#dog handler journal

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

Today is my last day working at my breeder’s kennel as a dog handler. I have learned so much from her about mushing, Siberians as well as breeding. I am sooo thankful I got to have this time to live with and work for her. I wish I could stay the full season. But with plans to move in the Spring, I need to start making money again. :/

Though once I have a car, I will certainly be visiting often and really want to get on sleds! I also love that I got to spend time with and personally get to know all of her dogs including my future puppy’s parents. ❤️

I am just such a happy dog person right now.

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

As a dog handler for a musher, I will experience lots of messes.

My first mess was spilling a bucket of raw meat and water down my jeans at feeding time.

Oh boy. At least the raw is only once a day…

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

On Today’s Episode of Dog Handler Fuck Ups

I forgot to set the break on the ATV when hooking up the dogs. A team of 16 dogs, might I add.

Who knew 16 dogs were capable of bulli g a parked ATV? I certainly wasn’t. 🤷‍♀️

My breeder had to launch her self on after we both chased it. 🤭

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

Day 1

I moved in! My breeder and I had to carry ny dresser from the second floor, all the way down to the basement where my bedroom is. It was crazy. My roommate is also a first time mom of 7. 7 puppies. They are three weeks old. So far, mama lets me pet them, but doesn't like me holding them. Unfortunately for her, socializing puppies is part of the job here!

Technically, tomorrow is my real first day. Was told to be uo by 7:00am, but I'll probably be up around 6:00am anyways. We're going to start training and I'll get to learn how to run some dogs! As well as fill dog holes, scoop poop, fix dog houses, grind meat etc. It'll be a lot of work, but I can't wait! Especially for the training part!

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

Most people begin mushing with a small team 4-6 dogs, maybe.

My first time mushing was last night. With a team of 19 dogs.

HOLY SHIT.

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

This is how I spent my afternoon. How did y'all spend yours?

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

I just had to move the ATV to prepare for the upcoming snow, and all the dogs starting howling in excitement.

I feel like I betrayed them. 😂😭

[smol-bi-donutgirl]

So. I got wiped out by the team yesterday.

We had to do a turn around and mentor had me loop the leaders together and run with them around the turn. But I am fat and cannot run through snow. I also learned why it's important to stay on the OUTSIDE of the line and not inside. I fell over and the team went right over me.

I'm fine, I got up laughing and my mentor was like "that didn't go as planned".

But I guess I can cross off getting run over by a team of dogs from my bucket list. 😂