Red Shed Racing

We allow our 15 dogs to live in a fence that is 2 acres divided into 5 parts.  I couldn't imagine chaining our dogs because It makes me sad.  We had to chain our dogs from October-July when we first moved to Alaska.  This was because the ground was frozen and we had no choice.   During this time they were able to socialize in a small chain link kennel in small groups daily.  Additionally each dog came inside each night to be with us and eachother.  Even with the time off the chains they had I had an ulcer by the summer because this set up made me so stressed.  I am sure the dogs handled it better than me but nonetheless - they were not as happy as they had been in Colorado. 

Free Run Kennels such as our with loads of space for the dogs to run around allow for more exercise and the ability to explore and interact with each other.   I witness this every day - the digging, wrestling, chasing, jumping and almost constant activity.  The dogs are in larger group if we are home and in groups of 3-4 when we are not.

It crosses my mind often that there are dangers about free running that do not come into play in a traditional dog yard.  I weigh the risks and the benefits and still choose the fence.

Huskies - EAT anything!!!!  The Good - Bad - Deadly!

This time of year It takes me twice as long to scoop the poop!  That is because I am also searching the terrain for any and all mushrooms.  Mushrooms can be deadly to dogs!  All the experts agree that even some types of mushrooms that are ok for humans may pose a threat to dogs.  Since there are so many varieties and it is unknown just how many are dangerous to dogs i must scoop them all.  Paul is constantly saying "Hey wait!  That is a good one - don't throw it away!"  If he wants Mushrooms he can pick them on the other 8 acres of our property!!  I am putting every one I see in the poop bucket! 

Dogs eat grass too.  Our dogs seem to eat a huge amount of greens in the yard but there is alway a danger they could eat horsetail and become sick or worse.  I still have not found a way to erradicate this weed - if you pull it out it causes it to spread twice as fast!

Dogs eat whatever they find on the ground - these object can cause obstructions and require surgery.  Surgery does not always work if there is extensive damage to the intestines - they may die anyway.

The dogs as I mentioned are always on the go - playing chase is big fun!  It is usually a high speed event.  The dogs need to leap over obsticles, dodge  other dogs and make quick manuevors.  This could lead to an injury.  When you add to it that there are new holes and canverns in the ground that are being dug daily it makes the dangers even worse!

Finally while our dogs generally enjoy eachothers company they play hard and often.  The playtime can get pretty rough and sometimes feelings can get hurt and a small fight will break out.  If there are 10 dogs together the fight can get big before too long.  That is why we keep them small groups when we are not home. There is always that risk that a dog fight may turn deadly but we do everything we can to keep our dogs in stable groups that play nicely!

All the dangers are there.  I don't wish any ill on my dogs but I dont want them to miss out on the fullness of living in a pack.  They need eachother!  They need to inertact and run and jump and leap and bite with eachother.  I need to do everything I can to avoid these hazards - even though I can't stop everything from happening.

I admit the risk - I accept the risk!!