The dogs are indoor/outdoor dogs who currently live in the valley of N. California. They're usually indoors except when we're at work.
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We've brought our lab up from Seattle and she LOVED it. Snow to run in, roll in. She learned how to pounce had on 1/2" ice so she could go swimming in Nov and early Dec. Lots of moose and squirrel smells to follow, vole trails to dig through at the base of the snow.
There are lots of labs in Alaska because they are good outdoor dogs, good in cold weather, great in cold water. I wouldn't leave one at -30F unless they'd seen a lot -15F already and had a good dog house.
Our was always slept at the foot of our bed at night but loved to play outside down to about -15F.
Plan on doing a little aversion training for the moose - you want a really solid "Leave it." command in May when they drop calves - they get kind of hornery then. Maybe borrow a shock collar for two weeks. Ours learned that all moose at electrified after a few times we set her up and never had a problem after that. (Yeah, I didn't like shocking our dog, but it seems so much better than getting stomped).
I like a dog door with a cover. So you can easily close it is there is a moose or porcupine in the yard.
I wouldn't leave the dogs outside. You need to let them be indoor dogs, or leave them behind when you move to Alaska.
Buy a dog house.
Your're talking to an Alaskan! Let me tell you that Labs, especially black ones are one of the largest breeds up here. They are feild trial dogs and as you know a lot of hunting goes on in these parts. Your dogs will love you rip around in the snow. We have like 8 dog parks, doggie day cares, some pretty good vets to choose from. Alaska is a dog friendly state. All the coffee shops hand out dog bones to all the fur-buddies when you get your morning coffee. They will love it, I am not sure you will if you don't like snow %26 cold.
Your dog should not be housed outside, only for potty breaks adn play time.
well when your not there in the day time maybe you could get a crate for them and put them in there during the day until you get home or get a dog house thats realy warm for in the daytime outside. they should adjust ok. they may not like it at first
Alaska is a bit chilly compared to your current climate. I'd say you probably won't want to be leaving them out up in Alaska when you're off to work, but rather provide a warm place in the garage at least if you can't or won't allow them in your home when away.
As for the temps for regular potty outs, they should be fine. They might get the job done quicker when it's chilly tho!
Yes, they will adjust! Plus since you have two, they will keep each other company.Dogs are pretty much cool about moving.Especially if you take them for drives often.Good luck to your move to beautiful Alaska!
I'm sure your dogs could adjust to living anywhere, as long as they are with you!
You will probably put doggie jackets on them in the winter, but here's what you should do that you probably won't. PUT BOOTIES on them! They are not huskies and their feet will be very cold. they are available and you should put booties on them.
when thay go out put coat and boots on the there paws,It well take them awhile to ajust to the cold,but thay will.
dogs in general are very resiliant creatures, some have even been known to survive weeks in the snow, when they are accustomed to being indoors. to be safe though, make sure you watch your dogs for the first couple weeks, and if their behaviors change at all, take them indoors for a couple days.it may take them a month or 2 to get used to the climate change
Dogs will do OK, there is quite a large Lab community in AK, and some great field trial clubs if you are into running your dogs.
my dog went from washington state to california and he was fine. just maybe think about shortening or shaving hair
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