The job
There is always a lot to do on our farm! Spring, summer, fall, winter, each season brings its tasks and we are always grateful for helping hands.
In spring and summer …
nature starts to blossom. The long winter and therefore the cold time of the year is over. As soon as it gets too warm, the dogs have little urge to exercise and relax in the shade. During this time, the main focus is on maintaining the farm, chopping firewood, feeding the dogs, looking after guests, cleaning the huts, and, increasingly, our restaurant. As we usually have puppies during this time, raising the future sled dogs is another task.
Summer is also vacation time for us, so not everyone will be on the farm from time to time, so independent and responsible work is very important. We usually only need one helper in the summer, so you should be able to work independently.
The blossoming nature and the surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for excursions. However, mosquitoes and horseflies are particularly unpopular guests in early summer.
The period for summer help is from the beginning of June to the end of August.
In the fall …
the work focuses on dog training in addition to the daily tasks on the farm!
Dog training starts towards the beginning of September and ends four months later in December, when the touring season begins.
Every dog trainer will be responsible for the training of their teams for the entire period. This is because it takes time to get to know the character of each dog. Only then will he be able to address the dogs individually and motivate them correctly. This is especially true when dealing with the lead dogs. In addition, only now can he find out which dog should run in which position in the team.
Consequence in dealing with the dogs is very important, as they should follow a training guide. A “line” must be followed during training.
A training cart is used for training during snow-free periods. Each dog should be out and about every other day. As the training routes get longer and longer, the job eventually takes up the whole day. The physical strain combined with challenging weather often means you must test your limits. If you don’t like leaving your comfort zone, this job is not for you.
At the end of October – when there is enough snow – we move on to sled training. The touring season starts in mid-December and the dogs are mostly off the farm.
In winter …
it’s all about the guests and dogs! Between mid-December and the end of April, we offer various winter programs that take place both on the farm and in the nearby and distant countryside. Throughout the winter, for example, we go on husky tours lasting several days in the mountains. During this time, we can accommodate up to three families on the farm and go on day trips with the dogs, ice fishing or skiing through the forest.
The tasks in winter are many and varied. Guest care, preparation and follow-up of the (day) tours, support in the kitchen, and cleaning the various accommodations are particularly important here.
Temperatures can easily drop to below -20°, but the work is still mainly done outside. Of course, we will provide you with the appropriate equipment.
Personal responsibility and strength
All jobs require independent and self-reliant work. If you have not worked physically before, the jobs with us will be very demanding. Almost all the work here requires strength.
In addition to training the dogs, there are various other jobs to do: the dogs have to be fed and their places cleaned, firewood from the forest provides warm huts, sleds are needed for the dogs to pull, harnesses too … and so on. Cooking and cleaning* are also on the agenda. Since the restaurant was built, the helpers have also been working in the kitchen from time to time.
And there is always a lot to do. Anyone who has difficulties with this and who cannot organize and divide up the work independently will hardly be happy.
Previous knowledge of working with sled dogs is of course extremely useful, but not a prerequisite. However, you should have a certain experience in handling animals. Because it is extremely important to address the animals correctly and to know what the animals can and cannot understand.
There are three jobs available at the husky farm: Farm helper in the summer (June-August), dog trainer in the fall (early September – mid-December), and winter helper (December – April). Shorter periods are also possible, but 6 weeks is the absolute minimum.
A hut/room is available for the stay. The jobs are for board and lodging.
If you would like to find out more about the job, you can find Madita Boock’s husky trainer diary as a blog “here”:http://www.huskytrainerin.wordpress.com
Madita writes about her blog: “Four months as a husky trainer in northern Norway, a unique, exciting, energy-sapping, educational and breathtaking experience. Four months in which I learned an incredible amount about myself, endured many tests, and had an incredible amount of fun. And above all, I was able to work with such interesting, impressive creatures: my dogs.”
Interested in a job?
Please send us an application that include a brief description of outdoor and winter experience, education or what else is your strengths, experience with dogs/animals, age, phone number, picture, etc.
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