Americano Blue's musher/mushing chat thread

[spiritbrook]

Me too. But for me it's almost $2,000 in just fuel and hotel rooms to get there from here. Eventually I want to do it though. I noticed there weren't a whole lot of people running it last year, around 10 or so mushers? Anyways, I have a whole list of potential races but I need a younger team. The yearling and 2 year old would be fine to run it but I don't think the 9 year olds and 12 year old dogs will be at all be competitive. With the older dogs I just want to gain experience before moving onto some of the larger races like the Stage Stop and Jr. Iditarod.

My fried who ran said they needed some ridiculous number of booties (required) per dog. I think he said they spent more than a thousand dollars even though they made them. Another number thrown about was $40K cost to run total. That included food and replacement gear dropped at the checkpoints and travel. They didn't need hotel rooms for the mushers, but I guess the crew would.

 

[charnic44]

My fried who ran said they needed some ridiculous number of booties (required) per dog. I think he said they spent more than a thousand dollars even though they made them. Another number thrown about was $40K cost to run total. That included food and replacement gear dropped at the checkpoints and travel. They didn't need hotel rooms for the mushers, but I guess the crew would.

The Iditarod probably costs around $40k but I don't think the Junior Iditarod would cost nearly as much. Yes, this is an expensive sport but the junior races tend to cost a lot less than regular adult races. The entry fee for Jr Iditarod is only about $150 or $200. It wouldn't be as expensive for me if I wasn't in Montana and had to travel like, 5000 miles there and back. Plus I'd miss almost a month of school (more like 2-3 weeks).

 

[RezChamp]

The Wyoming Stage Stop (IPSSSDR) now the Eukanuba Stage Stop, I really want to do the 8 dog Classic, a shorter version of the Stage Stop. Maybe next year if I've got a better team, a younger team, that is. I'm thinking about breeding the 2 year old and the yearling next year for some May/June pups. Of course the yearling will be 2 and the two year old will be 3. They will both cross well on one of the older, bigger males, I think. Anyways, Montana/Wyoming would be a long drive for you, Rez.

Ya. That's the one. I will post re; breeding after these are done.
I've been to and thru both Montana and Wyoming a cpl of times it is doable but I don't know if my back can take it. Weird thing is I can toil all day with fixing fences, building doghouses, cutting and hauling wood, cutting grass, tilling gardens, etc, but when it comes to travel my back starts to hurt after about 20 mins of sitting. ??????!!! Go figure eh.

I would like to bred him to Meringue if I can get him. He's a pretty laid back dog, strong and smart. Just a too slow for the 'main team' from what I hear
'

I will post re; breeding after these are done.

Me too. But for me it's almost $2,000 in just fuel and hotel rooms to get there from here. Eventually I want to do it though. I noticed there weren't a whole lot of people running it last year, around 10 or so mushers? Anyways, I have a whole list of potential races but I need a younger team. The yearling and 2 year old would be fine to run it but I don't think the 9 year olds and 12 year old dogs will be at all be competitive. With the older dogs I just want to gain experience before moving onto some of the larger races like the Stage Stop and Jr. Iditarod.

Yes it is expensive travelling with a dog box whether it's on a truck or a trailer. I think I would just build a transport unit with enough space for me to sleep in. Gracious knows that I've slept in much worse places.
Just watch....when you are ready to go there will over a hundred entries. Well that is you have the same kind of luck that I do.LOL
If you have 9 yr. old leader that is well trained, well conditioned and smart he or she would be able to run a stage race because doesn't need to pull so much as think so he or she would be OK I think.

 

[RezChamp]

My fried who ran said they needed some ridiculous number of booties (required) per dog. I think he said they spent more than a thousand dollars even though they made them. Another number thrown about was $40K cost to run total. That included food and replacement gear dropped at the checkpoints and travel. They didn't need hotel rooms for the mushers, but I guess the crew would.

Phew!!!! That's a tidy sum.
Although I have never used booties on my dogs my Nanna told me that my Pampa made "little moccasins out of leather, old mitts or hometan work the best. He'd cut 2 little holes in each for the nails." Mind you his team of 9 dogs usta pull 1600 lbs for 400 miles or so. My team of 6-10 only pull me and maybe 1 other guy or gal for 10-40 miles. My old team and I tho'...nice....all day from 9AM right till my arrival at home around 8-9-10 o-clock. And like I said earlier I would ust havea place for me to sleep in the transport unit. The body heat of the dogs would help keep me warm.

