Handlers training and assessment day.

Winter is well and truly here.

• Times have now changed, so it is a 10am start for cleaning and 12 for walks - when there is one.
• The show season is finished

But... this means that the handlers get to spend time with the wolves, have time to be taught about handling wolves and a chance to be assessed - it also means there is a chance to do things a little differently.

This morning John did not let the wolves out early. He waited until all the handlers were there, then we went out and placed hot dogs and eggs all around the enclosures for the wolves to come out and 'hunt'. It is fantastic and a real difference for the majority of the volunteers to see the wolves actively hunting around the enclosure as, due to the fact that they are predators and conserve energy, the wolves are not usually doing much during the day. This is why I try and go to feed as much as I can as they are very differently behaved in the evening - a lot more active.

Kodiak finds an egg and rolls in it.		Kenai is definitely better at finding hot dogs
	Duma and Dakota Did not do much...		With the Euros they were all over the place
	Hot dogs placed in the trees made for interesting viewing
	Alba stretching up about 6ft (180 cm's)
	Latea was a bit slow and 'sheepish' - we think because there were some people shooting nearby
Then it was time for the potential trainees and trainees to take their written test in Trust knowledge. The revised plan for being a volunteer has been well thought out and put together by John and Gerry. John has also put together written tests and progression training so that there is a 'paper trail' for training and progression should the local authority or health and safety people ever require it. Whilst the 'tests' were being done, the assistant handlers and handlers got to go in with Duma and Dakota as we had an assistant senior (Paul) handler available. On the Saturday they had been swamped with Seniors and Assistant Seniors, but on the Sunday only Gerry (ASH), Paul (ASH) and John (Senior) were available.
		One happy 'pup' getting an ear rub
				Is that a smile?
	After the written test it is time for the trainees and potential trainees to go off for the practical.

When they got back the handlers then got to go off for a walk too - I did not take my camera then as I was handling... including through the stream at the bottom of the field.

I did take a few movie clips with my new phone (Orange SPV C500) which I would put on here, but they come out as MP4 and I can not get them to play in windows - if anyone knows how, or wants to try - email me using this link.

Another great day... after we had a walk round the field there was time to go and have a coffee and admire the 2005 calendar and Christmas cards - both featuring pics from yours truly..

Next week it is a Marwell Photo Shoot at the Trust on Sunday, so lots of photos, though at the moment it looks like lots of rain too!

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