Introducing: A Wandering Life Kennels!
We’re back from our recent radio silence with an article about our new dogs!
Last night we brought four new dogs home with the help of our family and friends.
It’s recommended by most mushers that if you’re starting your first kennel you should buy older more experienced dogs, to help teach you what to do. Well, we didn’t do that. Our four new dogs are 9 months to 2 years old. With our experience with dog mushing we’re not going in totally blind, but it is very different when you have all the responsibility.
I always expected that there would need to be some sort of momentous moment in our lives that would tell us that we were ready to get dogs. LIfe doesn’t work that way does it? WHY DIDN’T ANYONE TELL ME!? Sometimes opportunities just arise, and you have to accept them when they’re given to you. When we first started the process a few weeks ago, I sent my old bosses a text with the information about the dogs. I needed some advice, and I knew I trusted their judgement. They responded by reminding me that this is our dream, if you get a good feeling about the dogs, then go for it. Oh yeah! Our ‘dream’ not our ‘carefully thought out plan that will be executed when the time is right.’ I somehow had forgotten about that.
Adding more dogs to your kennel takes some getting used to. We have moved Emil and Banjo into a different kennel, Moa and Prada are still trying to work through their relationship as roommates, and Junior and Hubba Bubba are still a little wary of us. People might think that when a dog comes to a new home, they’re immediately happy, but it’s a lot of change for them. I remember taking our cat Hästen home, and spending the first two days in a constant state of anxiety while I monitored Emil’s interaction with him. Just a few days later their relationship became easier, and now I can trust Emil lose around Hästen even when we’re outside. I don’t expect this behavior from all of our dogs, Hästen is learning how to ‘disappear’ around them, but I digress… My point is, is that it’s important to be patient, give the dogs, and ourselves time to adjust. Before you know it all six of them will be lying on the kitchen floor after a run.
Without further ado, the dogs of A Wandering Life Kennels!
Emil: Our oldest dog at 10 years old. He’s the big boss man. We can trust him to discipline the dogs in a very good way, especially Banjo! Puppies be crazy.
Banjo: Our youngest dog at just over three months old, he is entering that crazy puppy stage. Right now everything is a chew toy. Lot’s of bones help keep this little man’s teeth happy.
Prada: That’s right, Prada. With her spunky (AKA bitchy) attitude, she is very well named. We can’t wait to see this head strong girl in harness.
Junior: At 2 years old, this blue eyed houndy dog is definitely our shyest one. He will take a lot of time to warm up to us, but it will be worth it!
Hubba Bubba: Another puppy, at nine months, he is a wacky boy. He’s growing slowly, but we’re excited to have Junior show him the ropes in training.
Moa: At 2 years, this girl is a real beauty. We took her in for a little spa treatment (that means brushing), and her fresh coat is starting to come through. We will focus on serious lead dog training with her.
You sure can bet that there will be more articles about all things dog in the future, but look out for other topics related to the outdoors!
