason and Melissa welcomed their newest member, Ellen Patricia, to Team Stewart in August of 2017. Jason also has a son, Caswell, who is 12.

Melissa Stewart, 28, was born and raised in Nome, AK.  She moved to the Mat-Su Valley in 2009 to attend Northern Industrial Training and decided to stay. She later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Charter College.  Melissa has wanted to run the Iditarod as long as she can remember.  Her dad ran the Iditarod the year she was born, and mushing is in her blood.  After completing four Jr. Iditarods and winning in 2005, Melissa ran her first Iditarod in 2008 and at the age of 18 she became the youngest female competitor to finish the Last Great Race.  In 2017 she crossed under the Burled Arch for her 3rd time at 19 weeks pregnant.  Melissa will be taking a year off from racing while taking on the new challenges of motherhood, but look for her out on the trails soon enough.  Melissa also operates her own home-based business, Alaska Soaps & Scents, making and selling soaps and other personal care products,

Jason Stewart, 42, was born and raised in the Washington, DC area. Served Honorably in the USMC Infantry from 1993-1997.  He received his Associates of Arts Degree from Hagerstown, Maryland in 2002. When he was 12, he had started spending summers in Alaska visiting his dad and his brother, Since, he got tired of feeling homesick whenever he left Alaska, he left Maryland permanently in 2004 and moved to Alaska. He got started running dogs on an overnight camping trip in 2000. In 2011 he became a handler for another musher. In 2012, Jason met his future wife, Melissa Owens, and began getting as serious about her as he was about dogs. He ran his first race in 2015 and hasn’t stopped since. Jason has worked as a Corrections Officer for the past three years. He is also an Advanced Glock Armorer. He enjoys building dogsleds in the offseason and helping his wife with her business ventures.

Here at Howling Dog, we have a special “soft spot” for Melissa and Jason, as the lineage of the majority of their dogs goes back to dogs bred in our Howling Dog Kennel.

Connect with Melissa and Jason through their Owl Creek Kennel Facebook page.

The harness of choice for Melissa’s and Jason’s dogs is our Tough Skin Harness ULTRA.

 

AMANDA VOGEL (Minnesota, USA) – mid-distance mushing

Amanda is originally from Bay City, Michigan, and now lives in northern Minnesota, just south of the northwest Ontario border. Amanda was introduced to the sport of mushing in 2003, and after a few years of learning the basics from a recreational dog sledding club, she began building a kennel that would allow her to race professionally.

Today, Amanda is the owner and operator of Snomad Racing.  She was awarded Rookie of the Year, earned a 4th place finish, and passed another Iditarod qualifying race. All while competing in her first nearly 400 mile, 2013 John Beargrease Marathon.

Snomad Racing also travels for exhibitions and speaking engagements, works on TV, film, and modeling projects, and puts winter and mushing products to extreme tests for sponsors committed to making the toughest gear and equipment on the market. When Amanda is not training and racing, she is found volunteering for the Kabetogama Fire and EMS departments, raising pups, exploring woods and waters, and laughing with good friends.

NEW THIS YEAR!  Snomad racing will be offering sled dog rides during their fall training season in the comforts of a fully enclosed and heated 5 seat side by side!!  If you’d like to meet her dogs and learn about training, contact at: snomadracing@yahoo.com

If you would like to meet Amanda’s dogs or to learn more about the training of canine athletes, visit Snomad Racing Facebook Page.

Amanda’s harness of choice is our Distance Harness.

 

KATI  & MARTIN DAGENAIS (Quebec, Canada) – sprint mushing

Dagenais Kennel is a premier sprint racing kennel located in Quebec, Canada.

Martin got introduced to the sport of mushing in 1986 and Kati began racing in 2008. Kati’s first year of racing in was in the 4-dog class. In 2009 she entered the IFSS World Championship in the 6-dog class. Kati’s team won almost every race they entered from the beginning of her racing career. Kati & Martin traveled to Alaska where she won the Limited North American Championship in 6-dog class (her team broke the track record on relatively slow trail conditions). Kati also won the IFSS World Championship in North Pole, Alaska in 2013 in the 8-dog class. In 2015 Kati & Martin and their team traveled to Germany to compete in yet another IFSS World Championship. They returned home with a bronze medal!

This racing season Kati & Martin plan to race the Québec sprint circuit and maybe some Mid-West races in the 6-dog class. Their challenge for this year will be the European Championship in Italy in January.

