Americano Blue's musher/mushing chat thread

[Americano Blue]

This may seem cold and heartless but if you want a good team you gota stop accommodating them. Once they learn they ain't gona be rewarded when they run to you to get loved up every time they stop and maybe even rejected, they will learn to stand ahead.
Put your foot down.
Once you stop, put your hook down, ignore their running back for loving up, walk ahead of where the leader can reach and just stand there till they stop fussing.
If they don't stop fussing turn to them and say "shhhhhhhhhhhhhh" nice and quietly. Once they "shh" very quietly ,without smiling, quietly and slowly(relaxed sounding)say "good dogs". Then turn around and face away from them again. Before they start getting antsy, quietly walk back towards them and gently just lightly touch their heads. Spending time with good sled dogs needs to have lots of discipline. Even to self. Stop making sucky pets of them. Especially leaders. When the job is done is the time for loving-up your dogs.

Many mushers envied me of Okimaw. Not because he was fast or aggressive or always wanting to race, but because he was quiet, smart enough to stay in front but not crazy racing, gentle, easy going, and knew his place, and above all carried himself with composure as a leader.
when a fight would break out he would stand ahead. Although he could handle himself he very very seldom fought. And when he was "backed into a corner" and he would have to fight back he would stop once I stepped in to stop the scrap.
He slept with me in the tent or teepee when the job was done.

I will try this. I try ignoring them but Cindy (one of my leads) Is a therapy dog so she will do her best to get love.

 

[RezChamp]

No you didn't. Just usually people curse when they rant.... I say that word when I'm talking about breeding dogs but I don't say it online or with non dog people because it can be taken the wrong way.

I was being facetious when I said rantings. I was tryna minimize me taking so long to make a point to the one that is hating on his/her parents/s.
I was feigning humility. Sorry. I guess that's not very humble eh.
And yeah, people tend to automatically take it out of context. Probly kuz most people use it out of context and mosy likely are ignorant of it's proper meaning.
My K9's are loyal, happy and never call me down or swear at me or abuse me, mentally, physically, emotionally or spiritually. They deserve more respect than to have their proper "handle" used to refer in a derogatory manner to a human being female.


Its gonna snow next week!!!!!!!!!!!!  I miss Griz too. To make matters worse, we lost our pet cat last night. And if that wasn't bad, I found out my dogs killed her.
Any way I have already told my teachers that I won't be at school the day we have enough snow, so when we get enough snow, I will be mushing and not a school.

I am so sorry to hear that.
Sled dogs and cats though......rabbit sized critter...

 

[RezChamp]

Well, it's 10:15 here. Gona log off and go feed my K9's. I do this late during cold times because the energy sticks with them all night to help keep them warm.
I'll catch up some time tomorrow. Or later......????
But y'all.
TTFN

 

[Americano Blue]

I am so sorry to hear that.
Sled dogs and cats though......rabbit sized critter...

Well, they didn't eat her, they just tried to play and well....they play like wolves.

 

[Americano Blue]

Well, it's 10:15 here. Gona log off and go feed my K9's. I do this late during cold times because the energy sticks with them all night to help keep them warm.
I'll catch up some time tomorrow. Or later......????
But y'all.
TTFN

TTYL!!

 

[SternRose]

My dogs feel the need to be petted when they stop so they come all the way back to me. They refuse to line out!!

Um, I really wouldn't. but I will ask my mentor.

ok, tell me what she says. thanks

 

[Americano Blue]

Bo

ok, tell me what she says. thanks

No on the bungee cord. It will snap and you will lose power plus using it for all the lines it back for the dogs. Don't get rid of it tho. There are tons if uses for cord in mushing.

 

[SternRose]

What can I use the bungie cord for?
Would parachute cord work better?

 

[Americano Blue]

I would really suggest polypropylene rope. Look up videos on how to make the lines. I can post picks of my lines in the morning. The rope comes in different colors and sizes so its perfect.

 

[RezChamp]

What can I use the bungie cord for?
Would parachute cord work better?

I would really suggest polypropylene rope. Look up videos on how to make the lines. I can post picks of my lines in the morning. The rope comes in different colors and sizes so its perfect.

Yes, bungee cord is very useful in so many apps for mushing, but definitely not for ganglines and/or mainlines, or even tugs and necklines.
As I said earlier it can be used with the tugs and necklines but inside them.
Hollow raid poly rope is probably best.
I have used parachute cord and it was strong yes and I've even used the old fashioned leather ones, but once I started using hollow core poly I will always do my best to always use it.
I have enough snow now to go mushing. I walked my training trail and the ice is frozen thick enough the dogs won't break through the creek and ditches.
PS.... Sorry I didn't log on earlier. I am extremely busy these days.
I will touch base with y'all from time to time though.
G-nyt all. TTFN