Nicaya Kennels & Dog Sled Race Team
| Dog Sled Education Program |
Nicaya Kennels is proud to present our Dog Sled Education Program. Our Dog Sled Education Program is a free service that we are proud to present to local schools of all levels. Our goal is to help educate the students of our community on dog sledding, dog sled racing, and dog care. We will tailor our presentations to the needs and levels of the class(es) and the students involved. It is our intent to present a basic understanding of mushing to all levels of students to more advance presentations to high school and college level students. For more information on our Dog Sled Education Program or to schedule a school visit, please, don't hesitate to contact us. |
Nicaya Kennels
P.O, Box 133
Joliet, Montana 59041
Ph. 406-860-3570
Alt. 406-860-2247
nicayasiberians@yahoo.com
P.O, Box 133
Joliet, Montana 59041
Ph. 406-860-3570
Alt. 406-860-2247
nicayasiberians@yahoo.com
Copyright Nicaya Kennels. All rights reserved. No
pictures or videos can be used or reproduced in any
form without written permission of Nicaya Kennels.
pictures or videos can be used or reproduced in any
form without written permission of Nicaya Kennels.
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Joliet Elementary School Visit
Thursday January 31, 2008
By Ann Conover
Special to the Laurel Outlook
(Also, re-published on the Husky News website)
Eyes widened and students' faces showed amazement when Pete Northcutt told them that a team of 12
dogs can pull 1,000 pounds at 22 miles per hour during a dog sled race. “Tia, my Siberian husky, can pull me
over if I don't brace myself,” he said.
Students in grades kindergarten through the sixth grade at Joliet Elementary School had the rare chance to
meet part of a local dog sled team, their owner and trainer, Northcutt, and the dogs' handler, Timber (Tim)
Venard. Two assemblies took place at the elementary school on Thursday, Jan. 31.
As the primary musher and trainer, Northcutt joined the business with his mother, Pat Northcutt, in 2003 at
Nicaya Kennels, located just outside of Joliet. There they breed, raise, and train Siberian Huskies. Venard
came to work as the managing handler and secondary musher for Nicaya Kennels in 2006.
Northcutt has been competing in dog sled races since 2005. He will compete again in the upcoming Race
to the Sky near Helena and hopes one day to participate as a musher with his team in the Iditarod in Alaska.
Northcutt and Venard began their presentation by introducing the students to two of Northcutt's “kids,”
huskies Tia and Wiseguy.
Venard shared safety tips on how to approach a strange dog. First, a person should ask permission from
the owner to pet the dog. Next, one should put out a closed fist, palm down, for the dog to sniff. Finally, either
kneel or bend down to pet the dog on the chest or side.
Venard emphasized that a person should not pet a strange dog on the top of the head, as that would be
perceived as a sign of aggression. Hands flew up when Venard asked for volunteers to demonstrate these
techniques.
Northcutt and Venard told students how to care for the dogs. They talked about the need to give the dogs
clean water, food, and a dry shelter. Dogs also need lots of attention and daily exercise. The men
demonstrated some of the basic commands they use to direct their dogs when pulling the sled.
Northcutt had on display a dog sled and personal gear that is required to keep the musher warm and dry
during a grueling race. He showed boots that would keep his feet warm to 80 degrees below zero, a
jumpsuit, gloves, hats, and eye protection.
The dogs have gear to keep them warm as well, including jackets, leg wraps, and booties that not only
keep feet warm, but protect them from razor sharp snow shards that can occur along the trail. Venard had
Wiseguy demonstrating getting in and out of his harness, which would then be attached to a sled.
Northcutt also shared information on the amount of food that needs to be taken per day on the sled during
races, both for the musher and for each dog. Other items, including a hatchet, a pan for warming snow, and a
head lamp, were shown to give students the understanding that these races require a great deal of planning.
Northcutt said some of the hazards along the trail include running into wild animals, such as wolves and
moose. “Moose are very dangerous, as they will attack you or your dogs,” he said. Although he has never
been attacked himself, he knows of mushers that have had that experience.
Culminating the presentation was a chance to see the dogs in action. The students went outside where
several lucky students had been randomly chosen earlier in the day to take a ride in the dog sled.
Four dogs were harnessed to the sled, and three students at a time piled in the sled, toboggan style, to
enjoy a ride around the football field. Neptune and Maverick joined Wiseguy and Tia pulling the sled.
One of the sixth grade teachers, Gloria Hardy, also joined the last group for a ride. “I'm ready to become a
mountain woman,” she declared smiling as she came out of the sled.
For more information about Northcutt, Nicaya Kennels, or dog sledding, you may visit the website
nicayasiberians.com.
