Dirk Wissing Leads Hiking Tours With 23 Huskies

Hundefans have returned to the Haard for guided walking tours with a pack of 23 huskies led by owner Dirk Wissing. The outdoor events, organized by Husky owner Dirk Wissing, let participants experience the intense pulling power of the dogs while navigating local woodland trails. Special Equipment and Safety Briefings in the Haard Walking with a Husky requires careful preparation, as the animals are energetic powerhouses capable of pulling ten times their own body weight. Before heading out, participants must get used to the animals at first, as they make a deafening noise by barking and howling as much as they can while still sitting in their cages inside the transporter knowing that they are about to set off.

Preparation and Safety on the Trail

Walkers are equipped with a special belt fastened around their hips to help control the animals and safely manage their strength. Wissing noted the excitement of the pack as they emerged from their transporter cages, stating, Unsere Hunde hatten Sommerpause, heute geht es das erste Mal wieder raus in die Haard. Die sind total aufgeregt und wollen los.

Life with 23 Huskies in Dülmen

The family’s husky pack in Dülmen grew over time after an initial request from Wissing’s son led to a second dog once it became clear that having just one animal alone does not work, and eventually dozens more. Alongside hosting the Haard hiking tours, the family participates in sled dog races, and a life without the dogs is unthinkable for Dirk Wissing. Reflecting on his life with the animals, Wissing explained, Das Gefühl kann man nicht beschreiben – einmal Husky, immer Husky!

Participant Experiences

First-time participants quickly adapt to the pulling power of the dogs during the excursion, with whether dogs or humans pull making no difference as long as they move forward. Ute Altrogge, a bank employee who had never walked with a husky before, found the strong pull to be beneficial rather than disruptive. Das ist ein total angenehmes Laufen, weil man sich so in Rücklage begibt und von dem Gurt getragen wird, she said, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed the forest walk and plans to do it again.