Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA is a Boston dog trainer with 15 years experience in sports, manners & behavior. She wrote Considerations for the City Dog and contributes to NPR's Car Talk FIDO blog and Maine Dog Magazine. She's the co-Training Director of NEDTC, the oldest AKC obedience club in the US.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Jaclyn Smith from "Closer To Dog," a podcast about people who work with dogs, coyotes, wolves and other canids. She takes a look at everything from a day in the life of an Animal Control Officer, to Slobbr - an app for dog owners that assists in finding dog-friendly outings, eateries and veterinarians. She has a great tone, out-going personality and is naturally very curious.
Jaclyn came to a disc dogs class at Everydog, and then we interviewed in the family MINI Countryman because the boxing gym next door was...well, let's just say it was in full swing. And by swing, it sounded like sitting ringside for UFC Fight Night.
The MINI is a fantastic place to record, as long as you don't mind the occasional passersby peering into the car (that is fogging up due to two grown adults talking to into microphones for 45 minutes). I really hope that someone passing by had a great story to tell.
"Heya, Mike? Out there, that fogged up car...what do you think they are doing? Yeah, they were each holding a small ferret and talking into it. What do you think that's about?"
So without further adieu, here is the link to this week's "Closer to Dog", all about disc dogs (but really, so much more). If you like it, go back and listen to some of the other episodes. They are fun and informative. You might even recognize some of your favorite Boston-area dog-folk like Michelle from Slobbr, and Zee from Wolf Hollow sanctuary in Ipswich, MA.
I'm so excited for this. If my brother wasn't getting married this weekend, I'd drop everything else and go to this event.
On Friday, July 10th & Saturday, July 11th, the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge will make its first visit to Boston, taking place at Joe Moakley Park from 11a.m. – 4p.m.This event brings together top canine athletes from Boston and the surrounding Northeast region, to compete in a kind-of canine "Olympics” and features a variety of events---dog diving, freestyle flying disc, head-to-head weave poles, Jack Russell hurdle racing and agility.
This is the Eastern Regional event, so the competition will be elite, will be fun, and will wow the crowd!
This event is totally free! This is a one-of-a-kind event that is perfect for dog lovers, families or people who are just looking for something fun to do that is off the beaten path.
You know how much I love and support canine sports, particularly for urban dogs who need outlets. Let this event inspire you to do something fun with your dog. If you can't make this event (or want to try what you see!) come to the Pet Palooza at Assembly Square on August 1st & 2nd! Maybe what you practice at Pet Palooza can get you ready for Purina Dog Challenge 2016! Get involved, get inspired, and play with your dog!
It's not about the fastest time, the highest jump, or the best score. In Agility, Rally Obedience, Disc, Nose Work, Flyball, Dock Diving, or other sports - it's about the relationship.
Now that Sadie is gone, I do miss the sport of disc, but that's not the crux of it.
I don't miss ribbons.
I don't miss demos.
I miss her and what we did together as a team.
The sports we were involved with were a means to build a relationship. I'll have another dog someday to do but I'll never have Sadie back. That's what I miss.
Let me know what you think or if you'd like a different sport highlighted!
Get outside and play with your dog. In Somerville, we have the Pet Palooza in Assembly Square on August 2-3, and the Somerville Dog Festival on September 14th!
It'll be a good time to wear your sport dog swag, or put your dog in a bandanna requesting space (for training, or space sensitive dogs) or requesting a sit (for puppies learning to sit, or exuberant jumpers!)
A student sent me this video yesterday, and I snorted seltzer out of my nose. I'm pretty sure the dog is named Jesus Christ.....
Humorous as the video is, it really illustrates why it's critical to have a reliable recall on your dog before letting them off leash. Dogs have 4 legs, we have 2. Guess who's going to win in a foot race every time? More importantly consider the following scenario: Your incredibly friendly, social dog is racing across a field to say hi to another dog - but that dog might not be too keen on your dogs exuberant greeting behavior, and may react with a growl, lunge, or bite.
Rule #1 of dog training: Your dog might be friendly, but that doesn't mean every other dog wants to be it's friend. Rule #2 of dog training: Have a solid recall on your dog.
How to Get A Reliable Recall:
Here is a quick video on theory:
and how to use a long line to start recall training:
You can also take formal classes to work on recall, or join a club. Every basic manners class should have dedicate time to recall basics while working on other basic skills (sit, down, stay, don't eat that), and some classes are even designed specifically for working on one thing only- getting your dog to come when called.
