The Canaan Dog is an extremely intelligent breed who needs to be mentally challenged. "Tracking" is one sport where they can put their natural instincts to work. "Whenever I say "let's go tracking" Ash is ready and able with "nose to the ground." No wonder this primitive breed was used for Land Mine Detection and Red Cross Messenger Work in their native land Israel - it's in their blood! I suppose they could be called the "bloodhounds of Israel":-) Ash continues to enjoy her tracking classes!
Miss "Ash" deep in thought before driving out to class. She likes
to mentally prepare for her day of Tracking. She takes her work seriously.
On Saturday, March 24 our tracking class was held at
Crossroads Church in Red Deer .Our instructor, Donna Brinkworth likes to expose
us to different locations so the dogs can learn to track in a variety of areas.
In February, we tracked at Red Deer College – you can view that session on the
blog at: http://albertacanaandogcrew.blogspot.ca/2012/02/tracking-along-with-ash-february.html
Saturday's lesson focussed on strengthening the endurance on longer
tracks and following the scent of a stranger in a field setting. And, yes we
are still tracking in snowy conditions out here! Ash has a lot of experience
tracking in the powder.
The first video below is of Ash working hard on her second track of the day. Special thanks to Lynn Walker for taking the footage of my girl! Lynn also handed me her video camera so I could include videos of Lynn's golden "Quila", and Lorrie working her German Shepherd "Zeevah". All of the dogs worked smoothly and thoughtfully as they picked up on the scent of the stranger that laid the track. They also worked hard with nose to ground in every footstep ( I love this technique!) to locate and indicate the lost article at the end. We all learn so much from watching each other work our dogs.
As always, we all enjoy working and fostering the natural instincts with our breed, the camaraderie of the group classes, and the fabulous instruction from Donna!
Michelle (yes, that's me) with my Canaan Dog girl "Ash" - near the end of the track she wipes out on an icy patch but gets right back to work
Lynn with her Golden Retriever girl "Quila"
Lorrie with her German Shepherd girl "Zeevah"
And at the end of day, when Ash and I came home, we were greeted to a fanfare of beautiful cloud formations that congregated over the range.
Pupster "Shylo" from our 2010 Spring Litter LOVES his mom's musical talents. "Shylo" has been groomed in a musical home with his wonderful and talented owner Sherry-Lee who on top of working full time, has a band, sings, writes music and plays the banjo and guitar. Sherry-Lee's daughter Isabel plays the cello - boy "Shylo" is surrounded by music - got to love that! Sherry-Lee sent me these beautiful videos today with Master "Shylo" making some cameos:-) We are looking forward to seeing them back on the range for a visit this year and having a big barbeque with the Crew! And Sherry-Lee promises to bring her banjo!
Mr 'Shylo" as a pup out on our range
Mr Shylo as a pup out on the range taking a stroll
While we wait for the next herd
of cattle for the spring my youngster "Rook" keeps me busy - he
is still new to many things and lately the "magpies" that visit his land are a big curiosity. Rook is not happy about that and
wants to escort them off anytime they are present. I snapped a few early
morning pics from my office window when the magpies appeared to peck on
some of the crews outdoor bones that I need to pick up! I think they
are beautiful birds who also help with tidying up around the farm!
One little magpie perching on a bone from my office window before I let the hounds out:-) I love their long tails!
Trying to capture just one pic of the magpies in flight before Rook sends them off!
The last magpie takes off to the sky with Rook racing back to say "hey did you see what I did !"
Master Rook with his smiley face:-)
Rook at ll months doing a nice walk up on cattle last year - he know's the difference between magpies and beef - I think:-)
"Rook" with his crew member "Ash" - on the lookout for more magpies
Just had to include a fav pic of Ash with Rook as a "pupster" from last winter when she was training him on "how to be a "crew member" :-)
"Rook" says to learn more about magpies Click this link:
"Cybelle" says all is well on the ranch and can't wait to work cows instead of birds:-)
"Ash" says enough with the pics of Rook get more of me:-)
And as Rook deals with the magpies, we leave you with his first video exposure to the woolies last fall - Rook is a busy boy who has a lot of instinct and drive.
Question: What's a "Desert breed from Israel" to do in their kingdom during our long winter months in Alberta?
Answer: Adapt and play in the powder, and protect their land, of course, as they wait for the next herd of cattle to work and protect come spring. Just a few favourite pics over the years of our winter months with "The Crew" in Raven, AB as we look forward to the spring!
This is what a Canaan Dog looks like when he is in full howl mode alerting us to a predator on the land - "Macc" was the best at this job!
And off "Macc" goes to escort the pesky trio of coyotes off his kingdom
Playtime between the girls "Cybelle" & "Ash"
This is how "Ash" keeps her teeth clean - yum raw meaty bones!
A winter frolic with Ash and Rook
My snow bunny "Ash" working on her "snow tan"
"Rook" and "Ash" - " I think our Canaan senses detect a winter barbeque?"
"Ash" getting in her early morning laps!
Crew members "Rook" & "Ash" - winter watchdog duty
Just a pretty pic of winter time Ash"
Master "Rook" growing up into a handsome boy
Miss "Cybelle" watching over her kingdom
Miss Regal on her land - "Ash"
Youngster "Rook" is shaping up to be a great watchdog like his sire "Macc"
My "Rook" as a pup at eight weeks adapting to our long winters - he decided he should practise his "sits" on a windy day!
