With all the planning and preparations for the Iditarod, we have snuck in some extra fun at the same time. Bill and Wu are growing up fast and told us they were ready to try this harness running thing they’ve been watching the others do all season. So, we hooked them up for the first time a couple weeks ago and have taken them out a few times since.
Enjoy this quick video of their very first harness experience… you can hear them both yipping with excitement. Wu is in the back and Bill one up.
Thanks to Lynne for freezing her fingers off to record this.
It is always truly amazing to watch the inherent instinct to run and pull in puppies and Bill and Wu are no exception. We often get asked “how do you train a sled dog to run?” – well, we don’t. They just know! You will notice also we don’t put neck lines on them at first so they can run where they want to. We might put necklines on as they go into their ‘yearling year’ to learn some trail etiquette, but they will spend much of their careers without necklines so we start them off that way. Of course, they have a lot to actually learn – directional commands, manners, passing other teams, camping etc but the act of running and pulling comes naturally.
They boys have also graduated to having their own houses. Quite a coming of age period for them as they become big boys. As you can see from the pics, they spent some time rearranging the straw inside their houses so they have indoor/outdoor flow.
We’ll harness Gravy up during the spring and let you know how he gets on!
You can join Bill, We and Gravy’s Dog Fan Club by clicking here.
Love seeing the 2 boys figuring out how to be sled dogs…yipping all the while! You go Bill and Wu! They are growing up to be handsome dogs! Thanks for the pupdate!
I love how they bark their enthusiasm the whole time! Good dawgs!
Wow, the two boys are enthusiastic & happy sled dogs, barking all the way. Love there indoor outdoor straw flow. The great future of SPK. Thanks for the post. First time in harness was fabulous.
How lovely. Thanks ever so much for this!!!
Good doggies – go for it!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF
They do sound like squeaky toys! So much fun to watch. Thanks!
Bill and Wu look like they are having a blast. Smarties, Wu even checked on Lynne after the sharp left (haw).
Thank you for the FUN post.
Loved this video ! ! Truly amazing how they know to ‘just do it ‘. One of our three Mals, loves to run all out. I have to start her out with a bit of braking action in order for her not to burn out as early. My other two Mals will pick up the pace, IF mom is holding string cheese at the other end of the street. But , see a cat at the front of the house,…….look out! faster than Bugs Bunny. It will be fun to watch both Dr. Wu and Bill grow, and to learn the ropes. Best wishes for a safe and adventurous expedition to Nome.
My first thought was “joie de vivre”. Such pure bliss to run with the big dogs. Could life get any better?
Thanks for the video! Bill & Wu are just so happy–so-o-o- cute! Also the photographer Lynne!
Without you we would not have been able to see this!!!
Such fun–thank you!