Dogs back on track, Spock back in lead...

We were able to sneak out for a run yesterday. Felt really good to be back out there and I'm sure the dogs felt the same way.

We took two teams out so my mom's dogs Taku and Kiki were able to go. Everything seemed chaotic at first but, in order to regain a sense of calm after everyone was harnessed and hooked to the line, I gave the command for quiet and EVERYBODY listened quite well. Granted, Kiki and Taku are not very barky at hook up but even they settled down a bit. It allowed me to clear my head, gain some control and effectively assess the situation.

The two teams were a bit too close together at the start but once order was maintained it didn't matter too much. I had Kathy get on her sled first so I could stay at the mid point of both teams to keep them calm. As soon as she was on I headed for my sled and the dogs started keying up again. Fortunately I was ready to release the lines so too much tension wasn't built up within the team.

Hera must have been waiting to release some of her nervousness cause when we passed Kathy's team she lashed out at another dog (probably Kiki) and when we passed Merk and Aquila, who were loose running, she lashed out again. Instead of slowing the team I decided to let her get yanked back and learn a bit of a lesson for going off the line. It didn't help that she wasn't running with a neckline but we always work with what we have and learn valuable lessons along the way.

The problem in letting her get yanked back was her opposite pulling force. It had a negative effect on the sled as the main team pulled forward and I saw it coming in slow motion. The sled tipped, I fell with it and mentally prepared myself to hang on. Since I saw it coming, and had calmed the dogs down (which calms me as well) before we left, I had a very clear head and the 'accident' was followed through with ease as if it were only a simple training exercise.

From down on the ground I called the dogs to whoa, which they did, I righted the sled, Hera got back in line and I was able to step back on the runners with time to spare. All our training paid off in that moment, as I hoped it would.

Keeping a sense of order within what can be a very chaotic sport was the key to everything going smoothly. Teaching them to whoa and not to pull the sled even when the tension of the snow hooks isn't present EVERY time we stop on the trail was also vital. They know when I say whoa we must stop even if some dogs aren't ready or don't know the command 100%. Those that do and who take a moment not to pull the line can mean the difference between a lost injured team and a healthy safe return.

Our trip was short between 5-7 miles. I didn't want to work them too much after their extended time off during the cold snap (got down to -45 here). They came back looking WONDERFUL, even Griffin, who I have been wondering if there is something wrong with him mentally or physically, did beautifully. This trip he pulled HARD the entire time and due to the temps we were running in (-5) I'm wondering if he was feeling good because he wasn't over heated. We've had such warm temps this year and even in our fall training hes slacked off a bit... I'm betting its the heat but I will have to watch him more to be absolutely sure.

Spock, my 'retired' boy was showing his endurance today. He led the team (while loose running) for most of our trip and even took a turn command before Juno had the chance to. I wish I could have gotten a video but it was too cold to get the camera out while moving and the team was working so well I didn't want to take a break to do so. I was watching them so much I forgot to zip up my darn jacket! Probably why my hands got cold halfway through our run.

Aquila came back with a limp again and it didn't clear up by the time we got back to the house as it did last time. She will be off for a while until she heals. Nyx looked great, no signs of trouble there and even the two borrowed dogs came in looking nice. They were a bit warn out but I think they enjoyed their outing.

If we get some better snow fall I might be able to take them out more often but our conditions have to be better before I can take on the risk of adding new dogs to the line. Adding Iggy back is fine cause I can trust him to calm down when needed... I just wish I could run these pups... I'm getting so anxious to train them but I know now is definitely not the time.

Break up will probably be one of the most exciting times Ive had in years with the babies at six months of age they will be ready to follow the four wheeler and learn how to chase a team. A very vital lesson out on the trail when dogs need to be turned loose.

I weighed the 'hippo brothers' the other day... 45lbs now! At almost four months of age that is insane!