Fall #21

 Last track until next Saturday (12/29) Windy and cold on top of the hill at Panorama Farm this morning. Had previously walked off a 450 yard straight track that had changes of cover (short mowed grass pathway, longer weedy grass, gravel road) The track started between the barn and the unmarked cemetery on the hilltop. As we started several cars drove up and a small group of people gathered at the barn. Otis stopped and looked at the group then carried on to track. Cars again were not an issue. Otis had a strong pull on the track. With the wind blowing across the track he would be blown off but self correct. Twice there were issues with what I can only assume were urine. Although he is very good with “leave it” when it is scat, he got stuck both times on the urine. Note to strengthen “leave it” in multiple situations and places. I placed two intermediate articles, one in the long grass and one following the road crossing. All article retrieves were animated especially the cat sponge at the end. Otis had challenges but they didn’t seem to phase him. Back to the car. Took our gear off. Otis had water and a great run. 





Comments

  1. JudiDecember 21, 2024 at 2:15 PM

    Have a wonderful holiday! You and Otis are doing an excellent job !

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fall #7

Image
 Great start! True to track. 1st leg was laid within 8 feet of a woods line. Heavy steps into and out of turns allowed me to add to what I record in my visual memory of his loss of scent behaviors. I will repeat this 2 turn track with 20 heavy steps into and out of both turns. FD at 10 after end of each set of heavy steps. FD pattern at 10 and 14. Article indication pick up at end of track. Water offered and taken. [At the beach through 11/6. Next track 11/7]
Read more

Winter #15

Image
 Best day today! Lots of enthusiasm and super turns. At the turns I gave him extra line and he made each turn spot on I thought. I was especially pleased there was one very small (!) whine. Otis did not get drawn into the brush pile. He had a strong pull throughout. Taking his 15 foot line to the beach (away now until 3/21) Hoping to find a small green space for at least some fun starts and article tracks. https://youtu.be/k3Gfdi_9y4c    https://youtube.com/shorts/RUIr-wQi66I
Read more

Fall #12

Image
 Today’s track goal was distance/duration. This straight line track was the longest he had ever done at 414 yards. It was windy blowing across the track. The wind did take Otis off a bit consistently to the right but the food drops at 15 and 20 always brought him back to right on. His start was strong without bucking. He tracked with energy and managed passing a roll hay bale with little more than an extra sniff and leg raise before getting back to work. I did put a larger food drop in the track beyond the bale. Otis stopped briefly at a major change in cover (photo) When he started in the right direction I quickly went with him. He loved the tall weeds, Spanish needles and high grass! His tracking was even stronger. I assume the length was holding more scent? There was evidence of quite a few bedding down areas most likely for deer. Put one of the 3 intermediate articles in this area and Otis was right on. Retrieves were high energy today. I was so pleased with the way Otis handle...
Read more