Ozzy is a sled dog!

[Glacier]

Yesterday was Ozzy's first time in a harness. He did GREAT!! A couple minor tangles, but he figured out pretty quickly which side of the gangline was his and how to stay there. He didn't seem to be afraid at all of the ATV--lots of my timid dogs hate running on the ATV as it is so noisy.

Ozzy showed no signs of trouble from the exertion--they don't actually do much work this time of year, but he did run full out for 5km. He was dumped by a musher who said he had parvo and would never run. Ozzy is proving her wrong, wrong, wrong!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/Glacier1998/Dogs/ozzy_first.jpg
Running with his buddy, Pacer. Pacer is the solid white dog.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/Glacier1998/Dogs/silly_sleddogs.jpg
Silly sled dogs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/Glacier1998/Dogs/happy_bandit.jpg
Bandit and Chase. Bandit has suddenly decided he might like to be a sled dog after all. He's almost eight years old and usually he only likes to come along for the run, he doesn't actually pull. THe last few times I've taken him though, he's been a pulling machine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v38/Glacier1998/Dogs/sleet_lead.jpg
And finally, Miss Sleet, who ran in single lead yesterday, and would like everyone to know that she is still the best dog to ever come through this place!

[ComedyDevil]

None of the pictures are showing up for me :(

Ozzy sounds like he had a bunch of fun! I can't believe someone dumped him, poor baby - but it sound like he's having a great time with you!

Hopefully the pictures will work later - well done Ozzy for being such a good boy :D

EDIT - Ugh, the pictures I posted in another thread aren't showing up either. Looks like Photobucket is down. :rolleyes:

[Glacier]

Originally posted by ComedyDevil
None of the pictures are showing up for me :(


Photobucket is down again. As soon as it comes back up, the pictures will work.

[ComedyDevil]

Lol, I know, I noticed right after I posted - they're not showing up in my thread either. ;)

This may sound like a dumb question, but, in sledding, how do you steer the dogs? The reason I ask is because my horses pull carriages, and you steer them using the reins attached to the bit in their mouth. Ive always wondered how you steer dogs?! :rolleyes: :p

[Glacier]

Originally posted by ComedyDevil
This may sound like a dumb question, but, in sledding, how do you steer the dogs? The reason I ask is because my horses pull carriages, and you steer them using the reins attached to the bit in their mouth. Ive always wondered how you steer dogs?! :rolleyes: :p

Verbal commands. Gee for right, Haw for left, on-by to pass things, ect. I have a couple extra commands--hold-to get them to stay and "Pingo Pick-A-Trail", used when my lead dog, Pingo, gets to decide which way we are going. She loves that--she's a trail dog at heart. Trail leaders will follow obvious trails and not neccessarily the musher's commands. Pingo has turned into a command leader, but sometimes she still likes to pick the route. Sleet is a command leader. She never misses, even when she knows I'm wrong.

The sled itself is steered by shifting your weight, kinda like turning in downhill skiiing.

[ComedyDevil]

Thanks! wow, it sounds like a bunch of fun! I'd love to try it sometime. (still waiting *patiently* for pics to show! :p )

EDIT: I see them! :eek: Ozzy is GORGEOUS! He is so handsome and he looks so happy. They all really look like they enjoy it. Great pictures :) Can't wait to see some more!

[KYS]

Yah!! for Ozzy!
What a good boy on your first try.

[lute]

great pics! it sure looks like a lot of fun!:D

[wolfie]

How cool! I think it'd be so much fun to do dog sledding. I bet Daphne would be good at it - she loves the snow!

[dukedogsmom]

I couldn't see these earlier. They all look so happy. I love that second pic! That one dog is smiling so much, looks like his face will split. You are so lucky to live such a life. We are always happy you share it with us.

[pitc9]

Yipee!! More pictures!!!

I just LOVE the "silly sled dogs" picture!
They look so happy!!!

[LorraineO]

Great shots as always G,,,, they look some happy!!

[ramanth]

Great shots! Ozzy is a handsome boy. :)

Andy and I stopped by a new K9 Specialty store and they had a few dog sleds for sale. I was soooo tempted. ;) :o

But Kia can't pull one by herself and I have no room for a team of pullers. *sniffles* :(

[dappledoxie]

I can see the first one only, what a great pic! I'm glad Ozzy is doing well! :D

[cloverfdx]

Good boy Ozzy :D. Sledding looks like so much fun and the dogs look so happy.

Great photos thankyou for sharing them with us. :D

[K9soul]

The first pic is my very favorite, they both look so happy, Ozzy's tail looks like he's wagging. I guess the sledding season is coming up again now isn't it? When do you usually start getting heavy snowfall again up there?

[Glacier]

Originally posted by K9soul
The first pic is my very favorite, they both look so happy, Ozzy's tail looks like he's wagging. I guess the sledding season is coming up again now isn't it? When do you usually start getting heavy snowfall again up there?

We've had snow already, but none that stayed for long. There will be snow on the ground and staying by mid-October. Last year I was on the sled on November 23--have to have enough snow to set the snow hook before I'll run the sled. Can usually skijor in early November.

[RobiLee]

Way to go Ozzy! We are so proud of you.

Wonderful pictures, Glacier. I am always eager to see what you and the pups have been up to.

Robin :)