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Sled Dog Necessities
Services
Activities with Your Dog
Dog Health
Behavior and Training
Rescue Links

Sled Dog Necessities

Regardless of where you obtain your Nordic breed dog, there are certain “necessities” you should have before bringing your new companion home.

Required:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. A dog bed or mat of some sort that will be the dog’s sleeping place in the house.
  8. 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.
  9. Separate food and water dishes that can be disinfected. Stainless steel works best.
  10. Heartworm preventative and flea preventative.

Example of a Magnum welded steel kennel available from Concord FeedExample of a Magnum welded steel kennel available from Concord Feed

Suggested Items:

  1. Pooper scooper and receptacle for the poop until garbage day.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Many sled dogs enjoy the water. Try one of those inexpensive plastic wading pools.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Know the location of the local animal shelters and whom 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Magnum Welded Steel Kennels

Specialized Equipment:

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Services

Bay Area Locations for Dog Training Classes:

Other Training Services:

  • Naughty Dog Training – Bobbi Durston, CTC, CPDT
    Contact: 925-825-8151
  • Director – Behavior and Training, Benicia – Vallejo Humane Society
    Location: East Bay – Primarily Walnut Creek, Concord, Benicia, Vallejo
  • Canine Intelligence – Miki Merin, CTC
    Location: Most areas in SF/Bay Area
    Contact: 510-847-0636
  • Kim Moeller, CTC
    Location: San Francisco (may meet with you and your dog in San Francisco if you do not live there)
    Contact: http://www.moellerdog.com

Pet Insurance

Einhorn Insurance helps owners of all dog breeds get home, renter, condo or liability insurance.
You will not be discriminated against just because one of your kids is a Husky, Akita, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman, Rottweiler, Shepherd, Chow, etc. Contact Einhorn Insurance at agent@einhorninsurance.com or http://www.einhorninsurance.com.

PLEASE mention Norsled Rescue and for every policy purchased, Einhorn Insurance will make a $20 donation to help save these wonderful breeds.

Alleviate the financial stress associated with your pet’s unexpected medical expenses and generate funds for our rescue group at the same time! Simply apply for a ShelterCare Pet Insurance Program by using the ShelterCare link above.

Here’s how it works: ShelterCare Pet Insurance Programs cover you when your pet needs essential veterinary care from an illness or injury. Also, every time a completed application for a ShelterCare program is generated through our group’s website, we automatically receive a $25 donation to help cover our costs. This donation is of no cost to you and provides us with essential funds. Make the right move and enroll today!

Dog Travel Services and Information