top
Sled Dog Central Your on-line sled dog advertising & information source!
Sled Dog Central Home Page Current Classifieds Advertise on SDC Race Info Search Site Index Contact Us

SDC Tallk!
Discussion Forum

Place Your
Classified Here

DOGS
Dogs that Do It
Fun Photos

MUSHERS
Become a Mentor
Find a Mentor
Interviews

BEGINNERS
Start here..

BOOKSTORE
Buy online

FANS
B.A.R.K.
(Buy a Round
  of Kibble)

FEATURES
Articles
Contests
FAQ
Fun Photos
Trail Groomers
Innovations
Product Reviews
Truck Photos

FIND IT
Classified Ads
Search
Site Index
What's New

LINKS
Artists
Clothing
Clubs & Orgs
Dog Food
Dog Software
Equip & Supplies
Equip: Sleds
Iditarod
Kennels
Merchandise
Mushing Sites
ONAC
Race Sites
Rides & Tours
Sled Dog Schools
Veterinary
Video Links
Yukon Quest
Miscellaneous
Add your link

RESOURCES
Beginners Page
Books & Videos
Bookstore
Kennel Tips
Headline News
Obituaries
Publications
Check it out
Seminars &
    Socials

SDC Talk!
Skijoring

RACING
Check it out Race Schedules
Race Results
Race Web Sites

List Your Race

TRAINING
Training Trails

FUN
Fun Photos
Quiz
Today's Smile
Dude Dog

SDC
About SDC
Advertise on SDC
Contact Us
Privacy Policy

Meet David Straub
Iditarod Rookie

Name:
Kennel Name:
Birthplace:
Home Town:
Occupation:
E-mail:
Web Site:
David Straub
Alaskan Sled Dogs
Kansas City, Missouri
Willow, Alaska
Dog Trainer, part time carpenter
david@alaskansleddogs.com
www.alaskansleddogs.com

Introduction

Thirty-nine years old, from the Midwest.   Showed Samoyeds in conformation and obedience competition during the 80’s. Also worked as a kennel person, veterinary assistant and trainer.

Background

Over twenty years training dogs. Reading about Samoyeds led me to huskies and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. My first sled dog was a dog named ”Sheiba."  She was smart, would sit on my motorcycle and climb trees. It was then I knew that I loved to work with dogs.

Kennel Management

What size kennel do you operate?
35 dogs--gives plenty of dogs for breeding, running down the trail to meet friends and lots of fun training young dogs.

What type of tether/bowl system do you use?
My tether system is a one and three quarter pipe 7’ long driven half way in, post are set on a 13’ grid and chains are 6’ allowing free movement and good compatibles in the lot.

What are the most important considerations in housing sled dogs?
Housing is also important. I use a duplex design letting both dogs to be able to be on the same house, building TEAM relationships. Small kennel allows more time spent with training LEADERS.

The Dogs

What breed(s) do you work with?
Alaskan Huskies.

What mental or emotional attributes do you require in your dogs?
Dogs are trained, so as they are introduced to running they respond and love to be traveling. Personalities are what I most identify with for Example; A timid dog is usually a smart dog, smart enough to want to avoid you. As it may seem to be a fault but my BEST LEADERS are timid.

Tell us about an all time favorite dog or two.
MICKEY was a SUPER DOG, she lead in every race she ran in. Mickey was killed training for the 2000 IDITAROD. Both her sisters run in my team this year, it was a GREAT experience.

Puppies

The young dogs learn it’s fun to be out on the trail. By running with adult team mates they gain confidence in themselves.

Young dogs run with older race dogs through cart and command training...then they start finding out where they like to run.

Training

Training command leaders is most rewarding for me. I continue to compete in the 2001 IDITAROD, mid-distance racing and working with young dogs. Competing in the 2000 race was a GREAT accomplishment. Hand signals and voice commands are most necessary with a big strings of dogs.

Racing

How do you choose which races to enter?
Area races and condition of my team.

What are your strengths as a racer?
My dogs and I are truly a UNIT by the time it’s race time.

What does it take to win?
To witness the NORTHERN LIGHTS is a winning feeling, and for me a life long DREAM ….

The Future

What part do clubs and organizations play in sport development?
Dog clubs help add insight to beginners, and help promote the sport

What advice would you give a beginning musher?
It’s best to start with experienced dog that already has some training .

Anecdote

Tell us about one or two of your most memorable sled dog experiences.
Rolling into Rohn Roadhouse like a bullet after the Famous Danzle was a wild ride. Listening to music on a beautiful trail.

Comments

I'm looking for a company or corporation interested in sponsoring a program I'm working on to travel to schools with my lead dogs, talking to children about the IDITAROD and ALASKA.

If you or your company would like to help with my goal, e-mail david@alaskansleddogs.com or call 877-495-7433


[back to Interview list]

top of page  |   home  |   feedback   |  search



Copyright © 1997-2020, Sled Dog Central, all rights reserved.
Sled Dog Central is a subsidiary of Vega Discoveries, LLC
No portion of this site may be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written permission.
All materials appearing on this site, including the text, site design, logos, graphics, icons, and images, as well as the selection, assembly and arrangement thereof, are the sole property of Sled Dog Central.
Email Us Email