Team Dagenais looks strong, as there were a few young dogs added (dogs Kati and Martin raised). All the youngsters look very promising! It should be an interesting season for all, the humans and the dogs alike! Good luck guys! Make Howling Dog proud!

Visit Dagenais Racingsleddogs Facebook page.

The harness of choice for Team Dagenais is our Light Weight Harness.

 

JULIE BLOCH (France) – sprint mushing

Julie is NEW to Team Howling Dog! We have known Julie since she was a young girl and we are happy to have her aboard! Julie is an accomplished sprint 6-dog class racer.

In 1977 Julie’s parents Miriam and Thierry Bloch, started mushing with Greenland dogs, some Siberians, and later, with Alaskans huskies from Terry Martin (Idaho), and Jim Welch. Since the beginning, they have been involved in the sport as a family, so when Julie was old enough, her older sister took the main team and began to carry the family flag in the world of mushing. The kennel’s roots are built on Jan and Lollo Swenson’s and Taina Teras’s bloodlines. Both kennels are located in Sweden and Julie’s sister Karine spent a winter there in 1999.

Julie took her sister Karine’s place in 2002. Even now, the team still consists of Jan’s, Lollo’s and Taina’s bloodlines. There were also some Ellis/Lundberg dogs added to the mix. Julie works with the dogs on a lot of obedience. She spends as much time to work them in individual training as she spends on the time passing on a team. It is really important for Julie to have dogs that are happy in their everyday “normal” dog life, but also in their working dog life. Such approach shows positive results, as Julie’s team became the World Champions in 2015 in the 6-dog class. Julie also holds multiple French Champion titles (since 2012).

The kennel is now built with 10 dogs including 2 retired ones. Only 6/7 dogs are trained to be part of the main racing team. All of Julie’s dogs were born in her kennel and the result of a very specific breeding selection.

Julie is very grateful to her sister Karine and her boyfriend Sebastien for all their help and support.

Check out Julie’s Facebook page.

Julie has been supplementing our Staminex to her canine athletes for many years now.

 

RICH KISSELOFF (Illinois, USA) – skijoring, scootering & bikejoring

Once again Rich has teamed up with us for yet another racing season!  We have supported grassroots Windy City Mushers Club and Rich from the start of his racing career. We have provided Rich with technical support and offered quality and functional gear to him and his grassroots club members.

Rich introduced his new Greyster pup Guinness to the mix last season and he took on the role as Riche’s main dog. Guinness quickly surprised and impressed Rich at such a young age. He showed great poise and a fearless attitude!

The 2016-17 season saw Rich finish no worse than 2nd place, not counting the World Championships where he was unable to use Guiness due to age restrictions. In every other race they only finished 2nd a couple times against teams using two dogs. There were many highlights last season. The most meaningful was winning the Skijor One and Two Dog National Championships. Rich and his dogs were the top team at the Canadian National Championships in the 1 dog scooter, 2 dog scooter and bikejor. Rich did do canicross too but only for fun. The other highlight and signs of things to come were finishing in a top select group in the relay Skijor leg at the World Championships.

The 2018 season will be an exciting one. Rich is planning on attending races in Europe and possibly Quebec or Colorado. We look forward having Rich represent Howling Dog Alaska at the highest level!

Within the last couple of years, Rich has introduced many new people to the sport of mushing through Windy City Mushers.

The harness of choice for Rich’s canine athletes is our Second Skin Harness.

Announcing the winners of Howling Dog Alaska’s 2017 Photo Contest!

FIRST PLACE

The meaning of true love.

Image submitted by Lauren White from Scotland.

The photo is of Lauren and her beautiful girl Arya on Lauren’s wedding day doing what they love the most – running together.

CONGRATULATIONS, Lauren!

Arya is wearing our super-comfortable Second Skin Harness.

SECOND PLACE

Best hiking buddies.

Image submitted by Suzanne Flagg from New Hampshire.

The dog in the photo is a Chinook – an American breed. Chinooks were originally bred by Arthur Walden as heavy-haul, long distance sled dogs.

Pictured is our best-selling, multi-purpose Distance Harness.

 

THIRD PLACE

Girl power!

Image submitted by Meredith Michener from Pennsylvania.

Kona, the Greyster, loves scootering in her Tough Skin Harness.

 

 

RUNNER UP

We have a tie! 🙂

Pictured are Brodi (image submitted by his “dad” Hunter Rosner from California ) and Aska (image submitted by his “dad” Ed Boon from Georgia).

Both dogs are rocking their Howling Dog Alaska Distance Harnesses!

