Mentor
List: Canada
(back to Country Index)
I sincerely thank everyone who has signed up as a mentor.
Your generosity lives up to the best of what our mushing community has to offer. /Judy
Bergemann
Beginner's Page | Recommended Reading | Hands-On
Learning
 Junior Mentors
Junior mentors are special young people who have offered to work
with beginning junior mushers.
Their mentor listings are identified with the brown puppy.
Thanks Junior Mentors!
Name: Katharine Balbar
Hometown: Claresholm, AB
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation and general
E-mail address: kbalbar@telus.net
Phone: (403) 625-3379
Experience: I have worked 4, 6, and 8 dog Alaskan Husky sprint teams for
a number of years, but prefer to work urban/backcountry recreational teams of 1 to 6 dogs.
The urban expertise I have, comes from training assistance dogs and training sled/dry land
teams in the urban settings (in the midst of traffic safely) as slow moving vehicles.
Total number of training years-20yrs. Safety first. Dogs/Drivers must become fully
habituated to the urban environment and to become very methodical/controlled within their
directives. All breeds of dogs and wolf Hybrids.
Name: Bob Fawcett
Hometown: Canmore, AB
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: recreation and general
E-mail address: bobkath@telusplanet.net
Experience: I have 5 years experience as Operations Manager of a Touring
company and managing a 200+ alaskan husky sled dog kennel.
Name: Michael Higgins
Hometown: Cold Lake, AB
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation and general
E-mail address: walksfar@telusplanet.net
Phone: 780-812-5103
Experience: I have been owned by a kennel of Canadian Huskies for about 10
years. My wife, children and I operate our kennel as touring company which provides
educational, adventure travel and college practicum experiences with our kennel.
Name: Karen Ramstead
Hometown: Perryvale, AB
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance and general
E-mail address: northwapiti@xplornet.com
Phone: (780) 698 0006
Experience: I have 13 years experience running Siberian Huskies.
We currently have a kennel of over 50 Siberians that race and compete in the show ring. We
have completed races such as Knik 200, Klondike 300, Grand Portage 300, Mid-Minnesota,
Race to the Sky, and Iditarod.
Name: Dr. Terry Quesnel
Hometown: Hythe, AB
Will mentor by: e-mail and phone
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: tquesnel@telus.net
Phone: 780-356-2717
Experience: I am a veterinarian who has been raising and racing sleddogs for 33
years. Primarily we have sprint raced but have put on many races and raised many dogs.
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Name: Erin English
Hometown: Fort Nelson, BC
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation, skijoring, sprint and general
E-mail: onbye@yahoo.ca
Phone: 250-233-8764
Experience: I have been involved in dog sledding for 16 years, including many
years in competitive sprint racing. My experience involves Alaskan Huskies and just
about every other purebred and mixed breed combo out there. I currently enjoy skijoring
with my purebred Labs. I've helped several people get started in the sport on a
recreation or sprint racing level and would love to chat with anyone interested in
dog-powered sports.
Name: Al Magaw
Hometown: Salmo, BC
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: almagaw@hotmail.com
Phone: 250-357-9390
Experience: I have been mushing for over 25 years with Alaskan Huskies. I
now hold the record for the most number of podium finishes in the B.C. Championships and
am the 2003 B.C. six dog Champion. I also won the 2003 silver medal in the four dog class.
I represented Canada in the 2001 World Championships.
Name: Laurie Niedermayer
Hometown: Bridge Lake, BC
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: sibes@telus.net
Phone: 250-593-4008
Experience: I have over 10 years mushing experience (Siberians) and 25
years dog training experience with many different breeds. Currently I own & operate a
touring company (65 Siberians). My interests cover everything from kennel management,
education & training to rescue. We are aiming to run the Yukon Quest in 2007. I don't
profess to know it all, but will willingly share what I do know with those who are
interested. I will welcome any input from seasoned mushers as well as those interested in
learning about the sport. Sharing information & promoting the best animal care &
husbandry should be our number one priority.
