21Oct
As I write this sitting on the sofa, I am surrounded by 6 of 8 furry family members. My 2 oldest girls are content sleeping in their open crates.
I find it amazing how people assume my house must be crazy busy with our dogs and when they hear or see the husky- they assume they are energetic, boisterous dogs. My house is pretty much silent when my boys are at school. People don't always believe me as they find it hard to imagine and my first response is always "they are great dogs". The truth is is that they are incredible dogs who are happy due to socialisation, training and their basic needs are met.
They receive the best quality diet and I add tasty extras on rotation for fun and nutrition. I use a variety of puzzle feeders to prevent boredom, mental stimulation, and mimic natural instincts.
They have plenty of options for sleeping areas and different things to sleep on so they can choose depending on temperature.
They can choose to sleep away or near the other dogs.
They receive attention from us humans and can take themselves away if they choose. We take the dogs on day trips with us. My top tip for a great day is to take the pack to an enclosed field for 1 hour, tire them out and then we can go somewhere as a family.
Every pack member knows they are safe in my home and garden, when out and about and when "working" with me. Sometimes in new situations, they may seek my facial expressions to determine whether this new environment is safe. They visibly relax when they get their version of a thumbs up.
As dog owners, we determine where they live, what our dogs eat, what our dogs do every day, the humans and dogs that they live with- we control everything. I like to offer freedom to the dogs wherever I can. The freedom to make their own choices (in a safe way). Something simple as providing a variety of treats and chews and allowing them to choose. Taking them to a wide variety of enclosed areas and observing what each dog does in different environments. Some will go off and explore, some stay close, some seek water and muddy puddles, a few will find the best digging spot, some will choose to stay with a certain pack member and a certain few will offer poses when they see I have my camera out. They may all be the same make up of breeds but they are all very different. The ways in which they learn, their natural confidence, their need for human attention all differ and they are all clear individuals.
My dogs are not just breeding dogs, they are family members. They live with us in the home, sleep on the sofa, get us out and about in all weathers, and they make every day better. Before I got my dogs, and security system, I was an anxious mum. I would worry about anything and everything as I felt the strong need to keep my children safe. The dogs make me feel safe. Though they are quiet and non-vocal, the dominant female and male bark when someone comes into the garden and knocks on the door. They will bark around 3 times and that's it. If someone knocks the door at an unusual time, like late evening they will make more noise and the others will start. They will stop when I show I am not worried and I know without a doubt, if someone tried to break in overnight, they will make a lot of noise. We have motion lights as well as a house alarm which is monitored 24/7 to protect the home, humans and dogs.
I am proud of my dogs and where we are at with them. I would never have believed I would have 8 dogs and life would be easy going. I enjoy observing the dogs and working out what they are feeling or thinking. Experience is the best teacher and I have learned a lot. There have been times with new arrivals where they repeat an undesirable behaviour and I have to use my brain, figure out why they are doing it, perhaps redirecting that particular need onto something else and taking their age into consideration.
I rarely leave them for long periods and the maximum time is 4 hours. I am proud of them and myself when I check the indoor cameras, see all 8 dogs sleeping when we are out of the home. They get free roam if no-one is in season or showing signs of their season. It is an amazing feeling seeing them content- no anxiety, sleeping and they get along well. Willow makes me smile as I can guarantee she will be curled up or sprawled out on a certain spot on the sofa.
I usually dread the colder months. My joint pains flare up, Reynaud's syndrome isn't fun when you have to pick up poo in the cool wintry air and I miss the sunlight. The pack enjoying cooler days helps massively. I must admit, I look forward to snow days so I can attempt to take a better photo than last Winter. I love how they sit on my knee and by my side so we can keep each other warm.
~Claire 🐾
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