And then, there is my favorite way to work recall and off leash skills with a dog: Sports. In most dog sports, (Obedience, Rally, Agility, Frisbee, etc), the dog has to be able to execute skills, such as "go this way", "do this thing", "come" and "stay" while off leash...and it looks REALLY cool!
The reason this works? It's fun for the handler, and for the dog. Mark
demonstrates the basic principle of come when called while competing with his dog - YOU HAVE TO BE
MORE EXCITING THAN ALL THOSE OTHER EXCITING THINGS, which isn't always easy to do, and he never yells at the dog for coming to him. "Fido, come here NOW" and getting a whack on the nose, or getting his nails clipped is a surefire way to insure your dog never comes when you call.
So in short:
- Never let your dog off leash until you have a reliable recall on your dog.
- Use a long line to work longer distances.
- Find a way to be more exciting than a squirrel (highly motivating treats, frisbee, ball, whatever your dog likes)
- If your dog doesn't come, make it easier for your dog to be successful (shorter distance/fewer distractions)
- Keep practicing, join a club, take a class, or start dabbling in sports to make things interesting and fun!
We are all specialists, and we overlap. But who will be right for your particular needs?
Often, when people call a trainer, they might be referred instead to a Behavior Consultant or a Veterinary Behaviorist. Sometimes, when you see your vet, they might recommend a trainer for an issue at home. The guy at the dog park suggests that you need a Behavioralist
(pssst: there is no such thing as a behavioralist in the dog training/behavior world. It's a political science term).
Here is a quick breakdown as to what exactly a Trainer, Veterinary Behaviorist, and Behavior Consultant do, the overlap, how each can help, and ways to find the appropriate specialist for you!
Trainer
Some Associated Certifications - CPDT-KA & CPDT-KSA (Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers); ABC (Animal Behavior College); KPCT (Karen Pryor Academy)
K9 S.A.T's:
"Sit: Butt on ground.
Down: Lay on belly.
I think I got it.."
What trainers do:
Trainers are the teachers of the animal world, and the way they teach takes several different forms. They can teach group classes that works on the basics (sit, down, stay, recall), individual or private training in your home (home school!), and sports (such as agility, nose-work, K9 disk). They also can focus on formal obedience, rally, dock diving, and other activities in the form of a club, class, or organization.
Trainers also focus on manners - if you have a door dasher or a counter surfer, you might call a trainer. If you have a dog that is reactive on a leash walk, looking to prepare for a new baby, or puppy manners, a trainer is the right specialist for you.
Trainers are the Teachers of the dog world. They focus on giving necessary skills to cope in a human environment.
Where they overlap with other specialists:
Trainers tend to work on tricks, manners, and sports - but dog trainers also work to affect emotion and behavior. Sometimes, a dog that is exhibiting bad manners might have an acute emotional response to leash walks, or being left alone. Many trainers can help with mild-moderate cases separation anxiety, leash reactivity, mild fear of strangers, and some cases of aggression.
.
Where a trainer would not be appropriate:
-Trainers are not veterinarians. Though trainers can suspect some medical problems, and even guess correctly what the problem is, they do not have the medical expertise to diagnose medical situations in an animal and have no business diagnosing ANY medical issue. A good trainer will say "this looks wrong. See your vet".
-When a behavior is so acute (a dog who shuts down in a classroom setting, a dog who aggresses at any new person in the home, severe separation anxiety), and the only way to help the animal is to work on emotional response, a Behavior Consultant or Veterinary Behaviorist might be more appropriate depending on the degree of the problem behavior.
Where a trainer WOULD be appropriate:
-Classroom work (puppy class; adolescent class; basic manners; specialized classes)
-Door dashing
-Normal "manners" issues
-Sports
-Reactivity to dogs, other people
-Mild/moderate fear issues.
-Referred by a Behavior Consultant or a Veterinary Behaviorist.
What Behavior Consultants do:
Behavior Consultants have a scientific interest in why animals do what they do - and more specifically, why a behavior goes awry. They are the psychologists of the animal world.
If a dog is having an acute emotional response to the mailman, is aggressing at people and has a bite history, has moderate-severe separation anxiety, and seems to be really having a difficult time emotionally with one (or more) parts of daily life, then a Behavior Consultant might be the way for you to go.
