New website!

Our new website is now online at http://www.northernmost.se/ Please remember to change your bookmarks as this sit will close down in a while. Thanks for visiting and have Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Moving places

We'll soon be moving our blog and website to a new address, with a fresh new design. Until the move has been completed we'll be taking a break from the blog. Here's a quick report from our recent packing trip with Thunder, Tuisku and Gem; We had a great time hiking on the Norwegian island of Senja, even though it rained practically every day. Regardless of weather, Norway is still one of the most beautiful places on earth. Below are a few photos from our trip, more pictures will be published when we move to our new website.

Backpacking on the rugged island of Senja.

Thunder, Gem and Tuisku admiring the Norwegian kingdom.

After completing the hike we visited a secret island off the coast.

Thunder found the remains of a whale on the beach.

A coral island with paradise beaches north of the Arctic Circle. Is it really possible?

Anything is possible. Hope to see you soon at our new website!  :-)

Waiting...

We're all packed and ready to go hiking...if only the rain would stop!

August nights

After saying goodnight to the dogs I noticed that it's starting to get dark again....time to snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea!     

Country living

I've had a natural break from the blog since we haven't been doing much lately (apart from less interesting stuff, such as constructing more kennels and helping my mom move into her new home). It's been a sunny and dry summer here on the coast and most of the time it's been too warm to involve the dogs in any working activities. Instead we've been taking it easy at home, enjoying quality time with the family.   

Tuisku hanging out at Grandma's place - she lives next door.


Since we live in the countryside and have farms nearby it's important that our dogs behave well around livestock. Our neighbour's horses sometimes come wandering into our yard, making everybody very excited. Having lived in Lapland, our Malamutes are more used to reindeers than horses and cattle...

Leia making a new acquaintance.

This handsome guy lives in the village. We haven't said hello to him personally but I don't think it's necessary,
our dogs seem to have plenty of respect for Mr Goat.

His kids are very cute and cuddly, especially this one who has been raised on the bottle.

We still have a couple of weeks left of our holiday and are heading up north to do some hiking in the mountains.
See you later!  

Midnight swim

Tuisku, Leia and Thunder came along for a quick swim at midnight. The ocean was quiet and the beautiful sunset reflected on the water, creating endless hues of pink, lilac, yellow and blue. Being by the sea evokes the same sense of freedom as I experience in the mountains - and both places create a big calm.

Tuisku and Leia were quick to dive into the warm water, while Thunder prefered to remain on land as usual.

Tuisku decided to go island hopping...

...and found his own kingdom at sea.

I often wonder if animals, and especially Malamutes, can appreciate a beautiful sunset the same way we do.

 How could this go unnoticed?

Unlike many Malamute owners, I love summer as much as I love winter. Every season has something to offer and I believe our dogs are just as happy now as they are in midwinter. It's not the weather or temperature that is important - it's the magic moments they share with their buddies and with us.

On request....

Some more photos of our Leia Bear!

Leia (Snowhow Shade of Raven, WTD) turned six years this spring and is as gorgeous as ever. 

Leia is out of Ch Snowlion's Lone Ranger, WTD and FIN MVA Neatut Palarpok KVK1 REK1.

Check out the size of her feet!

Leia's character shines through in the photos - she's a happy girl with a big personality!

Beach Babe

THE "BEFORE-PICTURE"

Leia isn't usually that keen on swimming...

...but she can't resist the chance to fetch a ball.

This girl loves to retrieve!

She could go on all day!

And she's quite the athlete too.

THE "AFTER-PICTURE" :-)

Aqua Dog

Since we live on the coast and spend a lot of time around water, we decided to buy a Dog Life Jacket for our "Aqua Dog", Tuisku. Besides flotation and maximum buoyancy, the life jacket also provides high visibility thanks to its bright colour.

Now we can relax when Tuisku decides to jump into a fast flowing river, or into the ocean on a windy day.
This dog is as happy in water as he is in snow!

