Lisa here, of Hakuna and Sparky (pictured above) fame!

On sled dogs…
Our Mantra has always been…
Rule # 1.) Never trust Hakuna (wolfie)
Rule # 2.) Refer to rule 1
Welcome to wolfie dog-landia!

So…..
On sled dogs in the desert…
Don’t be afraid of leashes! Even the most seemingly obliging voiced trained husky/malamute/wolfie will run when it feels like it! And they suffer from chronic selective deafness! It is not humane to let your wolfie run free and risk him being shot by someone who thinks he’s a dangerous wolf when sniffing around their chickens or bunnies!

Also remember as Steph mentioned, they evaporatively cool (not unlike a swamp cooler) from their mouths so if its both hot and humid, they need to keep a moderate or slow pace. Even if it is not “hot” to you - 70 deg and Sparky loved the heat and would CHOOSE to lie in the full baking sun. Kuna, not so much.

Though it will inevitably be suggested, Do Not be tempted to shave him! Double coated dogs can cool effectively with a well brushed double coat and apparently it will just grow back fluffier if you shaved (though I have heard anecdotal evidence to the contrary here in Moab, but that’s with dogs based out of a house and cooled often in a creek…)

Very imp.: They NEED a strong alfa influence or they will bowl you over, so don’t be afraid to be the kind but FIRM guide and when necessary, disciplinarian to your husky mutt! Check out the Monks’ book, How to be Your Dogs Bets Friend, for good beta on all that jazz…

Enjoy your furry friend!