California Urban Mushing Clinic

Our 4th annual "Urban Mushing Clinic" was once again a great success.
Each day, a decent size group went out on the trails for a quick run while the temperatures were still cool enough for the dogs.
Turn-out was excellent on both days, even though the weather didn't make anyone feel like wanting to go mushing, but it's southern California after all.

Carmen Rasmussen of Alpine Outfitters shared her knowledge and experience both days, and we can't thank her enough for making the trip down the coast to do so.
This year, the clinic was divided into one day for newcomers to the sport and one day for the intermediate musher.
Topics that were covered ranged from the very basics like harnessing, basic commands as well as health and safety, to dog physiology, nutrition and race preparation.

As always, a lot of information to digest and hopefully convert into either better exercise with your dog or a better performing team of dogs (and driver).

Siberian Husky Missing in Springfield Oregon

Nikkia went missing on 3/09/2010 and we are missing her very much if you
have seen her or have her please e-mail dreameater1990@yahoo.com
or call/text Taylor 541-514-5947....she is 3 months old,brown eyes,silver/gray on her back,white on her belly,black on the top of her head and ears, and she has black on her private area. That might have sounded weird but that is the only special marking she has. She went missing in Springfield, OR. Rambling and Lawnridge in the Mohawk area. There is a reward for whoever brings her back. No questions asked.

4th annual southern California Urban Mushing Clinic

I know this is short notice but we will be holding our 2010 Urban Mushing Clinic next weekend (yup, in 10 days) at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa. Schedules have been hard to work out but it just so happens that Carmen Rasmussen from Alpine Outfitters, who has been facilitating our clinics for the past 3 years, will be able to fly down here and spend time with us on March 27 and March 28.



The clinic will be a different format than previous ones. It will be more informal but will be more hands-on and I think, more effective.

The clinic will be split up into 2 different sessions which will cater to different levels: Saturday will be for newbies (those who have NO or little experience with dog scootering/bikejoring) while Sunday's session will be for those who are at the intermediate level.

The newbie session will cover the basics, including what equipment and gear to use, proper harness fit, how to teach your dog the basic commands (GEE, HAW, LINE OUT, EASY, WHOA), ground work training, trail etiquette, and attitude. The intermediate session will cover a little bit of what is in the newbie session but will focus more on advanced commands such as GEE OVER, HAW OVER, ON BY passing, teaching your dog to avoid distractions, speeding up on command, etc.



Both sessions will be held from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and will be limited to probably 20 participants per session, as this will be a more "hands-on" type of clinic. Carmen will be the main facilitator but others will be on hand to help her out.

Registration fee will be $20 per session (plus $5 per family member). The registration forms will be available for download on the urbanmushing website shortly.

Husky Camp Siberian Rescue featured on "Animal Rescue"

Our friends at Husky Camp Siberian Rescue in Wrightwood CA were recently featured on an episode of "Animal Rescue".
If you're interested in a Siberian Husky, please think about rescuing, and remember to research the breed before committing to a Husky (or any other dog). Yes, they're sooo pretty and sweet and fluffy (not to mention those blue eyes...), but there's a flipside to that coin: they need exercise and lots of it. See for yourself: