When one takes on training/conditioning a group of dogs to work together as a team many of the things that happen and you learn about yourself and the dogs, you can use to cope with everyday life.
Since we have a dog visiting our our kennel to learn the ins and outs of becoming a sled dog, I have realized things that I take for granted from my dogs--just seems innate in them, are not for every dog.
My dogs have lived and breathed dog sledding since they were born or came to live with us at 9 weeks of age. They have learned how to get along in a large group when free running but also when tethered on the picket or hooked into the gangline. One can not assume just because a dog "works" at other activities and is a northern breed it will just be okay! Starting to introduce an older dog to something new is a challenge. Gracie seems eager to go and wants to be a part of the controlled chaos but just because she is eager does not mean she is ready.
Gracie has been working with a group of males that are very easy going and for me, easy to work with. They do not usually give me any problems and I am hoping their abilities and drive will help Gracie understand her job.
So lesson 1 is new things can be scary and give you a wild feeling, but if you relax and look around you, you will see others that are taking it all in stride. It is okay to lean on them for support while the newness wears off. And to feed off their confidence.
Another thing I did not realize I took for granted with my dogs but can see is very new and different for Gracie is running and pulling at the same time but also to do this running on uneven surfaces!! She is doing better after 3 times out, but she still will bounce around, almost hopping, as if trying to find her footing. She is not feeling grounded and is not sure where her feet/legs are so they go in many different directions. I have never noticed my dogs do this but also they start all of this at a very young age and do this a lot. So to help Gracie to feel grounded, I have slowed the team down so she can get her feet under herself. Also, I tell her "easy" to try to help her focus. She is getting it and does not bounce all over so much except at the start.
Lesson 2 today: Slow things down to help the new kid get their feet under them. Be patient and when they feel grounded you will now it.
The other thing I have noticed during these 3 runs, is Gracie is clueless on how to "pace" herself. Yes that is part of the dog driver's job but also each dog does learn how to conserve energy and to set a pace that is comfortable to do the distance. All of this is new to Gracie so with the help of my boys we are helping Gracie find that trot that matches their trot so she does not get tired so fast. Also, so she has fluid flowing motion when pulling. Again, I do not remember teaching my dogs to do this motion, but I guess over the months, years of training we have become a team and I do watch their gait to be a solid easy going trot. I just had never thought about it as I seem to now to watch this new dog.
So Lesson 3 today: Life throws a lot at you sometimes all at once, and sometimes life is busy and ongoing so you must learn to pace yourself so you do not physically but also mentally burn out. Do not feel it is weak to look to others for help and guidance.
So yes, dog sledding can help you with life lessons.
More lessons as the days go on.
Hang on and Never let go.
