Because I could not stand one more minute...pics

[Cinder & Smoke]

I generally just take whoever else wants to go.
Sometimes that's just the first six dogs through the gate!
Sometimes it depends on the time of day...

Their actual pairings and positions are decided on past experience.

"A" will only run in wheel.
"B" is left pawed ...
"C" is a rightie, can't lead, doesn't like wheel. He's a swing dog.
"D" has to run on the right ...
"E" HATES "F".
"G" used to lead, but she refuses now. She likes to run in wheel.
"H" will not under any circumstances run any positon except lead.
"I" has to run alone, in swing.
"J" is a line chewer. He can run in swing or wheel ...
"C" and "K" don't like each other.

And so on and so on!!

OMG!

Do you carry a Line-Up Card with you?

I have trouble rememberin the FOUR FurKids' NAMES!

[ramanth]

Looks like Anvik had a great time! I'm with Karen. I'd love to hear a video of this Death Howl of his.

[captain]

Oh Tamara,
He has you around his little paw ....
Beautiful boy, and I am sure he was so thankful to be OUT and ABOUT with the gang.

Thanks for the pics

[K9karen]

YAY for Annie..and purple is my favorite color too!!! Tamara, you're amazing! Phred's post said it all. I still call Mz Logan, Cody all the time. Sometimes I forget who *I* am!!! Bless your everlovin' huge heart!!

[Flatcoatluver]

I love Anvik! He is such a handsome boy! I agree we need a video of his howl! Anvik will sleep great tonight. Probably a dumb question but in the summer do you still have snow? Do the dogs pretty much keep in shape themselves, or do you take slow trips and take longer and longer every time? Sorry I am just so interested in sledding!

[shais_mom]

aawwww
Annie - I am so happy that you are feeling better!

[Glacier]

Probably a dumb question but in the summer do you still have snow? Do the dogs pretty much keep in shape themselves, or do you take slow trips and take longer and longer every time? Sorry I am just so interested in sledding!

We'll have enough snow til mid-late April to run the team. It does melt eventually! Ice is usually off the lakes by late May, early June. The dogs get May and June off to just hang out. No pulling, but lots of walks and playing. In July, they start to pull the ATV occasionally, usually when it's raining or cool. We don't go far, just a 5km loop, a couple times a week. Mileage increases slowly over the next couple months, depending on the weather. Don't want them to overheat. At first, the ATV does most of the work. As it gets cooler they get less help from the machine. By mid-November, we are usually back on the sled. Our most frequently used loop is about 15 miles.

[kimlovescats]

Bless his heart! He certainly does look happy to be back to work!!!

[finn's mom]

Good to hear that he had fun on his first run! I can't even imagine what his vocals were like beforehand! You have more willpower than me, as I am sure I'd have caved sooner.

[dukedogsmom]

I'm so glad that Anvik finally got to run again. He looks so happy! What a transformation from the first to the second pic. And I agree with others. We need a video of him woo woooing.

[cassiesmom]

Oh, Anvik, you are so funny! You got to do what you like best and now you are happy! And I'm happy too because I got to see more pictures of you and your dog-friends sledding.

But, Glacier, a question: Pingo is left pawed, Pacer is a rightie. Can you tell me why that makes a difference? Does handedness (or pawed-ness) affect the way that a dog will move? I guess I didn't realize that dogs could have a dominant side. Are they "handed" with both of their left or right paws? See, you can learn something when you least expect it.

thanks
elyse

[Glacier]

But, Glacier, a question: Pingo is left pawed, Pacer is a rightie. Can you tell me why that makes a difference? Does handedness (or pawed-ness) affect the way that a dog will move? I guess I didn't realize that dogs could have a dominant side. Are they "handed" with both of their left or right paws? See, you can learn something when you least expect it.

thanks
elyse

Some dogs will refuse to run if they aren't on their dominant side. Pingo will run on the right, but she will do everything she can to get back to the left side. She crabs on the right--runs sideways basically. That gait is hard on a dog physically and not effective for pulling. Pingo on the left is much happier, much more responsive and physically able to go farther. Her son, Sundin, is a mirror image of her. Sundin greatly prefers to run on the right.

Pacer can't run on the left. He trips over his own paws if he's on the wrong side.

They don't all have a dominant side, at least not in harness. Lots of the dogs will run on either side. Paxil has to be up front, but she could care less which side she's on. Franklin, Raven, Deuce, Chase ect..can all run on either side with equal comfort.

I bet if you watch your own dog closely though, you will notice a pattern of which paw she reaches for things with first.

[cyber-sibes]

I bet if you watch your own dog closely though, you will notice a pattern of which paw she reaches for things with first.

We noticed right away when Star was a puppy that she was a "southpaw", my son thought that was cool because he's left-handed. When teaching her shake, she always offers her left paw first, then if you ask again, she'll offer her right. It's very cute. I guess they're just like people - some can't function with the wrong paw forward, and some are ambi-paw-strus

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

I don't understand how people are so fortunate to live in such beautiful places!! Just seeing the scenery in some of you guys' post brightens up my day.. THEN YOU ADD SUCH CUUUUUUUTE PUPS INTO THE PICTURES.. and i just about BUST with JOY!!!



CUUUUUUUUUUUTE PICTURS!!!

[cloverfdx]

Great photos Tamara, Anvik sure looked happy after his run . I am in awe that you know your dogs in and out, and know who can run with who and who cannot.

Thankyou for sharing.