Day One of Sleddog Training

This is why I moved to Colorado. This is what I love to do. This is what my dogs love to do.
My day started in the dark. I woke up at 5:45am and donned a headlamp. As soon as Bill and I walked towards the 4-wheeler, the dogs went nuts. Usually, I tell them to quiet, but there is no reasoning with 37 dogs when they anticipate a run. It took Bill and I a few minutes to gather the harnesses and straighten the line in the dark, but pretty soon we were ready to collect dogs. Jodi came out to help as well; it seems the first day of training is exciting for everyone.
When hooking the dogs up, we started with the lead and zig-zagged our way back. This way, the dogs don't have to remain on the line excited, next to someone else, for a long period of time. Since it was the first day and we had 12 dogs to hook up, it took a little while. First, you have to wade through the other dogs to get to who you want; then, you have to unhook them as they're straining against their line; then, you have to hold them up so they can only walk on 2 legs (they'll drag you if they get the power of all 4 legs); then, you have to walk them down to their spot on the line; then, you have to clamp their bodies in between your legs as you slip the harness over their squirming head; then, you hook them into the neck line and back line. Finally, you step back as they commence jumping forward, up, sideways, and any direction in between. As you can see, there is a lot of room for error.
Thankfully, everything ran pretty smoothly in hook up today. It might have taken a little while, but efficiency will come with time. The dogs will certainly be happier when we can get them out faster. It is necessary to yell during the entire process, since the orchestra of howling and barking drowns out all other noise. The dogs on the line are especially excited. They pull at the line, bark at us to hurry up, and strain to do what they love most.
That moment when you release the lead dogs is incredible. Today, Lynx and Attla took the honor. With the initial command, they leap forward, pulling everyone else with them. If it wasn't for the brake, they would go sprinting full speed ahead. As I watched the dogs head out down the driveway, every single one of them had a gigantic smile on their face. When they came back, 4 miles later, that same smile was plastered on their faces. Granted, they were a little bit more thirsty, but they would have kept going if Bill let them.
Since it was the first day, Bill handled them alone. They were overexcited, so he wanted to make sure everything was in order. Within the next few days, I'll go out with him on the 4-wheeler and have that smile plastered on my face as well. I can't wait!