Real behavior consultants have certifications and have taken classes / attended seminars on animal behavior.
Applied Animal Behaviorists have a PhD in an animal related field.
If a guy is putting a prong collar on a dog and has never taken a class in animal behavior, he's not a behaviorist.
"Tell me about her" "I don't know how I can cope. She's such a bitch!" "Your mother?!?" "No, my Weimaraner!"
Where they overlap with other specialists:
Behavior Consultants are the bridge between the vets and the trainers, in that they use their training background to teach troubled dogs behaviors to build confidence, or teach dogs behaviors that are incompatible to the problem behavior they are exhibiting. Consultants also work very closely with Veterinary Behavior Specialists, and as a result, tend to have a working knowledge of some medical conditions that can produce (or exacerbate) certain behaviors.
A dog may act aggressively for either behavioral or medical reasons, or a combination of both. A good consultant would work closely with the client and the vet, to order medical tests that might give some insight to behavior problems, use both training and medical tools in order to help the animal cope. Not all behavior is medically related, but a good Behavior Consultant will be able to recognize certain red flags that might be an indicator that there is more going on to the behavior than meets the eye.
Where a Behavior Consultant would not be appropriate:
-Though Behavior Consultants work closely with Vets and Veterinary Behaviorists, they can not diagnose medical conditions, nor can they prescribe medicine to your pet (unless, they also have a medical degree).
Where a Behavior Consultant WOULD be appropriate:
-Separation Anxiety
-Moderate to Severe cases of leash aggression/reactivity
-Mild-Moderate cases of suspected compulsive disorders
-If you suspect there might be a link between health and behavior
-Any dog with an existing bite history/you suspect your dog will bite
-Emotional / anxiety disorders or behaviors driving by intense fear/anxiety in your dog
-Referred by a Veterinary Behaviorist or a Trainer.
What Veterinary Behaviorists do:
I can't say it any better than the Tufts Cummings School puts it, so I'll just quote from them:
Veterinary behaviorists are veterinarians with a special interest in
animal behavior. Some veterinary behaviorists have completed residency
programs after graduating from veterinary school and some have passed
an exam given by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
(ACVB) have attained specialist status in veterinary behavior. They
are doctors of veterinary medicine who received additional training
in clinical veterinary behavior and satisfied the certification requirements
of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. These veterinary
behaviorists are “board-certified” diplomats of the American
College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
Veterinary behaviorists are trained and licensed to diagnose
and treat problems in animals, whether they are medical or behavioral.
Being veterinarians, these behaviorists can diagnose medical problems
that may be contributing to the animals’ behavioral problems.
A veterinary behaviorist is also licensed to prescribe drugs and is
familiar with psychotropic medications (tranquilizers and anti-depressants),
their uses and side effects.
Where they overlap with other specialists:
Veterinary Behaviorists have an interest in behavior problems (like the consultant) and they use some training techniques to modify behavior (like the trainer). They have the added benefit of a medical degree so they can most directly treat AND diagnose behavior problems (one stop shopping). The Veterinary Behaviorist does not always use medication to treat behavior problems, but they are the most qualified to see the links between behavior, nutrition and health, and can prescribe medication if necessary.They are often the person that is requested when a behavior is really out of the ordinary, medical issues are suspected/documented, or a last ditch effort before sadder, more drastic measures are taken.
Veterinary Behavior Specialists are also commonly known as "the guys who deal with OCD". If you have a dog that has a behavior that is just extreme in some way (licks his leg to the point of bleeding or compulsion; chases light or shadows; chases his tail compulsively and can't be distracted; behaviors that look cute at first, but are REALLY problematic in real life), there is help. We in Massachusetts are perhaps the luckiest people when it comes to dog behavior problems - we have the foremost researcher and Veterinary Behaviorist, Nicholas Dodman BVMS, DACVB, DACVA (Tufts Cummings Behavior Clinic in Grafton, and you probably have seen him on Animal Planet) AND Sheila Segurson D’Arpino DVM, DACV (Animal Rescue League in Boston)
The dog in the above video is spinning compulsively, and can't seem to stop. Even while the other dogs bark and lunge while spinning, this dog is undeterred from this problem behavior. If you see compulsive type behaviors, see a vet behavior specialist.