Name: Travis Rinas
Hometown: Hosmer,
Will mentor by: e-mail and phone
Will mentor in: recreation and general
E-mail address: adventuresource@fernie.com
Phone: (250) 423-9265
Experience: I have been sledding for 6 years and have been running my own tour
company for 4 years. We primarily focus on teaching people to drive their own small teams
of huskies on scooters or our unique light sleds. We also train owners and their dogs to
pull on sleds and scooters.
Name: Roger Smith
Hometown: Parson, BC
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: distance, recreation and general
E-mail address: windigo@rockies.net
Experience: I have 6 years experience working with sled dogs. I began with two Alaskan
Malamutes. I now have one malamute and 15 Alaskan Huskies. I run a tour
business with the dogs and will be fielding a mid-distance race team this winter as well.
My areas of interest are all-encompassing from kennel management to nutrition and
training. I'm still learning and still have my own mentors but would be happy to pass
along what I know.
Name: Sara Streeper
Hometown: Fort Nelson, BC
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: sprint
E-mail address: sarastreeper@hotmail.com
Experience: I have been racing and training dogs for over 16 years
primarily in open class sprint.
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Name: Henry Shouse
Hometown: Goose Bay, Labrador
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: recreation and general
E-mail address: hankshouse@nf.sympatico.ca
Experience: US Army dog driver from WW2. Handled from Samoyeds to
Malamutes. Driven from three to 29 dog team.
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Name: Jess Allen
Hometown: Minnedosa, Manitoba
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation and general
E-mail address: jess_z0@hotmail.com
Phone: 204-865-2441
Experience: Work with Alaskan Huskies, I have 4 years experience in the
sport. Concentrate on mid distance racing, 60-200 mile continuous format races. Willing to
offer advice or assistance in any way I can to new mushers.
Name: Claes Aschberg
Hometown: Morden, MB
Will mentor by: e-mail and phone
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: eagleeye87@hotmail.com
Phone: 204-822-9336
Experience: I've worked full time for the last 15 years but still managed to put
out good teams in all classes. How did I do it and why did I do it...well I can tell
you and help you... Learn from one of the best...who has learned from the best!
Name: Anthony Donkersloot
Hometown: Steinbach, MB
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: sprint and general
E-mail address: donkersl@mts.net
Phone: 204-326-3035
Experience: I have made many good friends in the sport who have been
mentors to me. After 20 years in the sport I feel I may be able to help others or help
them contact someone who can help them if I can't. My son and I race 4, 6, 8, 10 and open
classes and have 30+ adults and usually have a couple of litters of pups each year, all Alaskan
Huskies.
Name: David Hochman
Hometown: Carlowrie, MB
Will mentor by: phone and in person
Will mentor in: sprint and general
Phone: 204-427-2164
Experience: One of my goals is not only to be the best of the best in
this sport but to be able to make a difference by leaving an "impression"
behind. I want this sport to exist long after I'm done. I am more than willing to share my
passion for the sport with anyone who is willing to listen to 25 years worth of dog
mushing stories.
Name: Shelley
& Rob Ramsay
Hometown: Haywood, MB
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation, skijoring, sprint and general
E-mail address: rsramsay@mts.net
Phone: (204) 379-2580
Experience: We have 9 years experience skijoring competitively and 6 years
running 4 & 6 dog sprint. We do not breed.
Suggestions: I think any question is a good one and the more answers
you can come up with is great. An experienced mentor can potentially save a beginner
musher $1000's of dollars and years of mistakes. You're going to learn from mistakes, of
course, but it's better to avoid some of them, especially the ones which might compromise
the safety of your team or even yourself.
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Name: Gary
Lafferty
Hometown: Ft. Resolution, NT
Will mentor by: phone
Will mentor in: distance, recreation and general
Phone: 867-394-4235
Experience: I have 29 years experience training racing dogs. I have trained with
some of the top elite mushers in Canada.
