Alex Theriault was riding in a dogsled before he was born. His father was a musher and his mother took him for rides before and after birth.

At 3 years old, it was his turn to try his hand at it, and he never looked back. At times it was a struggle, but his love of the sport, dogs and the outdoors have kept him and his 96 dogs in business.

Inside a yurt that serves as a warming hut, welcoming center and dog hangout last week, he gave a well-rehearsed presentation to some passengers before they were to set out on a 1.5-hour excursion through a private, 250-acre piece of woods in Canton at his business, Ultimate Dog Sledding Experience.

His brother Brandon and business and life partner Sarah Garland, along with a new guide, were preparing guests and dog teams for a wild ride on a picture-perfect day.

In a small, fenced-in enclosure just outside the yurt, Theriault introduced one of his dogs to the group, and proceeded to name the dog’s father, grandfather and on down the line for 10 generations. He then outlined what the passengers could expect, and what was expected of them. All the while, the love and bond with the dogs was evident. The calm and docile dogs vied for the attention of the new guests, who obliged by petting, rubbing and scratching the pack.

Theriault, who has won 40 dogsled races, described how he made his fortune in the dogsledding business. “First, you start with a big fortune and work your way down. I started with no fortune and worked my way down from there,” he quipped. “I was starting at the bottom and working my way down.”

Theriault took over his father’s business in the 1980s. Business wasn’t great, but by good fortune Theriault took a part-time job where he met Sarah. Fourteen years later, with robust marketing and the COVID pandemic prompting people to get outdoors, the business booked 1,200 tours. They now average between 800-1,000 tours yearly, often hiring other mushers and their dogs when demand is high.

Until about three years ago, Theriault would use trails in Hebron and other locations, but since he purchased the land at his location in a remote area of Canton, that is where he rides and has plans to build a dedicated barn.

While dogs have been a way of life for Theriault since birth, Garland said she grew up in Farmington and didn’t realize dogsledding existed locally until she met Theriault, “despite the fact that my hometown hosts an annual sled dog race. I often joke that had I known in my teens and 20s, I probably would have been out there protesting.

“I was very active in animal rights and a member of PETA, so stepping into this world was not something I ever expected. At first, I was hesitant. But once you witness the dogs’ enthusiasm — their unmistakable excitement to run — you understand that this is what they are bred, trained, and eager to do. Until you see that passion firsthand, it’s hard to fully grasp.”

While dogsledding has become more of a business than a competitive pursuit over the years, Theriault says it’s still all about the dogs. “Their drive, strength, and loyalty keeps my passion strong. Each has their own personality, but work as a team with such a strong bond,” he said as one of them gave him a kiss.

“Our kennel has grown from 30 dogs to 96. That number is higher than many touring operations because we make a lifelong commitment to our dogs — we do not rehome them when they retire. What began as a way to care for a small group of dogs has grown into a mission rooted in respect, education, and honoring these animals throughout their entire lives, even after they are no longer running,” Garland said.

As the orientation for the riders wound down last week, the dogs knew what was coming. When the mushers began preparing the sleds for a run, the calm and quiet demeanor of the pack began to change. Excitement and energy built, and the barking began. Feeding off each other, the teams of six shuddered in anticipation of what was coming. Their exhilaration became contagious.

Within a few minutes, the dogs were hitched up, passengers were loaded onto the sleds and the dogs took off with unbridled energy and enthusiasm. The barking was replaced by panting and joined by the laughing and hooting of the wide-eyed passengers, who were having the experience of a lifetime, winding through the woods.