Ark, my big Jämthund stud dog was up with me yesterday doing a high elevation hike off leash. He is a very skilled mountain dog and his instinctive behavior were on full display all day long.

Constantly watching out for me, circling around, catching scents and always maintaining an area of security as we moved up the ridges and traveled along the trails.

Game trails and old skid trails are my favorite paths and of course as you can imagine these are where your bound to come across wildlife. Once I enter the upper ridges the trees open up and it’s easier to see a distance but in the main forest, trees are tight. So it’s very beneficial for me to have Ark scouting the trails as I come along.

It’s much easier for me up top, but that takes a while, so I rely on Ark to scent our way, keep our path safe and I trust him explicitly. He is an amazing big fella.

Vikings have for centuries long before us moved through regions of terrain much like we do today, they too relied on the dog to pave the way. Hunters, settlers, remote trappers and all those that came before us also relied on these dogs. To be able to provide them yet to great families and adventure oriented individuals is a great honor.

Dogs like Ark, who are stud dogs need to exhibit behavior consistent with the instincts we should be breeding for. For me to witness his incredible skill level in remote terrain is so rewarding, not just from the aspect of enjoyment and safety, but for the knowledge that what we as a preservation breeder are doing is actually happening, it’s there. I get to see it, witness it, respect the instinct for all of it’s greatness.

Keeping the great off leash ability and instinct front and center in our dogs and breeding program is crucial. I am pleased with our time together, our bond, he is a magnificent dog. The response time of such a dedicated Elkhound is amazing. He is quite something, so intuitive to my hand signs, voice command, my motions and signals. Fascinating big fella this Ark.

By all means check out my video of him, watch his response, check out how he responds to the slightest hand signs, this my friends is a serious stud dog, a magnificent hiking companion and a truly great Elkhound.