 

[RezChamp]

Now, about breeding. I had a leader by the name of Robin whose mom was Tasha and da was Wastayap(BrightEyes). Tasha was 3/4 Seppalla & 1/4 Show Sibe. She was hard working team, swing and wheel. I had sold Robin as a pup(they never paid me) when I left the area. The condition to that release was the condition "If I ever see her running loose I will pick her up and you will not get her back and I will never let you's have another one of my dogs." Anyways, although she wouldn't pull like her mom(Tasha) she didn't mind working. Most important was she was smart. She wouldn't wear herself out working super hard pulling but saved herself for pulling the others with her when I told her to do whatever. Okimaw was also my leader. He was smart too but he always worked very hard,... in his head and in his harness. He listened even better than Robin and seemed to be able to think beyond my comprehension level. Before I get too far with this rambling....towards the crux,,,.. With all the combined years of leading in these 2 my biggest regret was and still is I never kept 1 pup from them. All their pups appeared to have a "way" about them. As well, they were so beautiful. People came 1000's of kilometers to offer quite large sums of $$ for them. I got reports of these pups' "ways" from the people that bought them.
Remember these words.. "GENETIC MEMORY". Leader to leader practically ensures leader. The pups are born with the memeories of their parents. all they need to be exceptional leaders ids to be "reminded" in a sense. It is ingrained at a genetic level the words Mom&Dad heard heard, the actions of M&D, M&D's feelings, thoughts all become genetic propensities. So when you hook up 1 of them pups to lead and he and/or she hears them words and follows 1 that is doing as you say something inside them tells them "This is the way." Essentially their M&D"s memories are awakened/re-born in them.
More-over, "The woman is the mother of the culture." Robin had a litter beautiful big pups from a DeneDog. Baby was so pretty. Red w/blu eyes. Kyna small tho'. She didn't grow very big either. But OMGoodness she was a hard worker. I ran her on point right behind her mom. It didn't matter if we went 1 mile or 25 miles she gave 200% all the time. By this time I knew these "genetic memory" & "mother of the culture" teachings(wish I heard them before tho). So now I took a good looking male that had a good coat and good feet and bred Rufous to Baby. All the pups grew up to be excellent hard working, smart and predominantly good looking K9's with good feet and some innate leadership qualities. Thing is all Baby's F pups threw hard working pups, and those pups threw hard working pups. Now I have the 6th generation of Tasha still working hard and 5th gen of Robin still leading. Cool thing is mmy leaders of today do Robin's and Okimaw's blood in them, just not directly Okimaw-Robin.
I know I've stated it before and I don't want to sound like a broken record. I just hope to pass some info that may prove to be useful.
So.......now my late lunch is well settled back to working on my new kennel/exercise pen/emergency whelping pen(although I hope not to have any puppies till next fall).
Oh ya, my daughter's man came over with his quad yesterday. He towed some old diamond toothed harrows to dress one of trails. I hope she marries him. He's so willing to help. And he's a good "hunter".
And

!!! 1/2inch to 3/4inch of ice on the water dishes this morn.
HAGD all. TTYL

 

[charnic44]

Ya. That's the one.  I will post re; breeding after these are done.
I've been to and thru both Montana and Wyoming a cpl of times it is doable but I don't know if my back can take it. Weird thing is I can toil all day with fixing fences, building doghouses, cutting and hauling wood, cutting grass, tilling gardens, etc, but when it comes to travel my back starts to hurt after about 20 mins of sitting.  ??????!!! Go figure eh. 

I will post re; breeding after these are done.
Yes it is expensive travelling with a dog box whether it's on a truck or a trailer. I think I would just build a transport unit with enough space for me to sleep in. Gracious knows that I've slept in much worse places.
Just watch....when you are ready to go there will over a hundred entries. Well that is you have the same kind of luck that I do.LOL
If you have 9 yr. old leader that is well trained, well conditioned and smart he or she would be able to run a stage race because doesn't need to pull so much as think so he or she would be OK I think.

My aunt's back hurts after too many hours of driving/sitting too. Something with the way the seat is and how your back is aligned or something like that. The 9 year olds are looking good and doing fairly well. They're setting a pretty good pace on the 4 mile runs so far; my yearling has to lope to keep up with their trotting. Then again she was the runt and I can't be picky at this point. I've gotta work with what I've got for now until I have 40-50 good racing dogs to choose from (in like 5-10 years, lol).

