HuskyMom09

Do you by chance use a Furminator?

Mason and Denali

I agree it is completely unfair and unrelated to compare working dogs to humans- my comment was specifically for working dogs and the fact that a properly bred set of hips won't suffer the consequences of breaking down as an improper set of hips will. To fully understand this an understanding how hips are designed is needed. Given that Zapper has been pulling for just over 2 years and I know dogs involved in the sport that started at 2 and aged out (10yrs) that have not had any long lasting side effects of pulling in harness I'd have to say our experience has been nothing but a positive one and one that doesn't seem to have a negative impact on the dog- Just my two cents. My dogs love it and my senior guy has never had more vigor.

The distance is 15 feet on a wheeled cart, so the friction resistance is minimized, once the cart is moving the job is a lot less. And in my personal experience and thought on the matter that hip problems are hereditary and poorly formed hips take away from the function of a working dog. A properly bred dog built for working will not be affected by work, especially work designed for the breed. This sport was developed by mushers with their Siberians and malamutes. Zapper, our regional weight pull champion and WDS (working dog superior), has pulled 1120lbs or near many times and still OFA's good (the same as it was when he started) without a single issue in his structure, joints, or anything else. The changes I have seen in Dakota since starting weight pulling are he is more energetic, he's more enthusiastic, and acts all around a younger dog. I am so happy we have found something that Dakota literally puts his heart into.

I weight pull with two of my Siberians, Denali and Dakota. We started Dakota last year at 9 years old so he'll age out, but hopefully he'll get his WD title first. He has maxed out at 850lbs. The Siberian that we compete against maxed out at 1120lbs. So we are out there doing it!

Thank you Sarah

No videos yet! Still have a couple weeks before we can even confirm the breeding took- keep your fingers crossed!! I do have a YouTube channel though for my current team and training videos though

With mine, harnesses mean working, working means pulling....so no harnesses are not what I use for walking them. Remembering how these dogs were bred, harnesses often encourage the pull sensation- if you ever want to work your dog in harness it's best not to confuse it's purpose. Given that, I too use a limited slip collar. The best thing you can do is get them to differentiate the expectations of what you want from them with what they have on.

It's completely normal- Denali's breeder and I are good friends and we frequently get together and do lunch- she sees D a ton and it's been a great experience. The girl's breeder has been going through a lot of personal stuff but she still takes the time to call when she has a moment. The others came from either rescue situations or breeders that only cared about the money.

My plan is another female. I am on the list for second pick female after the breeder- unless the breeder picks a male in which I will get first pick female. There is the possibility that it could be a predominantly male litter in which case as long as there was a stellar male I'd certainly consider it. Having multiple intact males does pose it's own issues which is why I'm opting for a female at this time.

Thanks Megan! I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the cooler months of fall to start training again! Bringing the girls into the mix and seeing what we end up with.

I can't wait to see pics! The breeder is in Michigan and I won't meet my puppy until Nationals in October when she (or he I suppose) is 12 weeks- BUT I am assured tons of pics and videos to tied me over, and keep me motivated even more so for Nationals

Thanks! Yep that makes 12 again- we had 12 up until we lost Timber last fall. But I have great anticipation for this show/working prospect! Should be a wonderful addition to our team *Fingers crossed*!

Our 10 year old Dakota placed in Silver in the IWPA Weight Pulling Region 2 60lb weight class this year! He needs 1 more qualifying pull to achieve his WD title- so very proud of our 'old' guy!

Here's our family outing! Well partial family anyway

Thanks all! This is the litter I have been waiting for, for what seems like forever! Exactly the balance of working and showing I myself hope to be able to maintain in my own kennel one day I have a really good feeling that this pup will be a really amazing addition to our showing/working program here

I have been silently waiting as to not jinx myself- but the breeder messaged me today and let me know the breeding went smooth and 3 ties were confirmed- we'll be welcoming puppies into the world in about 63 days, keep your fingers crossed our next show prospect will be amongst them!

My allergies have really ramped up the past couple of days- Zyrtec isn't doing a thing for me at the moment

I'd treat for worms for precaution-

Denali- Not after walk but after bike-

Yes we are all so grateful everyone is OK! That is for sure, but really if it hadn't been for the dogs being crated they would have likely been severely injured or killed on impact.

Last night I, as a responder, was faced with one of the 'worst case' scenarios. Right before our Officers Meeting began a call came out for a 2 car MVA multiple victims trapped with serious injuries. As we were in route my friend's husband was calling my cell phone- they were involved. As our Apparatus rounded the corner I saw my friend's car completely smashed in the front end....I knew she was coming home from a dog show, her dogs would be in the car as well as her young son....my heart sank into my stomach. As I approached the car a sigh of relief- they were ok! Minor injuries! The crates the dogs were traveling in did their job and absorbed the impact, breaking in the process, but the dogs were completely unharmed! I can't say enough how much of an advocate of proper containment for dogs while in transport- this is just another example of how it can save a life- The other occupants of the second vehicle did not fare as well and we ended up flying one to the hospital- Thoughts and prayers be with them .

Well I'd have to also say in this house the boys are far more snuggly than the girls are. My youngest girls are even becoming more independent and want to cuddle on their terms. My boys are all about being affectionate and cuddly.

Very cool- Her lines and mine are very different, but I can appreciate the work ethic there for sure. It's been an interesting learning opportunity for both me and my remaining team, the girls will be out soon enough. I need to start running them at least 2 miles to catch up for fall.

4 of the dogs are Jill's Mason and Denali are mine. I'm lucky enough to be adding some of her dogs to my team as my oldest retired and my youngest aren't quite ready to step up to a competitive level-