Last minute

Help in our non-profit sled dog racing kennel in Iisalmi, Finland

  • Favourited 622 times
  • Last activity: 28 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: 1 month or more

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are looking for hard working helpers with confidence, initiative, and self-motivation who are willing and able to work hard in all weather conditions. This is not a holiday!

    I have a kennel of about 60 racing sprint Alaskan Huskies in Iisalmi (starts with an i-letter), Finland. Note that Iisalmi is not in Lapland. I need help for training and caring for the dogs. Dogs are a way of life for me and my spouse Jenni and that's really all we do. Normally we have 2-4 Workawayers at the same time. I've been racing, training, breeding and caring for dogs for over 40 years. My kennel is a non-profit sports activity, we don't have tourism. Besides the sled dogs we also have wolfdogs, goats, chickens and a parrot.

    When conditions are favorable we train the dogs every other day usually in 12-18 dog teams (this makes 3-4 teams). During the dryland season we train with a training cart where one person can sit on the cart while I'm driving. When training on snow we harness the dogs in front of a snowmobile where one person can sit behind me. Only when there is enough snow for snow anchors to hold can we start training with sleds if the Workawayers want it and they have the skills required to drive a sled. We live by lake Porovesi so during winter time we train the dogs on ice.

    We are looking for individuals who are interested in not only dogs, but specifically the sport of mushing and sled dogs. During your stay you'll learn a great deal about sled dogs, specifically Alaskan Huskies, their history, breeding, training, feeding, welfare and health care. We are also happy to share our information about Finnish history and culture.

    Note that the temperature may get as low as -35 C so it's essential you pack clothes that will really keep you warm. We do have some clothes here that we can offer you to use. However, please don’t rely on this and we hope you bring appropriate shoes with you. During summer temperatures can be as high as +34 C. Volunteers share the house with me and my spouse. The expected hours are approximately 08:00-11:00 and 17:00-19:00. Daily chores include giving the dogs water or drink made with meat/fish, cleaning the kennels/dogyard, preparing food for the dogs and feeding. On top of this there is other chores like clipping the dogs' nails, changing their bedding and also non-dog related stuff like making/carrying firewood.

    We cook mostly meat dishes, but most of the meat we eat is such that it would be thrown away unless we take it.

    During your free time you can explore the surroundings by walking, running, cycling, kickbiking, skiing, swimming or rowing our boat. You can do fishing, go for a little adventure in the forest and grill sausages on a fire or even spend a night in laavu. The town of Iisalmi is 11km from us and has grocery stores, restaurants, post offices, banks, etc.

    Our closest airport is in Kuopio, but we recommend flying to Helsinki-Vantaa and taking a train from there to Iisalmi. We will then come to pick you up from town.

    Facilities:

    - running water
    - shower
    - sauna
    - tumble dryer
    - washing machine
    - dishwasher

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Animal Care
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You can learn about Finnish culture and language, sled dog training, feeding and caring.

  • Help

    Help

    Feeding, cleaning and training the dogs in all weather.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Finnish: Fluent
    English: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    One bedroom in our one floor house in the coutryside. Closest grocery store is about 11km away. We offer food.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have decent wi-fi connection and a room available.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 518689738135

Feedback (6)



Photos

Feedback

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

Accuracy of profile: (4.6)

Cultural exchange: (5.0)

Communication: (4.6)








Help restoring an old farm in magical Sipoonkorpi National Park, Vantaa, Finland
Stay in an old logged house in the edge of a forest and help around the house and garden in Vihti, Finland