[pct-l] Siberian Husky on PCT

[Oz]

Hi all!

I was hoping I could get your opinions about dogs on the PCT. I've read
some articles that pumped me up and had me quite excited about a shot in
2014 and then there were others that said it was down right abuse for the
dog. So I thought I'd share my situation and hopefully be able to get some
constructive opinions. I'm aware that not all dogs are equal....

I 'm 25 going on 37 years old :P and I first decided I was going to do a
long trail about 3 years ago while backpacking the Trans Canada Trail
across Newfoundland. So I decided on the AT or PCT 2 years ago and have
been following the lists daily to pick up any tips and advice I could
(You're awesome for sharing your experiences thank you) At that time I
decided I wanted a trail companion and purchased a 12 week old Siberian
Husky and named him Juno after the beach on DDAY. What a dream come true,
he's the perfect trail dog. He's now 6mths and just starting to carry his
palisades pack empty.

I understand fully that the PCT poses the most trouble both physically and
logistically for a dog... but I want it badly and if I can find that it's
possible, I'll invest all I can so that Juno is well cared for and moved
ahead for me when I clear parks with no dog rules. (I'm not interested in
breaking any laws)


*What we have going for us: :)*

At 6mths he's spent more time out in the bush than all dogs I know combined
(at least 20 nights – both winter and summer)

I can clear 25-25km per day and he's still pulling

Despite what people think, huskies thrive in heat as long as their not
shaved

They have been known to handle -70 degrees F.

They travel far and can run 100 miles in a day

He doesn't bark or howl (although I wish he'd howl sometimes)

Hike in the 90's F with a crap load of humidity

The most important thing we have going for us is our routines while hiking.
We have been working flawlessly when it comes to rest, water, food. It may
seem silly but he seems to tell when I've hit my mid afternoon wall and
will slow his pace for me.

My vet laughed at me when I asked if he'd be able to do 20 miles up and
down for consecutive days and replied simply “he's bred for much harder
work, if you train with him it will not be a problem”

*What we have going against us:*

National parks that don't allow dogs.

Some places we may not be welcome

We're both inexperienced with desert hiking and altitudes above 4000ft.

He's only experienced 5 days worth of (Hike, Eat, Sleep) at a time not 90
days.

The unknowns.......


After the last couple of years, my budget has at my delight grown
significantly making a 2014 push more and more feasible for me. I want Juno
to accompany me if I can make sense of it. Juno has been a trail dog since
he was born. My hopes is that by the time he's a year and a half, he'll
have the experience and stamina to face the challenges of the PCT.

I'm asking because I love my dog, not because I'm searching for an excuse
to challenge him with the PCT.


Thanks again for all the wonderful advice!