About the Musher: Jacob Leingang, Finland, Minnesota (USA)
Q: How many dogs do you have?
A: I only have one personal dog. His name is Lathan, he’s an Alaskan Husky, and he’s the
greatest dog ever. I help out at Blake and Jen’s kennel and they have about 60 Siberian
Huskies.
Q: How old were you when you started using dogs to pull a sleigh?
A: Unfortunately the first time I was on a dog sled I was 23. I wish it would have been
sooner.
Q: What commands do you use to instruct your dogs, and what do the commands mean?
A: Gee- go right, Haw- go left, Whoa- stop (hopefully), On by- pass or keep running by
Q: How fast can you go on a dog sled?
A: I’d be happy if we always went 9-10 mph but they could definitely run a lot faster in spurts if I let them.
Q: Do you have a favourite dog on your team? If so, do you keep it a secret from the other dogs?
A: Bo is definitely my favourite dog on the team. It’s no secret though. I tell him that all the time.
Q: If I was going to become a musher, what is the most important thing I would need to know?
A: You will be cold, tired, and smelly a lot of the time.
Q: What has been your happiest moment while out with your dogs?
A: Whenever you’re out on a run and you see a certain dog make a big improvement or just seeing everything click for a dog. It’s great to see everything come together for a dog and that light bulb above their head to come on.
Q: What do you feed your dogs? Have you ever tasted dog food? Would you taste it if you were dared?
A: While on the race here, the dogs will eat kibble, beef, chicken, and salmon. I have tried every brand of kibble that my dog Lathan has eaten. I figured if it’s good enough for him, it’s good enough for me.
Q: Are you good with other animals?
A: I think I am. Although I am scared of horses and some cats.