Post Title. 02/28/2010
 
"CHANGING WEATHER IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"
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Lizzy is looking at me with that inquiry look of confusion. Yes, it was a very different week here with unseasonal warm temperatures, wet snow every day (except Monday) and then capping the week off with rain.
It was a poor training week with getting in only one run on Monday as the rest of the week was too warm and with high humidity. This kind of weather can be very hard on the dogs and cause them to over heat. Unfortunately, the forecast is for more of the same for the coming week.
Are we getting an early Spring?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you that supported us under the B.A.R.K. Program. Unfortunately, my food supplier lost the records of those of you that bought the dogs food. I would appreciate all of you that supported us to contact me so I can add your name to the list of Supporters. Thank you again, your support is greatly appreciated.
Also for those interested in the Handler/Trainee position , please indicated that as your title of your email.
Until next week......
 
Post Title. 02/21/2010
 
"THE INTENSE ATTITUDE OF THESE CANINE ATHLETES ALWAYS AMAZE ME!"
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Casper & Stormy here are displaying their intensity on running. It is always a high running these athletes.
This week, the change in diet is showing signs of improving the dogs weight and also their endurance during the run.
The new schedule of running just 3 times/week is also showing an improvement in the teams attitude and speed. However, warm weather and 3" of new snow made Fridays run a little slower. But, their overall performance and team work was improved making for a fun run.
The weather this week was warm and dull with some new snow and frequent flurries. The forecast for the upcoming week is for more of the same with a possibility of rain/snow mix.
Until next week......
 
Post Title. 02/14/2010
 
"SLED DOG SCHOOL BEGINES IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"
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The pups are now 9 months old and are starting their training to become Sled Dogs. First, they are staked out at the truck and away from the security of their houses. Next they are walked on a leash, allowing them to go and explore what ever they want. As they get comfortable with the leash and start pulling on the collar, the harness is placed on them. When they get used to the feel of the harness, the leash is attached to the tug loop at the back of the harness. When the pups start pulling in the harness, the first lesson is over and they get a snack of a piece of frozen fish as a reward.
The dogs were introduced to a modification to their diet with the addition of more fat to increase their energy and stamina. the running team were also introduced to the new training schedule of three outings per week. This coming week, hopefully, we will see an increase in their overall speed.
It was a beautiful week here weather wise with plenty of nice sunny days.
Until next week.......
 
Post Title. 02/07/2010
 
"LIFE SLOWLY RETURNS TO NORMAL IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"
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Life is slowly returning to normal after the passing of Apache. The dogs mourned his passing and have not grouped howled since. Butch was most affected and very lonely after loosing his neighbour of 10 years. So, this week Nicky was moved into the main kennel next to Butch and giving him a new friend.
It was a good week for training getting in 4 days of running. I am finding that the teams enthusiasm & speed, during the run, has stalled. To remedy this, I will go to running the team every other day. This type of running schedule should add more excitement for the dogs. This is differant from my past training for Distance Races. This one of the special aspects of working with Sled Dogs, you are always learning something new.
If you would like to join me for next season, please visit the Handler/Trainee page for details.
It was also a beautiful week here with cold, sunny days and very cold, clear nights.
Until next week......