Insulation, not just for pointers anymore!

Its so hard to be the responsible one, to know the dogs limits, to say no when you really know its for the best... such was the case yesterday. Two of my friends were scheduling their run and I more than wanted to follow but the temps were too cold (-17 at the house) for my truck to start once we finished our run.

I checked our thermometer religiously every half hour almost to the point of obsession. I figured if our temps could get to -15 then I could chance it with the truck. Since all our trails are only accessed by traveling the truck is a very important piece of equipment that must be handled with care. But, it is so hard to be responsible when there is much fun to be had for the dogs and myself...

The temp continued to drop as well as my hopes for some trail time with the dogs. By the night it has gotten down to -21 at the house and, as reported by my friends out at the trail head, a chilly -25. Hindsight is priceless and I'm glad they were able to get out to enjoy their run and also to confirm that my decision to let the truck rest was a wise one.

Still, not wanting to let any time go to waste and trying to prepare for more cold weather that is predicted I spent most of the day finishing up the insulated puppy house. I refer to it as that because its pretty long and much larger than the standard dog house but in reality I think it may end up being used for a 'regular' sized dog once the puppies grow out of it... oh wait, they are already grown out of it!

Only three can fit at any one time and maybe only two if the big boys want to get in together. The pups left out will have to sleep in a regular house for now until I get another house rebuilt with insulation.

The first house, the one Ichabod has now, was tough. It was a learning experience that was carried over to make construction on the puppy house so much easier. I think I have the process down and all the kinks worked out so the next houses will be a bit easier and faster to build.

My plan is to have all the houses insulated, for my dogs and the boarders alike. Ive noticed such an incredible change in Ichabod's attitude since he first started using his house. No matter if the weather is warm or cold he always has a smile on his face and happy dancing feet when I go to greet him. This coming from a dog who wouldn't like to get out at all on cold days and who would take his food into his house to eat on a regular basis.

The straw is also super dry and since the roof is detachable for easy cleaning and adding of straw its much easier to maintain. There is no condensation on the inside of the house anywhere. This is what makes the straw wet over time and freeze like a non-insulating mat that is nearly impossible to remove until break up.

I haven't noticed much change in the way Ichabod runs in the team but this year our runs have been far too short to notice much of anything. Seeing his perky attitude was enough to convince me that all the dogs need to have these types of houses. And even though most of my dogs are heavily coated and probably don't need the extra insulation I think it will still brighten up their lives and make them happier, which in the end, is what makes me happiest as well...

Seeing the pups monopolize their new house from the moment it was placed in there was wonderful! They knew right away what a gift it was and how useful it will be for them. It was wonderful not to see all five of them lined up at the gate arguing with each other out of frustration that it was my time to go back in the house. Instead I witnessed little Cali through the entry way of the house play fighting with one of her brothers looking completely content and thrilled at her new living conditions.

Chronos, who spent most of his inside time in the garage while I finished up the construction, knew right away the importance of the house and was completely comfortable to be the first pup to scratch out a bed in the new straw. He liked it so much I was afraid he wouldn't let anyone else in but he softened up and in a few moments all the pups were trying their turn, those who couldn't fit waited outside the house for room to become available.

At -20 I didnt want to stay for long. All the work moving, setting up houses, feeding and watering had me sweating and that is very dangerous in the cold. I dont worry too much about it until the temps drop down to 30 and 40 below zero but I was far too tired to wait for an uncomfortable chill that I knew was coming. I really wish I had used that energy up on the back of a dog sled but the time spent at home was well worth it and temps look as though they may rise again so we may be able to get out sooner than I thought!