Just starting out

I'm a little clumsy at this blogging thing yet.  People who know me know how much I like to write/talk so instead of boring a few friends with my daily drivel I'll leave it up to them to check in at will.

When we got Tukka, I wrote Tukka Tails for the Moosedog list (JNMRF) which a lot of people seemed to enjoy.  My hope here is to take you beyond Tukka Tails and Kia Chronicles and share my thoughts as we prepare for our third elkhound.  Tukka and Kia will be a big part of this blog as our world has come to the point of nearly revolving around them.

We try to include them in all of our activities so they join us on camping trips, go canoeing and kayaking with us and track deer that we have hunted.  The elkhound is supremely versatile though not many people realize their potential.  They are loving but independent.  Actually I like to say they are "independent thinkers", not stubborn as some would call them.

Part of this blog will be dedicated to getting ready for a pup.  One of the tasks I need to accomplish is to put together a list of things I really want to introduce a pup to during the first weeks we have him.  We know that dogs are "sponges" up to 16 weeks of age.  This is a critical period to introduce a pup to as much as possible to help him become confident and well-rounded.  My mind is racing with ideas, from getting him used to grooming and bathing to kayaking and agility.   The better prepared I am, the more likely he will become the dog I hope he can be.