Now, about breeding. I had a leader by the name of Robin whose mom was Tasha and da was Wastayap(BrightEyes). Tasha was 3/4 Seppalla & 1/4 Show Sibe. She was hard working team, swing and wheel. I had sold Robin as a pup(they never paid me) when I left the area. The condition to that release was the condition "If I ever see her running loose I will pick her up and you will not get her back and I will never let you's have another one of my dogs."  Anyways, although she wouldn't pull like her mom(Tasha) she didn't mind working. Most important was she was smart. She wouldn't wear herself out working super hard pulling but saved herself for pulling the others with her when I told her to do whatever. Okimaw was also my leader. He was smart too but he always worked very hard,... in his head and in his harness. He listened even better than Robin and seemed to be able to think beyond my comprehension level. Before I get too far with this rambling....towards the crux,,,.. With all the combined years of leading in these 2 my biggest regret was and still is I never kept 1 pup from them. All their pups appeared to have a "way" about them. As well, they were so beautiful. People came 1000's of kilometers to offer quite large sums of $$ for them. I got reports of these pups' "ways" from the people that bought them.
Remember these words.. "GENETIC MEMORY". Leader to leader practically ensures leader. The pups are born with the memeories of their parents. all they need to be exceptional leaders ids to be "reminded" in a sense. It is ingrained at a genetic level the words Mom&Dad heard heard, the actions of M&D, M&D's feelings, thoughts all become genetic propensities. So when you hook up 1 of them pups to lead and he and/or she hears them words and follows 1 that is doing as you say  something inside them tells them "This is the way." Essentially their M&D"s memories are awakened/re-born in them.
More-over, "The woman is the mother of the culture."  Robin had a litter beautiful big pups from a DeneDog. Baby was so pretty. Red w/blu eyes. Kyna small tho'. She didn't grow very big either. But OMGoodness she was a hard worker. I ran her on point right behind her mom. It didn't matter if we went 1 mile or 25 miles she gave 200% all the time. By this time I knew these "genetic memory" & "mother of the culture" teachings(wish I heard them before tho). So now I took a good looking male that had a good coat and good feet and bred Rufous to Baby. All the pups grew up to be excellent hard working, smart and predominantly good looking K9's with good feet and some innate leadership qualities. Thing is all Baby's F pups threw hard working pups, and those pups threw hard working pups. Now I have the 6th generation of Tasha still working hard and 5th gen of Robin still leading. Cool thing is mmy leaders of today do Robin's and Okimaw's blood in them, just not directly Okimaw-Robin.
I know I've stated it before and I don't want to sound like a broken record. I just hope to pass some info that may prove to be useful.
So.......now my late lunch is well settled back to working on my new kennel/exercise pen/emergency whelping pen(although I hope not to have any puppies till next fall).
Oh ya, my daughter's man came over with his quad yesterday. He towed some old diamond toothed harrows to dress one of trails. I hope she marries him. He's so willing to help. And he's a good "hunter".
And !!!   1/2inch to 3/4inch of ice on the water dishes this morn.
HAGD all. TTYL

We had some colder weather here as well, sweat shirt weather that is. Its nice hearing about all your dogs, though. I have noticed the difference in my dogs compared to these new ones. Maybe not so much as bloodlines but one on one time with the dog. But I haven't done any breeding yet so I'm not sure how much of an impacting factor is. From my experience, having the smaller kennel means more time per dog which has helped developed my yearling into leader potential; just raw potential ready for me to mold and shape how I see fit. Out of 4 pups in her litter, 2 have leader potential. She is the only pup that wasn't kept by the breeder and 1 of 2 with leadership qualities. Maybe this is because I have spent a lot more time with her than her breeder does with her brothers. My 2 year old is scared to death of people but is most definetly smart enough to lead. If she wasn't so shy she would be a force to reckon with. Anyways, she might get to that point but for now we have a lot of work to do.

 

[RezChamp]

