1/19/25. Short tracks around fences and woods
1/19/25. Laid these short tracks one at a time, ran him within 5 minutes and put him in the car to marinate while I laid the next one. Food drops varied between 10-15 steps apart. He got better with each track. Track #1. Struggled at the turn into tall cover https://youtu.be/imxw4lYuoHA?feature=shared Track #2 short track from tall cover to short towards fence https://youtu.be/bA4Q4ZZpGu4?feature=shared Track #3 Between 2 fences towards woods https://youtu.be/R9EverPLGJ8?feature=shared Track #4 Parallel woods and turn away https://youtu.be/88B4jnpOJYc?feature=shared
Some pretty nice work here. I would add in petting to his indications because there will be a day in training where you skip feeding an article. I know you are working to strengthen your down (and it is improving) but pet him too!! You dont show food drops that I can see on the map, but if it were me, I would surely be dropping food while plotting/laying to reward his awesome restarts (most with commands that release him - yeah!) This was a hard outing, which he did well on. Dont keep adding hard shit. I personally would surprise him on his next outing with a 60 yard straight line in a brand new place. Start article, article at 40, restart jackpot at 50, end article 60. Lots of petting and laughing and playing at the end. A joyful easy outing.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with MAM. 80% of Fletch’s articles (or any of my other dogs) have a restart cookie. The importance of an enthusiastic restart can’t be overstated. A tired dog who has worked his heart out needs to be re-energized by an article—play, pets, water, and a food reward for restarting. And, for the love of god….EASY HARD EASY. The dog decides if the track was hard, not you. And you plan the next one to stick to the easy-hard-easy pattern as defined by the dog!
ReplyDeleteMay I also say, it thrills me to see your accurate reproduction of the training track I designed. Those training tracks aren’t random thoughts—a lot of trial and error birthed them. And I love seeing someone use them as published. Thank you.
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