International Sled Dog Symposium Recordings

Complete 2008 Audio Collection

Place your orders now for the 2008 Symposium collection. Another great collection of information about training, expeditions, dog care, racing, equipment, and more. Put it on your iPod, and take it with you!

Complete 2007 Audio Collection

The 2007 Symposium collection is another great collection of information about dogs and mushing you can't get anywhere else.

Complete 2006 Audio Collection

All the good stuff you've come to expect at the International Sled Dog Symposium, plus the inside skinny on the Yukon Quest race from a panel of YQ veterans! The Complete 2006 audio collection is available on one convenient MP3 format CD. Over 12 hours of material—an unbelievable value.

Complete 2005 Audio Collection

History, nutrition, dog care, race strategies... there's something for everyone at the 2005 symposium. The Complete 2005 audio collection includes all of the 2005 recordings in one convenient MP3 format CD.

Complete 2004 Audio Collection

Nearly 12 hours of all things mushing. The Complete 2004 audio collection includes all of the 2004 recordings in one MP3 format CD.

Complete 2003 Audio Collection

The Complete 2003 audio collection includes all of the 2003 recordings on one MP3 CD. Over 11 hours of training, nutrition and health, history, and more. Makes a great gift!

The Beginning Musher Collection

This custom MP3 CD bundle includes Mushing 101 (2003 & 2004), Second-Hand Dogs (2003), Veterinary Physical Therapy and Dog Care (2004), Harness Fitting and Specialized Harnesses (2005), and Lameness, Vaccination, and Common Medical Issues (2004). A great starter package!

The Health and Nutrition Collection

Includes a whopping 8 great sessions, including Nutritionally Complete Dog Diets (2005), Veterinary Physical Therapy and Dog Care (2004), Vet Panel: Lameness, Vaccination, and Common Medical Issues (2004), Pride Workshop—Physical Therapy and Dog Care (2003), Vet Panel—Thyroid and Oral Care (2003), Veterinary Physical Therapy (2003), and Nutritional Supplements (2003). The latest in the science of health, nutrition and physical therapy for sled dogs!

Complete 2008 audio collection (MP3 CD only) Best value!

The Complete 2008 audio collection includes all of the sessions below in one convenient MP3 format CD. All sessions shipping by Dec. 15!

Hands-On for Junior Mushers

Alyssa Quaile

A 5-minute introduction to a hands-on session; only available as part of the 2008 complete collection.

Mush With PRIDE—Perception, Promotion, and Media

Brian O'Donaghue

Canine Conditioning

Curtis Erhart

From early season to peak performance conditioning.

Mitch Seavey: A Season to Remember

Mitch Seavey

Listen to Mitch's tales from the trails of the Kusko 300 through the All Alaska Sweepstakes.

The Mind of the Bird Dog

John Lunseth

With today's prevalence of pointers crossed with huskies, talk often turns to what makes them tick. John discusses bird dog breeds, the bird dog sports, and conditioning and training techniques used for hunting and competitive field trials.

UAF Film Archives

Joee Redington Jr., Tom Huntington, Richard Frank, with Karl Kassel

Alaskan mushers talk about historical footage of Alaskan Sled Dog Racing.

High Tech Sleds

Mark Cooper, Hans Gatt, and Jacques Philip

Cutting-edge design and materials bring a whole new level of performance to these sleds. Panel members will discuss how they were developed and why they are such a joy to drive.

Evolution of Distance Racing

Mitch Seavey, Brent Sass, Kelley Griffin, Sonny Lindner, and Bill Cotter

From the tried and true methods that have been used over the years to new ideas in dog care and training, panel members talk about what works in today's long-distance racing.

Arctic Expeditions

Joe Henderson

Arctic dogsled travel is a unique experience in the realm of modern mushing. Joe Henderson will share his experiences of more than 20 years of freighting in the arctic with his team of 22 Alaskan Malamutes. His discussion includes a brief history of dogsledding in northern Alaska and a summary of the methods of travel, training techniques, and gear he employs to travel successfully each winter. Joe will share stories of adventures with his team.

