Sunday, November 1, 2015

Gazing across Skrim territory

A view from a mesa adjacent to Skrim national park.  This is breeding territory for gyrfalcons and ravens.  I have seen them fight for reasons I can only imagine; ravens are thieves and falcons avoid neighbors and close encounters.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Wildlife Encounter

Mountain plains in southern Norway is the only habitat in Europe for the wild reindeer population .  The semi domesticated reindeer traditionally herded by the sami-people is anther subspecies.  The way this animals run is extremely efficacious and an inspiration for my interest in the way my dogs run.

Belly down on the ground, my dog and I observed the flock for several minutes before they run off in a northeast direction.




Friday, June 26, 2015

NIRVANA

Vana is sanskrit and can be translatet as forest (norwegian; skog). Nir-vana, which in modern use means enlightened, released or awakened, derives from the meaning;  without forest / out of the forest / without trees.  So; coming out into the open from the depth of the forest is Nirvana.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

20 years anniversary.

During our 17th of may visit to the Blefjell-plateau, I was pondering about all the wolfdogs that have kept my company on these trips.   It struck me that my first wolfdog was born exactly 20 years ago.  A grandson of my first wolf dog endured the celebration for miles and miles.  Steadfast,  trustworthy, devoted and loyal.


Wednesday, May 6, 2015

A life with dogs supports an active lifestyle.


Physical activity, fresh air, scenery, emotional stability, regularity and happiness are all mutual gains for dogowners and dogs as well.  The daily care for the dogs inhibits some spontaneity and freedom in life, but the gain surpasses the sacrifice

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Endurance and Speed Test

The solid surface of the snow is a perfect condition for testing the dogs combined speed and endurance.  It is possible to keep an optimal speed during ski running synchronized with a challanging speed for the dog.  A fast trot, a steady canter lope and occationally full gallopp, combined for several hours.  This dog is the youngest in my pack and he is not the most athletic.  It took some years to develop his speed.  However, I am happy with the result after steady training.  The dog loved the run and in the end of the day acted like a happy playful puppy.  I took care not to exhaust him or exceed his limit.  A wolfdog has strong "brakes" built into his energy metabolism that prevent energy depletion.


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Large snowshoe feet with winter-claws

The front feet of my wolfdogs are exceptionally large. This is of great advantage when they run upon snow, as it allows greater weight distribution and more support to prevent the animal from sinking in as deeply when the snow is soft.  Each toe pad is surrounded by stiff, bristly hairs, which act as insulation and also provides a better grip on slippery ice surfaces. The claws are strong and blunt because the tips are worn off by constant contact with the ground. They grow longer during the winter as they dont wear off as much when running on snow compared to the summer when digging and running is a natural nail-trimming action.  The winter nails are a great advantage on slippery surfaces.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Tall Timber Territory

It is exciting to visit higher altitudes with open landscapes devoid of trees and timber. Patrolling the timber territory at home, is our everyday routine though.  The wolfdogs undoubtly prefer the dense forest to the open landscape, contrary to my own preferences. 

Monday, January 12, 2015