- Ann Conover is a fifth-grade teacher at Joliet Schools.
Thursday January 31, 2008
By Ann Conover
Special to the Laurel Outlook
(Also, re-published on the Husky News website)
Eyes widened and students' faces showed amazement when Pete Northcutt told them that a team of 12
dogs can pull 1,000 pounds at 22 miles per hour during a dog sled race. “Tia, my Siberian husky, can pull me
over if I don't brace myself,” he said.
Students in grades kindergarten through the sixth grade at Joliet Elementary School had the rare chance to
meet part of a local dog sled team, their owner and trainer, Northcutt, and the dogs' handler, Timber (Tim)
Venard. Two assemblies took place at the elementary school on Thursday, Jan. 31.
As the primary musher and trainer, Northcutt joined the business with his mother, Pat Northcutt, in 2003 at
Nicaya Kennels, located just outside of Joliet. There they breed, raise, and train Siberian Huskies. Venard
came to work as the managing handler and secondary musher for Nicaya Kennels in 2006.
Northcutt has been competing in dog sled races since 2005. He will compete again in the upcoming Race
to the Sky near Helena and hopes one day to participate as a musher with his team in the Iditarod in Alaska.
Northcutt and Venard began their presentation by introducing the students to two of Northcutt's “kids,”
huskies Tia and Wiseguy.
Venard shared safety tips on how to approach a strange dog. First, a person should ask permission from
the owner to pet the dog. Next, one should put out a closed fist, palm down, for the dog to sniff. Finally, either
kneel or bend down to pet the dog on the chest or side.
Venard emphasized that a person should not pet a strange dog on the top of the head, as that would be
perceived as a sign of aggression. Hands flew up when Venard asked for volunteers to demonstrate these
techniques.
Northcutt and Venard told students how to care for the dogs. They talked about the need to give the dogs
clean water, food, and a dry shelter. Dogs also need lots of attention and daily exercise. The men
demonstrated some of the basic commands they use to direct their dogs when pulling the sled.
Northcutt had on display a dog sled and personal gear that is required to keep the musher warm and dry
during a grueling race. He showed boots that would keep his feet warm to 80 degrees below zero, a
jumpsuit, gloves, hats, and eye protection.
The dogs have gear to keep them warm as well, including jackets, leg wraps, and booties that not only
keep feet warm, but protect them from razor sharp snow shards that can occur along the trail. Venard had
Wiseguy demonstrating getting in and out of his harness, which would then be attached to a sled.
Northcutt also shared information on the amount of food that needs to be taken per day on the sled during
races, both for the musher and for each dog. Other items, including a hatchet, a pan for warming snow, and a
head lamp, were shown to give students the understanding that these races require a great deal of planning.
Northcutt said some of the hazards along the trail include running into wild animals, such as wolves and
moose. “Moose are very dangerous, as they will attack you or your dogs,” he said. Although he has never
been attacked himself, he knows of mushers that have had that experience.
Culminating the presentation was a chance to see the dogs in action. The students went outside where
several lucky students had been randomly chosen earlier in the day to take a ride in the dog sled.
Four dogs were harnessed to the sled, and three students at a time piled in the sled, toboggan style, to
enjoy a ride around the football field. Neptune and Maverick joined Wiseguy and Tia pulling the sled.
One of the sixth grade teachers, Gloria Hardy, also joined the last group for a ride. “I'm ready to become a
mountain woman,” she declared smiling as she came out of the sled.
For more information about Northcutt, Nicaya Kennels, or dog sledding, you may visit the website
nicayasiberians.com.
- Ann Conover is a fifth-grade teacher at Joliet Schools.
| School Visit Photo Gallery |
| Joliet Elementary School Thursday, January 31, 2008 |
| The Joliet Elementary School Honorary Sled Riders |
| 1st Assembly K-1-2 Grades 1st Ride Brigham Smith (K) Trey Oswald (K) Justin Harris (1) 2nd Ride Grace Tasin (1) Tressa Schwend (2) Ellie Evertz (2) |
| 2nd Assembly 3-4-5-6 Grades 1st Ride 2nd Ride 3rd Ride Cait Lyne (3) Ryan Sweeney (4) Katie Koenigshof (6) Terrance McLaughlin (3) Leo Gonzales (5) Tanya Seymour (6) Derrick Pettis (4) Michaela Webber (5) Mrs. Hardy (6) |
Okay, class...
I'm a
Siberian
Husky
Sled
Dog...
