Help out with our huskies in Tufsingdalen, Norway

Norway

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14
Last activity
25/01/2022
Reply rate
93.6 %
Average reply time:
within 6 days
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2022

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Description
We are a racing kennel with more then 40 Alaskan Huskies. We train our dogs for long distance racing at the highest level. The kennel is owned by Stein. He has over 40 years experience with breeding, training, and racing sled dogs. He competes in Scandinavia's major sled dog races. We have both young dogs and racing veterans.

Taking care of so many dogs takes a lot of time! Therefore, Stein has a small team of handlers to support him. The whole team is equally involved in all aspects of running the kennel.

Alaskan Huskies are bred for racing, so as an athlete they do what they love most; run!
They are full of energy, happy, extremely social and loyal.
As our helper, you will have lots of adventure with the dogs, get to experience their unconditional love and bond with them. You will get to ride and train your own team and discover the beautiful landscapes of Norway.

Since it takes a while to get to know the dogs and get used to our routines, we prefer long term helpers, at least three month. However, we do consider short term help sometimes, to fill in the gaps.

We prioritize single helpers.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn a lot about dogs/huskies and sled dog training and racing. In a short time you will learn how to drive your own dogteam trough beautiful landscapes. Adventures guaranteed! You will live close to nature and learn a lot about the outdoors and countrylife. We always try to create a good group from different nationalities, so that we can learn from each others life and culture.
Help
Helpers are involved in all daily activities like training the dogs, preparing dogfood, feeding, freerunning and socializing puppies(playtime!). In winter season, you will also have a chance to come along- and assist at the races.

In spring, summer and fall, the dogs are trained with an ATV, therefore helpers need to have a drivers license. Every summer we have1- 2 litters of puppies. Helpers have an important role in socializing and bringing up these dogs from pups to grown sleddogs.

During the summer season, we also do general mainttenance on the farm. Therefore it is crucial that you know how to handle a tool.
Like in every house hold, helpers are expected to contribute in cooking, shopping groceries and cleaning up after themselves.

We are looking for helpers who are open minded, are able to work in a team, spread joy and not afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Norwegian: Fluent
Accommodation
We are located in Tufsingdalen. A perfect place for peace-seekers and nature-lovers. Helpers will live together with the owners and have each their own room.
What else ...
In winter you will have the opportunity to do cross-country skiing. This area is perfect for hiking in spring, summer and fall. We are located by the river, Tufsinga, close to big lake of Femund, wich is lovely for canoeing and fishing.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours per day, 25 hours a week

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Feedback left by and about host (14)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

26/10/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexis)

Alexis came and stayed with us for more than 8 months. He stayed form August 2020 until April 2021, and it was a true pleasure to host him. Alexis participated in the life with our racedogs, and took part in every side of it. Everyday feeding and training of our racing veterans and young dogs. He truly cared for both animals and people, and took… read more

(Excellent )

20/04/2021

Left by Workawayer (Alexis) for host

I stayed with Stein and Siri for 8 months. It was my first workaway experience. And ... what an experience !
Before coming, I only did two trips in tourist kennel. But trust me, it has nothing to do with what they are doing !

Siri and Stein are both amazing person. Always calm and so kind with people and the dogs. You can see that they love… read more their dogs, there is no doubt about that !
Stein is a true passionate dogmusher. He is into dogmushing since 40 years with hundred races done and have a lot to teach you about this world. With Siri, they are a true encyclopedia about Norway, wildlife, history and they will share it with you with pleasure. They will also answer to all your questions about the dogs or any subject, don't hesitate to be curious.
For me, I really felt trusted and integrated. They didn't hesitate to ask me my opinion about the dogs or about other subject and were listening what I had to say. I was able to take some initiative without problem and propose ideas.

About the dogs : I worked with their 50 dogs (some were sold then) and they are crazy. But in the good way ! Full of energy, well behaved, always happy to be cuddle and so powerful. Even after 8 months spend with them everyday, they continue to amaze me, especially after hearing stories about other kennel.

About the work, it can be tough. There is tasks that need to be done everyday, no matter the weather.
And then, there is the training part. Except in summer, the dogs are trained almost everyday too and you are part of it. Sometime by going out with a dog team, sometime by helping to prepare a trip or a race. You will have to repair things like ropes or metal lines we use on ATV/sled, repair doghouses, repair sleds/ATV/Snowmobile and build things to improve the life at the kennel. As I already said it, if you have any ideas, don't hesitate to share it with them, they will always listen to you.
There is no working hours truly defined, days are differents and everything can change VERY quickly !