 

DuraCoat or ThermoCoat?

Our customers often ask us what the difference between the DuraCoat and the ThermoCoat is. Here is a simple explanation.

DuraCoat:

  • Medium weight, simple dog coat.
  • Great value for the money for someone on a tighter budget.
  • The outer shell is durable.
  • The neck opening is a fixed fit.
  • The measurement of the neck circumference is crucial while selecting the correct size.
  • The coat might be difficult to fit dogs with thick necks.
  • DuraCoat does not provide full belly coverage. Layering with one of our Chest Protectors is recommended if needed.
  • PRODUCT DETAILS

ThermoCoat:

  • A heavyweight dog coat.
  • The neck opening is adjustable.
  • The coat will fit a majority of the breeds out there.
  • ThemoCoat provides full belly coverage.
  • PRODUCT DETAILS

IMPORTANT NOTICE: While shopping, select your size carefully. Not sure about the size? Go by the weight of your dog.  Our coats are non-returnable, non-exchangeable.

We are here to help you choose the correct size if needed. If in doubt, please contact us. You can contact us via email at ivana@howlingdogalaska.com.

TEAM Howling Dog (2016-2017 race season)

jeff2016portraitJEFF KING (Alaska, USA) – long distance mushing

We are proud to have Jeff King, THE KING, aboard for yet another racing season! Howling Dog Alaska has been one of Jeff’s main sponsors for many years now. Jeff, a four time Iditarod Sled Dog Race Champion and a world class musher, is known for his creativity and willingness to experiment. He has started many trends in mushing – beginning with the use of short harnesses and running without necklines to redesigning the long distance dog sled and much more. Howling Dog is very proud of the long relationship we have had with Jeff. Follow and cheer for Jeff during the 2017 Iditarod Sled Dog race! Visit his kennel located just outside of Denali National Park in the summer.

Visit Jeff’s Husky Homestead website.

Jeff’s harness of choice is our Hybrid Light Weight Harness.

 

 

aliyallen2016ALIY ZIRKLE & ALLEN MOORE (Alaska, USA) – long distance mushing

Here they are! The famous wife & husband duo, the owners of SP Kennel in Two Rivers, Alaska, dedicated to the individual dog through excellent health, nutrition, training and care. Aliy races the Red Team and Allen races the Black Team. The goals and strategies for each team vary from race to race, so their dogs may run on either team at any time. Every winter Aliy and Allen compete in many mid and long distance events but their focus is one: The Copper Basin 300, the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and the Iditarod  Sled Dog Race. Aliy and Allen are both Yukon Quest Champions. Allen has won the Copper Basin 300 six times and Aliy has placed in the top five in the Iditarod for the last five years (placing second three consecutive years: 2012, 2013 and 2014). Howling Dog is thrilled to have Aliy and Allen aboard for another season, as they both strive to be good-will ambassadors for the sport of sled dog racing, balancing winning performance with exceptional sportsmanship, community outreach and advocacy for the amazing Alaska husky.

Follow Aliy & Allen on their blog, The SP Kennel Dog Log.

The SP Kennel’s harness of choice has been our Distance Harness for many years now.

 

melissajason2016MELISSA OWENS STEWART & JASON STEWART (Alaska, USA) – long distance mushing

Melissa and Jason, the owners of the Owl Creek Kennel in Knik, Alaska, are both really excited for the upcoming season. Melissa is signed up for the Quest 300, and she is also planning on competing in the 2017 Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Jason will be running the Knik 200, Copper Basin 300 and most likely the Willow 300. They are also looking at having teams in a couple other races, so it will be a busy race season for them. Here at Howling Dog we have a special “soft spot” for Melissa and Jason, as the lineage of the majority of their dogs goes back to dogs bred in our Howling Dog Kennel.

Connect with Melissa through her Facebook page.

The harness of choice for Melissa’s and Jason’s dogs is our Tough Skin Harness ULTRA.

 

 

 

amanda2016AMANDA VOGEL (Minnesota, USA) – mid distance mushing

Amanda was introduced to the sport of mushing in 2003, and after a few years of learning the basics from a recreational dog sledding club, she began building a kennel that would allow her to race professionally. Today, Amanda is the owner and operator of Snomad Racing. She was awarded Rookie of the Year, earned a 4th place finish, and passed an Iditarod qualifying race. All while competing in her first nearly 400 mile, 2013 John Beargrease Marathon. Starting this year, Snomad racing will be offering sled dog rides during their fall training season in the comforts of a fully enclosed and heated 5 seat side by side! Amanda also travels for exhibitions and speaking engagements, works on TV, film, and modeling projects, and puts winter and mushing products to extreme tests for sponsors committed to making the toughest gear and equipment on the market. When Amanda is not training and racing, she is found volunteering for the Kabetogama Fire Department, raising pups, exploring woods and waters, and laughing with good friends.

