Norwegian Elkhound Hiking and Running Elkhound Female
Jeff and Kelly along with Angus have Yrsa out with them on the coast of British Columbia. She is a constant companion for Jeff as he is hiking and running every day. I Thank Jeff and his family for the great life they provide Yrsa with and all the active lifestyle, she loves it!
“Hey Merv, Thought you might like to know, here are some of Yrsa’s stats. I track all my outdoor activities quite closely so I have a fairly good estimate of what Yrsa does as well. For 2023 Yrsa did around 5300 KM of trail running, hiking and walks with about 145,000 metres of ascent. She’s chunky, but fit.”
Attached are a couple of recent trail photos, (top one is sunrise this morning) 5 year birthday, of the amazing Yrsa. She continues to be the best dog I have ever known. This past year was an off year for bears. I think we only had two encounters and Yrsa handled both perfectly.
We have a good arrangement, I continue to feed her well and she continues to keep me safe. It’s possible we may pass through your way in September so may try to arrange a brief visit closer to that time.
Hi Merv, just a quick update on the best dog in the world! Attached is a photo of Yrsa coming in at the finish line of a 108 km trail race on Vancouver Island. Although dogs were not technically allowed on the course Kelly made sure that I could include her in the finish line sprint. It was only fair as she was my training partner and therapist through thousands of kilometres and countless metres of ascent and descent. She was a bit upset when I went out with my running gear and left her behind. All was forgiven when she met me near the finish as she was happy to be part of the festivities. I hope all is well with you. Thanks again for such a great dog! Jeff
Hi Merv, Yrsa continues to be a remarkable dog. The subject line (5000 mile check) is a conservative estimate of the mileage she has covered since I started really working her. She has proven to be a loyal, attentive and fierce running/hiking companion. She has warned off multiple bears and always stays close to ensure my safety. She has amazing stamina and can cover 50 kms over a day with lots of ascent and descent.
I cannot really say that I have done much rigid training. I have tried to be with her as much as possible and simply praise her good instincts. She is always off leash in safe settings but generally stays within about 100 meters. If she is ahead and comes to a junction in the trail, she stops and waits. I can signal her with my hand and tell her to go ahead.
If Yrsa does get a bit further away and is unsure of my location she “calls” me with one short, deep bark. I call back and she finds me. They have been a couple of occasions when someone has been hidden off the trail and she has become appropriately protective. She is really the perfect running/hiking companion.