Feral Racing Dog Sled Tours

Connor McMahon

2022 Yukon Quest dog musher

Growing up in Southern Ontario I was introduced to working
dogs at the age of 15. Starting out I managed a kennel of
security dogs and my passion and respect for these animals
was born. Through this work I learned the importance of proper
training and happy dogs. This introduction showed me how to
instill confidence in dogs, through positive reinforcement
training. It was here that I learned the importance of truly being
present with the dogs and carefully observing them in their
environment. This taught me to respect and value their
companionship, their purpose and their inner drive. Through this
I was able to see the world through their eyes and how they
relate to the environment.
One day I came across an Alaskan Malamute named “Chumie”.
He was deemed aggressive and was going to be put down by
the owner. I knew poor Chumie was just in the wrong
environment and was a just missing something in his life. This is
where I stepped up and offered him a job.
I built my first sled out of some old skis and scrap wood and
Chumie became my lead dog (also my only dog at the time but
it made him feel important). From that day on my one-dog
team and I were hooked on sledding. My dreams were born and
my goals were set!