All the dogs looked great today. Some homework for each of you…
Pam & Melissa: Welcome! We are very glad to have both of you, and both dogs did really well today. 3 tracks per training session, scuffed, food every~2 feet. Each track should be a bit longer than the one before it, keep the food at ~ every 2 steps. Don’t worry about it if they don’t eat it—even if they don’t use the treat as food, it’s still leaving a scent trail for them to follow. Ask for a down (or 5 of them, LOL) at the article, and then you can play with it. When test ready, you wont know where the article is, and it’s likely you wont be able to see it…so your goal is to teach the dog a very clear behavior for him to tell you he found it. If you look through the section of the website where I write stuff (actually, I think it’s this section), you’ll see me discussing article indication often. You can track every day if you want….minimum of 3 days a week will allow you to make forward progress. One short track is better than no tracks! Feel free to ask questions on your forum.
Susan K: alternate between days where you do 2, 2 turn tracks, and days where you do 4 Ls. I adore her enthusiasm….I’d like a bit more precision on the first 30 yards, without damaging her enthusiasm. I’m hoping working starts and alternate them with turn days might get that done. S10, W5, F3…..for 3-4 sessions, then try a S10 W10 F5. Use your best judgement to determine if you should continue with that, or maybe try S10 W7 F4.
Kelly: Try some tracks with turns close to scent challenges—turn ~3 yards from the woods, or a fence, or along the side of a hill—anything you can find that will allow you to get close enough for it to impact the scent. Scuff away from the turn, and maybe an article halfway down the leg. Let me know if you need a drawing of what I mean.
Karen: Once a week, Looooong tracks, with just 2 turns. Otherwise, alternate start days with 3 turn track days, and try to make on leg of the 3 turn ~100 yards. I can’t remember your S-W pattern…let’s leave it be for another week..
Kara: Keep on doing what you are doing, she looked great, and worked out a serious challenge today. Make sure you are putting random long legs in for her.
Carol: I’d suggest making sure you alternate between stair step track, starts, and obstacle exercises. He loves the woods, I’d spend some serious time on turning at the woods (not entering), bouncing off the woods, and turning immediately after exiting them. I think there’s a map of that posted, if not, let me know and I’ll post one.
Ann & Susan N: Both dogs looking great. Make sure you let the dog make the decision to cross/enter an obstacle—keep an eye on yourself and make sure you are being patient….but going willingly! The track I suggested for Carol and Bean would be good for your dogs as well.
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