One of my fav pup pics of "Rook" as an eight-week old pup getting his "balance on " when dealing with our long winters on the farm - "you go boy!"
"Rook" out on deck for early "dogma" classes in the winter morning
'Cybelle" always on guard
A Desert dog always finds a way to adapt in the snow months - that' what Cybelle seems to say-)
"Ash" & "Rook" keeping watch from both directions:-)
One Question I always get asked is - How susceptible is a Canaan Dog to Canadian winter?
ANSWER: Canaan Dogs adapt very well to different climates. Interestingly, the winter seems to be a very enjoyable season for our Canaan Crew ( as you can see from the pics:-). They look forward to a good snowy hike, a romp in the snow, winter tracking sessions, and will always be ready and willing to keep the coyotes off their land. However, being a desert animal, Canaans cannot tolerate being out all day in extreme cold temps like huskies. That being said, our Canaan Dogs have adapted very well to our very long and cold winters in Alberta. They will not stay out all day in minus 52 Celsius temps, but they will go out for an hour or so for short hikes with breaks inside and then out again in a few hours - especially if there is a predator on their territory.
We are looking toward Spring whenever that may happen!
A short Video Clip of "Ash" tracking for treats in the Snow
A short video clip of Macc keeping alert for coyotes with pups in the background:-)
“Through the mirror of my mind
Time after time
I see reflections of you and me”
Diana Ross - Reflections lyrics
Me & my "Macc"
"Here's Looking At you Kid! - Macc always took the time to stop and smile for the camera:-)
Ok I won’t print the rest of the song lyrics because they
don’t apply. But lately, as spring approaches I think of the many memories that
yes, seem to be reflected in my mind. Although, with the huge dumping of snow
today I feel like I should get out the Christmas decorations again. Our
tracking class had to be cancelled today due to the weather, and no herding until
next Sunday.
Tomorrow marks the birthday of my soulmate who passed in
2009 . A friend of mine said don’t focus on the birthdays, but celebrate your
soulmate whenever you feel like it. I feel like I already do this since
the adventures with our Canaan Crew and
our dream out west continues and helps remind me of our direction together. I
have lost the Three Best Men in my life in too short a time. My soulmate "Larry", my beautiful father "Patrick" last May, and my dear heart Canaan boy “Maccabee”’ in Nov.There have been many rough patches, as we all have, but as my mother says " What doesn't kill you makes you stronger":-)
Today, I will take the time to reflect, and tomorrow I will do something fun to celebrate my three best guys - maybe a snow shoe hike with the Canaan Crew, since we have lots of powder in the pasture!
Larry with crew members "Macc" & "Cybelle"
Just a sweet and quiet moment with Larry and our awesome crew gal "Cybelle". Larry just Loved her working spirit and zestfulness toward life!
Larry loved Ash who was our third crew member. He did not get to spend a lot of time with her before he passed - but got to introduce her to her first "driving lessons", and watched her shine as a young dog working cattle. Larry would be so proud of "her work ethic" in stockdog work and tracking!
My Boys! Larry and Macc - they were an amazing team in all they did!
I will miss his "smiley" face
"Reflections" from A Journal I started in October 2011:
"Weeks
after you had left us, your boy Maccabeefound your missing left shoe in the
pasture where the accident took place. I placed it in the hall closest with the
dented one that I brought home from the hospital. That night, as I fed the
fire, the hall closest seemed to crackle. I watched as Macc sniffed and scratched intently at the door. My first thought was that he must be detecting those damn field mice who I had caught storing birdseed in my gum boots on occasion. I opened the door to allow Macc to investigate. It was both a beautiful and heart wrenching spectacle as he dug and lifted out your shoes one by one. He placed them silently down beside him; chin resting gently over the tips to cover up the grass stains that you left behind.I always marveled at your big strong feet and regret that I never took the time to sketch them.”
I will miss his awesome work on stock
"Call of the Wild" - Our Maccabee
Macc escorting the coyotes off his land - he especially loved this job:-)
And some Pics of Macc's boy "Rook " in keeping with my day of "reflection" - I am glad I kept "Rook" back as I was wanting to keep a son of Macc from a litter. Rook seems to be following
in the paw prints of his sire as a great boy with lots of working potential -
As I always say "many miles before we sleep", as we continue onward
with the adventures ahead with me and the crew!
Macc's son "Rook" out this morning on our new dumping of snow - he and my Ash seem to be my "pointer Canaans" -when they sense a rodent beneath the snow they "point" first then go in for the kill:-) Who needs cats when I have Canaans:-)
Youngster Rook working his first cow at ll months - his daddy Macc would be proud:-)
Just had to include this puppy pic of Macc's handsome son "Rook"
“Dogs are often what we make them: They may have their own traits and personalities, but in the end, they are "Mirrors" of our own lives – living, breathing testaments to our strengths and frustrations, our families and our pasts. They have a remarkable gift for entering our lives at particulair times and weaving themselves in. It is one of their most endearing traits, a key part of their impressive adaptability."– Jon Katz (Author)
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