Substance, quality, and a tight tug

In the sleddog world, the most commonly used indicator of effort is a tight tug, a line pulled tight by a dog leaning into the harness. In reality, the true measure of effort -- the difference between success and failure, excellence and mediocrity, substance and spin -- is more than just a line pulled tight. True effort, and true character, lie hidden in the stretch of the rope; a rope that begrudgingly yields an extra half-inch in elastic length to the straining, honest effort of the dog pulling it. The world is full of dogs that have learned how to keep their tugline tight without really pulling. From my view this seems to be common in the two legged world as well. It is easier after all, and who is going to know? Humans appear to have the added burden of “self talk”, often convincing themselves that they are exerting a degree of effort or contribution that is simply not supported by the evidence. For a sleddog, consistent effort resulting in that hard-earned half inch comes from within. It is not a matter of creating the illusion of effort with a line pulled just tight enough. Nor is it a matter of working to gain that half inch only when the trail is hard packed and fast. A tight tug is not an end in itself, but a byproduct of a dog being true to its character, regardless of the circumstances. A warm pile of straw at the end of the day will always feel better when you've earned it.

Bombo