NorSled
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
Resources
Breed Information
To learn more about Nordic Breed dogs, click on Breed Information.
Contact Us
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue
PO Box 5784
Vallejo CA 94591
Phone: 800-471-5822
What's New!!
Donations Needed
Northern CA Sled Dog Rescue (NORSLED) is a 501(c)(3) non profit all volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused Northern breed dogs, including Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimos and mixes of same. We work throughout Northern California and parts of Nevada. We often provide extensive medical care as well. Donations to NorSled are tax deductible. Please click the PayPal icon to support NorSled.
Sled Dog Necessities
Regardless of where you obtain your Nordic breed dog, be
it from rescue, a breeder, or a local shelter, there
are certain "necessities" you will need to have
before bringing your new companion home. We have learned that some
common sense preparations can make all the difference.
Required
- Securely fenced yard. Fence minimum height six feet, with cinder blocks or cement run along fence line to prevent digging out. Gates must be able to be padlocked. There must be shade and shelter available at all times of the day if the dog is outside.
- OR a covered kennel; we recommend the Magnum welded steel kennels available from Concord Feed. The kennel must be set on a concrete or patio block pad to prevent digging out. It must be situated so that there is available shade and shelter within the kennel at all times.
- A dog house within either the fenced yard or kennel area. Every dog deserves a safe sheltered place while it is outside. The DogLoo are nice because they are easy to keep clean. Electronic fences or hotwires may also be useful.
- A water bowl or bucket within the fenced yard or kennel. It should hold a minimum of 3 gallons of water which should be changed daily and the bucket disinfected weekly.
- A name tag that identifies the dog with your name, address and phone number and preferably an alternate phone number. This should be kept on the dog in addition to its NorSled ID tag and its local license tag.
- A strong, sturdy leash for walking your dog. Leather is easiest on the hands and will outlast most nylon leashes. Flexis are not recommended. Gentle Leaders, Haltis, or other no pull devices may be useful.
- A dog bed or mat of some sort that will be the dog's sleeping place in the house.
- A safe restraint system for your dog while it is riding in the car. NorSled Volunteers can give suggestions. No dog should ride unrestrained in the back of any open vehicle.
- Separate food and water dishes that can be disinfected. Stainless steel works best.
- Heartworm preventative and Flea preventative.
Example of a Magnum welded steel kennel available from Concord Feed.
Suggested Items
- Pooper scooper and receptacle for the poop until Garbage Day.
- Shedding rake and dog brush and one of those steel combs. Nail clippers and styptic powder unless you plan to take your dog to the groomer or veterinarian for nail trims. Those tick removing tools are inexpensive and work well.
- A crate for your dog - it can serve as its den in the house. It also becomes useful when traveling or to keep the dog secure in the house if doors need to be open for some reason.
- Suitable items for the dog to play with - toys, marrow bones, etc. We do not recommend tennis balls or the rawhides with knots on the ends as they can easily become lodged in a dog's throat.
- Many sled dogs enjoy the water. Try one of those inexpensive plastic wading pools.
- A sand or dirt box for your sled dog to dig in. The need to dig and tunnel is inherent in these dogs; give them a place to dig and spare your yard!
Just Plain Common Sense
- Establish a relationship with a local Veterinarian NOW, before there's an emergency. Ask NorSled volunteers or your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Know the vet's phone number, hours, location and payment options ahead of time. Have a back up just in case.
- Introduce your new dog to the neighbors so they know who he is. Let your neighbors know that you will work with them to ensure that your dog is never a nuisance. Understand and follow all the animal control ordinances in your City and County.
- Know the location of the local Animal Shelters and who to contact in case your dog is missing. Always have a couple copies of a recent picture of your dog available to leave at the shelter and to use for lost dog fliers. If your NorSled dog ever is missing, contact NorSled immediately.
- Have a contingency plan so that there is someone who will know to take care of your dog if you can't due to illness, injury, or emergency. Keep in your wallet along with your Driver's License a card stating that you have a pet and to contact that person if you are unable to do so.
- Keep your dog's tags up to date if you move or change phone numbers; check that the tags are securely attached to the dog's collar and haven't fallen off. Notify NorSled of your new address and/or phone number if you move so that we can keep our records updated.
- Keep your dog licensed and its vaccinations up to date. This will make things much easier if your dog should get out and picked up by Animal Control.
Kennel Resources
Concord Feed - 925 825-9530
They stock Magnum Kennels - these welded steel kennels are found in the back yards of more NorSled members than any other kennel, and for a good reason - they are great. When properly situated on a concrete pad, these kennels will thwart even the most determined escapist sled dog.
Specialized Equipment
Nordkyn Sled Dog Outfitters - wide variety of equipment made specially for sled dogs.
Black Ice Dog Sledding Supplies - everything you can think of, carts, equipment, books, etc.
Canine Auto Restraint Systems - Dog Seat belts