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Meet David Straub
Iditarod Rookie

Introduction

Thirty-nine years old, from the Midwest.   Showed Samoyeds in conformation and obedience competition during the 80’s. Also worked as a kennel person, veterinary assistant and trainer.

Background

Over twenty years training dogs. Reading about Samoyeds led me to huskies and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. My first sled dog was a dog named ”Sheiba."  She was smart, would sit on my motorcycle and climb trees. It was then I knew that I loved to work with dogs.

Kennel Management

What size kennel do you operate?
35 dogs--gives plenty of dogs for breeding, running down the trail to meet friends and lots of fun training young dogs.

What type of tether/bowl system do you use?
My tether system is a one and three quarter pipe 7’ long driven half way in, post are set on a 13’ grid and chains are 6’ allowing free movement and good compatibles in the lot.

What are the most important considerations in housing sled dogs?
Housing is also important. I use a duplex design letting both dogs to be able to be on the same house, building TEAM relationships. Small kennel allows more time spent with training LEADERS.

The Dogs

What breed(s) do you work with?
Alaskan Huskies.

What mental or emotional attributes do you require in your dogs?
Dogs are trained, so as they are introduced to running they respond and love to be traveling. Personalities are what I most identify with for Example; A timid dog is usually a smart dog, smart enough to want to avoid you. As it may seem to be a fault but my BEST LEADERS are timid.

Tell us about an all time favorite dog or two.
MICKEY was a SUPER DOG, she lead in every race she ran in. Mickey was killed training for the 2000 IDITAROD. Both her sisters run in my team this year, it was a GREAT experience.

Puppies

The young dogs learn it’s fun to be out on the trail. By running with adult team mates they gain confidence in themselves.

Young dogs run with older race dogs through cart and command training...then they start finding out where they like to run.

Training

Training command leaders is most rewarding for me. I continue to compete in the 2001 IDITAROD, mid-distance racing and working with young dogs. Competing in the 2000 race was a GREAT accomplishment. Hand signals and voice commands are most necessary with a big strings of dogs.

Racing

How do you choose which races to enter?
Area races and condition of my team.

What are your strengths as a racer?
My dogs and I are truly a UNIT by the time it’s race time.

What does it take to win?
To witness the NORTHERN LIGHTS is a winning feeling, and for me a life long DREAM ….

The Future

What part do clubs and organizations play in sport development?
Dog clubs help add insight to beginners, and help promote the sport

What advice would you give a beginning musher?
It’s best to start with experienced dog that already has some training .

Anecdote

Tell us about one or two of your most memorable sled dog experiences.
Rolling into Rohn Roadhouse like a bullet after the Famous Danzle was a wild ride. Listening to music on a beautiful trail.

Comments

I'm looking for a company or corporation interested in sponsoring a program I'm working on to travel to schools with my lead dogs, talking to children about the IDITAROD and ALASKA.

If you or your company would like to help with my goal, e-mail david@alaskansleddogs.com or call 877-495-7433

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