Naps and some Sled-training pics

[Mirg]

Ok, thanks! I will keep an eye out for stuff on there!

Oh, no, i dont let them pull in those harnesses. Ive only hooked them up with A.j. that once, just because i wanted pictures. I do give them turns with A.j.'s harness, so they are all used to sledding. The only time i moved with them in a team was when some kids went by and Sophie tried to bark at them. I did do a little bit of work with them as a team, but mainly just having A.j. pull the sled a little bit so the girls have to walk and teaching Simetra that when we stop, she shouldnt turn around and tangle the lines. And Sophie just needed to learn to not refuse agianst A.j. (she doesnt like to be near the springers, at all).

I know Sophie is a "free loader", though. During winter, i would sometimes just tie Sophie to A.j. while we went sledding (not attached to the sled), just to get her back into the feel of sledding (i used to sled with her a lot before i got A.j.), and she would make A.j. pull her, she wasnt too eager to get going. I guess this doesnt tell if she would accually pull with a team or not, but i dont think she would very good. It doesnt matter too bad right now though, because im focusing on the springers' training. Sophie is getting old (i think she might be getting bad hips) and just doesnt really like sledding, she just likes to go in the house and cuddle with people or to go play ball.

Im proud with how A.j.'s training is going! Ive heard that sled dogs have to keep the ganglines kind of tight when they are stopping, so they dont get tangled. A.j. does that good, but if i lightly pull on the line, he will back up a little for me (he helps me with hauling stuff like logs or garbage, and sometimes i have to tie him directly onto the thing to pull, instead of using a sled, so when i untie it, he has to back up a little). My dad is hoping to build us a cart so that it will be easier than pulling a sled around (during summer).

Once agian, thank you for the great advice and thanks for helping!