Training Lead Dogs

By Lee Fishback

 

I read this book looking for some tips to pull out, and be able to use.  I got that, and some history lessons.  

 

Everything he says makes sense, but it needs to be taken in context.  Most of the dogs that the author trained were village type huskies, far different than the family pet many people skijor with now-a-days.  Putting this into context, explains why the author talks about shaking dogs, and the proper timing of using whips. 

 

Most of which the author says, I agree with, just not how he went about it.   For example, to work on a dog to pass cleanly, you pull up beside another team, and if the dog leans in to interact with the other dog, have the other musher smack your dog.   I don't want my dogs to stop pulling and smell other teams, but I would never whip or smack them.

 

Some of the book was so old school and harsh, but it does make sense.   "The dog must be in as good condition as the dog. You must be able to walk, run and act fast.  Don't even try if you can't qualify". 

 

You can buy this book, if you have a thick skin, you might be curious of the history of mushing.  But really, save your money for one the more reasonable, positive approach books on the market.