Mushing Through The Snowy Streets

Paul Kearney with his and dogs Tucker, left, and Summer.  Photo provided by Paul Kearney

By Joseph Marasciullo
info@longislandergroup.com

A Smithtown man implemented a somewhat unusual traveling method last week as Winter Storm Grayson hit the Town of Huntington.

Paul Kearney and his Siberian huskies, Tucker and Summer, made their way down Larkfield Road in East Northport last Thursday, the dogs pulling a bike that Kearney was riding.

The traveling method, bikejoring, is part of Kearney’s repertoire as a dog trainer.

He has been bikejoring Tucker and Summer for the past six years.

The two dogs are frequent social media stars, and made a splash last Thursday when a video of their snow escapades was posted to Kearney’s Facebook page. The video had more than 450,000 views as of deadline

Kearney himself has been bikejoring for many years, and has also tried many variations, including skijoring and snowboard joring.

Siberian huskies Summer, left, and Tucker pull Paul Kearney down Larkfield Road in East Northport last Thursday, as Winter Storm Grayson hit the area with strong winds and snow.

He and his faithful companions also enjoy riding around other areas of town, including Hecksher Park in Huntington.

Kearney believes that bikejoring and similar dog and owner adventures are great for building a relationship between the two. He said dogs and people should be “teammates” and have positive, loving relationships.

Kearney, through his Pawesome Dogs Dog Training business, teaches dogs through holistic, non-punitive methods, including positive reinforcement and reward systems.

“Dog training is an art form,” he said, adding that “if you do it the right way it can be something very beautiful”