I started working with canines in 1968 in Antarctica; I had volunteered for Operation Deep Freeze as a C-130 Loadmaster. From that, I was cross-trained as a dog handler to be able to transport the sledge dogs from site to site. This was my transition from dogs as pets, to canines that work for a living. From this point on, my life has revolved around dogs. I came to understand that for a dog to spend it's life being a pet seems as though it's a great life, but for a canine to be truly content in life. There has got to be more.
This is not to say that your American Tundra Shepherd or any other breed, must work as a seeing-eye dog or narcotics K-9. It is to say, for you and your life companion to have the best relationship possible, there is some work involved.
As I became more and more involved with the American Tundra Shepherd as a breed, twice elected Vice President of the American Tundra Shepherd Club. I found I was spending less and less time working my dogs. In this, I made a discovery. What I termed for many years' as working my dogs, was not work at all, but time for us to enjoy each other and learn at the same time. The time spent with a true working breed such as the American Tundra Shepherd, if just in the repetitive actions of obedience, you well discover to be a joy.
After all these year's, the canine can still show me a thing or two and will. Each time we try to improve on the way we interact, or start at learning a new task or action.
Just the interaction of learning from and working with the human that the canine comes to hold as pack leader, brings a light into the dogs life and ours. WE (humans) as guardian and caretaker assume the role of Alpha or pack leader to our canine. Like it or not this role brings with it not just the responsibility of food, water and a good place to live. Also it entails the duties of protector, instructor, playmate, and a good many times pupil.
My goal is not to educate the world or right all it's wrong, just simply to breed the best companions and place them in homes that know and understand. The Dog, is a gift from God that walks by your side.