If you would like to meet Amanda’s dogs or to learn more about the training of canine athletes, visit Snomad Racing website.

Amanda’s harness of choice is our Distance Harness.

 

kati2016raceKATI  & MARTIN DAGENAIS (Quebec, Canada) – sprint mushing

Dagenais Kennel is a premier sprint racing kennel. Martin got introduced to the sport of mushing in 1986 and Kati began racing in 2008. Kati’s first year of racing in was in the 4 dog class. In 2009 she entered the IFSS World Championship in the 6 dog class. Kati’s team won almost every race they entered from the beginning of her racing career. Kati & Martin traveled to Alaska where she won the Limited North American Championship in 6 dog class (her team broke the track record on relatively slow trail conditions). Kati also won the IFSS World Championship in North Pole, Alaska in 2013 in the 8 dog class. In 2015 Kati & Martin and their team traveled to Germany to compete in yet another IFSS World Championship. They returned home with a bronze medal! This season the plan is to race at the 2017 IFSS World Championship in the 8 and 6 dog class at Haliburton, Ontario. Good luck guys! Make Howling Dog proud!

Visit Dagenais Racingsleddogs Facebook page.

The harness of choice for Team Dagenais is our Light Weight Harness.

 

richpupRICH KISSELOFF (Illinois, USA) – skijoring, scootering & bikejoring

Rich is a seasoned athlete and has many victories under his belt. These include: Dryland Scooter 2 dog Class – North America 1st place, Dryland Bikejoring Men – North America 1st place, Skijoring Men 2 dog – North America 1st place and Dryland Scooter 2 dog class – World 1st place. Rich traveled to Europe to race on a couple of occasions (Germany & Norway). He will represent the US again this winter in skijor classes during the 2017 IFSS World Championship in Bristol, Canada.  Rich has a new addition to his team – a greyster Guinness, whom he imported from Norway.  Rich is planning on having a busy and big year for 2017 and he is looking forward to possibly representing the US again at the 2017 Dryland World Championship in Poland.

Within the last couple of years Rich has introduced many new people to the sport of mushing through Windy City Mushers.

The harness of choice for Rich’s canine athletes is our Second Skin Harness.

 

aliandjasper2016ALI WYLLIE (Scotland, UK) – canicross

We are happy to welcome the newest member of Team Howling Dog! Ali is the co-founder of Cani-Sports Edinburgh, Scotland’s first canicross club. She has developed the club and chaired it to where it is today, standing down as chair this year to focus on her own quests. She has directed a number of sell out canicross races and competed in canicross throughout Scotland for the past few years always securing a podium place with her rescue German Shorthair Pointer Zac. However, short canicross races are not her forte, she prefers hitting the trails, training for ultra-marathons with her Vizsla; Jasper who can easily run 40 miles with her – the perfect trail dog. Jasper and Zac are Ali’s Hairy Kidz and are her world. During the 2016/2017 season Ali is looking forwards to competing in the Cani-Sports Edinburgh canicross race at Foxlake, a race she set up and directed for the last few years, a course she designed and loves. She is excited to experience the race from the other side. She is also looking forward to a number of Cani-Sports Scotland and Cani-Fit races. The canicross scene in Scotland is buzzing.  Ali herself has a 38 mile hill race coming up – sadly this is dog-less. Ali is looking forwards to showcasing our Howling Dog Alaska equipment in the canicross and trail running communities on the other side of the pond. Welcome aboard, Ali!

Follow Zac’s and Jasper’s adventures on their Hairy Kidz Adventures Facebook page.

Ali’s harness of choice is our Second Skin Harness.

Meet the winners of our 2016 Photo Contest!

Hopefully, you all enjoyed participating/viewing/voting in our Photo Contest! The response was outstanding! Thank you all for submitting your photos! We will definitely do this again next year.

We received some truly nice pictures. And even if your photo did not place at the top of the contest, your dog still might be featured on our website or in our 2017 Howling Dog Alaska Calendar! Plus check your e-mail as all of you who submitted photos will be receiving a small token of our appreciation. 🙂

Here are the winners:

FirstPlace2016FIRST PLACE – A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!

