Tromsø: Puppy Training at the Husky Kennel with Lunch

The main event here is not a quick photo with a husky. You help handlers train puppies from about four weeks old through adolescence, then walk out into Norwegian nature with young dogs learning to work together. Afterward, you have time with the adult sled dogs and a warm meal by the fire.

I like the hands-on training and the chance to meet dogs of many ages. I also like that the guides, including Lena, Max, Bram, and Oystein, explain how the dogs are raised and cared for instead of treating the kennel as a simple petting stop. The main catch is physical: teenage huskies can pull hard, and muddy or wet weather is part of the deal.

Key points to know before booking

• About 200 Alaskan huskies live at the kennel, from tiny puppies to working adults.
• The puppy walk lasts about one to one and a half hours, with games and exercises suited to the dogs’ age.
• Teenage dogs can be strong, so expect a lively walk rather than a gentle stroll.
• Rain clothes and boots are provided, a major help in wet or muddy conditions.
• Lunch is part of the experience, with vegetarian food available if requested.
• Transport takes about 30 minutes from Tromsø, and the full activity lasts 270 minutes.

Why this kennel visit feels different from a standard animal encounter

Many dog-based excursions give you a few minutes for a pat and a picture. This one gives you a closer look at the work behind sled-dog racing. The kennel’s long-term goal is participation in races, so summer training helps young dogs learn teamwork, confidence, and basic routines before winter sledding begins.

That makes the visit more interesting for me. You are not simply watching trained animals perform. You are seeing dogs at different stages of their development, and the activities change with their age. A very young puppy may need simple social contact and short exercises. An adolescent dog may need to learn how to walk with a harness or respond to a handler while surrounded by other excited dogs.

The setting adds plenty. The kennel is outside Tromsø, with mountain and fjord views along the drive and open Norwegian nature around the walking area. The scenery is not a separate sightseeing stop, but it gives the outing a real sense of place. You get fresh air, muddy paths, changing weather, and a working dog farm rather than an indoor attraction.

From the Radisson Blu to the husky farm

Your day begins outside the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø. Meet 15 minutes before departure, since the bus leaves on time and a late arrival means losing the tour without a refund.

The drive to the kennel takes roughly 30 minutes. That is long enough to settle in and watch Tromsø give way to quieter countryside, with mountains and fjords providing much of the visual appeal. Transport is included in the $172 price, which matters in a place where getting to rural activity sites can otherwise require arranging a taxi or rental car.

The minimum group size is two people. The exact group size is not stated, so I would not book this expecting a private tour. Still, the experience is guided throughout, and the format allows direct contact with the dogs rather than only watching from behind a fence.

Bring practical clothing under the supplied rain gear. You may get wet beneath the suit, especially during warmer, rainy months, so a spare layer is sensible. In muddy conditions, the provided boots and waterproof clothing can make the difference between enjoying the walk and worrying about your clothes.

Meeting puppies from four weeks to adolescence

After an introduction, the handlers bring you into the puppy work. The youngest dogs may be only about four weeks old, while others are several months old and already much more active. The exact puppies you meet depend on their age and the kennel’s training schedule.

This part is a real highlight for families. Children can cuddle and play with the puppies, but adults need to stay close because young dogs are energetic and easily excited. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and all contact needs to follow the handlers’ instructions. You are not allowed to feed the animals, even if a puppy puts on its most convincing face.

The guides help you understand how to hold and approach the dogs. That support is useful because the puppies are not plush toys. They may jump, nip at clothing, scramble over one another, or become tired quickly. The handlers watch the dogs and adjust the activities to suit their age.

I especially like this part because it gives the visit some purpose. You are helping the dogs gain experience around people and outdoors, not simply lining up for cuddles. The puppies’ energy can be hilarious, but it can also be messy. Expect muddy paws, wet coats, and a fair amount of movement.

A 60 to 90 minute walk with young sled dogs

The main outdoor activity is a hike lasting about one to one and a half hours near the kennel. During the walk, you take part in exercises designed for the puppies’ stage of development. The aim is to let them experience nature and begin learning how to move and work with others.

The walk is described as suitable for adults and children, but you should judge your party honestly. Young huskies do not always walk politely beside you. Older puppies and adolescent dogs can pull with surprising force, especially when they are excited by the trail, their companions, or new smells.

One useful detail from the experience is that participants may wear a padded belt with leashes attached when handling adolescent dogs. That arrangement leaves your hands freer, but it does not remove the physical challenge. If you have balance problems, weak shoulders, or simply dislike being pulled around, this part may not be comfortable.

The reward is a more genuine look at sled-dog preparation. You see how the dogs respond to handlers, other dogs, and the open surroundings. The walk also gives you mountain views and a chance to enjoy Norwegian nature without turning the day into a demanding mountain hike.

This is not presented as a long wilderness trek. It is a working-dog exercise in the area around the farm, with the dogs at the center. Wear shoes and clothing you can get dirty, even though boots and rain gear are available.

Time with teenage and adult huskies

After working with the younger dogs, you have opportunities to meet the older animals in the dog yard. This may be the most surprising part for people who expect only puppies. The adult sled dogs are described as friendly and eager for attention, and you can spend time petting them and learning about their daily lives.

The kennel houses about 200 Alaskan huskies, so the atmosphere is active. You may hear barking and see dogs reacting to people and one another. That energy is part of a working kennel, not a quiet petting zoo. The guides help keep interactions safe and explain how to approach the animals.

