FIRST Hard FROST /New Kennel PLAN
The grass is finally crunchy with real frost and all the trees are bare. Dogs and people around here are ecstatic.
We have implemented a bit of new training system this year. Magnus and Sean both returned for their second year as kennel helpers. They are both interested in racing this year so we have reconfigured the kennel into 3 groups of 20 dogs. Martin, of course, got the first pick of all 60 to be part of his training corp. Magnus and Sean then alternated picks to make up their 20. The dog lot is segregated into the 3 groups and each person is responsible for the well being of his group ~ feeding, cleaning, brushing, training, etc. Of course all the guys help each other hook up and share the chores when necessary. Sue Allen, our unofficial yearling trainer, has at her kennel her 16 (of ours)that she will take to Nome for the camping/training trip. Martin oversees all the dogs. Each individual will plan and participate in the races they choose.
So far, we are finding this arrangement to be likable by people and especially dogs involved. Sean, Sue and Magnus are capable mushers and know the Happy Trails routine and philosophy.
Come February, Martin gets to evaluate and choose from all 60 dogs.
We have implemented a bit of new training system this year. Magnus and Sean both returned for their second year as kennel helpers. They are both interested in racing this year so we have reconfigured the kennel into 3 groups of 20 dogs. Martin, of course, got the first pick of all 60 to be part of his training corp. Magnus and Sean then alternated picks to make up their 20. The dog lot is segregated into the 3 groups and each person is responsible for the well being of his group ~ feeding, cleaning, brushing, training, etc. Of course all the guys help each other hook up and share the chores when necessary. Sue Allen, our unofficial yearling trainer, has at her kennel her 16 (of ours)that she will take to Nome for the camping/training trip. Martin oversees all the dogs. Each individual will plan and participate in the races they choose.
So far, we are finding this arrangement to be likable by people and especially dogs involved. Sean, Sue and Magnus are capable mushers and know the Happy Trails routine and philosophy.
Come February, Martin gets to evaluate and choose from all 60 dogs.
Sean chose dogs that are on the wild side (a bit like he is.) He chose the rowdy boys Frodo, Merry and Pippin and some old faithfuls like Logan.
Magnus' group tends to have more of the girls and is
a more subdued group. He has some experienced veterans such as Jefferson and Hotfoot.
We are still using 4 wheelers to train and wish we had the snow that New York is getting!
