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At the heart of La meute d’Akash: A beautiful life full of adventures!

Le Voisinage Coop

Lyliane Gélinas shares her love for dogs and introduces her company, La meute d’Akash, which has recently partnered with Le Baluchon’s dog sledding tours.

Originally from Saint-Gérard-des-Laurentides, now integrated into Shawinigan in Mauricie, Lyliane grew up surrounded by nature. Family wilderness camping trips fueled her love for the forest and wide-open spaces. From an early age, she knew she would have dogs, though she never imagined that it would evolve into a life project with a pack of 32 dogs!

Explorers first

Right away, Lyliane explains: “Honestly, I don’t consider myself a musher, just as I don’t see my dogs as sled dogs. Unlike other packs, my dogs are not just working animals; they have a true family life, and each dog has its own story. I’d be happy to tell you about each of them during a sled ride.”

Touching, isn’t it? In reality, Lyliane, Naïka (her partner and spouse), and their dogs form a big family that goes far beyond the sled.

What is the origin of La meute d’Akash?

Over the years, people have contacted me to entrust their dogs to me, unable to care for them properly. Dogs from remote communities have been sent to me by plane—dogs that otherwise wouldn’t be with us today. I’ve also adopted shelter dogs and bought certain types of dogs, and together they form La meute d’Akash: a Beagle, a Maremma Shepherd, two Labradors, and 28 Huskies. Those with their ears up pull sleds, and those with their ears down do not!

Now that we had 28 northern dogs, my partner and I thought, why not work together during the winter season, then explore the northern territories of Quebec with the whole pack?

How long have you been working with sled dogs, and how did you get started?

Animals have been part of my life since childhood, whether dogs, cattle, or horses. It was my love for dogs that led me to join Fred Manseau’s team.

In 2021, when he hired me as a tour guide, I got to know 40 dogs, each with its own personality, character, and needs. Over time, my passion for canine psychology, animal behavior, and animal health only grew.

How did you learn your trade?

I was trained by my boss for the past three years, Fred Manseau, who himself learned from his father. Fred managed the dog sledding operations at Le Baluchon for nearly 11 years.

What does a typical day for the pack look like during the peak season?

Every morning, my dogs howl their “Good morning!” as if saying, “Hey, we’re awake, it’s time to go out!” We take them out of the kennel for their needs, they stretch, drink their warm broth, then they’re placed in their respective pens to play until the clients arrive. Once the clients are ready, we harness the dogs and head out on the trail. Upon returning, they get their meal and rest until their next outing. The dogs go on three 8 km outings each day.

What do you enjoy most about working with dogs and guiding sled tours?

Creating a bond of trust with them, watching them interact and grow, is my daily happiness. Going into the forest with them, in perfect harmony with nature, is one of my favorite moments. I feel privileged to share my days with them. As for the winter tours, I love the team spirit, where the guide and the pack are one. These are silent rides, allowing us to admire the landscape while watching the dogs work in perfect harmony, fulfilling what they were made for.

How do you ensure the well-being of your sled dogs?

The dogs are my priority, and their well-being comes first, whether mentally, physically, or medically. They are social animals and need regular interaction, which is why they live in large enclosures surrounded by trees. My dogs are never tied to a chain.
Every day, they get to run freely for at least three hours (yes, all 32 of them!), covering between 8 and 20 km in the forest. We are great explorers!

Chewing is essential, so I give them beef femurs, pork rolls, and bully sticks to reduce tartar.

Their health is crucial: their nails are checked and trimmed every two weeks, and their ears are cleaned as needed. All the dogs will be gradually sterilized, and to date, 21 out of 32 have been.

Their meals consist of highly nutritious food designed for very active dogs. They are vaccinated, dewormed annually, and visit the vet whenever there is an issue. Each dog has its own medical records.

Why do northern dogs howl?

In northern dog breeds, howling is often tied to an emotional state or used as a form of communication, as they rarely bark. My dogs howl before each outing, creating a sense of motivation and cohesion within the pack. They also howl every morning when they wake up, happy to start a new day.

How do you choose the dogs that make up a team?

A sled team consists of six to twenty dogs, divided into four main categories: ‘leader,” “swing dogs,” “team dogs,” and “wheel dogs.” These terms are always used in English in the field because the dogs recognize them. The “leader” is a very obedient, intelligent, and fast dog, responsible for guiding the team according to the musher’s instructions. The “swing dogs” follow the leader and assist if needed. The “team dogs” support the “wheel dogs,” who are the closest to the sled. The wheel dogs need to be strong and powerful, as they bear the brunt of the sled’s weight and load.

How does a trip unfold?

During each trip, up to six people can accompany us to cover the eight kilometers of Le Baluchon’s land. Before each ride, clear and specific instructions are given to ensure everyone’s well-being. The length of the tour may vary depending on conditions, and the terrain is not flat; there are ascents, descents, and beautiful curves. A good level of fitness is needed to assist the dog sled team when necessary.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone wanting to try a dog sledding tour for the first time?

Listen carefully to the instructions, which are important for everyone’s well-being, dress appropriately, have fun, and enjoy this wonderful experience in the company of the dogs.