The pack goes for a run in the snow!

  With the warmer weather and sun shining it was a great day to take everyone out for a run in the snow. Run, play and have fun summed up the day!

Pack interactions

We have been working with Wil’s huskies on their social interaction skills the last few weeks. The huskies had started a few months back quibbling and fighting amongst themselves and even though they were coexisting together without incident well to put it simply… their relationship with each other sucked. We tried to integrate them with one of our packs as a group but it caused more bickering amongst them and they continued to isolate themselves from the other dogs. So we decided in order for them to become a pack again they first had to work on their skills individually. Niko who had decided it was far better to sleep outside than to have to listen to his sisters bicker all night long went with the older more mature dogs. We had some concerns about this as Cody spends most of his time with this pack. Cody is used to being a leader amongst the dogs and we weren’t sure how that would go over with Niko. As it turns out Niko, seemed relieved to have another dog take the lead. He even started playing, rough housing and acting like a puppy again. Niko, alone got along with all of the dogs upstairs. We then separated Skyy out and put her with Roscoe. Roscoe, although he is a pit bull, is very mild mannered and so far has gotten along well with all of our pack members. We had some concerns about these two together but more so because Skyy can be very rough and demanding with the other dogs. As it turns out, while Roscoe doesn’t want to have any disagreements he is very good at vocalizing to another dog when they aren’t treating him well. So after a day with Roscoe, Skyy and him were best buddies. Skyy was also happier as she could finally play with a dog without starting a fight.  We decided to immerse Sage into the backyard pack. These are the younger, rowdy, dogs who like to play all day. Sage didn’t really think this was a good idea and she hung out at the gate to go back in to Skyy’s yard for the better part of a day. And as she was hanging out, she was bickering with Skyy. After a while Sage figured out that it was better to run and play than to stay and argue with her sister.

 

After the dogs had integrated into their new packs for a while and their social skills began to improve we decided that we would try to introduce them all into the backyard pack. Niko adapted well and acted like they had been his friends forever. Skyy was a little less sure of herself and clung to Roscoe’s side. Sage at first started to go over and try to separate Skyy away from the other dogs but gave up on it after the first few minutes. At one point Niko started to pick a fight with Roscoe. Roscoe kept trying to walk away and ignore him. Niko was persistent in his attempts to agitate Roscoe. Just before we were going to step in and separate them, Skyy stepped between Roscoe and Niko. She said what she had to say in a way that only a husky could. Niko turned and walked away. Skyy who has been the immature, strict, rule with an iron paw pack leader stepped in this time and handled the situation with the expertise of a seasoned pack leader.

We were very happy with the outcome not only for the huskies but also for the rescue dogs as it gives them more exposure to other dogs and makes them more adaptable. Appropriate social interactions among dogs is important in every day life. Bella, Hailey and Roscoe proved today that they have those skills. The huskies proved that they are still a pack but like people sometimes need a mentor to bring us back to the right place. After playing for four solid hours, nine very tired huskies, pitbull, feral, plott hound, border collie, rottweiler mix, shepherd mix came in and fell sound asleep. Some people go to the dog park to play. We live and play all day at our own dog park and that is as close to heaven as one could get on earth. 

Well rounded Roscoe

Roscoe doesn’t seem to care which yard he plays in as long as there is another dog to play with. He is such a well behaved dog, even when the other dogs with him misbehave. He is a sweet dog who would make a great companion for the right person!

Harley’s progress from arrival to departure

Harley’s condition when he arrived upset us greatly. Love, patience and healthy food changed everything.

The results speak louder than words!

 

Harley upon at arrival 42 pounds!

 

 

Harley leaving at 65 lbs!

 

 

Harley finds home sweet home!

Harley went to an amazing family today! Harley has so many opportunities and adventures in store for him. We are excited for him to have the opportunity to learn and grow with two wonderful and loving people. Harley bonded almost instantly and seemed to know that these were his people. He may have gotten a rough start in life but he is about to learn just how wonderful having a place to call home sweet home truly is!  

Hailey and Bella await their turn to go for a walk with Patrick

Hailey and Bella wait for the opportunity to go on an adventure with Patrick!  

Harley and Hailey practice their recalls

Harley is getting ready to go to his new home some time this week. He has been working hard on his recalls. Hailey has been tagging along and doing some practicing as well. Hailey rarely leaves our side and recalls instantly. Harley is more independent and takes the time to explore and sniff but has been excellent about coming back when he is called. Both are great dogs and will be loyal and faithful companions. They both went with us on a wood run with the four wheeler and were well behaved and obedient. These are awesome dogs who deserve great homes!

Cold days and lots of fun make for tired pups!

Harley meets an awesome family!

Harley met two people today looking for dog to share their lives with. He was very excited and did his best to contain himself and be the good dog that he truly is! Harley checked them out and very clearly decided he could be their dog. The family liked him a lot too. They drove a long distance to see him and wanted to take the time to make sure they were making the right decision. Harley said he has all the patience in the world if it means he is going to finally have a home of his own!

TV time with Harley, Hailey and Patrick

Winding down before bed with a little TV time…. Harley and Hailey relax and enjoy people time!