KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

I love dogs. However, they have severely restricted my photography outings in the past year.

Our family has always had dogs, but we also had seven kids to go out and play with them. After all of our children grew up and left home, the dogs eventually died. So, after several years without them we decided to get two more. Two, because they tend to entertain each other. Before, we always got them from the animal shelter or the dog pound and we always had great dogs.

This time, we got the dogs we always thought we wanted, a German Shepherd and an Alaskan Malamute. I got a Malamute because from everything I had read they were much more calm than a Husky (that has yet to be proven true). We got females because they are much more likely to stick around and not run off. We got them both as pups about a year and a half ago.

They are great dogs but they take a lot of time and energy out of me. They need to be walked, watered , and fed. Where's those kids when you need them? Walking them is a CHORE. Unless you've had one, you would not believe how strong a 90 pound Malamute can be, especially dangerous when there is snow & ice on the ground, which, here in Northern Michigan is about 7 months out of the year.

By herself, the German Shepherd is very smart & well behaved. The Malamute pretends like she's deaf when given a command. She will run off whenever she is free of the leash, rope, or cable. The German Shepherd will then follow her instead of listening to me. When together, they are constantly, and I mean CONSTANTLY play-fighting with each other. On a walk with both of them, they are at each other, chasing off, or running into me, tangling me up in their leashes. Getting the mail with them is a workout with our 800 foot driveway.

How does this relate to photography, you ask? I find I have very little time to go out and take pictures, and probably my energy level is a bit lower now. Believe me, I'm not complaining, as I said, I love the dogs. However, as the New Year turned over, I realized how few photos I had taken this past year.

This morning I looked out over the field and saw the sun shining through a beautiful heavy frost on the bushes. So, I put the dogs in their crates, grabbed my camera and went out. It was almost like a new experience. I guess I'll just have to make time for both the dogs & photography.

That's my rant for the new year. Dogs & frost photos below.

Really, they're just playing.



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Vietnam Vet

Friends once gave me 2 Alaskan Malamute puppies. They were the best dogs I could have ever hoped for.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Sounds to me like you need to get serious about some dog training. I love dogs but without some training and discipline they can be difficult to live with. Even females want to be the alpha dog if the owner doesn't fill that space. No criticism intended, JMHO.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Very nice shots of the dogs. My first dog when I was in Grade School was a male Collie. It had problems with biting those it was not familiar with. We returned the dog to animal shelter. My next dog was a female Boxer. She was a really Intelligent dog. There are few of them where I live. Pit Bulls are the norm here now. Some Greyhounds are adopted who retired as Racing Dogs of past years. Some were abused, and needed TLC time, to adjust to their new owner. They are built for running, with a slim, streamlined build. Yes, dogs are indeed man's best friend.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

My crew heartily approves of this set and wishes they could run with the big dogs!

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

I love the photos of your furr babies!!!!

You have no idea what a great laugh I got from your post. Years ago I had 4 Akitas, 2 Malamutes and 1 Chow. All at the same time. Our best friend at the time had a Husky and since he was in the Army and often deployed Terri spent a lot of time here with my 7 dogs. The Mals were the most hard-headed dogs I had ever dealt with. All the dogs were obedience trained and the Mals were the hardest to train due to their stubbornness. The Akitas and Chow were much more willing to learn. Even though I loved them all I would not have another Mal (or Husky). I am hoping that I have time for 1 more big dog in my life and that will be another Akita. Best dogs I have ever owned!!!!

The twice a year de-shed on all those fur balls resulted in several garbage bags full of hair being put into the trash not to mention the new vacuum every other year.

I currently have a Golden Retriever mix that I adopted from the pound. Murphy is a sweet, sweet boy but is not the sharpest tool in the shed and I wouldn't trade him for the world. Love that goofy Golden!!!

Best wishes for you and your furballs. I hope to see many more photos of them!!!

Dodie

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice shots.

GAS496 Loc: Arizona

Some of my best photographs and times photographing were when I was alone. No distractions. While I love to go with friends or spouse or bring the dogs too my best photography demands undivided attention. You just can’t concentrate appropriately enough when you are worried about pleasing someone else.

Boomer Jim Loc: Newcastle Okla

Watch Cesar Millan "The Dog Whisperer" on Saturday morning.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

We have a new Labradoodle, getting close to 5 months old. She definitely is a bird dog and stalks birds at my feeders in the back yard. She definitely is disruptive for back yard photography. But, you know what, I still love her and she loves back when she is not full of crapola. So, when I am chasing birds, she is in her crate.

Granddad Loc: UK

Nice set of images.
Dave.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Dogs are pack animals. They will "choose" a pack leader, the alpha dog. Size is of no consideration as dogs have no concept of size. It is up to the human to be the pack leader, if you don't one of the dogs willrun the show. Espacially with big "dangerous" dogs , propper training is a must. 4 things are a must--Come--sit--stay--and walk on a leash. Remember-- you are criminally liable if one of your dogs attacks someone.

scatman Loc: Waterbury, CT

You have two beautiful companions.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Your dogs are beautiful. The kindest dog I ever had was a malamute. Actually, he came from the pound, but that's what they said he was. He was well-behaved in every way, however, he could be protective. My favorite dog was a shepherd. He was smart, but I did have to watch him when people came. But he was a very good protector for someone who lived alone 90% of the time. My childhood dog was a collie. My dad said she understood when you explained things to her. I believe it. I'm not sure I'd want more than one at a time, though.

agillot

i have a boxer from the shelter [ 10 yrs old ? ] .the dog goes on birding sessions with me , tied to my belt with a clip / leash .she learn quick not to get in the way .now , on secluded parts in the bush , you have a body guard .