There are only about 60 Veterinary Behavior Specialists available. That
being said, if you are not lucky enough to live near a specialist, some
(like Dr. Dodman) partake in a Vet Fax program,
where your vet will work with a behavior specialist in your region to
get you the help you require. As a result of being a rare bird, and a
very specialized niche, Vet Behavior Specialists are not cheap - but if
you have a real problem behavior, or this is your last ditch effort to
make things work, their experience is invaluable.
Where a Veterinary Behaviorist would not be appropriate:
-If you have a dog who is exuberantly jumping up on you at home, or you have a dog that needs a puppy class, see a trainer.
-If you need help with recalling your dog in distracting situations, call a trainer.
-If you need help with a leash aggressive dog that isn't globally fearful, talk with a Trainer or a Behavior Consultant.
Where a Veterinary Behaviorist WOULD be appropriate:
-Compulsive Disorders/Suspected Compulsive disorders that can cause harm to the animal or others & can not be redirected.
-Behaviors that are extreme or excessive (severe separation anxiety, where a dog is causing himself physical harm due to anxiety; )
-Behaviors that are likely related to health or a medical situation.
- "The behavior was sudden, and went away as if nothing happened. It was like a light switch."
-Referred by a Trainer, your regular Vet, or a Behavior Consultant.
I hope this helps you figure out what each specialist does, how we overlap (there is quite a bit of overlap!) and what specialist might help you with your specific needs. To get you started, here are some sites to help you find a qualified professional in your area: If you need help finding a trainer, check out the CCPDT Trainer Search. If you need help finding a behavior consultant, check out the IAABC Behavior Consultant Search If you need help finding a board certified veterinary behaviorist, check out the DACVB list.
I'm often called out to homes where dogs are barking at neighbors, digging, chewing the sofa, chewing the shoes, chewing the cat...the possibilities are endless. These dogs tend to be incredibly frustrated. I've often said, as other trainers do, that these dogs need a job. There seems to be more of this happening as people bring in higher energy, pure bred sport dogs to live in the city, yet don't give them the appropriate outlet for what they were bred to do. High energy Vizsla's can be very happy in the city IF they are physically and mentally stimulated, and the dog has a personality compatible with life in an urban environment. Life with a marathon runner will help, significantly.
What if you don't have the time, or ambition, to volunteer for Search and Rescue? What if there isn't a flock of sheep at your disposal for your Border Collie? How can you give your dog a "job"?
Lucky for you, when people suggest that your dog needs a job,what they really just mean is your dog needs a hobby.
This is "Momo", Japans first Search and Rescue Chihuahua. I'm absolutely serious. Momo can get into small places that the Shepherds can't get into. He was inducted in November 2010, before the Tsunami hit.
Jobs for City Dogs:
When your dog is bored, often they will find a job if they aren't given one. Often, the "work" they take upon themselves to do is frustrating at best for the owner, dangerous at worst. There are Border Collies that, without an appropriate outlet for their herding, will herd children by nipping at their heels. It's funny for 2 seconds, until it becomes a compulsive behavior, or the kid gets bit.
There is good news. Many cities have training centers that are incorporating dog sports into their curriculum. At City Dog, we offer K9 Frisbee, Agility, and Nosework. There are clubs for Flyball, Dock Diving and Freestyle all in our immediate area, and tons of other hobbies! You just have to know where to look. Each sport has a photo and a link to a video of the sport so you can check it out.
This is my baby. I love Frisbee. When you have a highly motivated, high energy dog that loves to chase or fetch, you can't get much more fun than Frisbee. There are some videos of me teaching a puppy Frisbee on the right sidebar under "Melissa in the News" if you're interested. It's cheap, you can do it in a small space if you work lots of flips and short throws. If you're fortunate enough to have access to a big field in the city, you can let your dog run. Either way, it's great exercise. The added bonus is the handler can be relatively lazy! Think about it - human throws disc, dog gets it, brings it back. Yes, it's more fun if you play too, and engage, but after a long day at the office, this is a good way to burn some of your dogs energy.
Nosework
Did you know that dogs like to sniff things? Yeah, I know, caught me by surprise, too! If you have a hound or a hound mix, or a dog that you have a hard time getting his nose off the ground, this is a GREAT sport for you. He's telling you "please, let me sniff SOMETHING!" So if you find yourself saying "no, let's go, stop sniffing that, come on, no!" for the entire walk, why not teach him how to search for things that you want him to find? In a good nosework class, you learn how scent travels, what your dog "sees" with his nose that we can't possibly begin to comprehend, and teach your dog that it's ok to sniff in this particular setting when searching for this particular thing. It's a ton of fun for your dog, and believe it or not, it tires some dogs out because they are using a lot of brain power to do the exercise.