Ghost

1003 accumulated stars

Photo submitted by Weslei Vicenca.

Ghost is modeling our Tough Skin Harness.

Buy Now

 

 

WelchterrierDistance1SECOND PLACE

Aska says: “Ready anytime you are!”

658 accumulated stars

Photo submitted by Ed Boon.

Aska is modeling our Distance Harness.

Buy Now

 

 

ThirdPlace2016THIRD PLACE

Where will your dog take you?

467 accumulated stars

Photo submitted by Kandise Wilson.

Pictured are our Flash Harnesses.

Buy Now

 

 

FourthPlace2016RUNNER UP

Chalo, an Africanis born in Malawi, has learned to love the snow in his HDA harness.

389 accumulated stars

Photo submitted by Jaime Chambers.

Chalo is modeling our Distance Harness. Buy Now

Team HOWLING DOG 2015 – 2016 season

Jeff2014JEFF KING  (Alaska) – long distance

We are honored to have been working with Jeff, the KING, for many years now.  Jeff, a four time Iditarod Sled Dog Race Champion, is not only a world class musher, but what matters the most is that he ALWAYS puts the safety of his dogs first. Jeff is also known for his creativity and willingness to experiment. He has started many trends in mushing – beginning with the use of short harnesses and running without necklines to redesigning the long distance dog sled and much more. Howling Dog is very proud of the long relationship we have had with Jeff. Follow and cheer for Jeff during the 2016 Iditarod Sled Dog race! Visit his kennel located just outside of Denali National Park in the summer.

Visit Jeff’s web site: Husky Homestead

Jeff’s harness of choice is our Hybrid Light Weight Harness.

 

 

Aliy&Allen2015ALLEN MOORE & ALIY ZIRKLE (Alaska) – long distance

Allen and Aliy are an accomplished husband and wife team. Allen, a Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race champion and Aliy, an Iditarod Sled Dog Race runner up, have a huge fan following. It has to do not only with their performance but also with their approach to mushing – including exceptional dog care. Aliy and Allen own a relatively small kennel in Two Rivers (Alaska) and pretty much every dog gets to race. Having such high race success with a small kennel is a big accomplishment. We are very proud to have Allen and Aliy representing Howling Dog!

Follow and cheer for Allen and his Black Team during his adventures in the 2016 Yukon Quest and follow and root for Aliy and her Red Team during her running the 2016 Iditarod: The SP Kennel Dog Log

Our Distance Harness has been the harness of choice for Allen and Aliy for many years now.

 

 

Heidi2015HEIDI SUTTER (Alaska) – long distance

Heidi, a lively and fun girl from Chistochina, Alaska, joined Team Howling Dog last season and immediately made us proud by finishing her first ever Iditarod Sled Dog Race! Heidi is a special education teacher and if she is not busy with her dogs, she is devoting her life to children. Heidi specializes in working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders as well as emotional disturbance. Even though Heidi’s work load won’t allow her to take the time off to run any of the big long distance races this winter, she will be entering a couple of middle distance races, including the Copper Basin 300. Look for Heidi’s name in race results and cheer for the canine athletes from her KMA Kennel.

Do you need a nice coffee mug? How about a new hoodie? View KMA Kennel Merchandise.

Heidi’s harness of choice is our Light Weight Harness.

 

 

Melissa&JasonMELISSA & JASON STEWART (Alaska) – long distance

Melissa & her husband Jason are new to Team Howling Dog, although we have known Melissa since she was a junior musher. A few years ago she moved her Owl Creek Kennel from Nome, Alaska to Knik, Alaska. The majority of the dogs in the kennel were bred and raised by Melissa herself. We are very proud of the fact that the foundation of Melissa’s breeding program is based on several key dogs she purchased from our Howling Dog Kennel. There are about 50 dogs in Owl Creek Kennel including pups and three retired dogs. Melissa is signed up to run the 2016 Iditarod Sled Dog Race and prior to that both Melissa and Jason are planning on entering a couple of mid-distance races. Their overall goal for this winter is to get a happy and healthy team to Nome in the Iditarod. We are wishing you the best of luck, guys! 🙂

Follow Melissa and Jason on their Owl Creek Kennel Facebook page.

Melissa’s and Jason’s harness of choice is our Tough Skin Harness ULTRA.

