Breed of Dog for Alaska living? (living in, lawsuit, moving)

[07chevy]

Ok Alaskans, I am moving there in the spring time and in my preperations of moving there ,I figured I would like a companion to do the trip with me and hang out with me on trails and fishing. A good idea I think to have one with you in doing such activities, since there seems to be a lot of bear attacks. Maybe it would give you a little warning in advance of a bear coming. Anyway, What type of Dog would be the right choice for bringing to Alaska? I wont be living in the city areas a little farther out but not remote.I would like to get one now and train it before I get out there. Thanks

[Wanderer818]

I just adopted out 4 adult American Eskie's and sold 10 pups. I'll have more in the fall, early winter.

[RayinAK]

Well, a bear-trained dog would be fine, and there are such dogs in Alaska. However, a dog that is not trained may in fact chase after a bear somewhere, and then run toward you-with the bears in tow-for protection. Dogs do that (come to your for help) because you are the "leader."

[Wanderer818]

My dogs are trained to stay at my heel. No bolting off for any reason. A friend once asked if I had liver in my boots.

An untrained dog is a liability, a lawsuit or worse waiting to happen.

Time and training with love. Be the leader and all will follow.

[HighlandLady]

Originally Posted by Wanderer818

My dogs are trained to stay at my heel. No bolting off for any reason. A friend once asked if I had liver in my boots.

An untrained dog is a liability, a lawsuit or worse waiting to happen.

Time and training with love. Be the leader and all will follow.

Truth that, Wanderer...my Labs are trained as yours are.

[Wanderer818]

These are some of my last pack.

[HighlandLady]

My mother-in-law has one, Wanderer...he is a good dog. Unfortunately, she just had to put him on heart medication and Lasix for the rest of his life.

[Wanderer818]

Sorry to hear that, but it does sound like Mom has a lot of love there.

We never feed a dog what humans eat. The Law. We've had Eskie's for years and NEVER had to take one into the vet for sickness, ever. Strict diet, lot's of love and the average should go to 15-16 good years.

[HighlandLady]

Well..I cannot say the same, Wanderer...my Labs are very spoiled and I am guilty of succumbing to the "Lab eyes". I've improved though, the black Lab was putting on the weight - we just had her spayed after her last litter and that compounded it. They don't receive their 'fine cuisine'. Chocolate Lab is 8 and is slowing up a wee bit, but she is in great health. Black Lab wasn't even supposed to live this long according to the vets, she has an inverted rib cage and a significant heart murmur...but she is healthy and ever the puppy.

My apologies, OP, for going slightly off-topic. I haven't wintered here as of yet, but living in the mountains of Wyoming with Labs wasn't a problem; I really don't expect much problems here either for them. I am not a dog-owner that keeps my dogs kenneled outdoors either. Now, I also have the Papillon - the Bug. He probably is not what would be the optimal 'Alaskan' dog.

[Wanderer818]

I know how those eyes can work, look at the 2nd, 4th and especially the 5th picture.

One thing I harp on and get puffy about is a dogs diet. Feed em right and the problems of being overweight won't be there.

When I adopt out or sell pups I go into detail about the dogs diet. I even supply the first bag of Pedigree to go with the dog so they have the same food as they had all their life. Treats are Moist and Meaty and a smoked pig ear. No white or bleached rawhide chews. Three things my dogs are allowed.

Pedigree Dog Food
Moist & Meaty
Smoked Pig Ears

They do not except food or treats from strangers, ever.
They will not allow a stranger to pick up their leash.

They will growl to inform you they don't like your behavior.
They will bark at you and bare their teeth to show they are not kidding.
If you can't read the signs and insist on harming me or them their last defense is biting you.

My dogs are my pets and my responsibility. I don't go to an office everyday. And I spend most of my time with my dogs. Their inside and out, sleep at the foot of our bed. A couple ride in the truck like I'm a Cabbie.

Love em, train em, run em, feed em right. They'll die in battle for me or the wife, if the trigger words get spoken by us.

Sorry if I'm long winded. I've seen too many good dogs gone bad by way of negligent owners.

I'm not saying you're a bad owner by any means, It's hard not to love a good dog and you seem to know that.

Good luck with em and it's never too late to start feeding em right.