I checked the temp in there again just to make sure all is well. Same as last year... at -30 outside the lower level of the dog truck is at -10 in the aisle way (much warmer within each dog's box). It will be warmer on the upper level but I haven't recorded an official reading for that this year. Probably will be around zero.
Ajax is certainly taking the cold in stride. Last year I potty trained him to a litter box and he didnt have to brave the cold much at all. This year he has shown he desperately wants to do everything the big dogs do... play fights, running through snow drifts, putting the puppies in line... now this year he is set on doing his 'business' outside too.At -30 hes been able to get the job done but we will see if he can continue to do so at -40 or, God forbid, -50 or -60. I REALLY hope we dont see temps that extreme this year. I am grateful we are seeing some cold though, we need it but I worry about the dogs so much and how comfortable they are.
The older ones have the dog box warm up times down to a science. They know that food will be served, water and regular drops scheduled so they can stretch their legs and relieve themselves. They are very confident and very grateful for the chance to get a good nights sleep. The puppies on the other hand are not quite sure what to make of all this but they are learning quickly. And, just like their new insulated house, it didnt take them long to figure out the benefits.
Im going through a learning process as well. The big brothers are just about too big to fit into one box and I worry about fights but tonight as I was sitting in the truck waiting to hear if there were going to be any problems I realized they will benefit more from each others warmth together and, since they are used to sharing a dog house, this should be no different.
Cali and Hermes had no trouble adapting to their new situation. They were playing from the moment they finished eating until the time I shut the door to the dog truck. Chronos is in with his mom and the two of them should do an excellent job keeping each other warm. The two big brothers were settled in and ready for sleep and all the rest of the adults were already showing signs of warmth.
Having the dog yard fenced it priceless especially during these cold snaps. I only have to lead two dogs to truck, the rest jump in or require very little assistance from me. What would normally take hours to load and feed an entire truck load of dogs can be accomplished in about 30 to 45 minutes with only me doing all the work.
I don't think I could accomplish as much as I have in this life if my dogs weren't as efficient as they are. I am so proud of them, their training, their loyalty and most of all, their love...
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