you got time to waste?

[musher]

If you do, I started a Youtube channel a while back. It basically shows what I am doing at that time of year. It is called "Musher's Tails."

Here is a link to one I posted last week.

youtu.be/TXBKk9E6QdU

You can find all kinds of dog sledding ones made earlier.

[trappnman]

nice. I used to duck hunt a lot, but with all the regs and the idiots out there, its just not worth it anymore.

[musher]

Hey Steve, I was hoping you would watch the 2 Bush Dog Musings ones. You are an experienced dog guy and I would like to know your thoughts as to what makes an ideal compagnion dog for the woods.

[trappnman]

I will watch them monday when I get some free time- this weekend its the big push to put bikes away, and get al lthe trapping stuff out.

[trappnman]

not sure which ones you mean- give me the direct links please

[musher]

youtu.be/WtUhb47L5qs

youtu.be/WMj0U35S0xE

[trappnman]

those were interesting. I have to say, I've never trained a bush dog, there really isn't a need down here, although a well mannered dog is certainly a bonus.

and most of my experience has been with hounds, and to a lesser degree labs.

I've never heard that 49 day theory before- although the overwhelming opinion is for sure that 5-7 weeks is the optimal time to get a pup to bond with you.

I think one of the more stupid things I read, is that a good hunting dog (and after your videos I'll include bush dogs) is spoiled by too much human interaction and companionship- and I disagree wholeheartedly with that to the point I feel just the opposite is true- that bonding, makes the dog want to please you.

and agree 100% on te use of shock collars. Was on a beagle forum- and the use of shock collars was almost universal- and I banned myself after debates concerning the use o shock collars, indicates a lazy trainer, or inexperienced, or both.

the outcry was "who has that much time" (to do it right I guess)

Im curious- what if any is your "danger" command?

I've found it hard to get a hound to stop when prey is about- and the only thing that really worked, consistently, was the command "down". Since a running hound is almost impossible to call off a hot trail (and I wouldn't want it too, I want that hound working until I pick him up) in the trial game the command down was a compromise- he wouldn't come off it, but would pause it.

And we use that same command on our companion dogs like Mickey- stubborn old guy, but when we say down, he stops in his tracks. A compromise so to speak.

as far as little dogs and actions, for the most part agree- beagles are kinda different- the standard says "a small hound that acts like he is a big hound- and thats really true.

Good videos

[musher]

Glad you liked them. I value your opinion and your dog knowledge.

I have no "danger" command. But the sit/stay/come is pretty firm. The sled dogs don't listen worth crap but the chessies sure do. A husky does not make a good bush dog.

A couple of days ago I was walking the edge of an uncut oat field. I was looking to thew right and the chessies were about. Suddenly the female stopped and fixated the left. I looked and saw a bear there. The wind was right and the bear had no idea we were there. I heeled the dogs and we backed out. I would have gotten really close to that bear if the dog hadn't told me it was there.

100% agree on the human contact.

Beagles are another beast. If they were exhausted, I could call mine off. But you had to be fairly close to them.

This bush dog stuff is from youtubing bushcrafters. I coined the term "bush dog" but lots of these people have companion dogs that they claim are the best for camping in the wild etc. Then they put pants/jackets/boots on their dog. Often, a few years later it gets genetic health problems. Or the dog has to be leashed all the time.

It kind of cheeses me off because someone might follow their advice and get their heart broken. Also, any dog that has "doodle" in its name is trouble.

Thanks for taking the time.

[musher]

I first learned about the 49 days stuff from a dog column in Outdoor Life. This must be close to 45 years ago! The writer was David (Michael?)Duffy who I read faithfully. I started paying attention and I have since concluded that I agree with him.

However, some dogs just never bond with people. This is especially true if other dogs are available to bond with. I have a couple of sled dogs that are a brother/sister cross. Friggin' dumb dogs. Spent hours trying to tame them from the age of 8 weeks. Skittish as hell and want nothing to do with people. Pull like pros, though.