Watch huskies perform live pulling demonstrations at the expo.
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Jake Greaves has transformed his passion for working dogs into Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours, a full-time operation that officially launched in 2010.
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The business owner acquired his first husky, Koda, in 2005, and began building his first working team in 2008, running sled tours in Dinner Plain.
“We currently have 68 huskies, and we keep them for their entire lives,” Jake said.
“The majority of our dogs have been rescued, often coming to us needing extra structure, patience and training.
“They’re not just working dogs to us, they’re family.”
The team will bring its huskies to perform live pulling demonstrations using wheeled carts.
“We’ll be bringing a team of our huskies to perform a live pulling demonstration using our wheeled cart, showing how strong our huskies actually are, pulling 2.5 times their own body weight,” Jake said.
However, rides won’t be offered at the expo.
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“The focus will be on live demonstrations and giving people the chance to see the dogs up close,” Jake said.
“Our dogs are trained for running larger tours rather than small tracks.”
Jake emphasises that huskies require significant commitment.
“Huskies are amazing dogs, but they are not for everyone,” he said.
“They're a high-energy working breed and need a lot of exercise.
“Unfortunately, many huskies are surrendered because people underestimate their needs.”
Wildlife Wranglers, Jake’s other business, will also feature at the event.
“We’ll also be bringing a selection of our wildlife from our other business Wildlife Wranglers, including crocodiles, snakes, lizards and possibly a dingo,” he said.
“Animal attendance will depend on the weather and temperature to ensure their comfort and welfare.”
This winter, Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours will operate at Mt Hotham, Dinner Plain, Mt Baw Baw and Mt Buller, seven-days-a-week throughout the snow season.