heart

My aunt's back hurts after too many hours of driving/sitting too. Something with the way the seat is and how your back is aligned or something like that. The 9 year olds are looking good and doing fairly well. They're setting a pretty good pace on the 4 mile runs so far; my yearling has to lope to keep up with their trotting. Then again she was the runt and I can't be picky at this point. I've gotta work with what I've got for now until I have 40-50 good racing dogs to choose from (in like 5-10 years, lol).
I feel for your aunt. I can be in a vehicle only about 1/2 hr and I feel my pinching and pains going to my legs and butt. Sciatica??? I really miss riding my bike though. She was a beaut. It usta be a 81-750C till I welded this and cut that then added this and changed out that. Now it's really really CUSTOM. Silver metal flake flames over BrightBlue metallic with a dusting of BrilliantRed glitter and clear coat Azure blue on some "sanded to the metal" parts. She's just sitting there now. Lonesome for me. 40-50.Phew!!! I had 68 at one point. Don't ever want that again. The prestige is a perk I suppose, but SOOOOOO much work. The runt,,,,, keep working her is about the best thing I figure. 'If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch." is something they all feel. And they wana run with the big dogs so let her fly. Forgive me for being so blunt and a little harsh but if she can't cut it at 2 yrs of age then it's time to get more runts or find these runts a new home. Unless she has the right stuff in her heart. If she has the drive then find a rangie male with the right coat, feet, looks, etc, etc... 95% chance they get his physique and her heart/drive/spirit....Like Baby.

 

[RezChamp]

We had some colder weather here as well, sweat shirt weather that is. Its nice hearing about all your dogs, though. I have noticed the difference in my dogs compared to these new ones. Maybe not so much as bloodlines but one on one time with the dog. But I haven't done any breeding yet so I'm not sure how much of an impacting factor is. From my experience, having the smaller kennel means more time per dog which has helped developed my yearling into leader potential; just raw potential ready for me to mold and shape how I see fit. Out of 4 pups in her litter, 2 have leader potential. She is the only pup that wasn't kept by the breeder and 1 of 2 with leadership qualities. Maybe this is because I have spent a lot more time with her than her breeder does with her brothers. My 2 year old is scared to death of people but is most definetly smart enough to lead. If she wasn't so shy she would be a force to reckon with. Anyways, she might get to that point but for now we have a lot of work to do.

Gee ya, I have a male like that, shy, scared of people. Just like he was severly abused. Not aggressive though. But dang what a good leader. Always out front. And listen well. Minds his own business and gets the job done no matter what/who is around. What a difference between him on the chain or in the kennel as opposed to being hooked-up. I am so excited for you young people. getting all into mushing. ya, it's lots-n-lots of work but so much more worth it as opposed to drugs&booze, or single with 2 or 3 kids, or in a relationship with an abusive guy or gal, or...
Keep working your dogs and they will show you much. Even about yourself and others. Keep your eyes&ears open, your spirit&mind awake and your body kinda has not much of a choice but tag along and be healthier than if you were mentally, spiritually, emotionally blind&deaf and/or sleeping.

"Dog was sent to walk with us Human because we almost forgot God. Dog came to remind us of our humanness, our frailty, our ego. Dog came to awaken Human to again be humble, loyal, honest. Dog came to remind Human to rest when is necessary and work when is necessary. Dog will show Human how to be Human again and not be Animal or Monster."

I think now-a-days we are in much need of Dog. We have become greedy, lazy and full of self and false pride. We have become a monster. We are forgetting He or She that has Created all. Who knows, maybe that teaching was actually a prophecy as opposed to a history lesson. Or maybe we see history repeating itself and need this history lesson so we can apply it today.
So let's work with Dog that was sent to walk beside us. Let's let him teach us to be humble.
Phew! I didn't intend to be so prophetic. LOL

 

[charnic44]

     Gee ya, I have a male like that, shy, scared of people. Just like he was severly abused. Not aggressive though. But dang what a good leader. Always out front. And listen well. Minds his own business and gets the job done no matter what/who is around. What a difference between him on the chain or in the kennel as opposed to being hooked-up. I am so excited for you young people. getting all into mushing. ya, it's lots-n-lots of work but so much more worth it as opposed to drugs&booze, or single with 2 or 3 kids, or in a relationship with an abusive guy or gal, or...
     Keep working your dogs and they will show you much. Even about yourself and others. Keep your eyes&ears open, your spirit&mind awake and your body kinda has not much of a choice but tag along and be healthier than if you were mentally, spiritually, emotionally blind&deaf and/or sleeping.  

"Dog was sent to walk with us Human because we almost forgot God. Dog came to remind us of our humanness, our frailty, our ego. Dog came to awaken Human to again be humble, loyal, honest. Dog came to remind Human to rest when is necessary and work when is necessary. Dog will show Human how to be Human again and not be Animal or Monster." 

