SEPPALAS ARE DELIGHTFUL DOGS to live with! Although obviously they are hardy, energetic working sleddogs, they have a drive to relate to people, a great deal of intelligence, and the ability to understand what is expected of them. These traits combine to make them fascinating companions. Virtually every single Seppala we've ever known would happily have been a full-time house pet, given the chance. HURLEY, at left, a big male who had never been anything but a kennel dog, always wanted to be a house dog. Finally at age nine he gave up and quit eating (he who was always dubbed Hungry Hurley). We thought he was dying, and brought him into the house. Once he'd made it inside, he decided he couldn't die (or maybe thought he'd already gone to heaven); thereafter he lived to the age of fifteen as one of Isa Boucher's house dogs, always a perfect gentleman inside.
ONE UNBREAKABLE RULE must be observed with Seppalas; they cannot be allowed to run loose without a secure fence. They have a strong instinctive hunting drive that will lead to disaster, and no sense of danger from roads and highways. They must be kept tethered or in an enclosure that is escape-proof when they are not under direct supervision; they are not to be trusted off-lead. Their drive to run and their hunting instinct are closely tied together; the combination of the two will override any training.
WITH THAT ONE RESTRICTION, they are charming companion animals. My best leader, TONYA OF SEPPALA, has been my personal pet since puppyhood, chosen at three weeks' age to eventually replace old DREAMA in that capacity. She crawls into my sleeping bag on cold nights. She happily remains on guard in the cab of my truck, sitting alert with her chin rested on the steering wheel, for long hours on trips to Whitehorse. She walks at heel on lead in the unfamiliar and intimidating downtown environment. She accepts a constantly-changing parade of other dogs that I bring into my tiny shack for socialisation. I could not ask for a better friend and companion. That she is a superior lead dog as well seems almost unbelievable. Before TONYA came along, DREAMA and KIDRON were equally staunch and faithful personal sidekicks. Seppalas simply do not conform to the often-heard dictum that a working dog cannot be a pet.
BASIC COMPANION-DOG obedience training -- I do not mean the stylised "obedience trial" rituals -- takes a little patience and persistence, perhaps, but Seppalas become quite good at these basic items in time. They want very much to please you (unlike most northern dogs) and they prefer peace and harmony. They live together well as house dogs; Isa generally has six to eight in her small cabin at all times, half males and half females, with no quarrels. Adult Seppalas remain easy to train and can be taught indoor manners quickly. Physical punishment isn't needed and does not work well with Seppalas; a reprimand in a harsh, disapproving tone of voice is all that is usually required, at most a slap to get the attention of a dog who's really acting out of order. Positive reinforcement is the key.
HOUSE-DOG SEPPALAS seem to learn to understand what is said to them in conversational tones, provided it's about things of interest to them. We have learned over the years not to be afraid to treat them as intelligent, aware persons. They respond positively to respect, and generally have strong notions of their own personal dignity.
BASIC CARE OF COMPANION SEPPALAS is very easy. They require
brushing only when they cast off their old coat, at which time it's good
to have a steel comb and a brush of the type composed of fine steel
wires 1/2 inch long bent slightly at the midpoint. They don't need
bathing as the coat sheds dirt quite well and is so thick that it's difficult
to wet it through. They have no doggy odour. One meal a day (for
adults) plus table treats, water available at all times, a securely-fenced
back yard so they can run outside to do their business last thing at night
and first thing in the morning, and a soft place to sleep, plus LOVE, are
all they need. As to that place to sleep, give them any choice and it will
be on (or in) the bed with you. If you live in the far North, they make
great bedwarmers on frosty evenings. Otherwise give them a bed of
their own and make it stick.
They cannot be left alone inside all
day; your absence will cause them too much anxiety and it will come
out in chewing and other misbehaviour. Seppalas like to have their
people around. Even our kennel dogs howl dolefully when we leave the
property. They just aren't the kind of dogs for cities or apartment
living; but they are perfect companions in a northern cabin.