Preparing for a multiday backpacking trip

Backpacking is one of our favourite working activities. We were keen hikers long before we owned our first dogs and after acquiring a pack of Malamutes our hobby has grown and developed. On a multiday hiking excursion Fredrik and I will both carry backpacks. In addition we will bring two or three dogs that will each carry a dog pack. Being able to divide our supplies and gear into five packs rather than just two, we have plenty of room for all the food and extra gear that our dogs require during the trip. It means we don't have to cut down too much on our own supplies but can enjoy a multiday hiking trip together with our friends in full comfort.

Below are some notes on how we prepare for a multiday hike with our dogs. After a couple of backpacking trips, everyone develops their own routine. This is what works for us.

 Top tip: Wash and groom your dog before setting out on a hike and also make sure the dog pack is clean and in good condition. Hiking in summer can be a hot and humid experience, by bringing a clean and groomed dog that carries a clean pack you will minimize the risk of your dog developing a hot spot or rash out on the trail.  

Choose the right dog pack
Go for the best quality and fit when choosing a pack for your dog. A backpack must always be comfortable, also when it is loaded with gear. Choose a backpack of the proper size and fit for your dog. A too large bag is just as wrong as a bag that is too small. The pack should be fitted to the dog before the load is packed. IMPORTANT: the backpack shall be carried over the shoulders and not across the dog's back. The shoulders are built to carry weight - the spine is not.  The pack's position is controlled by means of the front (sternum) strap. When fastening the straps, make sure you can slide two fingers between the strap and the dog. If the bag is too loose it will move around and if it's fitted too tight it can cause "saddle sores".

Safety tip!

Choose a backpack with reflective tape on it and/or of a bright colour. This way your dog can't be mistaken for game by a hunter.  

Getting accustomed to the backpack
Use an empty pack when you start your dog's training. Encourage your dog to carry the empty pack on your regular walks, to the shop and in the forest. If your dog is a bit reluctant to trying new things, make sure not to make a fuss when you put on the bag the first time. Pretend that you are putting on an ordinary collar or harness and as soon as it's on, start the walk. Remember to praise and reward the right behaviour. After a couple of outings with an empty bag, place some items in each pack and build up weight gradually. Make sure your dog is in good physical condition before you place a too heavy load in the bag. Conditioning is just as important for backpacking, as it is for sledding and skijoring. 

Training and conditioning is crucial before setting out on a multiday excursion.

How to pack 
Learning how to pack your dog's backpack correctly is crucial prior to a multiday hike and requires some careful consideration. Here are my top tips:

1) When packing the gear, make sure you distribute the weight evenly on both sides. It is uncomfortable for the dog to have a lopsided pack. Both sides of the pack must weigh exactly the same amount.
2) Pack heavier items toward the dog's shoulder and lighter items in the back. 
3) Pack softer items on the side of the pack that is closer to the dog. These items will act as extra padding.
4) Extra space in the bags means that items can move around and cause discomfort for your dog. Use soft, lightweight items, such as a jumper and an extra towel, to fill any empty spaces in the pack. 

How much should a dog carry?
First of all, only a dog that is physically healthy and in lean condition should go on a packing trip. A dog that has dysplasia or other joint problems, that is overweight or otherwise unfit, should not pack. Carrying a full backpack causes as much strain on a dog as skijoring or sledding and will only be a pleasure for the dog if he/she is healthy and in good working condition. Be careful with young dogs that are still growing. They can come along for the hike but shouldn't carry too much weight.

As with every new sport, the key to backpacking is to do things gradually. When starting out, begin packing about 5-10% of your dog's weight in the dog pack. Make sure to actually weigh your dog first so you know his/her current weight. If the training is going well, and your dog seems happy, gradually increase to about 20-30% of your dog's weight. If you are going on an AMCA WPD/WPDX-hike with your Malamute, your dog must carry a daily initial weight equal to a minimum of 30% of his/her weight. This weight shall not decrease except by normal consumption of items such as food or water.  