Think of mindlessly flipping through a magazine, or reading an incredibly engaging book. Which will make you more tired? If you're flipping through the magazine, you're probably bored and looking for something to bide the time. If your really taking in the information in a book, you're processing it and are more satisfied overall about the reading. The same for dogs who just sniff everything (biding the time) or have a directive (reading a really engaging book). Plus, this is something you can do in your home once you have the basic skills, and is really cheap. It's a ton of fun for your dog, and I can't recommend this class enough.
Agility
When we say "Dog Sports", 90% of you probably thought of Agility. Agility is an obstacle course, for dogs. They jump fences, go through tunnels, weave through poles, run up and down an A frame - it's athletic, it's timed, and it's beautiful to see the communication between handler and dog. It takes a lot of work to get the fastest time, AND have your dog listen to you while you instruct him through each obstacle. It's such a fantastic way to bond with your dog, teach impulse control, teach confidence, and you learn a ton about off leash handling skills with your dog in this setting. Oh, and it's just so much fun!
Dock Diving
"Wheeeeeeee!"
Dock Diving is the Long Jump for dogs. Labs and Spaniels LOVE this sport!. If your dog is acclimated to water, and loves to swim, you might have a contender for this sport. You start with your dog on a dock. When you say go, your dog runs full speed down to the end of the dock, and leaps off after a favorite toy. If you time it right, your dog jumps long, going after the toy while it's in the air, stretching his nose after the toy. When your dog hits the water, they mark how far your dog went. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Flyball
Flyball (go to the 1:00 mark for the start of the sport) is a relay team sport of 4 dogs. You have two runways, each with 4 hurdles. One dog from each team is released on their runway when the judge says "go". The dog will run straight down the runway, over the hurdles, and hit a box at the end of the runway. A tennis ball comes out of the box, the dog picks it up, turns around, and goes back over the 4 hurdles (ball still in the mouth). Once they cross the start line, the next dog on the team does the same thing....until all 4 dogs have run. Since two teams run at the same time, the faster relay team advances to the next round.
Here's the best part: If you have a small, fast dog, you are highly desired! They want you and they want your dog. Here's why: The hurdles for the entire team are set to the height appropriate for the shortest dog on the team. Which means, if you have 4 Shepherds, the jumps are going to be pretty high, and the dogs will have to exert more effort to get over the jumps. If you have 3 shepherds and a 5 pound Chihuahua, the jumps for all the dogs are set to the height appropriate for the Chihuahua. The hepherds won't even have to jump - they can just run over the jumps! So, even the small guys can do Flyball, and it's absolutely encouraged! It's a team sport, unlike the other sports on this list, so there is a higher level of human socialization at these events, which is an added bonus.
Earth Dog
I was so happy to hear that there are Earth Dog Classes in the Boston Area. There are a lot of terriers and burrowing dogs that love to dig, have high prey drive, and really want to do what they were bred for. West Highland Terriers, Dachshunds, Jack Russel Terriers, and other small terrier types do really well in this sport.
Basically, there is a system of "underground" tunnels for your dog to run through, and they have to find a caged rat. The rat is totally safe as it's caged and barricaded off. Some groups just use rat scent on a stuffed rat, which works fine. When you are given the "go", your dog has to find the rat, as if he's in an underground maze. If your dog gets stuck, you can lift the roof off of the tunnel easily to get your dog. It's totally safe (as long as your dog fits in the tunnel) and it really allows for these terrier types to use their instinctual skills.
What if my dog isn't active?
Some dogs think "Sleeping" is an appropriate vocation.
There are options for you if your dog isn't active, but you still want to participate in an activity with your dog.
CGC: Canine Good Citizen Test: This is the AKC's test to help owners work on basic manners for their dogs. The dog is tested on tasks, such as accepting a friendly stranger, grooming, body handling, staying calm when the owner is absent, and passing by a dog without excitement/lunging. It's the basis for Pet Therapy, AKC obedience, and a great goal for most handlers that just want to get the basics down pat. There are several AKC evaluators that can test you on the Canine Good Citizen exam.
