Fall #2

 10/5 Panorama 7:35 59 degrees Turns+Contamination Fog and sun

I made multiple mistakes today-will learn from them. Otis didn’t know and still loves me. I heavy scuffed past the gate post (contaminated most likely by farm manager’s dogs.) I also put FDs before and after. Otis ignored the post and kept tracking. Great job! Now for my lesson #1: Choosing better double line ups-between the time I laid the track and Otis was on the track, the fog was gone and the sun had changed what it was shining on. To me the line up looked totally different. Luckily my footsteps in the grass were visible. Otis went over the road well (FD on and following) Lesson #2 Marking turns to be absolutely sure-I noted the 1st turn to be between tire marks in the grass. When Otis ran the track there were multiple such places. Ugh! Was able to get us back with the line up. Then this leg went over a mown pathway similar to the paths he loves to take and run on in a different area on the farm so he wanted naturally to take this mown pathway. Need to be more cognizant of variables that make a big difference. Also need to put a heads up clip in to mark turns if I can’t be 100 % sure I’ll know where the turn is. And do a better job of assessing double line ups. Otis finished well and had great article indication. He was happy and I got necessary reminders and learned critical lessons to use going forward.




Comments

  1. JudiOctober 6, 2024 at 4:20 PM

    OMG. This made me laugh out loud. I’d love to tell you this is the last time you’ll make this mistake….but it’s not! I can’t even count the number of times I’ve turned by the _________, only to find out later, when we are running the track, that there are 40 _________ in the field! At some point, this will make you trust your dog, and appreciate his honesty. and, you have trained him to be honest. So it’s a win-win. As far as double line ups changing…it’s a fact of life. Judging, lined up on a brilliant red tree (autumn). Storm overnight. Next day, red tree bare……. As an aside…yes, if difficult, mark turns with a clip or washer. But…in the end, you MUST trust your dog. Try not to be so focused on where the track is that you forget to let the dog SHOW you where it is. Your trust in him builds his confidence…which builds your confidence….which builds his, etc etc etc.

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