About the Musher: Kevin Malikowski, Outing, Minnesota (USA)
Q: How many dogs do you have?
A: 27
Q: How old were you when you started using dogs to pull a sleigh?
A: 30
Q: What commands do you use to instruct your dogs, and what do the commands mean?
A: Haw=left, Gee=right, whoa to stop, lets go to get them going
Q: How fast can you go on a dog sled?
A: IF you’re training for a distance race you might want to keep them at 9 or 10 miles an hour
Q: Do you have a favourite dog on your team? If so, do you keep it a secret from the other dogs?
A: All are treated the same but sometimes you do have a special one that may get more petting.
Q: If I was going to become a musher, what is the most important thing I would need to know?
A: respect for the dogs and what they are willing to do for you.
Q: What has been your happiest moment while out with your dogs?
A: One time after a heavy snow storm, there was no travel for vehicles so I was able to use the road for the team. The power lines were heavy with snow and arching electricity. It was beautiful and no one was out…just me and the dogs.
Q: What do you feed your dogs? Have you ever tasted dog food? Would you taste it if you were dared?
A: Mostly a meat diet and some dry food. No I have never tasted it. The meat is made for animal consumption, not human so it may not be safe to try and eat.
Q: Are you good with other animals?
A: Yes, the dogs have taught me respect and patience.