Wolf ghosts

Snowsaarloos

Not all Saarloos dogs have this dense and heavy northern coat variety.  To a certain extent my Snowsaarloos dogs acquired it genetically by breeding a well furred line, on the other hand the coat quality is determined by the climatic conditions under which my dogs live.

Similarities between Nia and Røy.

Stepwise model

A 4 month old puppy sitting inside the enclosure waiting for her daily run.   The forest tracks are in the immediate vicinity of the enclosure, in fact the runs commence at its gates.  No training, but a stepwise model of habituation inspired by the methods developed by Karen Pryor, is used to mold this puppy into a perfect jogging companion.  A steady repetition of short distances in succession to finally complete the whole distance in a continuous fast and floating trot.  The puppy is stubborn, has an exploring attitude and an innate propensity for laziness.  It is no way to teach it to run by force or to motivate it against its will.  Habituation will hopefully elicit its own will to become a running mate. At 8 weeks old we started to walk parts of the tracks, following an retired senior dog.  Her physical stamina and speed required running sessions to be started at 10 weeks old, still following an older dog.  A few weeks later she had to continue the runs with a younger and more fit dog in front or beside her.  It is still progressing and gives hope that when a year old she is as good a running mate as the rest of the pack.

A few months later, and there are some improvements in the habituation.  Nevertheless, I must be both steady and flexible in my approach.  Being too rigid will make her protest and possibly quit.  On the other hand; being too yielding will quickly lead to a total failure.  We have made some agreements in the process. 

Mutual encouragement

A reciprocal gain for a happy and healthy life.  

Summer !

Serenity by a forest creek

Obstacles to be overcome

This energetic puppy has started her trail training already at 8 weeks old.  Following an old  retired wolf dog who has lost his speed is a perfect start.

Spring time; coming out from the den

The mentor and his novice tenderfoot.

The former commencing his 16th summer season, while the latter her 1st.

Blue eyes

Despite turning bright yellow later on in life, the eyes look blue at four weeks old.

Spring and regeneration

The spring is the natural time for regeneration.

Old and privileged

A 15 year old jogging mate.  He knows all my habits and quirks and would never pass on the opposite side of a tree, would always take tree steps behind on a steep descent, never pull on the leash, always keep an easy trot even when the running goes slow and he would never miss the scent of wild animals.  He never goes inside a house, so thanks to him I spend a lot of my time in the open.

Will the new year give promise of a new generation snow-saarloos?

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