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

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.

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.

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.