To resume the philosophy of the kennel, here is 2 sayings they use (and they are true!) :
- "Learning by doing" : Even if you know nothing, you are going to learn by doing it. It can be strange or scary sometime but you will be used to it, don't worry about that ! Don't be scared, there is nothing difficult. The more you are eager to learn, the better it is !
- "Never a boring day"/"The only thing predictible here is that nothing is predictible" : 2 sayings for the same thing. Most of the time, days are different. And all the plans made in the morning can change very quickly. So if I can give you an advice, be adaptable.

Be aware that the kennel is in a remote place. The nearest city with shopping center, restaurants and bars is 1h15 far. So the area is very quiet, surronded by forest, rivers, mountains and the third biggest lake of Norway. In your free time (yes, their is some !), you can easily enjoy outdoor activities.

To finish, this experience was amazing for me. I discovered so many new things during this 8 months. About dogmushing, dogs, norwegian culture, history, wildlife, etc. But I also discovered things about myself. Because once you are on a sled with a dog team, you are mostly alone and you need to be aware of things and be able to learn how to face anything. But this feeling of freedom you have when you ride in the middle of amazing landscapes, mostly in silence, is priceless.

Once more, thanks you so much Stein and Siri for everything. And I hope to see you soon, you and the dogs !

(Excellent )

24/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Andréa)

Andréa came and stayed with us from oct. 2018 until june 2019.
We have a racing kennel for sleddogs, with more than 40 Alaskan Huskies. Andrea has participated in the daily care of the dogs, and she has shown great care for them. She has been feeding, training and given each idividual dog love and care. Andréa is a person you can trust. If we had… read more

(Excellent )

29/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Andréa) for host

There is no words to explain my experience with Stein,Siri and the 50 alaskan huskies living in Strømsvollen, it has changed my life forever, and I am crying while writing this, because I miss you guys so much. I never thought I would experienced so much and get the chance to live so many amazing moments.

I stayed for more than 6 months with… read more these amazing persons. I had no experience at all with dogs, winter, cold or outdoor life but I got to learn about it in the best way as possible. Stein is an amazing musher, passionate, loving, kind and funny, who will take time to explain you everything you want to know about dogs. He is also a very good story teller, and believe me he has a lot of crazy things to tell you. Siri is one of the most loving, caring, happy and attentionate persons you can meet on earth, she is always here for everyone, a great teacher and together with Stein they create an amazing family atmosphere that you will feel part of from your first day.

About the dogs ... they are amazing athletes that will surprise you way more than you think. I got to know them well and their very singular personnalities. Some are crazy (Frivill), some are shy (Ares this eternal grumpy guy), some are moving bellies (aka Brorson), but all of them will love you. As a handler you are 100% part of the mushing life, from feeding them, to cleaning their houses, the poop, preparing the team, cutting the nails (Topsy will make you regret that)... And the best part of all, you will train the dogs ! The ATV or troll-kart when the snow is not there, and of course the sled during the whole winter. The sensations on the sled are amazing, after a few falls the first times, you will quickly get how to maneuver it, read the dogs while they are running and communicate with them on the way. The landscapes are beautiful, in one mushing day you can be in the valley, the forest, the mountains and on the huge Femund lake. We got to do a cabin excursion and enjoy the norwegian nature. During our rides we got to see a lot of wildlife like mooses, reindeers, white birds (yep I still don't know how to call them), eagles and enjoy to ride under the magnificient colors of setting sun or under the stars (so long for me and my dream of mushing under the northern lights, I still need to do that !). Spending a lot of time with the dogs both on and off the sled creates very strong bonds with them, the more time the bigger the reward for you and the dog, it took me 3 months before the very shy Skygge allowed me to pet her and even put her legs on me, such a simple thing can become a great deal.

You will get to go with Stein to races, helping with the preparation of the sled and the dog food. It's an amazing opportunity to live the excitment of the start of a race with hundreds of sled dogs around, meet other mushers, handlers and get to experience the real racing experience. And of course the banquet is one of the moments to be part of !

Clearly one of my best memories was to be able to run in a race myself. I never believed it would happen but I must thank you Stein once again for trusting me with this. It was so much fun to run it with you and Siri, like a family race ! It made me grow so much and gives me confidence everytime I doubt about myself now.

A part of the job is also to take care of the puppies (if we can call it a job). Walking them and petting them is actually very important. It's always a great and funny moment. Getting to see their first time in harness is priceless, and seeing them evolving in the team is very rewarding.