Name: David White
Hometown: Yellowknife, NT
Will mentor by: email and phone
Will mentor in: distance and recreation
E-mail address: daverw@hotmail.com
Phone: 867-873-6972
Experience: Breeding, raising and running Canadian Eskimo Dogs in high
arctic environment (Nunavut, Canada). I have run dogs for 12 years, 7 with the pure
Canadian Eskimo Dogs.
Name: Jim Cunningham
Hometown: Grafton, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail and in person
Will mentor in: sprint and general
E-mail address: cedarpaw@eagle.ca
Experience: I have 5 years sprint racing and 5 years mid-distance racing
experience with Siberian Huskies. Currently racing Anadyr to Zero/Igloo crosses and
winning purebred class in mid-distance (30-60 mile) open races.
Name: Ray Erker
Hometown: Bonfeild, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: rayerker2@yahoo.ca
Phone: 1-705-776-7020
Experience: I have been in huskies for the last 15 years, Alaskans
for the last 2. Have had many people help me over the years and feel its time to give back
to new comers.
Name: Susan Evenden
Hometown: Keewatin, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: Recreation
E-mail address: evenden@kmts.ca
Phone: 807-467-1697
Experience: Recreational sledding only. I've trained my 4 dogs entirely from
scratch with no other help than SDC and books recommended by SDC members. I have
experience in instruction of a variety of sports. I want to help people develop a love for
winter and find a new way to interact with their dog.
Name: Peter & Judy French
Hometown: Springfield, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: sprint and general
E-mail address: peterfrench@hotmail.com
Phone: (519) 765-4290 / Fax: (519) 457-2389
Experience: Sergei Siberians - Judy & I have 30+ years sprint racing
purebred Siberians in all available classes.
Name: Reannon Marcelissen
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: recreation
E-mail address: rmarcelissen@yahoo.ca
Experience: I am a young adult with a passion for sled dogs and I
have been training and working with sled dogs since I was 10. I have experience with most
sledding breeds and with all forms of dog sports. Including: sledding, scootering,
bikejouring, pulk and skijouring. I also have numerous years of hands on experience in
kennel management, as well as graduate training in Animal Nutrition. Web site: Oonirgluk Working Samoyeds
Name: Bob & Anne Melrose
Hometown: Lunenburg, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail and in person
Will mentor in: recreation
E-mail address: snowrnr@gmail.com
Experience: We have been running a carting/sledding class for the past 12 years
in Eastern Ontario. We are recreational mushers with a kennel of 10 Siberian Huskies,
but have worked with a number of breeds over the years. Check out http://welcome.to/snowstorm
Name: Calvin Mochulla
Hometown: Vars, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation
E-mail address: Mahiikan@aol.com
Phone: 613-822-8887
Experience: I have over 15 years experience working for sledding outfitters in
and around Algonquin Park. My dog of choice is Canadian Eskimo and have a
registered breeding kennel. Also have experience with Siberian and Alaskan
Mals.
Name: Douglas Murray
Hometown: Collingwood, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: dougmurray@georgian.net
Phone: 705-445-5433
Experience: I have 10 years experience in sprint racing, primarily with 4 dog
classes with Siberian Huskies. I have also trained my teams to take commands so
they are a joy to run recreationally. Additionally, I am an authorized Race Marshal with
the Siberian Husky Club of Canada.
Name: Duane Ramsay
Hometown: Inverary, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: distance and general
E-mail address: DuaneRamsay@webtv.net
Experience: I have had 21 years of sled dogs; started with Sibes then
switched to Alaskans after 12 years. Sprint raced the first 10 years then mid/long
distance the last 11 years. Have run in over 150 races total in 21 years; usually the
middle of the pack. Love mid distance; long distance has been 150- 400 mile races but I
don't feel really that well qualified for long distance. I am 63 years young and hope to
do this for another 21 years.