 

 

Amanda VogelAMANDA VOGEL (Minnesota) – middle distance

Amanda is the owner and operator of Snomad Racing and she is one of the top competitors in mid-distance racing in the Lower 48. Her ultimate goal every year is to compete in the 400 mile long John Beargrease Marathon. Besides sled dog racing Amanda has built a successful career modeling for Duluth Trading Company. She also travels for exhibitions and speaking engagements and works on TV and film projects. Amanda loves to raise puppies and she is always up for fun with friends.

Follow Amanda’s advenures on Snomad Racing Facebook page.

Amanda has been using both our Light Weight Harness and our Distance Harness.

 

 

 

KatiTodmoos2015KATI & MARTIN DAGENAIS (Quebec) – sprint

Kati and Martin are the owners of one of the fastest sprint dog kennels in North America. Their breeding program is based mainly on top dogs they imported from Europe. Kati & Martin specialize in racing the 8-dog and 6-dog class. Last winter they traveled to compete in the 2015 IFSS World Championship in Todmoos, Germany. Their plans for this winter include racing in Quebec (Canada), driving to the midwest to race in Kalkaska and possibly even traveling to Europe again, to Scandinavia, to race in the European Championship.

Visit Dagenais Racing Sled Dogs Facebook page.

The harness of choice for Kati and Martin’s top canine athletes is our Light Weight Harness.

 

RichWC2015

RICH KISSELOFF (Illinois) – skijoring & bikejoring

Rich is an exceptional athlete, a successful skijorer and a dryland racer.  The highlight of his racing career was representing the United States in the IFSS World Championship in Germany last winter. This fall he is getting ready to represent our country again, this time in the Dryland IFSS World Championship in Bristol, Canada. After that he will be competing with his dogs Ovi and Pasha in several skijoring races throughout the midwest. Rich is the founder of Windy City Mushers, a sled dog club based out of Chicago.

Visit Windy City Mushers Facebook page.

Rich uses our Second Skin Harnesses on his shorthaired canine racers.

 

 

DallasWC2015DALLAS JOHNSON (Minnesota) – skijoring

Dallas is an accomplished cross country skier. He got involved in competitive skijoring a few years ago after he introduced an Eurohound pup to his home. Comet, a female bred in Howling Dog Kennel, turned out to be a perfect match for Dallas. They both are very fast, athletic and driven. Dallas has a couple of successful mid-western skijoring seasons under his belt, including a few victories. He and Comet also competed in the IFSS World Championship in Germany last winter (representing the United States). Dallas has been doing an outstanding job promoting skijoring in the Twin Cities area. Besides his passion for skiing and skijoring, Dallas is also an avid sailor.

Become a fan of Dallas and Comet and follow their success on Comet’s Facebook page.

Dallas uses our Second Skin Harnesses on Comet.

 

It’s summer time! How to keep your dog cool.

DogBall

How to keep your dog cool:

•Never leave your dog alone in the car – a car can reach up to 120-140 degrees in the sun in a very short time.
•Always carry an extra bottle of water for your dog, whether you are on a walk or taking a short trip in the car.
•Do not exercise your dog during the heat of the day – try for early morning or evening.
•If you are enjoying an outdoor summer day at the beach or barbeque, always provide shade for your dog.
•Be extra careful with older, ill and overweight animals in hot weather as they are very sensitive to heat.
•Certain breeds, termed brachycephalic (short-headed), are at greater risk for heat-related illness. Brachycephalic breeds include French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs, among others. These breeds should be exercised with extreme caution. A simple walk around the block may cause their temperature to rise to dangerous or even life-threatening levels. Keep them in cool, air-conditioned areas on hot days.
•Do not give your dog a short cut, fur acts as an insulation. Don’t shave your dog as this can increase the risk of sunburn.
•Be aware and very careful of hot pavement; it can burn your dog’s paw pads.
•Bring a handheld fan with you to direct toward your dog if your dog seems to be getting hot.

 

What to do if your dog becomes overheated:

If your dog does become overheated, spray your dog down with room temperature or cool water, but never ice water. Ice-cold water causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin, and heat can’t escape the body, which makes heat exhaustion symptoms worse. Alternatively, you can wrap the feet of your dog in wet towels to help bring your dog’s temperature down. Once your dog stops panting, be careful not to overcool, as this can be equally dangerous to your vulnerable dog.

Also, be sure not to give sports drinks to dogs, which can actually harm animals and make dogs sick.

Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and dark red gums are all signs of heat-related distress. If your dog is panting uncontrollably or collapses, take him to your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

With a little planning, you can make the most of your summer days and keep your dog safe from the heat all season long.