Two new sled dogs arrive at Denali National Park

On Wednesday, November 18th, Denali National Park & Preserve welcomed 10-week old sister pups Nuna and Aliqsi to the pack of 31 sled dogs trained and cared for by the park kennels staff.

Nuna, from the Inupiaq word meaning earth, was named for her striking black paw pads and her sister Aliqsi, meaning white-sock, was so-named for her white, front left paw. The sisters, born on September 7th in Eagle, AK, have already begun their training to be Denali sled dogs.

Over the next few months, the pups will be familiarized with their environment through daily walks and explorations, taught basic commands such as sit, come, and stay, and will begin interacting with the adults in the dog yard. Their individual personalities will also begin to develop and shine through, although both are already proving to be confident and happy dogs.

At about six months old, the pups will watch as the adult dogs are harnessed for training runs. The pups will be allowed to run loose beside or behind the team as a way to experience the variety of winter patrol conditions. After a few weeks of loose runs, the pups will themselves be harnessed, but not attached to the sled. Some past pups have even worked themselves into the team by fitting into open spots and running in formation with the other dogs.

When the pups are between seven and eight months old, they will be harnessed for short runs and positioned next to well-trained adult dogs who serve as their mentors. This training will continue until they are ready to assume their sled position and will continue throughout the lives.

For more information on visiting the sled dogs in winter and to learn more about the long history of sled dogs in Denali National Park & Preserve contact the Muire Science and Learning Center. Interpretive Rangers are  available from 8 - 4pm daily to answer any questions you might have and to help you plan your visit.