Name: Paul Reid
Hometown: South River, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation and general
E-mail address: chocpaw@on.aibn.com
Phone: 705-386-0344
Experience: 29 years experience working sled dogs. First Siberians,
now Alaskans. Own & operate expedition kennel of 275+ dogs. Also put out mid
distance & distance race team. Always interested in talking dogs.
Name: Sharren Reil
Hometown: Moosonee, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: distance and general
E-mail address: s.reil@onlink.net
Experience: Handled for Rick Swenson-ran a team outside of Dawson City, Yukon for
many years.
Name: Renata
Sauder
Hometown: Elmira, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: shygirl_16@hotmail.com
Phone: 519-496-1794
Experience: I have 5 years of sledding experience primarily with Siberian
Huskies. I do sprint races. I also do dog training for all breeds which includes
solving behavioral issues.
Name: Greg Smith
Hometown: Dundalk, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: recreation, sprint and general
E-mail address: sibetzu01@sympatico.ca
Phone: 519-925-1972
Experience: Have been involved with Siberian Huskies for 16 years and have
been racing Alaskan Huskies for 4 years. Mostly in sprint races but have run mid
distance as well. Currently running in the 6 ,8 and 10 dog classes.
I am willing to help train new mushers, answering questions and showing one on one.
Name: Brent Whetung
Hometown: Stoney Lake, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail and phone
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, spriint and general
E-mail address: warpony@sympatico.ca
Experience: I have 8 years experience racing sprints and mid-distance. Our kennel
is made up of Siberian Huskies (Seppla, Anadyr, Snowmist and Zero).
Junior Mentor
Name: Sara Whetung
Hometown: Lakefield, ON
Will mentor by: e-mail and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, spriint and general
E-mail address: warpony16@hotmail.com
Experience: I am a Junior Musher and would like to correspond with other Junior
Mushers. My family has had sleddogs since 1953. I have been racing for 5 years. We have Siberians
and Eurohounds in our kennel.
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Name: Don & Jacki Dobrowolski
Hometown: Regina, SK
Will mentor by: e-mail and in person
Will mentor in: distance and general
E-mail address: ddob@dlcwest.com
Experience: We have been sledding for 6 years, racing for 2. Our happy
home has 14 Alaskans 2 Sibes, 2 Collies, 2 Shelties. We are learning more
every day--the dogs are very good teachers. We are more than happy to help anyone learn
about the wonderful sport of sledding and the incredible dogs.
Name: Marty Duval
Hometown: Moose Jaw, SK
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation, skijoring, sprint and general
E-mail address: mcduval@sasktel.net
Phone: 306-691-0927
Experience: I have 14 years experience with Alaskan
Huskies in sprint to mid distance racing. I recently started bikejoring and skijoring.
Because we had to relocate we went from 60 Alaskans to 2 German Shorthaired Pointers.
Name: Jolene McLeay
Will mentor by: e-mail
Will mentor in: recreation, skijoring, sprint and general
E-mail address: sask_dogsledder2002@yahoo.com
Experience: I have been mushing rec. for 10 years. Five years of that I
have been competing. I have a small kennel that seems to keep growing. Please e-mail me if
you want any dogsledding info. Thanks!
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Name: Sebastian Schnuelle
Hometown: Whitehorse, YT
Will mentor by: e-mail, phone and in person
Will mentor in: distance, recreation and general
E-mail address: sebastianschnuelle@yahoo.ca
or info@bluekennels.de
Phone: 867-633-2219
Experience: I have been mushing for 10 years, and raced the Yukon Quest 3
times and the Iditarod 2 times. I always enjoy talking dogs, share what I know and find
out what I do not know. I have been training a few mushers at my place for racing, like
Roland Waldispühl who came in 2nd in the Quest 300 in 2006, and Andy Moser who finished
in the Copper Basin 2006 15th.
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