Travis and I started fall training today by running two dog teams. The first run, we went five miles. We left the yard with Hope and Rally in lead and were off. It was good to get back on the four wheeler to train. I’d gone out two or three times prior to this, but inconsistently due to mechanical errors (flat tire, replacing parts, etc.) but now we have the four wheeler back (and Travis!) and are good to go.
The start of the season is always hard. You don’t go fast. The dogs look out of shape. They haven’t found any semblance of a rhythm and are just sort of moving. But, hey, that’s something. Isn’t it? And these dogs look amazing. To say we’re excited about this season is an understatement.
We ran down to the river only to find it was completely flooded. Still, we gave it our best. We aren’t exactly the quitting type. Poor Hope was trying to swim not run, swim, upstream to get us to the trailhead. If she could have done it, she would have. We ended up giving her a “gee” command to turn her off course and follow down river because it was clear the current was just too strong. The whole team got sopping wet, including Travis. He’d gone into the river to try and lead them across and sunk up to his waist before we decided to take them a different way. Still, the dogs seemed a little disappointed that we’d been defeated. But it didn’t last long. We let the wet dogs stand for only a few minutes before they were back barking like mad, trying to get us going.
We’ll give it a day or two to quit raining before we try crossing the river again. Still, it was an impressive battle. Next time, once the river calms down, we’ll try and bring a camera. (Which may be a struggle because we haven’t got a functioning one at the moment). We’ve got some pretty intense lead dogs and would like to show you. After that, we ran through the sub-division. The dirt roads are good on their feet and there are enough puddles to keep them cool.
After five miles, we took the first team home, hand a quick drink of cocoa, then hooked up the second team. This time, with Jane and Hatchet in lead. We went four miles with these guys making loops around the neighborhood. Travis was impressive with Jane… when he left this summer she wasn’t a lead dog. I hooked her up front a couple times because I see some real potential — good attitude, great appetite.
We also hooked up Moe. This was only his second run and he blended right in with the team. That is, until we shut the lights off on the fourwheeler. Then he balked on his line and seemed to be seeing “Oh my god! I can’t see! What’s going on!” We turn the lights on and he’d start pulling again, we turn the lights off, and he’d get unsure of himself. Eventually, he seemed to learn that running in the dark wasn’t going to kill him.
Well, it was a good first run and a great way to open up the season. We’re looking forward to tomorrow and getting to take the teams out again!
