New ground

Diary entry, 05.02.2012, Caroline Ritter

Pictures of the day (3 images)   

In April 2011 it had been the first time I came to the WSC with all my anticipations to new experiences, to new people and new impressions. As a student of Biology in Germany my plan was to participate in an only 3 month lasting internship, investigating the tolerance behaviour of dogs and wolves.
Today after about 10 month later, with some small interruptions, I am still here at the WSC. Most parts of my project are already analysed. Started as an internship I am working now as trainer assistant during this winter and therefore I more and more often have to enter new ground. Now then it is not only watching and learning anymore but applying learned methods especially in handling our animals.
That is why I am able to train our dogs now by myself and even make daily tests like touch screen and learning set on my own. As well as with the dogs a lot happens with the wolves. At the end of January my training with Shima, Nanuk, Wapi and Kenai started. This daily training is supposed to increase the relationship between me and them. The aim of this training will hopefully be some paid walks. Loved by most visitors through doing some paid walks even in the long run I could help our trainers and I guess the four wolves would also be happy about some more rounds on the leash.
Nearby it is not so easy to suddenly give a wolf some commands. Fortunately all four are really cooperative and like to participate in our daily “sit, down, turn, round, touch and paw”. And even the collar training starts to show some improvements. Therefore I really can call Shima as little swot. She is always absolutely sweet, advertent and motivated.
For me it still seems to have a little bit of magic that these amazing animals likely and freely are working so close together with us human. It is every day a wonderful experience.