Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Cool!  The woman and young man I spoke with today said the "sound" is what is the hardest for the dogs to get used to as the sled drags.  They also suggested the tires and even said its good to start younger with milk cartoons (gallon) with rocks in it so they don't flip about the sound.  At the pull in Anchorage we met a young man who makes custom harnesses so we will hook up withhim in the fall if we really opt into the sport.  Carting is not so big up here which is disappointing since it limits the season, but with my own schedule I think thats ok.  I am glad you feel it is a "bonding" experience since that is the feeling I got while watching.  They even said it is a great socialization activity.  Met a wonderful woman with Makenzie Rivers and one is extremely shy. He managed 3 pulls before quitting and she was just thrilled.  Even said it is fine if they just sit there without pulling in the beginning - which made me feel like while it is a competition - it is more for hte fun as opposed for the "title".  As you go through the process I hope you will share your thoughts -  THANKS for the reply!

We live in Alaska and everyone associates sled dogs with us.  I have 3 wonderful pups but in no way want to get into sledding - either sprint or distance due to $ and lack of land to house a true kennel.  We recently attended a weight pull in Anchorage and another smaller one this afternoon.  The people who were there were wonderfull and the pups seriously seemed to enjoy what was going on. All was safe and the dogs were treated absolutely wonderfully - lots of hugs and kisses after pulls - lots of positive and no negative.  The people involved were neat to talk with and very informative.  I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or information on the sport. We are "thinking" about trying it for fun next year with at least one of the malamutes.  They were too young for this season, but will be old enough for the next.  Any comments - pro or con - I like ot hear the good, the bad and the "ugly" if it exists prior to making any sort of commitment.

Thanks for any and all feedback!

The mals and the huskey get into some rough play - only the wicked female has gotten one small cut from all the biting they do - so far.  We use crates for the kiddos.  What seems to work for us is that when things get rough we use a stern voice and tell them they will have to go to crate - For some reason that seems to work.  I don't like to threaten crate - but if it gets wild we put them in crate (like a time out) for a few minutes and try again.  After a few visits to crate it got the point across.  We still have rough play but if it gets to wild all I need to say is crate and all stops.

The obedience trainer talked about tossing a choke chain (makes a LOUD noise) and shouting hey (I think) to startle them.  SHe demonstrated it once and it scared the begeebers out of the boxer she used for demontration.  WHen he started the behavior she wanted to correct all she had to do was jingle the chain.  She had the chain hit the wall behind him for noise effect - never touching the dog.  She tried it with my mal, unfortunately it didn't work at that time.  I guess it just depends.  She seemed to say this was more of a last option if all else fails since we really aren't into intimidating pups - rather - just a startle that they can eventually have the same response with just a HEY.

Not sure what will work for you - TIME and patience may work just as well - I NEVER though all 3 of mine could co-exist - but for the most part they do!

GOOD LUCK - Keep us posted.   May be a local trainer could help you out if things don't settle down (oyr makes house calls - yes in Alaska we have some people who still make house calls )

We have been working our way through Obedience Classes as well.  Jadis is the wild one in our house but totally went submissive and shy when we went to out first class - After 2 rounds of classes she is now a pro.  We even managed to beat out some little labs with "puppy-push ups" on our graduation day.  The Instructor was shocked since Malamutes are known to be a little stubborn and not quite as obedience focused as the little labs.  Needless to say we were quite proud of our girl.  I am sure Binky will settle in and do a great job.  I to feel like it is cheating to keep my fingers smelling like treats, but our pups are learning and little reminder of what is waiting for them when they are done is not so bad.  Good Luck and we hope all goes well for you - I am sure that if a malamute can out do a lab in puppy pushups a Pyr can pass the CGC Test!  Have FUN!  No worries all will be fine!

Good For YOU! and Congratulation s on the Scholarship offer!  Good luck wherever you choose in the end! (My vote is for the Boston area - I have family in NH who really love it ( the Green Mountains) and I lived in Maine for a time).

Have a blast!

We thought of you today Zoey - We saw beautiful Saints at the Alaska Saint Bernard Club activity that took place in Anchorage.  I spoke with a wonderful breeder/shower and met several of his very spoiled "kids".  I thought about Zoey when he spoke of one of his who he lost recently.  Hopefully they are running around some place wonderful together!  RIP Sweet Zoey.

Whoosh - I have yet to live through their first coat blows.  It should be quite intersting!  They have beautiful thick coats so I am sure it will be a hairy spring for us!  I can't even imagine my mals in a warmer climate - My husband (who is actually a true Inupiaq Eskimo) has told me I have turned my house into a refrigerator this winter! The mals get "hot" if the temp in the house is over 68.  They would melt in Florida!  Our recent warm spell (47 degree days) has them all messed up!  It was preceeded by a 4 week period of below zero temps in which they seemd very content.