BrownStone Chinooks is devoted to fostering the excellent health and wonderful temperament of Chinook dogs. Hard-working Chinooks excel in many activities such as agility, obedience, back yard play, hiking, dog powered sports, search and rescue, and as service dogs. The affectionate Chinook is an excellent family dog matching its activity level to that of its companions - be it strenuous exercise or snuggling on the couch.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Urban Mushing

Thirty minutes to load the dog cart, gear and the dogs and hook the trailer to the van. Thirty-five minutes to drive to the park. Fifteen minutes to unload the rig, hook up the dogs and get them headed in the right direction. Less than 4 minutes to mush .7 miles. Thus was our first urban mushing experience. I would have gone further but there were loose dogs. I never want to repeat having my dogs attacked while in harness again so we swung around and headed back to the van.
Finding a traffic free, flat place to run the cart is difficult around here. After scouting various options, I decided to try the maintenance road for a large city park. Once the dogs get more comfortable around joggers, dogs and bikes, we have miles of paved trail options from this location.

About 1/2 way I stopped to grab the camera.

I am always amazed at how quickly and how tangled dogs in harness can get when not pulling forward.off and running again
time to load back up
Future trips should take much less prep and pack time. After being attacked while in harness, Willy can be reactive with other dogs. Increasing our distance traveled will probably take several trips until he feels safe and can just enjoy the run. But I am committed to the effort. Chinooks were bred to mush. Ferrari is just too much fun for both the dogs and myself.
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