Paul Olives, manager of the Repaire des Huskys located at the exit of the village of Arreau, is the one to whom I entrusted the heavy task of reconciling me with the canine species. It was not easy
By Bruno Boubin
Until now, my relationship with dogs has amounted to … two bites at zero. For the dogs eh, not for me! The prospect of visiting “The Huskies’ Den” was therefore moderately exciting for me. Discovering that I was going to entrust my physical integrity to a former laboratory technician, was definitely not comforting. Yet I lived an exceptional experience.
Diplomé d’État de la jeunesse, de l’éducation populaire et du sport option ” Attelage canin “, this singular ” musher ” opened his den in the summer of 2018. His ambition: to make his visitors aware of the behaviors to adopt in the presence of dogs … through an educational discovery that he has developed.
His method: the exchange. At this point in our interview, the prospect of me pawing at Nordic dogs with the benevolent smile of the blissful benign was still the stuff of nightmares. And yet…
To build my confidence, Paul began my dog education by instructing me on how to behave in the presence of a dog. Virtually, it’s pretty simple. You stay still, you present him with the palm of your hands and you avoid looking him in the eyes. In practice, you definitely feel like you’re adopting the behavior of the atoning victim. Although he assured me that a dog’s vision is blurred but that the slightest movement is likely to attract his gaze, when I entered the Huskys’ enclosure, I was in a hurry. To set the scene, he asked me to stand in a place in the enclosure where I had an unobstructed view … on the occupants of seven kennels. Siberian Huskies, Greenland Dogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds happily greeted our intrusion with the most … agonizing barking and commotion. MY experience could begin.
Indifferent to the stress I was trying to mask by casting furtive glances in the direction of the 7 furballs facing me, Paul bluffed me. He quietly talked to them while distributing some treats in their bowl. He gave me the time to realize that I was not dreaming. Then, finally deigning to make sure I hadn’t fainted, he made the introductions. And there, my readers, I was riveted. So much so that three minutes later, I was pawing at the husky with the pleasure and pride of a man who believes that the world belongs to him. In order not to frustrate anyone who will have the chance to experience this, I’ll let them discover how a primary cynophobe managed to let go so quickly.
This educational discovery is for everyone and Paul has designed it to make meeting his dogs a singular moment. The first phase of this discovery consists of games. Without the presence of the dogs. Once each participant has learned the basics of the behaviors to adopt, Paul invites them to go to the pen. Those who would be reluctant to have a sudden relationship with a Greenland dog or a Siberian husky are cordially invited to observe them outside the enclosure. For the others, enjoy watching the energy that emanates from these northern dogs as they feverishly frolic around you. You’ll quickly understand why the poodles flunked the sled dog test.
“Cani-rando” and “Rando-aventure”
Paul organizes “Cani-randos”, from 8 years old, from 7:30 to 9:30 am, and his educational discoveries, from 10 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 6 pm. Only on reservation. For the more athletic, it also offers half-day “adventure hikes”. To know all the modalities, you can contact ” Le Repaire des Huskys ” at 06.62.15.25.26. Last precision. When he welcomed me, Paul clearly indicated that he was talkative. It had been a while since a talker had bored me with such enriching reflections.