Canine Massage Therapy

Tarika Lea

How well do you really know your dogs? Increase your dog team's performance level through specialized massage techniques. Learn how to use the Lea Method, the "martial arts of massage," and how to increase your communication and observation skills. Massage can help you catch imbalances or injuries earlier, heighten your effectiveness in working with your dogs, and alert you to signs of potential future problems. Massage is a great complementary addition to other forms of dog care and can boost your dogs' athletic prowess as well.

Complete 2007 audio collection (MP3 CD only) Best value!

The Complete 2007 audio collection includes all of the sessions below in one convenient MP3 format CD. All sessions now shipping!

Raising junior mushers—keeping the tradition of dog mushing alive

Alaska 4-H Dog Mushing Program—Little Su 4-H Club

This all-inclusive session covers how an Alaska 4-H club is teaching junior mushers about their sport, including how to start a dog mushing 4-H club, kennel safety, racing a team, snow camping trips, and educational classes and junior mushing camps.

Mush with Pride Workshop—Canine observation and evaluation

Wes Rau

Veterinary physical therapist Wes Rau demonstrates how to look at a dog that has a difficult-to-diagnose injury, how to determine more precisely what is wrong, and how to treat what you see.

Alternative kennel management

Laura Katucki, Bev Stevens, Arna Dan Isacsson

Operating a kennel, be it free-run, in a city, or tethered, often takes on different forms, which must fit into the lifestyle of the musher. This session includes a short overview of each presenter's set-up, highlighting similarities and differences. The presenters will explain why they choose to run their kennel the way they do.

Shoulder injuries

Wes Rau

Shoulder injuries can be complex, and recovery time can vary widely. Some injuries take literally months to heal. Veterinary physical therapist Wes Rau geso over shoulder examinations and what they predict, what to do with an injured shoulder, and how to treat an acute injury versus a chronic one.

Reward-based training for all dogs and all occasions—see how it works!

Claudia Sihler of The Better Companion

You don't need a clicker to train your dog with positive reinforcement methods. See right on stage how a dog can change within minutes. Take home ideas on how to improve communication between you and your dog—whether your dog is a pet, skijor dog, or racing husky.

Vet care on the trail

Al Townshend, DVM

Tips for caring for your dog out on the trail and some basics
about veterinary medicine from an Iditarod race vet.

Comparisons of thyroid hormone concentrations in sled dogs

Kriya Dunlap, PhD

Dr. Dunlap recently completed a study of the effects of environment and exercise on thyroid hormone concentrations in sled dogs. Learn about the results of this study to gain an understanding of how a dog’s environment impacts thyroid function.

Feeding distance versus sprint

Al Townshend, DVM, and Arleigh Reynolds DVM, PhD, DACVN

This session covers current trends in feeding distance and sprint dogs, and how new, high-powered foods are being used. Take advantage of this great opportunity to get the specifics on customizing your feeding program to match your running style and suit your needs.

A fireside chat with Lance Mackey: Whitehorse to Hollywood and everything in between

Lance Mackey, with Karl Kassel

Join Karl as he chats with Lance Mackey about his life, his dogs, what it's like to be nominated for an ESPY award, and (of course) about doing what many people said couldn't be done: winning both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod in the same year.

Complete 2006 audio collection (MP3 CD only) Best value!

The Complete 2006 audio collection includes all of the sessions below in one convenient MP3 format CD, and is now shipping.

Junior Mushing

Curtis Erhart, John Baker, Sarah Love, DVM

Basic care for your sled dogs.

Mush with Pride Workshop—Race officials and veterinarians

Mark Nordman, Mike McCowan

Every race has its own unique flavor—these race officials discuss what mushers should expect at different races and what is expected of them.

Mushing: A family affair

Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore, Helen Lundberg, Ken Anderson

How each family member contributes to the building of a successful team.

