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. 

JANUARY ILLUMINATION

Winter Solstice 2014

Climbing up to praise the sun at winter solstice.  Minus 18 centigrades, a chilly wind and soft snow, but almost reaching the sun disc.

Gazing at the challenging landscape and the highest peak ahead which is the goal for our trip.

We took a short brake at the top. Then a hurried return before the sunset.

Descending the slopes, sometimes stumbling, sometimes falling, but great fun after all.



AUTUMN

Autumn as a continuation and unavoidable consequence of the best summerseason I can remember. 

A deluge and thunderstorms gave birth to new streamlets and becks along our runningtracks.  The ever changing seasons prevents whatever boredom that can settle in my mind. 

Transition Summer to Fall

A relaxing hike at Blefjell after a long summer with lots of running.  It has been an extended summer, and this hike marks the commencement of fall.  Lazy dogs and lazy man recharging our batteries before winter. 

33 centigrades summerheat

 

Buddy and I at Edens Lake.  Breaking off a run in 33 centigrades in change for a swim. Watch buddys large paws facilitating his strokes in the water.  Just like a beaver. 

Summer Semiwolves - Sunny Skinnydipping

At 30 below or 30 above the wolfdogs enjoy an easy jog as much as I do.   With ease, and unlike the panting of the common dog while running in such heat, they run along without a sound from their throats.   A wolfdog adapts to the extremes of both summer and winter in a much better way than the shepherd or the retriever. Physical fitness will in addition make it possible for the dog to run without overheating.  An anatomy that allows effortless locomotion in a physical fit dog prevent the overproduction of endogenous heat.  Interestingly;  a walk on a leash results in more panting than an easy freerunning trot.  The trot is the natural choice of gait for a longer distance in a canine.

In my experience the trot should be the main gait from the age of 3 months until maturity.  This period of physical development is crucial to the animal for the rest of its life.  Walking, and especially on a road, should be restricted in favor of a trot to enhance the better physical development.  Not only for the muscles and fitness of the animal, but also for its joints and bones.   Maybe more important for a lazy breed like the wolfdog.

Arriving the lake they cool down swimming and playing.  Unlike my skinnydipping they have to wear their coats on in the water, but a much reduced summercoat without wool as  undercover.  This is midsummer celebration 2014.