Due to Covid new challenges were presented here.
First: training didn't start until mid-December
Second: very difficult to get a Handler/Trainee into Canada
Third: the weather this year was unseasonably warm and little snow
However, this created a new opportunity to run smaller teams to spend more time this season on Leader training and development.
Currently, we are running three teams, two of 6 dogs and one of 5 dogs.
Therefore on each run, we are getting experience to 6 dogs on every run running at lead.
We also can change to a new leader during the run giving rookie dogs an opportunity to try the leader position in the team, running with an experienced leader.
This provided to get all the "L" Litter to tryout the position at lead.
So far, very happy with the dogs progress showing that all of them have leader potential with some more mentally mature to handle the pressures up front.
It is a big change from them chasing  the dog in front of them to leading.
Of coarse, it takes time for a new leader to gain confidence up front to run at the dogs full potential speed with consistency.
PATIENCE IS IN ORDER FOR THE TRAINER!!!
The above video is of Lance running lead ( left lead) for his second time.
We usually start a leader at the halfway part of the trail so they can run the last half on the home stretch knowing they will get a treat at the finish.
Lance did a great job up front with only a few distractions.
With more runs at lead, he will gain more confidence.
Until next week.....

It is amazing how quickly the dogs are getting into shape considering we had no Fall training.
Due to Covid, it has certainly been a challenging season so far.
However, these canine athletes were in great shape through the off season and had a great running season last Winter.
This week, we were able to get the dogs up to close to their racing speeds.
The slower speeds through the conditioning speeds are paying off.
Patients is very important as a musher!
Laura Montmasson, our new Handler from France is doing a great job, has excellent contact with the dogs and is a very quick learner.
We could use some new snow as the trails are very mogally in places which disrupts the dogs rhythm exaggerated by still running with the skidoo.
Life here is good!
​Until next week......