I'm a
Siberian
Husky
Sled
Dog...
| Community Event Gallery |
| Joliet Boy Scout Food Drive Saturday February 23, 2008 |
| Roberts School Friday, April 11, 2008 |
A taste of the Iditarod comes to Roberts
Special to the Carbon County News - April 17, 2008
By Alastair Baker
News Editor, Carbon County News
There were 'ohhs' and 'hahs' from students as they came into the Roberts School gym last week and saw four Siberian husky sled dogs sitting happily with
their masters Pete Northcutt and Timber Venard who run Nicaya Kennels in Joliet.
Northcutt, a musher and trainer by trade, was with Venard, the kennel’s managing handler and secondary musher, to talk about their plan to enter their
team of dogs into the 2010 Iditarod, the '"Superbowl" of dog races said Northcutt.
The kindergartners through sixth graders sat in raptures as they listened to Northcutt and Venard explain how they train the dogs, and take care of them.
Northcutt told them that it can take two years to get a Siberian husky pup into a harness and surprised them all when he added that his team average a
20 mile run a day in two hours and practice their strength training by pulling his 1,000 lb 4 wheeler.
The dogs, Max, Wise Guy, Neptune, and Tia sat unperturbed by the 40 children staring at them but did occasionally get excited when one of the
handlers started tinkering with the two sleds they had brought with them.
"These dogs are very tough, very strong, and endure cold more than most breeds," said Northcutt, who believes he will have a good chance at the
Iditarod, or the Last Great Race on Earth as it is known, Northcutt will be taking a team of 12 to 16 dogs to the Iditarod, which falling on an even year will
run the northern route encompassing 1,150 miles from Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast.
On odd numbered years the race takes place on the southern edge of Alaska and is 1,112 miles long. There are 26 checkpoints on the northern route,
the first in Anchorage and the last in Nome. On the southern route, there are 27 checkpoints.
Northcutt explained the role each dog has to play when it comes to pulling the sled.
"There are wheel dogs who assist in steering the sled, swing dogs who assist the lead dogs to turn the team. Swing dogs help the leaders set the pace and
aid in turning the team," he said.
Northcutt also explained about the towline that keeps the dogs in check. The towline is the term given to the combination of the lines that are used to
connect the dogs to the sled. A towline has five major parts: •Mainline (Centerline): This is the central line that runs the length of the team from the leaders
to the sled. This part of the towline is usually made of 3/8" or 1/2" thick rope and reinforced with steel cable. •Tugline: This is the line that connects the
dog's harness to the mainline. •Neckline: This is the line that connects the dog's collar to the mainline. This line is important as a safety measure because it
prevents a dog from going too far out to the side and potentially going the wrong way around a tree or obstacle in the trail. If a dog were to go the wrong
way around an obstacle or tree, the snap on the neckline is designed to break away, allowing the musher time to react and stop the team and move the dog
to the correct side of the obstacle. •Leader Lines: The center line ends at the swing dogs' necklines. From there, two tuglines extend forward to connect the
leaders. A neckline not attached to the rest of the towline is then used to connect the collars of the two lead dogs. •Shock Cord: This is essentially a
gigantic rubber band that is place between the sled and the rest of the towline. If the sled stops suddenly or hits a tree, the shock cord absorbs the impact
and prevents the impact from jarring the dogs. A safety line accompanies the rubber band and acts as a stretch limiter.
As to the amount of food the Siberian huskies would consume during the Iditarod, that amounts to 10-14,000 calories every day. Most mushers feed a
combination of high fat, high protein dry dog food plus raw meats and fats from sources including beef, horse, lamb, fish, seal, moose, and other wild game.
A typical meal for a sled dog is about 2/3 of a pound of dry dog food, a pound of meat, up to a half a pound of fat, and about a quart of water. Mushers
feed their dogs at least once at every rest stop. Teams typically take at least two rests every day during the Iditarod, and many mushers will feed more than
one meal at least one of those stops. As a result, a dog will eat at least three large meals dry food, meat, fat, and water ever day. Additionally, mushers also
give the dogs pieces of meat or fish at intervals along the trail as snacks.
The musher also carries out a multitude of jobs, from cooking, repairing breaks, and caring for injuries both human and dog. "Duck tape is very useful,"
said Northcutt.
The Siberian huskies have competed in the Seeley Lake Dog Races, Eagle Cap 200, Cascade Quest 200 adn the Montana's Race To The Sky. The
Iditarod will be the first time racing outside the State.
Pat Northcutt founded Nicaya Kennels in 2003 and was later joined by Pete Northcutt who became the primary musher and trainer for the kennels.
Timber Venard joined them in 2006. The kennels has produced nearly thirty viable racing dogs.