Food out of food dispensing toys : This is the easiest thing to do for every dog! Freeze dog food and Fat Free Yogurt in Kong's. Use Linkables (my favorite toy of last year). The Kong Wobbler spins and release one kibble at a time. There are thousands of options - you just have to find the best one for your dog. Sadie eats every meal out of a food dispensing toy. It also prevents gulping, and gives her something to do for 20 minutes.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do: is just simply spend time with your dog. They are social creatures, and they depend so much on us. Take your dog for a hike, or a walk on the beach. Let them forage for food, or sniff something on your walk. Work on obedience commands - any time you spend exercising their brain will help you with your dog, and if you add physical activity to it, and give them something they like to do as an outlet, you'll have a much more satisfied dog....and you'll probably save your sofa.
I've been working with City Dog Training and Porter Square Veterinarian, Dr. Adam Parker, to put on a fun festival for dogs and their people. The Somerville Dog Festival is sure to be a hit, it's free, and thanks to sponsors and vendors, all proceeds will go to support the Northeast Animal Shelter
My friend Ashley is bringing her fantastic band of Border Collies down from Vermont to showcase the wonderful and athletic sport of K9 Disk. Leah, (City Dog Trainer Extraordinaire!), will be running handlers and dogs through an agility course.
In addition, there will be a ring set up for people to try different sports with their dogs, including Agility, Rally, and Nosework. There will be Canine Good Citizen testing available where you can meet Zeppy (the Lead Reporter for this blog), the Somerville Police K9, urban mushing, and many contests for you & your dog to win prizes!
There will be a best trick, a pulling contest, Come when Called clinics, a costume show, and many different vendors set up for your dog to shop.
Come one, come all, and come say hi to me over at the Frisbee tent!
So come out with your dog, have fun in these last nice weeks before we get our annual winter blast, and support a good cause!
I've posted before about "The Dog Trainers Quick And Dirty Tips" podcast on iTunes. Today's podcast was especially interesting - I learned a lot from it regarding digging dogs.
I love Earth Dog - I think it's a fantastic way to help your small terrier type dog do what it was bred to do in a humane, safe, and fun way. I have suggested this to several clients - and luckily, in the Boston Area, there is Go Play in Arlington, which often has Earth Dog classes.
But for your big dogs trying to escape heat, or the brachycephalic dogs (any dog with a pushed in face, such as Pug, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, etc) digging is a way to stay cool. Keep your dog indoors during the heat of the day, provide lots of shade, water, and ice cubes to help keep your pup cool.
There were a lot of other interesting points, ranging from roaming males, pseudo pregnancy cases where digging was a nesting behavior, gate chargers looking for a way to get on the other side of the fence - and how to cope with these digging behaviors.
Like all behaviors, it's easiest to make a plan based on the WHY a dog is reacting in a certain way before just doing a blanket treatment without addressing the cause of the behavior.
So give the podcast a listen to - I really like the things she addresses. You may even find that your questions are answered in her short podcasts!
1. Craig & Katherine are PHENOMENAL photographers. They captured Sadie in action as I was working her in a soccer field. I highly suggest them for any human or pet photography in the Boston area. Absolutely a joy to work with, fun and professional, and a stunning ability to capture just the right second in time.
2. They said some awfully nice things about a certain dog that Edits this blog...
As some of you know, I grew up in this sport. Though we never competed in racing our dogs, we loved nothing more than running trails with our team. We grew up in the sledding circle and knew people who, like us, just ran trails, but also had several close friends who raced in all the big races, including the Iditarod.
This sport isn't just about riding on the back of a sled - I clearly remember being a child, running behind the dogsled, as 8 dogs were running ahead. My little legs were moving as fast as they could uphill, through deep drifts of snow, and weighted down with heavy boots and a snowsuit. It's as physically demanding on the human as it is for the dogs, and there's nothing quite like it.
There are many sports where humans and dogs work together towards a common goal, but sledding is different. Frisbee, Search and Rescue, Agility and Freestyle are events where it's human and dog. One human, one dog. Dog sledding is the only event, that I can think of, where it's a person and a pack of dogs, all competing against time, other teams, and the harsh winter elements of the northern landscape.
It's a fascinating experience, and I implore those who love dogs or the outdoors to go to New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont, and do the equivalent of a dogsled trail ride. Don't forget your camera. It's an experience you'll never forget.
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