Jeff King's training strategies

Jeff King

Innovative strategies for training sled dogs from the 2006 Iditarod winner and four-time champion.

More stories from the Bush

Julie Collins

One of the "Trapline Twins" will share experiences from their unique and fascinating way of life. Along with telling stories, Julie will talk about the various personalities of dogs and how to train for those differences.

Vet presentations on current hot topics

Sarah Love DVM and Diane Preziosi DVM

Dr. Preziosi discusses allergies, and Dr. Love talks about the latest news from the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association.

Great stories from the good ol' days

Jerry Riley, George Attla

Go back in time to the days before specialized dogs and high-tech gear.

Yukon Quest Rookie Preparation

Panel discussion with Yukon Quest veterans and officials to prepare mushers for the Yukon Quest 1000 Mile Sled Dog Race. The panel of mushers share their tips to prepare rookies for the race, then open up the floor for participants to ask questions focused on planning, training and the nuts and bolts of being on the trail. This session is for everyone, whether you are signed up for the Yukon Quest, planning for your rookie year in the future, or just interested in what it takes to achieve the honor of becoming a Yukon Quest Finisher.

Complete 2005 audio collection (MP3 CD only) Best value!

The Complete 2005 audio collection includes all of the sessions below in one convenient MP3 format CD.

Junior Mushing

Elizabeth Jayne, Megan Hedgecoke, Ray Redington, Jr., Art Stoller, Baillee Holt

Experienced junior dog mushers (and former junior mushers) talk about the Two Rivers Dog Mushers Association's junior races. Presenters outline the Junior 100 race and mandatory gear, and talk about how they got involved in dog mushing and some of their experiences.

Mush with Pride Workshop—Dog Care Then and Now

Grant Beck, Bud Smyth, Roxy Wright, Joee Redington

A panel of long-time sprint and distance mushers discuss the evolution of modern sled dog care, including their perspectives on the changes they have seen over the years and their predictions for the future.

Basic Harness Fitting and Specialized Harnesses

Wes Rau, Sara Elzey, Ivana Nolke, Mitch Seavey, Frank Sihler

Back by popular demand. Wes talks about how to make sure standard harnesses properly fit your dogs. The panel discusses the pros and cons of newer harness designs.

Veterinary Physical Therapy

Wes Rau

Wes addresses foot and ankle problems in working sled dogs, including how to assess the foot, wrist, ankle and knees. He also discusses how the extremities work in relation to the hip and back, known as the closed-chain relationship of the extremities to the body.

Legendary Dog Mushers

George Attla, Grant Beck, Joee Redington, Roxy Wright

Personal stories from the trails (and off the trails) by well-known, long-time mushers.

Successful Racing at Any Distance

Hans Gatt, Jacques Philip, Ken Anderson

Mushers who’ve run (and won) sprint, mid-distance, distance and stage races compare dogs, training and strategies for the different race types.

Nutritionally Complete Dog Diets

Arleigh Reynolds

Arleigh reviews nutritional considerations for different times of the year and various stages of a dog’s life, including both food and supplements.

Veterinarian Panel—Clostridial Disease and Geriatric Dogs

Eric Jayne DMV, Tamara Rose DMV

Dr. Jayne, a.k.a. “the Bush Vet,” talks about clostridial disease in Alaskan sled dogs. Dr. Rose discusses caring for geriatric dogs.

Mushing as a Way of Life

Miki and Julie Collins

The “Trapline Twins,” who also wrote Dog Driver: A Guide for the Serious Musher, talk about their unique and fascinating way of life.

Complete 2004 audio collection (MP3 CD only) Best value!

The Complete 2004 audio collection includes all of the sessions below in one convenient MP3 format CD.

How to Fix Your Own Dog

Wes Rau

The neck-shoulder-back exam and how to safely treat some injuries yourself without hurting the dog.

Mush with Pride Workshop—Alaskan Wildfires: Is Your Kennel Ready?

