This video will take a bit of explaining ... and here we go: At the dog mushing training camp we visited in Canada, there were a number of things that through me for a loop at first but eventually were explained by the racer/trainers.
A) Dogs are kept close together, but on somewhat shortened chains so they don't wander too far from their area. Not only does this keep their fighting/mating in check, but they are given enough slack so they are able to run around and burn off energy - of which they have a ton!
B) Each dog's area is kept with lots of moist dirt around it, since the dogs get so warm. For mushing dogs, the ideal temperature is about 15 Degrees, so while were there at a chilly 50 Degrees they were almost always hot.
C) These dogs are trained athletes almost from birth and are strong, incredibly active creatures. They are well behaved, friendly, and require lots of frequent "runs" which keep them in shape. They are also forward moving, which means if an athlese falls off during the race, his or her team of dogs will not stop or turn around, but will keep going until a strong enough tree halts them. They are anxious to run all the time since it's what they are born to do and love to do most!
With that, please enjoy a funny clip we captured of one of our favorite dogs about to be put on the team. He was so excited he couldn't help yelping and jumping, almost as if saying "Pick me...please, please, pick ME!" and when the trainer comes to put his harness on, he is immediately covered in a wave of contentment, almost smugness. It was quite the site to see - and we enjoyed him immensely :)
No comments:
Post a Comment