Come along as we train these two pups together.
Sköll belongs to Robert and Michele and is a Seppala bred for the sleddog trails, but he’s still too young to work until next spring. Durin is Nicole’s German Shepherd, bred for partnership, focus, and versatility. They aren’t related and aren’t the same breed, which is exactly the point.
This winter at our Willow base, we’re training them side by side to show Alaska Dog Works clients what strong foundation training looks like for different breeds. Same skills, different strengths, and one clear way to communicate.
The Goal Until Spring
Sköll won’t be pulling or doing heavy work. Durin won’t be rushed into protection or sport work. Instead, we’re focusing on solid obedience, building confidence in the Alaska winter, and helping them work around each other without picking up each other’s energy.
By April, our clients should see two dogs who can settle calmly at the trailhead while we get a sled dog team ready, come when called even with distractions, and walk together on loose leashes: a Seppala who works and a Shepherd who thinks.
How We’re Training Them Together (But Not the Same)
We use the same exercises for both, but we look for different things from each dog:
- Sköll (Seppala): We reward thinking and settling. His instinct is to go, go, go. We pay big for check-ins, disengaging from the other dogs, and choosing calm.
- Durin (German Shepherd): We reward confidence and independence. His instinct is to stick to Nicole. We pay big for exploring, working at a distance, and staying neutral around high-energy Sköll.
Each session is short. We start with them apart, then bring them together once they know the skill. This helps them avoid becoming too dependent on each other.
The 10-Minute Daily Reset We Use with Clients
Here’s the routine we’re filming and sharing this winter:
0:00-2:00 The Name Game
We start with one pup at a time: say their name, get eye contact, then give a treat. Then we try both together, but only the named dog gets the reward. This teaches them to listen as individuals, even when they’re next to each other.
2:00-5:00 Place in the Snow
We send them to a mat, bed, or rug. We practice this at home, at the kennel, and at the trailhead. We do three repetitions, then work on down-stays up to 30 seconds. This helps them settle even when things get busy.
5:00-8:00 Walk Together Nicely
We walk them side by side on loose leashes, giving treats every few steps when the leash stays slack. If one pulls ahead, we stop. They learn that the team only moves forward when both are calm.
8:00-10:00 Recall Swap
Michele calls Durin, and Nicole calls Sköll. This is important for client dogs because it teaches them to respond to different handlers, not just their main person.
Telling Their Story
We’ll share both the wins and the funny moments, like Sköll learning that not everything is a race, and Durin realizing that a noisy sled dog kennel is just background noise. Two owners, two breeds, but the same foundation.
Follow along with us this winter, and feel free to try these exercises with your own dog.
We offer a FREE Strategy Call.
Click on the graphic to learn more
Read More
Don’t Let Dog Training Stagnate: How to Proof Your Dog’s Obedience Beyond the Backyard