  Thunder and Tuisku hiking without dog packs in 2006 - not every hike needs to be a working hike.
When your dog is still young, hiking should be all about having fun!

Distributing weight evenly
As soon as your dog begins to carry more weight in his backpack you need to start planning the packing more carefully. Keep an eye on the backpack and make sure both sides are weighted equally. A lopsided bag can cause both discomfort and harm to your dog, as it will put him off balance which can strain muscles and spoil the fun. 

Hands-free
I always hike with my hands free. On a multiday mountain hike this is the only safe way to travel. When backpacking I use the same equipment that I use for skijoring - my dog is secured to me through a bungee cord attached to my waistbelt. This means I can use both my hands for balance, for taking photos and for drinking and, best of all, I don't get an aching shoulder when my dog pulls on his lead. If I handle two dogs I use a two dog line with a built-in shock absorber placed at my end of the lead.

Training hikes
Before setting out on a multiday hike, make sure to go on many fun training hikes near home. About a month prior to a multiday hike our dogs will begin carrying dog packs with weights on our walks in a varied terrain about 2-3 times a week. This way they will build the appropriate muscles and will be completely used to their bags when we set out on a more extensive mountain trip. The training walks are an excellent opportunity to practise on your packing routine, making sure you can easily pack a backpack that does not end up lopsided or too heavy for your dog.

Water stops - avoiding heat stroke
Stop every hour or so to allow your dog to drink. A dog that's drinking enough water will have clear urine. A dog that stops marking or urinating during a hike probably needs more water. Some dogs will not immediately drink the water they are offered, even when they are thirsty. If you sit down to relax for ten minutes, with the water available to your dog, chances are he or she will drink before your break is over. It's important to learn how to identify signs of dehydration in a dog before you set out on a hike as heat stroke can be life threatening. If your dog is showing signs of overheating, quickly get in the shade and remove the pack. Let your dog cool down in a stream or lake or pour all the bottled water you have over him. If his condition does not improve quickly - send for qualified help.

Safety tip!

Before going on a hike, find out where water is available along the trail so you know where will be the best place to set up camp. Bring a detailed topographical map and keep it handy during the hike.
   

 Crossing a suspension bridge is worth training with your dog before you set out on a wilderness hike.

 

Useful things to train near home:

1) Crossing hanging bridges of metal or wood. You may encounter these along the trail and they can turn out to be a stressful obstacle for a dog who has never experienced a hanging bridge before.
2) Crossing a brook or stream with backpack on.
3) Have your dog walk in front of you and behind you. When negotiating steep downhills it's safer if your dog knows the command "behind".
4) Drinking water from other (safe) sources than your tap at home. Is your dog happy to drink water that tastes a little differently?
5) Drinking from a water bottle - this will make your refresh stops easier for everyone.
6) If you are feeding fresh food at home and are bringing kibble on your hike, make sure your dog is accustomed to the new food well before the hike. 
7) Wearing booties - make sure your dog is fully comfortable wearing booties before departing on a longer hike.
8) Sleeping quietly out of doors.  

Safety tip!

Be careful when letting your dog drink from streams or lakes along the trail. Although natural water sources may be plentiful near a campsite, the water may be contaminated with parasites or harmful bacteria. In areas where giardia is a problem you should not allow your dog to drink from streams or lakes. Don't allow your dog to drink any water that you wouldn't drink yourself.

What to pack
What to pack on a hiking trip is very individual and depends on where you will be staying at night, how long you'll be away and in what season you're making the trip. Below are some general pointers that can be useful when planning a trip with your dog.

