My siberian husky is 3months old, My question is what age could i start working him and for what length of time my other is a bitch and showing signs of loving working with the scooter. At present we are just starting and not really clued in this working husky world they are both pet dogs and do go for walks like many dogs so also how many times a week should they work i dont want to over do it.  Please help me with some advice.

Sure that 3 months is far to soon, as you are interested in sled work why not join the club. Don't know the web site but I am sure that whoever you bought your pups from would be able to advice your on both the training of the young dog for pulling and when it is correct to allow the dog to work, they should also know the club contact details and may be able to put your name forward.

this may help the international club and this one is the UK one

Hi guest,

We generally start a new pup off at about 6 months, depending on the temperature obviously. We start by taking the older dogs for a 4 or 5 mile run, then adding the pup to the team for about the last quarter mile. The older dogs are tired by then and so the pup doesn't get too scared. Gradually increase the distance until they are doing 3 or 4 miles by a year old. We would probably go out twice a week maximum at first. Please join either of the UK breed clubs, you'll find a lot of help and advice there, and be able to enter some rallies once your pup is a year old!

The breed club's in the UK are
http://www.siberianhuskyclub.com and
http://www.scottishshc.org.uk

Both hold teach ins for people new to working their sibes. Details of which will be found on the websites nearer the time.

For anyone starting out then it is best to train with your breeder or someone else in your area. Come along to rallies and talk to people and learn.
3 months is too young. It varies at what age people start training. Some will give their pups a very short run (only a few hundred yards) at around 6 months just to give them a taster of being in harness and then start training them at 9 to 12 months. Build the distance up slowly so as not to overdo it with a young enthusiastic pup.

Just edit and put the http:// bits in and those links should work ;)

Thanks Melodysk, was just reading the FAQ. It always takes me a few attempts

We started ours of around 9 months, tho some do from 6 months.

AMWA (malamute association) are having a fun weekend at end of august. Huskies and mals often compete at the same rallies. During which there will be talks on rigs, training etc and a good opportunity to talk to fellow mushers before the season starts. This may be worth a visit to chat to people.

The SHCGB are also having a fun weekend at the end of September in aid of husky welfare.  This is full with loads of mad-packed events alongside informational lectures and discussions. THis is being held at Colwyn Bay with the AMWA event on Salisbury Plains.

Both events are a good opportunity to talk to and learn from people. We did this last year when we were first starting out with our huskies and found it really useful.  We will be there again this year with our pack of three.

hope this helps

liz

Our malamute bitch is 11 months old, and though we are going to work her - I'm not starting anything until she's at least a year old (this includes taking her out on a springer) I want to take it very slowly, I may enter in a couple of recreational runs towards the end of next season when she's 18 months but nothing sooner than that - maybe I'm being overly cautious but still :) I'm having her measured up for a harness next month.

We're going to the AMWA weekend at Salisbury - it will be great fun and very informative :D