I like the age range because it puts the puppies in context. You can see the contrast between a tiny dog still learning basic behavior, a strong adolescent preparing for more serious work, and an adult sled dog with a clear role in the kennel. Some of the dogs may also be retired, and the visit can include information about finding homes for dogs after their working years.

The dogs are friendly, but you should still follow the rules. Pets are not allowed on the tour, and people with animal allergies should choose another activity. Even if you normally manage mild allergies, close contact with this many dogs may be uncomfortable.

Lunch in a warm Norwegian setting

The activity ends with lunch in a cozy hut or yurt-like building. After a wet walk and time around the dogs, this change of pace works well. You can warm up, talk with the guides, and take in the meal without rushing off to the next stop.

The food varies, but the experience includes local-style dishes such as fish soup, couscous for vegetarian diners, hot berry juice, hot chocolate, and dessert. Chocolate cake receives frequent praise, and one family even had a birthday cake arranged for their son. Vegetarian meals are available, but tell the operator in advance. One meal had a shortage of vegetarian portions before the issue was fixed, so early notice is the wise move.

Lunch adds real value to the price. At $172 per person, this is not a cheap animal visit, but the fee covers return transport, a live English-speaking guide, waterproof clothing, boots, a substantial activity period, animal handling, and lunch. Compared with paying separately for transport, food, and an outdoor excursion, the package is reasonably complete.

I would not book it solely for the meal. The food is a welcome finish, while the dogs and the training are the reason to come. Still, a hot lunch makes the four-and-a-half-hour schedule feel better balanced, especially on a cold or rainy day.

How the guides shape the experience

The guides are central here. Names that appear during the season include Lena, Max, Bram, Oystein, Jenny, Rom, Florian, and Leonardo. The staff explain the puppies’ behavior, demonstrate safe handling, answer questions about sled driving, and keep an eye on comfort and safety.

That attention matters with a mixed-age group. A six-year-old may want to cuddle puppies, a teenager may enjoy walking a powerful adolescent, and an adult may be more interested in dog training or kennel life. Good guidance keeps all three parts moving without making the visit feel like a lecture.

The guides also help you understand the dogs as working animals. The kennel’s ambitions in sled racing mean that training is ongoing, and the dogs’ exercise is not just a show for visitors. That context gives the encounter more substance than a short photo opportunity.

The language offered is English. If you want a quiet, independent nature walk, this is not the right format. You are part of a guided activity, with instructions and group timing. If you enjoy asking questions and being involved, the format works well.

Is the $172 price good value?

The price is high for a half-day outing, but it includes nearly everything you need. You receive transport from central Tromsø, guiding, rain clothes, boots, lunch, puppy activities, a nature walk, and time with the adult dogs.

I see the best value for people who would otherwise book several separate activities. You get nature, animal contact, local food, and transport in one package. Families may also find it worthwhile because children can take part in the full visit rather than waiting while adults do a more demanding excursion.

The value is weaker if you only want to hold a puppy for a few minutes. The full outing takes 270 minutes, and some of that time involves walking, listening, changing gear, and moving between dog groups. You pay for a complete kennel visit, not a quick meet-and-greet.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Tromsø schedule depends on weather, though the bus departure itself is strict.

Families, children, and practical limits

The activity is suitable for all ages, but that does not mean every part suits every person equally. Children must have an adult with them, and the operator asks for each child’s age and weight in the booking notes.

For infants and small children, bring your own car seat. The activity provider cannot guarantee child seats on its transport. You can arrange your own transportation instead, but the price stays the same, so the included bus is normally the simpler choice if you can bring the required seat.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also a poor choice for anyone with animal allergies. People who dislike mud, wet weather, barking, or energetic dogs should think twice.

For everyone else, the key preparation is simple:

• Wear warm layers under the supplied waterproof clothing.
• Bring a change of clothes if rain is forecast.
• Expect muddy paths and wet paws.
• Do not bring pets.
• Do not bring or consume alcohol or drugs during the activity.
• Do not feed the animals.

Should you book the Tromsø puppy training experience?

I would book this if you want more than a cute puppy photograph. The mix of young-dog training, a walk with lively adolescents, time with adult sled dogs, mountain and fjord scenery, and a hot Norwegian lunch gives you a full half-day with plenty of variety.

I would be especially keen to book it for families with dog-loving children, animal fans, and anyone curious about how sled dogs grow into working teams. The strongest part is the access to dogs at many ages, supported by handlers who clearly take their care and safety seriously.

Think twice if you have limited mobility, animal allergies, or no interest in handling strong dogs. Also remember that the weather may be wet and the dogs may be messy. If that sounds like part of the fun, the $172 cost is justified by the transport, equipment, food, and amount of time spent with the animals.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Tromsø?

Meet outside the main entrance of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Tromsø 15 minutes before departure. A check-in agent will be there.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours.

How far is the kennel from Tromsø?

The kennel is about 30 minutes from Tromsø by bus, based on the tour information and reported journey time.

What animals will I meet?

You can meet about 200 Alaskan huskies, including puppies from around four weeks old, adolescent dogs, adult sled dogs, and potentially retired dogs.

How long is the puppy hike?

The puppy walk lasts about one to one and a half hours. The exercises vary according to the puppies’ ages.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and vegetarian food is available. You should provide dietary information when booking.

Are rain clothes and boots provided?

Yes. Rain clothing and boots are included. A spare change of clothes is still a sensible choice, since wet weather, mud, and wet puppies are possible.

Can children join the activity?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Provide the children’s ages and weights in the booking notes.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with animal allergies?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with animal allergies.