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joeydokes t1_j2amlfa wrote

Reply to comment by Redbettyt47 in Considering moving to Vermont by Redbettyt47

Well, living in a rural squat (5+ac) might be a great fit for you!

Southern VT (below rte#4) is getting tamed by relocates, less salty, more manicured. Northern VT (above rte#2, say #15 north) still maintains its 'quaintness' with more resolve. Anywhere above/between Jeff and Jay is nice, as are communities on the NH border by the reservoir (the SilvioConte region is also fun to explore).

I suggested doing what the locals do as a way to meet-n-greet with interests in common. Maybe join the GMClub, NOFA, ... Are you into bees? get a hive. Into raising summer pigs? Find a breeder nearby.... e.g. get some roots in the ground.

I did not mean off-roading when i said cruise dirt roads, just good AWD/FWD+tires. VT roads are 90% dirt - get a Gazetteer /Atlas and try to get lost :) That said, having a snow machine is balls-o-fun (when it snows). You might prefer a fat-tire E-bike over an ATV unless going for long rides (rail trail...)

Burn wood for heat! Get a good chain saw, buy 6-cord grapple loads@time, buck/split/stack 1yr in advance. Stacked/seasoned firewood is money in the bank.

Last point: if you're pooch is off leash (which i find desirable) the proper definition of 'trained' is 100% under command. I've raised and trained 4 ridgebacks and current blackMouth cur; take it from someone who's walking in said woods daily: your voice control will neither mitigate your liability nor will it re-assure anyone you may encounter w/a pet (specially if theirs is leashed).

Also, you have to use/raise your voice in the quiet of the woods, which is making noise; IMO bad form. Training to a remote device/hand signals/ dog whistle is more effective; I never raise my voice above a whisper w/my dogs. We have understanding and I can correct them immediately for not respecting it.

I keep a flexi/longlead as backup. But the e-collar is the only way to A) be in control (and nip any signs of agression in the bud), and B) have the controler be a visible sign to other dog owners that my pet is not 'at large'. There's a protocol I utilize encountering strangers to assuage apprehension of my pooch(s).

VT is dog friendly, but not particularly for unleashed pets. It raises hackles of their past bad experiences, and though the owners may be just as much at fault... it will always be your fault .

My dog(s) were trained to run along side my ride for 3-4 miles/day as their exercise program. Ending at a stream where they can dip and chill. They learned to run along side at 10-12mph, past houses and farms. That's how I met my neighbors :) Very well trained pooches make good impressions. I suggest you take the effort to do the same, the payoff is worth it.

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Redbettyt47 OP t1_j2avly3 wrote

You’re willingness to share such details is really thoughtful. Thank you!

I’m not familiar with the groups you mentioned, nor have I considered raising bees or hogs, but honestly, those sound like wonderful hobbies and right up my alley.

Also, I took your off-reading as intentioned. Lol. I’m looking at 4x4 SUVs to be rigged, lifted, and trimmed out for overlanding, and dirt roads is what I’m in search of. 👍

I also agree with you about the recall-proofing and training. My boy is a standard poodle from a working line, so he’s a rugged, hearty hiking buddy. That said, while I understand the reasoning for e-collars, it’s something I won’t use, but I never allow him off-leash in non-designated areas and absolutely won’t unless his recall is completely solid. Given his size, I know he can look intimidating when at a full run, so long-lines work really well as a hybrid while he’s growing and learning, not to mention that an unleashed dog approaching another (leashed or otherwise), is just unsafe for all parties. Luckily, he loves training, but he also has a moderate chase drive since he’s a retriever (not kill/eat) so we’ve got quite a bit of work to do to mitigate that (plus, he’s a teenager still, so…lol). He knows hand signals and I’ve just started him on whistle training.

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joeydokes t1_j2b9xdm wrote

Sounds like you're making good plans; 90% of roads are dirt and pothole-proof vehicles pay off, specially during mud season:)

Green Mountain Club should be up your alley if into hiking. The whole growing/veggies and animal husbandry thing is the next level if you're intending to actually homestead. Was just suggesting ways to meet/integrate that might be helpful.

Regarding dogs it appears you have a handle on that too; though I cannot stress E-collars (Garmin Sportdog Pro) highly enough, as they are a perfect way to communicate w/your pooch. Specially when they see 'squirrel' and go off on a mad chase. But to each their own.

Also, FWIW, local small taverns are cool too; specially if they hosts local musicians/bands. Also, was a time when VT had fantastic festivals - the reggae-fest for one. Tix were cheap, a don't miss event. That's kinda petered out, but be sure to check out Bread-n-Puppet events; worth a drive.

Stay green, stay toasty!

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