Talkeetna: Mush Your Own Sled Dog Team & Puppy Walk

Summary

Run a sled dog team in Alaska’s woods then cuddle future Iditarod champs

You’ll mush your own sled dog team through private Alaskan forest trails with guidance from real mushers near Talkeetna. Meet retired and racing Iditarod champions, cuddle playful puppies in the kennel yard, and see Dallas Seavey’s trophy room—all with pickup included. It’s not just a tour; it feels like stepping into someone else’s wild dream for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The van was already rumbling by the time I found my seat in downtown Talkeetna—our guide, Jake, grinned and asked if anyone had ever mushed dogs before. Someone said they’d only seen it on TV. The drive out to Dallas Seavey’s kennel felt like a slow reveal: trees thickening, air sharper, that kind of quiet you only get outside town. When we pulled up, you could hear the dogs before you saw them—barking, yipping, tails thumping against fences. There was this smell too—sort of earthy and warm fur mixed with pine needles. Not bad, just… real.

I didn’t expect to actually help harness the dogs (I thought we’d just watch), but Jake handed me a lead and showed me how to clip it on—my hands were clumsy at first and one of the younger dogs licked my fingers like he was trying to hurry me up. We loaded onto these big wheeled rigs—like ATVs but open—and suddenly we were off down a narrow trail, trees whipping past. The dogs run so hard you feel their excitement in your chest; dirt flicked up on my jeans and the wind made my eyes water a bit. Halfway through our mush, we stopped at a checkpoint for water (for the dogs, not us), and everyone took about a hundred photos. I tried to get all six dogs in one shot but gave up after three kept moving.

On the way back to the kennel, I started noticing little things—the way sunlight hit Dallas’s old race banners hanging near the trailhead or how one of the older huskies trotted slower than the rest but still looked proud. Back at base, Jake let us wander through the kennel yard. Puppies everywhere—tiny paws on my shoelaces, soft noses nuzzling my palm. I sat down right there in the grass and just let them crawl over me for a while (pretty sure one tried to eat my hair). You can check out Dallas Seavey’s trophy display too—Jake told stories about some wild Iditarod finishes but honestly I was still thinking about those dogs running flat out through the woods.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mush your own sled dog team

• Pickup in downtown Talkeetna
• Drive to kennel with guide
• Watch dogs hooked to mushing rigs
• Start 45-minute mush on forest trails
• Stop at checkpoint for dog water break
• Take photos with dog team
• Mush 20 minutes back to kennel
• Take team photo and pat dogs
• Walk through kennel and learn about dogs
• Snuggle puppies in run pen
• Visit gift shop and trophy display
• Return to Talkeetna

Top questions

How long is the sled dog mushing experience?

The mushing part lasts about 45 minutes out plus 20 minutes back after a short break.

Is transportation from Talkeetna included?

Yes, shuttle pickup from downtown Talkeetna is included in your booking.

Do you get to interact with puppies during this tour?

Yes, you can walk with or cuddle puppies in the kennel’s run pen after mushing.

Who runs this sled dog tour near Talkeetna?

This is Dallas Seavey Racing’s homestead—the home of a 4-time Iditarod champion.

Are there any health restrictions for guests?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is usually 6 or fewer guests per guide for a personal experience.

Will we see actual Iditarod racing dogs?

Yes—you’ll meet retired champions, current racers, and young trainees at the kennel.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle pickup from downtown Talkeetna to Dallas Seavey’s homestead and kennel; hands-on mushing your own sled dog team using their custom dryland rig; time to walk or play with champion huskies and puppies; plus access to Dallas Seavey’s trophy display before returning to town.