Q. Where do we go dog sledding?
A. All of our dog sledding opportunities are located at our sled kennel in Sharon Springs, NY.
Q. How do I contact you for services?
A. Please read through all of our F.A.Q.’s first, go to our Dog Sledding tab for up to date pricing and info, watch the Meet Kate Video, and email or Facebook us if you have further questions. I want to provide the most amount of fun, safety and unique experience on the trail. A good place to start that journey is here, on my website or on my Facebook page.
Q. What do I need to wear?
A. Dress warm and for the weather! We will still run our team in sleet and snowy weather. Bring extra layers. Wear old clothes that you don’t mind the dogs touching or getting muddy. Remember, once the dogs are hooked up and we are on the trail, anything left at the trail head- stays there! We cannot turn back unless for an emergency. If you have children not properly dressed for an excursion, we reserve the right to not provide the ride with no refund given.
Q. Can I drive the sled or touring cart?
A. We get this question a lot! We know some of our guests are more adventurous than others so we acquired a sled for the snow that has two driving positions- so yes, any one over the age of 5 is able to drive the sled! This specialized two person sled has two sets of brakes and handle bar- so no “new driver” accidents will happen. For fall touring, we have only one driving spot, so at this time we cannot offer guests the privilege to drive.
Q. Am I too heavy to have the dogs pull me?
A. People often worry when the dogs really get into “work”. Like when we go up hills. Our trail system is laid out specifically for the dogs, to minimize cross slope and steepness of any one trail section. Our excursions have a 300 pound weight limit with any combination of passengers.
Q. How many dogs will be pulling the sled/ touring cart?
A. That depends on terrain, weight of each passenger and conditions. Our teams usually consist of 4-10 dogs.
Q. I have a family member with limited physical abilities. Can they have a dog sled ride?
A. Our fall touring cart is specifically designed for comfort, safety and accessibility for all abilities. Hoyers will roll under the cart and shoulder harnesses can be provided for extra support. Before reserving your excursion, if you have further concerns, please contact Kate for more details. The sled is much more difficult for getting into and out of. It may prove more difficult for people with limited abilities. We will always try our best to accommodate any one who would like a ride.
Q. My child wants to go for any excursion, but I (an adult) don’t. Can my child still go?
A. Yes, your child can ride alone in the sled as long as they are 5 years old and older.
Q. Is this safe?
A. We take several steps to insure everyone’s safety while on excursions. Upon request we can provide chest protectors and helmets. We do ask everyone on excursions to read and sign our waiver. We love our dogs and they are our family, we wont put our dogs into any danger, likewise we would not put any guests into danger. We reserve the right to cancel a sled run if something is unsafe such as trail conditions.
Q. How fast do we go?
A. We can go as fast as 15 mph, but our normal speed is around 6-8 mph. We ask our dogs to run slower most times, to help ensure safety.
Q. How long is an excursion?
A. Active sled time is about 10 minutes per rider. A pass includes meet and greet the sled dogs, sled education and safety, harnessing, and ride.
Q. Can we pet the dogs?
A. Yes!! They all love being pet, thanked for their work and appreciated! Please wait to pet them until after your excursion as the dogs will be so excited about going for a run they will likely jump, bark and lunge to get running. They have a lot of energy before an excursion and we want to ensure everyone’s safety. Please keep other dogs at home or secured in the car when arriving at the trail head. Please don’t offer our dogs any treats or food. We have our dogs on a maintained diet structured for working dogs.
Q. Do the dogs like dog sledding? Is this cruel?
A. These dogs love work! They are bred for dog sledding, conditioned and trained for the work, and if they didn’t show an absolute love for it, they would be home next to our wood stove.
Q. What insurance do you carry?
A. Run By Dogs LLC is covered by Kennel Pro commercial general liability for our training as well as dog sled educational programs and excursions.
Q. What is your booking and cancellation policy?
A. All excursions require a deposit to secure your booking.
Excursions are paid in full the day of your ride.
Cancellations less than 36 hours prior to your excursion result in no refund.
No shows are 100% charged. We will wait no longer than 20 minutes.
Because we live in the capital region, be advised that we reserve the right to reschedule your excursion if we have lack of snow.