Special to the Carbon County News - April 17, 2008
By Alastair Baker
News Editor, Carbon County News
There were 'ohhs' and 'hahs' from students as they came into the Roberts School gym last week and saw four Siberian husky sled dogs sitting happily with
their masters Pete Northcutt and Timber Venard who run Nicaya Kennels in Joliet.
Northcutt, a musher and trainer by trade, was with Venard, the kennel’s managing handler and secondary musher, to talk about their plan to enter their
team of dogs into the 2010 Iditarod, the '"Superbowl" of dog races said Northcutt.
The kindergartners through sixth graders sat in raptures as they listened to Northcutt and Venard explain how they train the dogs, and take care of them.
Northcutt told them that it can take two years to get a Siberian husky pup into a harness and surprised them all when he added that his team average a
20 mile run a day in two hours and practice their strength training by pulling his 1,000 lb 4 wheeler.
The dogs, Max, Wise Guy, Neptune, and Tia sat unperturbed by the 40 children staring at them but did occasionally get excited when one of the
handlers started tinkering with the two sleds they had brought with them.
"These dogs are very tough, very strong, and endure cold more than most breeds," said Northcutt, who believes he will have a good chance at the
Iditarod, or the Last Great Race on Earth as it is known, Northcutt will be taking a team of 12 to 16 dogs to the Iditarod, which falling on an even year will
run the northern route encompassing 1,150 miles from Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast.
On odd numbered years the race takes place on the southern edge of Alaska and is 1,112 miles long. There are 26 checkpoints on the northern route,
the first in Anchorage and the last in Nome. On the southern route, there are 27 checkpoints.
Northcutt explained the role each dog has to play when it comes to pulling the sled.
"There are wheel dogs who assist in steering the sled, swing dogs who assist the lead dogs to turn the team. Swing dogs help the leaders set the pace and
aid in turning the team," he said.
Northcutt also explained about the towline that keeps the dogs in check. The towline is the term given to the combination of the lines that are used to
connect the dogs to the sled. A towline has five major parts: •Mainline (Centerline): This is the central line that runs the length of the team from the leaders
to the sled. This part of the towline is usually made of 3/8" or 1/2" thick rope and reinforced with steel cable. •Tugline: This is the line that connects the
dog's harness to the mainline. •Neckline: This is the line that connects the dog's collar to the mainline. This line is important as a safety measure because it
prevents a dog from going too far out to the side and potentially going the wrong way around a tree or obstacle in the trail. If a dog were to go the wrong
way around an obstacle or tree, the snap on the neckline is designed to break away, allowing the musher time to react and stop the team and move the dog
to the correct side of the obstacle. •Leader Lines: The center line ends at the swing dogs' necklines. From there, two tuglines extend forward to connect the
leaders. A neckline not attached to the rest of the towline is then used to connect the collars of the two lead dogs. •Shock Cord: This is essentially a
gigantic rubber band that is place between the sled and the rest of the towline. If the sled stops suddenly or hits a tree, the shock cord absorbs the impact
and prevents the impact from jarring the dogs. A safety line accompanies the rubber band and acts as a stretch limiter.
As to the amount of food the Siberian huskies would consume during the Iditarod, that amounts to 10-14,000 calories every day. Most mushers feed a
combination of high fat, high protein dry dog food plus raw meats and fats from sources including beef, horse, lamb, fish, seal, moose, and other wild game.
A typical meal for a sled dog is about 2/3 of a pound of dry dog food, a pound of meat, up to a half a pound of fat, and about a quart of water. Mushers
feed their dogs at least once at every rest stop. Teams typically take at least two rests every day during the Iditarod, and many mushers will feed more than
one meal at least one of those stops. As a result, a dog will eat at least three large meals dry food, meat, fat, and water ever day. Additionally, mushers also
give the dogs pieces of meat or fish at intervals along the trail as snacks.
The musher also carries out a multitude of jobs, from cooking, repairing breaks, and caring for injuries both human and dog. "Duck tape is very useful,"
said Northcutt.
The Siberian huskies have competed in the Seeley Lake Dog Races, Eagle Cap 200, Cascade Quest 200 adn the Montana's Race To The Sky. The
Iditarod will be the first time racing outside the State.
Pat Northcutt founded Nicaya Kennels in 2003 and was later joined by Pete Northcutt who became the primary musher and trainer for the kennels.
Timber Venard joined them in 2006. The kennels has produced nearly thirty viable racing dogs.
Photos by Alastair Baker
Kindergardeners up to 6th graders get to meet the dogs after the talk.
Kindergardeners up to 6th graders get to meet the dogs after the talk.