Summer Kennel Besök på Historic Trail Breaker Kennel

Great experience! Loved our guide and her story! They run a very well organized program and you can tell they love and care for their dogs. Puppies were adorable and friendly.

We went as part of a Vacations by Rail group, Katrina was the spokesperson and it was really obvious how much she loves and cares for these dogs. Three of them are actually hers but there were 35 sled dogs and 7 puppies. She spoke so knowledgeably about the care and feeding of the animals. It was amazing to learn it costs upward of $60,000 to enter an Iditarod team so sponsorship is required. Dogs are constantly monitored especially during races to be sure they are healthy, not overweight or underweight, not injured or in need of medical attention. The staff can handle vaccinations and such but they bring in a veterinarian for more difficult treatments. Although Katrina hasn’t competed in the Iditarod, she has participated in shorter races as a musher. We got to see all the layers of clothing they have to wear on the trail, the sleds, the paw protectors the dogs are outfitted with as well as other protection from the cold. The dogs love the very cold weather and will even go into water, although they aren’t keen on swimming. Our visit included a great meal with lasagna, garlic bread, cookies, and coffee or iced tea (or alcoholic beverages available at a cost). Katrina actually lives on the property in a “dry” cabin (no running water). I can’t even imagine going outdoors to use the bathroom where the temperature can go down to -50 degrees. Obviously it’s a labor of love for these folks!

Meeting and learning about Alaskan huskies was a very fun and informative experience at the Trail Breaker Kennel. Our guide, Tori, was very knowledgeable, having grown up in a mushing family and having raised Alaskan huskies for her entire young life. We learned so much about these dogs and their importance in Alaska, and it was great fun to spend time with them. The only disappointment was there were no puppies on site. Otherwise, a definite 5 star experience.

This Trail Breaker Kennel tour was included in our Trafalgar tour of Alaska. We had such an interesting and informative experience! Tekla has such a great personality and was so friendly. My husband and I enjoyed it all!!

This place was awesome. The guides were great. They gave an overview of the history, and really encouraged questions to personalize our experience. The dogs were very well cared for and the musher had such a strong relationship with them.

My husband surprised me with this visit to Trailbreaker kennels and it was awesome! It was our first day in Alaska, and this was the first activity we did. Anna, our guide, was so informative and personable. She answered all our questions and was just so friendly. And there's not enough to say about playing with puppies… We got to play with the nine week old puppies and the three week old puppies, and it was beyond the best! I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the area. Not only did we get to play with these adorable puppies, but we also learned a lot about the kennel itself, the dogs that run the races, and about Susan Butcher. 5+++++ stars!

Our visit to Trail Breaker Kennel was clearly a highlight of our tour in Alaska. Learning about the training and care of these beautiful Alaska huskies was so interesting and I was in awe of Katrina Handler when she told us all about racing in the Iditarod. She is truly an inspiration. Of course, being able to hold and cuddle the puppies was awesome.

Guide was very informative and knowledgeable. We were able to cuddle with 4 and 9 week old puppies. Super fun!

Was interesting and knowledgeable experience of the life a musher and the training of the Alaskan Husky and their training. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. You have a chance to meet the dogs and of course they bring out puppies for everyone to hold and cuddle

The dogs were soooo adorable and lovely, it was a superb experience. Highlight of our Alaska trip. Big big thanks to David for your hospitality 🥰