Life at home is very cosy. You will get to have your own bedroom and wake up by the howlings of the pack. Everyone is welcomed to cook and we share dinner together. A good time for sharing stories of the day. In the evening we were getting one or two dogs inside to socialize them, sometimes they are very shy, and sometimes they will make you laugh so much when they play on the sofa (Topsy and Svarta is the good combination for that :D ). The fireplace is almost always on, to make it feel warm and cosy, and the view is beautiful, I can't count how many times I ran to the window to admire the evening colors. We were always included in the community life, going to events in Tufsingdalen or going for a coffee at Tine's our neighbor. I also spent Christmas and New Year there, a beauiful occasion to discover norwegian culture and love for this part of the year.

Being a handler is a full time job, don't expect to follow some specific hours, and don't expect to plan anything because nothing happens as you will have planned it.

Once again thank you Stein and Siri, we all know that we will meet each other and I will definitely come back for at least another season. Huge hugs to all the dogs, especially Topsy and Skygge <3

One last thing to describe the life as a handler : NEVER A BORING DAY !!

(Excellent )

15/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jürgen) for host

Now it's time for a review, after 1,5 month that i'm back in Germany.
I had an amazing time with Siri, Stein, the other workawayers and the dogs.
It was my first workaday and absolut amazing experience.
The nature and the silence there is absolut beautiful.
It is a really hard work with the dogs, but it is also a work that makes fun.
But you work… read more

(Excellent )

11/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Tomas)

During summer 2019 Tomas has been helping us for nearly three month, and it has been a pleasure hosting him.
We are a racing kennel for sleddogs, with more than 40 Alaskan Huskies. Tomas has participated in the daily care of the dogs, and he has shown great care for them. He has been feeding, training and given every one of the individual dog… read more

(Excellent )

21/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Tomas) for host

I finally found a time to write this feedback and review for Siri and Stein. (P.S. sorry it took me so long)

At the beginning I'd like to say this was my second experience with workaway and it totally overtook my first one. In good way, of course.

I stayed little bit more than two months.

What I can say, only I swear that the evidence that I… read more

(Excellent )

10/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin)

Ben came to us and stayed for one month in july 2019. We are a racing kennel for sleddogs, with more than 40 Alaskan Huskies. Ben has been participating in daily care for all this dogs, such as feeding and training. He has also been participating in general farm work and maintenance.
He immediately found his place in our group, and showed great… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Benjamin) for host

Wonderful experience with Siri, Stein and the others workawayers in the kennel. The house is cosy and comfortable, the whole farm very cute and the outdoors astonishing ! And what about the dogs ? Each of them has a different personnality but they all are very happy to see you and always greet you at night with their howlings.
Concerning the work,… read more

(Excellent )

30/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Vincent) for host

I dont know where to start..
This place is Just magical
The house is surounded by river, lake and forest
Waking up seeing norwegian sunrise
Enjoying the quietness watching the birds if ur lucky u can see the Falcon who has a nest 30meter from the house the squirrel coming evry day for the organic leftovers
Also the perfect place to spot a… read more

(Excellent )

21/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sven) for host

I'm scared to write a review since I'm aware that I'm not able to write all the feelings I have towards this place, its dogs and its wonderful people. At the time being I wouldn't know how much of an impact this place can give you. It is a magical place with character and lots of personality.

Siri + Stein and their 50+ Alaskan Huskies at the… read more

(Excellent )

08/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Linus) for host

Great place! Stein and Siri are are great people, always friendly and caring. The farm is really comfortable with a nice kitchen and a big comfortable living room. The work is fun and rewarding. There is always something to do around the house beside of taking care and training of the dogs. The landscape around the kennel is astonishing with… read more

(Excellent )

21/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Marije)

Marije came to me two years ago to help out training and caring for a team of fifty racing sled dogs in Norway . She intended to stay for a period of four to six months. When she left two years later she had won everybody’s friendship and helped to develop the dog sledding to a small tourist business and opened an bnb account to rent out one of… read more

(Excellent )

20/10/2017

Left by Workawayer (Marije) for host

My stay at Steins huskyfarm started off with an agreement for 6 months - but I ended up staying 2 years! That probably says enough. My adventure with the huskies wasn't just a 'once in a lifetime' experience. Steins place became a home away from home and the dogs became my passion.

Training and taking care of 40+ sled dogs is a lot of work but… read more

(Excellent )

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