Winter #4


 This was Otis’ first experience tracking in the snow. It was also his first time tracking in 8 days. I picked him up from the boarding kennel around noon and we tracked midafternoon. The track was only aged 25 minutes. Otis did buck forward but was not out of control in all directions as he had been the last time we tracked on 1/4. He did not stop for the food drops. I was pleased with the way he got past the brush pile which must have quite a bit of animal scent. The video was taken with Meta glasses.

Comments

  1. Jack's JourneyJanuary 12, 2025 at 1:57 PM

    nice approach to flag. i think it you repeat a track in the snow, i would put more food down. i know he was jacked up from being boarded and that contributed to his energy, but i think he would give you better nose down tracking with heavier food augmentation. and it looks like you have waaaay too much line out for the straight legs. at the brush pile, i could tell you moved up and i think that helped. i want you at 10 feet unless he is searching at a TURN. and even then keep it at 10 until he moves down the leg in the correct direction, then pay the line out and then step in behind him. and judi would tell you to look at your feet on the turns too!
    the meta glasses are waaaay cool! bring them to your class tuesday so judi can see them!

    ReplyDelete
  2. EWinterJanuary 12, 2025 at 3:26 PM

    Thanks so much for these suggestions and comments. Having video is going to be a big help for getting feedback. Perhaps I should go back to the 15 foot line?

    ReplyDelete
  3. JudiJanuary 12, 2025 at 4:28 PM

    Can’t wait to see the Meta glasses!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JudiJanuary 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM

    I agree with MAM on all points. FWIW….this is exactly how Fletch looked on his first snow track—he wanted to do his job, but gee whiz—ITS SNOW!!! And SO much fun to run and be silly! So, in recognition of that….try to track tomorrow before this all melts. Put food in every or every other footstep. TEACH him how to focus in this fun stuff. And when he’s silly….shorten line as he gives you an opportunity, say nothing (you speaking to him isn’t helping—he’s trying, but the snow is just TOO MUCH FUN). Laugh if you need to. Go with him when he’s right. And remember he’s a youngster. Love of the game is goal #1.

    I can’t upload Fletch’s video. If I’m in town for long enough I will, and will send you the link. It’s young dogs in the snow…. We did take Fletch for a long (1 hour) walk in the snow before track #2 and it seemed to help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. EWinterJanuary 13, 2025 at 4:43 AM

      So appreciate the help and patience of both of you! Took notes from both your comments and Mary Ann’s for this AM’s track. Going to go back to the 15’ line. Stay tuned!

      Delete

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