• Canine first aid kit (including help against diarrhea).
• Dog booties.
• Water bowl (foldable or plastic).
• Duct tape - never go anywhere without duct tape!
• Extra collar and extra lead.
• Dog identification - make sure your dog has your name and phone number and the phone number to someone at home, plus his/her own call-name, attached to the collar.
• Daily dog meals packed in plastic bags (one bag per meal). Remember that your dog needs more food and energy when out on the trail. Always bring food for at least two extra days - should you get stuck somewhere along the trail. 
• Easy to digest dog treats.
• Vaseline, or another dog paw care product.
• No matter how friendly your dog is, bring a muzzle. If your dog is injured, he may need the muzzle to prevent him from biting you or others trying to give him first aid.
• Bags to clean up after your dog in areas where this is required.
• Water containers + water filter for hikes in areas where water cannot be consumed naturally.
• Stakeout.
• Insect repellent (you may want to apply flea dip before leaving home).

Safety tip!

Always know where the nearest veterinarian is located and carry the phone number on you.

Duct tape is ideal for repairing broken items (such as boots or bags) on the trail. If you are going on a WPD/WPDX-hike and need suitable items to increase the weight of the dog pack with - bring two full rolls of duct tape and place one in each pocket of the dog pack in order to distribute weight evenly.

Have fun and respect your dog
Above all, packing should be a fun activity for you and your dog. Don't attempt hikes just to gain working merits - go on hikes to experience the joy of exploring the wilderness in the company of your best friend. If the hike does not turn out as planned, make it shorter and enjoy the time spent staying in a wilderness camp instead. Your dog will be just as happy camping out for a few days and going on short day hikes, as he is completing the mileage that is required for the WPDX-title. We have been hiking with our dogs since they were youngsters but some of them are now 6-7 years of age and have still not completed their WPDX-titles (our goal this summer). By not pushing our dogs too hard when they are young we're hoping they'll be able to go on many enjoyable hikes as they grow older.

 Happy Trails!

Summer & sand

There's nothing so mind-clearing and relaxing as spending the afternoon on an empty beach. A great start to the holiday!

Lathyrus maritimus - sea pea or "strandärt" in Swedish. 

Glad Midsommar / Happy Midsummer!

By the seaside at Bjuröklubb - Midsummer's Day 2011.

Plans for summer

We're planning a cool mountain packing trip this summer and I'm already dreaming myself away...

  This is the place where we'll be hiking - can't wait!
Check out Jack Brauer's beautiful mountain sceneries at http://www.widerange.org/

We use the Wenaha Dog Pack on our hikes and are really happy with how well it functions in every weather.

It's really important that your dog is comfortable wearing his pack, especially during a multi-day hike.

 

Besides Wenaha, there are also many other brands available on the market. For those of you who are planning to go hiking with your dog this summer and need a dog pack - here are links to a couple of manufacturers:

• Wolf Packs - An American brand that can also be bought in Ireland, Iceland and Australia.
• Ruff Wear - Another American brand with retailers all over the world, including Sweden.
• Granite Gear - An American brand which so far is only available "over there". Their Alpha Dog Pack and Long Howl Dog Pack look pretty cool!
• Mountainsmith - A brand that is available in most countries in Europe, as well as in North America.
• Snowdogs -  A Swedish brand with good reviews (I've never tried it myself). 
• Laika Kløv - Norwegian brand with many "best in test" awards.

 

One reason why we prefer the Wenaha Dog Pack is its durability. We have never had a problem with zippers or seams even though the packs have often been under water and used in snow and rain. The Wenaha pack is also very roomy and can pack lots of useful items that you need on your hike. Many of the newer packs are neat and small and we find it a lot more practical if our dogs are actually able to carry some of our bulky gear in their bags, such as extra hiking boots, dog food and cooking utensils.
 

A whole book about backpacking with your dog!

Charlene G. LaBelle has written a book on backpacking with dogs that covers the most important issues a beginner should know about packing. The book was published in 1992 but there's also a revised edition from 2004. The author is a breeder of Alaskan Malamutes under the prefix Belle Kennels in California. She is also director at the Alaskan Malamute Club of America.

Next week I'll post some tips on how to prepare for a multi-day hike with your dog. See you later!