Snow is good, but not essential, for an Alaskan husky to do what it loves doing best – running and pulling.

A former dog-sled “musher”, kiwi Stef Meier returned to Central Otago six years ago, after a couple of years working for a mountain sled-tour company based in Lake Louise, Canada.

Her love of dogs and the sport of dog-sledding have inspired her to introduce a six-week dog-sledding course in Alexandra where she now lives.

Stef’s philosophy on encouraging dogs and their owners to give sledding a go is simple: “Nurture what dogs want to do – they want to run”.

She believes instead of getting frustrated by a dog (any breed) that wants to pull, harness that desire and make it fun.

“It’s a great way to exercise when it’s cold.

“The mental stimulation your dog gets by being out front -  and having to listen to your commands - builds an incredible bond.”

In New Zealand, dog-sledding is mostly a dry land sport, such as bikejor or canicross.

Bikejor is basically riding a bike while being pulled along by your dog(s) wearing a running harness, while canicross (canine + cross country), is running with your dog attached to your waist with a bungee leash.  

Stef has competed twice in the Wānaka Sled Dog festival held at the Snow Farm in the Cardrona Valley, and last year took away the Veterinary Award for best team care.

Animal health and well-being is her top priority and she’s grateful to have been trained by one of the people involved in writing the sled-dog code-of-care in Canada.

“The code is a standard regulation for kennels and mushers,” Stef said.

She has three Alaskan huskies (Zip, Ezka and Buzz Lightyear); two imported from Canada and the third bred in Alaska and born here.

Buzz Lightyear is one of the imports, and he is one lucky dog.  

Buzz with Stef. His previous owner, who owns the dog-sled company in Canada, organised a give-a-little page to raise funds to get him to New Zealand. PHOTO: Supplied

“If there is a doggie ‘spectrum’, Buzz is on it,” Stef said. 

“He loves being a snow sled-dog, but he wasn’t suited to the “meet and greet” skills required every day.”

He did however, form a lasting bond with Stef, and is now living his best life in Alexandra.

Click here for more information on the dog-sled course starting next Saturday April 15.