4
– I always begin each ride with the
guests getting to know their dogs properly.
They learn the dogs’ names and receive a
small map of their position in the team.
– Here’s Ceasar! He’s my most
important leader-dog, he says. A good
leader-dog is a dog that always wants to
work and whom I can trust a hundred
per cent. And this is Anja. She is my
other leader-dog, maybe the best at taking
commands actually.
He cuddles them for a while and talks to
them using – for us humans – incomprehen-
sible sounds. There is a special story behind
the names they were given.
– I come from a small place in northern
Norway, Skattvold, and I’ve almost used up
all the names of the people who live there to
name my dogs. There’s Kåre, Klara, Kalle,
Helge, Lotta, Laila, Lisa and Leif.
Before it is time to go, Svein Åge gives
the guests the instructions they need to be
able to steer the cart and lead the team of
dogs.
– I focus a lot on safety. If someone’s
feeling scared or unsure they get to steer
on the last round. The dogs will be calmer
after having let off most of their enthusiasm
and joy of working and pulling. Over the
years, we’ve never had a single accident and
that’s how it will stay.
The guests learn
how to put the harness
on the dogs and how to fasten the team in
front of the cart.
– I offer several different tours
depending on what is asked for. Shorter
rides are enough for larger groups in order
for everyone to have a go. But it’s getting
more and more popular to go for half day
or whole day tours.
– The moonlight rides are very special.
The snow reflects the intense light of the
night; it makes Finnskogen magical.
– The greatest reward for me is to see the
delighted and smiling faces of my guests.
Finnskogen
Opplevelser,
Roverud
Activity and events
organiser in Finnskogen
with focus on quality,
environment and the
outdoors. One and a
half hour drive north
of Oslo. For businesses,
groups and families.
Dog sledding (cart
or sled) all year round.
Go for a few hours, half
a day, a full day or a ride
in the moonlight.
In the summer there are
other activities, such as
canoeing, fishing, beaver
safaris, hiking, guided
tours with a romance or
mystery theme, guided
nature trails and team
building.
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