Turtle Flambeau Flowage , my pup Max ‘s first trip … success!!

10 years ago, my pup Jake was 6 months old. His first trip was with a buddy of mine … an old poster on this site named Hogan. We visited the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in northern Wisconsin.




Today I returned from the TFF with my 10 year old Vizsla named Jake, a veteran of many trips to the bush, and my 11 month old pup named Max. He is a Hanoverian Scent Hound. I am currently training him to track wounded deer as well as therapy work. We were once again accompanied by my friend Hogan. Although I had some concerns about Max, this trip was an very rewarding success.

As we turned down Murray’s Landing road, the boys perked up, Jake knew we were close to the put in. As I started to load my gear Max suddenly seemed to “get” what all the training was about this summer. He looked at me and jumped into the canoe … refused to get out making loading it much more difficult. I was glad he was excited to go. After I got the canoe loaded, I told Jake to get in and took a picture as it reminded me of his first trip 10 years before.


We had about a 1 hour paddle on a beautiful day, exploring the Flowage. Eventually we found a nice place to stay for the next few days. I humped our gear and set up camp. Max loved the trip, we explored the timber, processed firewood, paddled around, checked out various islands etc. He was so well behaved on this trip. He and Jake absolutely love exploring with me. Tripping with Jake has been one of life’s
most rewarding blessings. Now, doing this with my two dogs, it is even more special.Max has a long way to go, but his first trip was a terrific success!

Sorry pics are out of order, posting from my iPad is a nightmare … too many gremlins live in it.

Congratulations on a great first trip, Max. And good job to you too, Jake, for being such a good role model.

They looked in their element. Really glad it worked out for you.

Alan

That’s great, brought a big smile to my face this morning. Plus their in a wooden canoe!

Give those boys a big ole pat on the head for me! They look like good boys!

Congratulations on Max doing so well. Looks like it was a great trip.

It looks and sounds like you had a great trip Bob. Do you have to be concerned about your dogs scratching the bottom of your boat with their claws?

I worry more about sand getting between the ribs and wearing away the varnish. With the sleeping pads in the boat, the boys know where I want them. Depending on the trim I need dictates which dog I call into the canoe first, and point to the correct mat. Their nails rarely touch the wood. That said, I do not believe it would be problematic if they did.

The boys enter and exit the canoe ( or my truck ) only when I call their name. Makes for safer canoeing, especially when landing in rock gardens.

Yeah, I thought it could be a problem. Luckily you have them well trained and they stay on the pads. It would be quite the trick if you could teach them to rinse their paws and then shake the water off before getting in.

They do rinse their paws … but do not shake them out! I have not been able to train that skill yet.

Love the TFF! We have been up there several times. Thanks for sharing!

Looks like a fantastic trip and great dogs! Well done training them, including training a role model for Max.

What is a Hanoverian Scent Hound/why did you opt for one? What boat and paddles are you using? Looks like your cedar GP I asked about before? Fine looking combo: boat, paddles and dogs!

Looking at your pics again Bob, I noticed the one where you are tumping a pack. It seems like it would be a hard shot to set up with a self timer and I can only assume it was taken by one of the dogs. Very well done on the dog training.