     I think now-a-days we are in much need of Dog. We have become greedy, lazy and full of self and false pride. We have become a monster. We are forgetting He or She that has Created all. Who knows, maybe that teaching was actually a prophecy as opposed to a history lesson. Or maybe we see history repeating itself and need this history lesson so we can apply it today.
So let's work with Dog that was sent to walk beside us. Let's let him teach us to be humble.
Phew! I didn't intend to be so prophetic. LOL

The 2 year old, Yoke is her name, is scared even when hooked up. She will flip around and cower if I walk up the line. She always has to see where I am like she's waiting for me to go beat her. If I go to move the dog beside her she practically pulls out of the harness to get away. My guess is that either she was abused, not socialized, or isn't comfortable around women (she came from a man so it's possible). But because she is so terrified of me, she doesn't pull like she should. Her tug isn't always tight. I'm not sure if this is because she doesn't know me all that well and needs more time or if she has always been this way and won't ever change. The only time I've been a little rough with her was when she grabbed one of my other older females by the throat. In order to yank them apart I had to thump 'em a bit. She hasn't been aggressive yet but acts like she might nip me but then thinks twice as if she has been reprimanded for it before.

 heart

Th yearling has tons of hearts and desire to pull. She is just small, about 30-33 pounds. She's doing great so far and has a few runs in lead as well. I figure if she can't/won't be as strong as others then she has to be smart enough to lead. If she didn't have leader potential then she'd just be the weak link (and I don't need any more that I have already). I have two possible studs to breed her to, a long-legged, 65-70 lb team/wheel dog who isn't the brightest but has the strength. The other male is a leader, about 50-55 lbs, not really a command leader but a pace setter/trail leader. Both are proven and the leader has sons and grandsons (and daughters) who are leaders. Anyways, should I breed for bigger, stronger pups or slightly smaller but smarter pups? I only hope to have a kennel of 40-50 dogs. That's is, if I feel like I want to race more seriously (Iditarod, Yukon Quest, etc.). For now I have to work with what I have though.

 

[RezChamp]

The 2 year old, Yoke is her name, is scared even when hooked up. She will flip around and cower if I walk up the line. She always has to see where I am like she's waiting for me to go beat her. If I go to move the dog beside her she practically pulls out of the harness to get away. My guess is that either she was abused, not socialized, or isn't comfortable around women (she came from a man so it's possible). But because she is so terrified of me, she doesn't pull like she should. Her tug isn't always tight. I'm not sure if this is because she doesn't know me all that well and needs more time or if she has always been this way and won't ever change. The only time I've been a little rough with her was when she grabbed one of my other older females by the throat. In order to yank them apart I had to thump 'em a bit.

She hasn't been aggressive yet but acts like she might nip me but then
thinks twice as if she has been reprimanded for it before.

Originally Posted by charnic44 Th yearling has tons of hearts and desire to pull. She is just small, about 30-33 pounds. She's doing great so far and has a few runs in lead as well. I figure if she can't/won't be as strong as others then she has to be smart enough to lead. If she didn't have leader potential then she'd just be the weak link (and I don't need any more that I have already). I have two possible studs to breed her to, a long-legged, 65-70 lb team/wheel dog who isn't the brightest but has the strength. The other male is a leader, about 50-55 lbs, not really a command leader but a pace setter/trail leader. Both are proven and the leader has sons and grandsons (and daughters) who are leaders. Anyways, should I breed for bigger, stronger pups or slightly smaller but smarter pups? I only hope to have a kennel of 40-50 dogs. That's is, if I feel like I want to race more seriously (Iditarod, Yukon Quest, etc.). For now I have to work with what I have though.

I think I would most likely breed her to the male leader. The first time any way. That way you can get a bit larger and smart female pups to breed to the big guy. If he(lead male) is smart enough to stay in front and set a pace that aint gona kill the other dogs and yet make them work well he's smart enough to get decently sized and decently smart pups from the yearling female. If the big male has the body/coat/feet/stomach....physical attributes you want then you would still get decently smarter pups. Smarter than him anyway. It's always a crap shoot but an educated one at least. Look at ayimisew. His mom is friendly as all get out, socialble with people and most other K9"s except for fully adult females that she aint related to. His dad is not overly friendly with people but absolutely not aggressive in any way and gets along with pretty well all the K9"s. He is not above protecting himself tho'. So I don't know what happened with ayimisew. Seems he was just born that way. Like people I guess, some are "trained" to be mean, some are trained to be nice, some are born mean, some born nice. ...and everything in between. Dogs too I guess. So...ya...a crap shoot. Bigger&stronger vs smaller&smarter........We need them both. best case scenario tho', ....bigger&smarter. In the Iditarod smaller has to work harder, in their head and their body. Again I mention genetic propensity. .LOL. G-nyt. Been a long day.ttyl