Animal Welfare at Husky Ranch Lapland

Our Commitment to Dog Welfare

When we decided to turn our passion for dogs into our profession, we made a commitment to do it responsibly, always putting our dogs' welfare first.

For us, this starts with keeping our group sizes small in all our activities. Smaller groups create a calm, safe, and relaxed environment for both our guests and our dogs. It allows us to work without rushing and helps minimize stress. Although our dogs are energetic and highly driven, they are also very sensitive. They constantly read people's emotions and respond to the atmosphere around them.

Whether on a tour or in our everyday kennel life, we strive for a holistic approach where our dogs, our guests, and we ourselves all feel safe, relaxed, and ultimately happy.

A Life True to Their Nature

The foundation of our dogs' welfare is simple: they get to live the life they were bred for.

They love to run. They are pack animals that thrive on living together, working as a team, and enjoying daily opportunities to sniff, play, and interact with one another.

We keep our dogs active throughout the year. Running is what they love, and it is important that they have the opportunity to do so in every season.

Year-Round Exercise and Recovery

The intensity of our dogs' exercise naturally changes with the weather. During the warmer summer months, the pace is much more relaxed. The dogs spend time running together in the exercise yard, exploring their surroundings, and cooling off with a swim in the pool.

We also use a walking wheel as a complement to their training, for warm-ups, recovery sessions, and maintaining fitness. Just as important as exercise is recovery, and we always aim for the right balance between training, work, and rest.

Learning and Improving Every Year

We believe there is always room to learn and improve. Rather than relying on old habits, we continuously look for new ways to develop ourselves and improve the way we care for and work with our dogs.

Every year we attend a sled dog symposium where mushers, veterinarians, researchers, and other professionals gather to share the latest knowledge and exchange experiences. Topics include nutrition, training, muscle health, equipment, veterinary care, and welfare. The symposium alternates each year between Kiruna in Sweden and Rovaniemi in Finland.

Working Together with the Sled Dog Community

We are part of a close sled dog community across Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Maintaining strong relationships with other kennels allows us to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and continuously improve our practices.

This collaboration is invaluable to us and helps ensure that we can provide the best possible care for our dogs.

Health Care and Individual Attention

Alongside regular veterinary care and dental check-ups, our dogs receive additional treatments when needed, particularly during the working season, to support their muscles and joints.

Depending on the individual dog, this may include massage, laser therapy, or chiropractic treatment as part of their overall wellbeing.

Life After Retirement

One of the questions we are asked most often is what happens to our senior or retired dogs.

The answer is: not very much—and that's exactly how we want it.

They stay with us for the rest of their lives. We have a dedicated retirement kennel where they enjoy a little extra space and a quieter daily routine. They still spend time in the running yard every day, sniffing around, enjoying the fresh air, and socialising with the other dogs. We also take them on gentle walks in the forest whenever they feel like it.

Otherwise, they spend most of their time resting and simply enjoying retirement.

Our Promise to Our Dogs

So far, we have never had a senior dog for whom rehoming would have been the better option. Moving to a new home can be stressful for an older dog, and we believe it is kinder for them to remain in the familiar environment, with the people and dogs they have known throughout their lives.

For us, caring for our dogs is a lifelong commitment. They are not only our working partners but also members of our family, and we are proud to give them a safe, active, and happy life from puppyhood through retirement.