Introduction-E

After going on their own, they would stop by themselves?
Pauloosie: At first they would run, but further ahead they would start to look back and
realize and come to a stop.
They would come back for you when you were finished?
Pauloosie: I would go towards them. But after you shot a seal the dogs would come right
away; that’s how they were. That’s how many hunters’ teams were; mine was not the only
one like that. I’m just telling about mine. Lots of hunters’ teams were like that.
So, dogs are good at learning?
Pauloosie: Yes, even in summertime we used to go hunting for caribou, walking inland,
bringing dogs to carry loads. If they were not trained they would be running around at
first, but afterwards they would learn to walk behind the owner. That’s how they were.
Even when there were caribou, they would not run after them?
Pauloosie: In that event, it became a rush to keep up because they tended to follow the
scent of the animal.
You didn’t have the dogs on a leash?
Pauloosie: No, but they were dragging a piece of rope tied to them, so in case of an
emergency they could be tied up to a rock.
They would not try to eat the food they were carrying?
Pauloosie: If they were trained and they were carrying meat, they would just lick the
blood that was leaking on the outside, not try to eat what was inside.
Could dogs be used by another person besides their owner?
Pauloosie: They could, but because he was not their master, they would not be as
obedient.
They didn’t listen very well to someone who was not their owner?
Pauloosie: No, they didn’t obey as well with others. Anybody who wanted to use dogs
that were not their own was welcome to, but dogs were less obedient with those who
were not their masters. That’s how it was. I’ve done this myself.
118 Introduction to the Oral Traditions