Junior Musher Lessons Learned — Aug 17, 2023
Harlyn reports he feels more confident to feed independently and cover dogs, if needed
Harlyn feels he is more confident with assessing safety in the dog yard
Anik (Haryln’s first pick of the Piggy Litter, TrollxRubyLou) tolerated wearing a harness well. Today was his first time in harness. Anik was born January 9, 2023.
First bikejour in harness — Harlyn said “Anik pulled a little, but he was going a new place / new direction than he’s used to.” Anik was not ultra confident
We reviewed how dogs pull harder and more excitedly when they know where they’re going. We imagined Anik would pull harder when running home today (pull with more confidence)
Harlyn learned you get a belt buckle for finishing Iditarod
We learned about assessing different water bowls — for Rosita, an injured puppy in a cone – which bowls are more stable / less easy to spill & easier access while wearing a cone
We learned how to use something that worked previously to make a new one – creating a pattern/model (Rosita’s bandage cover). We made a new one out of scrap material.
Harlyn learned about spray that kills mosquitoes, ticks and fleas
It can be sprayed in dogs’ houses and on their bedding
It can be sprayed around their houses
It can be put on the dogs for mosquitoes in the summer
It’s non-toxic
Harlyn learned about what a “hot spot” is, options for treating and how they might be caused after asking about a small area of scraped skin on Anik’s back leg.
We learned about how to use different materials for different purposes
Waterproof & breathable fabrics — for covering wounds, so it can heal quicker
We reviewed different materials for securing a dressing and a dressing cover. Which things are ideal because of their qualities — is it waterproof? water resistant? breathable? compressive? …etc
We reviewed that you need to check frequently when you try something new to be sure it works: stays in place and performs as expected
How to tell the difference between a female and male zucchini blossom