Jodi Bailey, Dan Kaduce, Kathryn Pyne, Jeanne Olson

Wildfires happen, and dog mushers need to be prepared. Jodi and Dan faced a massive wildfire, and tell how they successfully evacuated their kennel. Kathryn Pyne of the Alaska Division of Forestry and Jeanne Olson, FNSB Animal Control director, discuss how their respective agencies can help before, during and after.

Mushing  101: Harness Fit and Selection

Jeff King, Mitch Seavey, Wes Rau

An improperly fitting harness can hinder a dog’s performance. Learn how a harness interacts with your dog’s physical structure, how to select the proper harness for your dog, and about innovations in harness design.

Distance Mushing Strategies

Mitch Seavey, Zack Steer, Ken Anderson, Gwen Holdmann

Top distance mushers share tips and techniques for training, racing and camping.

Keynote—How To Be Chicken about Training

Cheryl S. Smith

Learn from one of the nation’s experts how clicker training can teach you everything you need to know about training a dog (or any other species, for that matter) to do anything physically possible.

Comparing Sled Designs and Construction

Hans Gatt, Dan Kaduce, Dave Klumb, Fred Raymond

Wood vs. aluminum. Oil vs. varnish. Yellow, black, white, or orange plastic runners. To wax or not to wax. Sled makers and a waxing guru will discuss various sled materials, construction and maintenance.

Sprint Mushing Strategies

Egil Ellis, Eric Lanser, Arleigh Reynolds

Top open and limited-class sprint mushers share tips and techniques for training and racing.

Veterinary Physical Therapy and Dog Care

Wes Rau

Wes gives an overview of canine injuries, including what to look for and how to fix small problems. The emphasis is on basic dog care, anatomy and physiology.

Secrets of the Seaveys

Mitch and Tyrell Seavey

Father and son dog mushers Mitch and Tyrell Seavey tell about some of their family’s stories and what it’s like to be the latest in a line of competitive dog mushers.

Vet Panel—Lameness, Vaccination, and Common Medical Issues

Jean Battig, Jeanne Maddux, Jeanne Olson

Top veterinarians discuss the lameness exam, vaccination protocols, and common medical issues that are often mistaken for behavioral problems.

Complete 2003 audio collection (MP3 CD only) Best value!

The Complete 2003 audio collection includes all of the sessions below in one convenient MP3 format CD.

Pride Workshop—Physical Therapy and Dog Care

Wes Rau

An overview of canine injuries, including what to look for and how to fix common problems.

Mushing  101—Basics for the Beginning Musher

Miriam Cooper, Tammi Rego

For the beginning musher, including equipment, dog yard set-up, care, communication and training.

Second-Hand Dogs

Carol Kleckner, Carol Kaynor, Andy Elsberg

Whether your goal is to race or to simply create a coherent team for pleasure, this session gives you tips and tricks for getting the most out of dogs you haven’t raised yourself.

Keynote—Canine Behavior

Sue Bulanda

Training establishes a communication system between you and your dog. However, many people do not understand some of the key concepts that make this communication system possible. Susan Bulanda explains the key concepts that are necessary to train your dog and deal with behavior problems.

Veterinarian Panel—Thyroid and Oral Care

Jeanne Olson, Jean Battig

Thyroid in sled dogs, and how oral care (or lack thereof) affects a dog’s performance.

Conformation

Sue Bulanda

Why conformation is important to the working dog and what you can do to maximize your dog’s performance and well-being.

Veterinary Physical Therapy

Wes Rau

The anatomy and physiology of canine injuries, including how anatomy translates to action.

East Coast Mushing

Sue Bulanda, Terri Champaine, Dan Daigle, Deborah Bicknell

A panel of East Coast dog drivers talk about the adventures of mushing in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Nutritional Supplements

Arleigh Reynolds

An ever-growing number of supplements are available for sled dogs, addressing everything from performance to arthritis. This session helps to make sense out of what’s out there.