Tracking With Otis

https://youtu.be/m1Asecg87I8  Grass fairly long and wet. Food every step on tracks 40, 45 and 50 steps. Otis put his nose down and headed to the first flag. There was a man walking on the road that Otis had noticed as he was going up to the first track. The gentleman I know from the neighborhood called out. I gave minimal responses and although I purposely do not talk while Otis is tracking I did on the first track as the walker was passing fairly close. I was pleased with the way Otis ignored him. O had minor frustration (whining) on Track 3 but came back around to the track and finished it.

https://youtu.be/g2GXCui6Iwg  First day in new field. New distractions, longer grass. As I walked the 3 tracks (35, 40 and 45 steps) I wondered how Otis would deal with “invisible” small food pieces in the longer grass. (He had previously been working in much shorter grass where most of the food was visible) I felt the longer grass was a positive and drew his nose deeper. He persevered and followed nose down. Some circling at beginning of tracks but then followed steps/food until he got to the third track. Part of the way down, he saw the end flag, knew I think that’s where the big payoff was and he was off to the races.

  https://youtu.be/C4IzB9gHQfE Continuing with the goal of nose down following track + article play. Tracks today were 30, 35 and 40 steps. Went back to the church greenspace as it was drizzling a bit and likely no one would be out playing catch with their dogs. 1st track was the best of the 3 I thought for being consistently engaged. Gradual adding of steps/ distance does not seem to be a factor. Going to work article play separately to build value.

https://youtu.be/4duyrc86ZQ4 We went back to the church greenspace this AM. Video is of first 2 of 3 tracks. Between tracks 2 and 3 a man with a loose Doberman came into the field and started throwing a ball so I took Otis to the car and gathered up the flags and final article. Regarding O’s work on 1 (25 steps) and 2 (30 steps) he appeared to have the idea of food in the grass and being able to find it with his nose as I can hear him scenting. Not sure why as you can see in the video he turns sideways to eat then turns back. I do not pull him back to the track but I do try to keep my hand that’s on the leash at the track.  I had had an idea for a new tracking field and after today’s incident I knew I needed to stop and talk with the owners about access. (Photo below) The Breedings are in their mid80s and seemed so happy to see me. We had a wonderful visit and they caught me up on their son and daughter both of whom I taught and who are now in their 50s 😳 So pleased and thankful f...

 8:10 AM Back to the church greenspace. Minimum distractions of distant traffic and the crows were back also at a distance. Otis looked up to check surroundings but went quickly back to the track. Tracks of 20, 25 and 30 steps. Put food inside the articles instead of on top to open, celebrate, eat. Trying to keep routine the same each time out. Grass wet from dew and was mowed not too closely last week. https://youtu.be/1ZpOzrQm9rs

https://youtu.be/ZksYtgMNLrw Otis Practice Day 2 Actually went out yesterday (Saturday) Could not go where I went Day1-greenspace at our church as there was a road race there so went to Chris Green Lake Park. It was a mistake that I learned from. Although remote, there were people arguing in a vehicle, others slamming trash cans, a jet as it’s near the airport and a couple playing frisbee golf. I aborted with lots of treats and article play and went home. Tried again this AM @ 7:30 back at the church greenspace. 3 tracks 15, 20 and 25 ft. Video is of Track 2. There were some loud crows on the ground nearby. O noted then put his nose back on the ground. Felt idea of grass growing food is an idea that is beginning to take root and can be “fed” by practice. My thought is that it would be best to not vary location until this idea really begins to take hold. There are few and minimal distractions there. Will travel to the beach 10/22 through 11/5 and will practice on what I hope will be a q...

https://youtu.be/Yx8DYtqCwLU?si=ZusB0A4W536TlYpw I put in 3 consecutive tracks: 10, 15, and 20 steps with food in each step. There was a jackpot on the article at the end of each track. Track 1: Quickly followed nose to track, small jackpot at start, when he started I tried to hold firm without giving too much distance off and without pulling back to the track.  Track 2 and 3: He just kept motoring to 2 then to 3! Had nice distractions behind of traffic and ladies walking and talking. Turned his head then back to work.