Siberian Husky Breed Magazine - Showsight

Club of America (SHCA), where you can earn a title on your dog—Working Pack Dog—based on miles traveled and weight carried on backwoods hiking trips. “ Th at night, Wolfie looked happier than I’d ever seen him—and he was calm. I had discovered a way to tire him out, while get- ting exercise and making new friends. A whole new world had opened up.” Hiking with your dog is generally best done with at least one other human, and nor- mal hiking and wilderness safety rules apply. But adding a dog adds a new dimension of fun—you start to see the world through your dog’s acute senses. Often, they smell and hear wildlife that you otherwise would have missed. Hiking with your best friend is enjoy- able without packing, but when your dog carries some of his water or other supplies, he becomes an equal member of the team. To learn more about the SHCA Working Pack Dog title, visit shca.org/shcahp6e.htm. Th ere are ways to let your dog do all the work, too. If hiking isn’t your thing, per- haps barn hunt will suit your lifestyle better. When Siberian Huskies first arrived in Alas- ka in the early 1900s, they were dismissively referred to as “Siberian rats” because of their small size as compared to the larger Ameri- can sled dogs of the era. Th e little Siberian dogs quickly gained respect by dominating sled dog racing over the next several decades. Around one hundred years later, Siberian Huskies just might receive the nickname “Siberian ratters” based on their proficiency in the new canine sport of barn hunt. In 2013, “Revs” (CH Solocha Rev’d Up At Kasiq BN RAE AX OAJ AJP CA RATN CGC TDI) became the first Sibe- rian Husky to earn a barn hunt title. And in 2014, Revs beat the terriers at their own game by winning Fastest Open Dog on the way to completing his Open title. Several more Siberian Huskies have earned place- ments and titles in this fast-growing new event. Barn hunt titles are recognized on American Kennel Club pedigrees. According to the Barn Hunt Associa- tion, LLC, “ Th e purpose of barn hunt is to demonstrate a dog’s vermin hunting ability in finding and marking rats in a ‘barn-like’ setting, using straw/hay bales to introduce climbing and tunneling obstacles in the dog’s path.” Th e rats used in competition and

Photo © Sheila Goffe

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