THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Meet champion huskies, learn musher commands and ride a wheeled training cart at Turning Heads Kennel near Seward. This 75-minute behind-the-scenes tour mixes hands-on animal care with an insider’s view of Alaskan dog mushing.
Meet champion huskies, learn musher commands and ride a wheeled training cart at Turning Heads Kennel near Seward. This 75-minute behind-the-scenes tour mixes hands-on animal care with an insider’s view of Alaskan dog mushing.
A cold wind off Resurrection Bay presses against your jacket as the sound of nails on gravel grows louder—the dogs are already singing. On arrival at Turning Heads Kennel outside Seward, huskies circle with focused energy, tongues lolling and ears tuned to a musher’s single word. The tour drops you into that kinetic moment: commands called, gangline checked, and a wheeled training cart moving under eager teams.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Seward Helicopter Tours · Seward, Alaska
A cold wind off Resurrection Bay presses against your jacket as the sound of nails on gravel grows louder—the dogs are already singing. On arrival at Turning Heads Kennel outside Seward, huskies circle with focused energy, tongues lolling and ears tuned to a musher’s single word. The tour drops you into that kinetic moment: commands called, gangline checked, and a wheeled training cart moving under eager teams.
Dog mushing is woven into coastal Alaska’s history: a practical means of transport and a competitive sport that shaped Iditarod lore. The kennel sits where glacially carved valleys give way to spruce and muskeg, and you may spot an eagle’s nest in a nearby stand of cottonwoods while learning basic commands—“Gee” and “Haw”—that have guided mushers for generations.
The experience blends animal care, demonstration runs, and a chance to handle puppies under staff supervision. Guides explain training cycles, sled mechanics, and the ethics of working dog care, making this as much an education as an adrenaline moment.
Practical notes: the visit lasts about 75 minutes; footwear should handle mud and uneven ground; expect a wheeled cart for training runs outside deep snow. Tours are family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible in portions, but children must be supervised. Photography is welcome—bring spare batteries in cold weather. If you’re visiting in winter, confirm whether the kennel is running snow sleds or carts. Cancellation policies typically allow refunds 24 hours prior. Whether you want a hands-on lesson or a close look at championship mushing, this is a direct, tactile way to meet Alaska’s working dogs and the people who run them.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to stand and walk short uneven distances recommended
The experience runs about 75 minutes and includes a kennel tour, presentation, and an interactive training run on a wheeled cart.
Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may need to sit on laps during parts of the visit.
Portions of the facility are wheelchair accessible; contact the operator with specific accessibility needs ahead of time.
Full refunds are typically available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure; weather and staffing can also affect operations.
Dog mushing has been a transport and competitive tradition in coastal Alaska for over a century, and kennels like Turning Heads have contributed handlers to long-distance races like the Iditarod.
Respect kennels’ biosecurity rules—limiting food sharing and unsupervised contact helps protect working dogs and local wildlife; support operators who prioritize humane care and habitat stewardship.
Seward Helicopter Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A cold wind off Resurrection Bay presses against your jacket as the sound of nails on gravel grows louder—the dogs are already singing. On arrival at Turning Heads Kennel outside Seward, huskies circle with focused energy, tongues lolling and ears tuned to a musher’s single word. The tour drops you into that kinetic moment: commands called, gangline checked, and a wheeled training cart moving under eager teams.
A cold wind off Resurrection Bay presses against your jacket as the sound of nails on gravel grows louder—the dogs are already singing. On arrival at Turning Heads Kennel outside Seward, huskies circle with focused energy, tongues lolling and ears tuned to a musher’s single word. The tour drops you into that kinetic moment: commands called, gangline checked, and a wheeled training cart moving under eager teams.
Dog mushing is woven into coastal Alaska’s history: a practical means of transport and a competitive sport that shaped Iditarod lore. The kennel sits where glacially carved valleys give way to spruce and muskeg, and you may spot an eagle’s nest in a nearby stand of cottonwoods while learning basic commands—“Gee” and “Haw”—that have guided mushers for generations.
The experience blends animal care, demonstration runs, and a chance to handle puppies under staff supervision. Guides explain training cycles, sled mechanics, and the ethics of working dog care, making this as much an education as an adrenaline moment.
Practical notes: the visit lasts about 75 minutes; footwear should handle mud and uneven ground; expect a wheeled cart for training runs outside deep snow. Tours are family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible in portions, but children must be supervised. Photography is welcome—bring spare batteries in cold weather. If you’re visiting in winter, confirm whether the kennel is running snow sleds or carts. Cancellation policies typically allow refunds 24 hours prior. Whether you want a hands-on lesson or a close look at championship mushing, this is a direct, tactile way to meet Alaska’s working dogs and the people who run them.