Winter #6



1/16  There is still heavy snow cover on the fields at the farm and on both other fields I generally use. I did some exploring and found a field with patchy snow at Hollymead Town Center and put in 2 start tracks there. There is a good bit of traffic on 2 sides of this field and I’m sure folks from the town homes adjacent use it to walk their dogs. Given the terrain and possible contamination I was pleased with Otis ability to track ie going off the track but then coming back. (FD @10, 15) Track #1: I used a clip to mark the turn 5 yds previous to the turn. Great turn. On both tracks I used the 15’ lead trying to stay at 10’ on the track giving to 15’ at each turn. Having video now and being able to watch him track and make decisions is invaluable. Track #2: FD again @ 10, 15 Otis seemed more settled in to this track. I used “Leave it” for something rotting on the edge of the track and the practice we’ve been doing with “leave it” seemed to pay off. The turn was at an evergreen clump and another great turn. Just so thankful again to be able to watch his working multiple times. Happy article indication!

Track #1 https://youtu.be/ueZBbgOJqFk  https://youtube.com/shorts/SBPUOlbf5ZM

Track #2 https://youtu.be/rhaEZjFCLwk

Comments

  1. Jack's JourneyJanuary 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM

    nice articles, nice LOS, nice looking at your feet, nice hustle up the line, nice leave it.
    track 2, i could not see the start flag, your approach, his interaction and focus on the actual start.
    track 1, i could see that he had zero interest in the start. when your flag is close to something that every dog in the town has marked, either move your start flag or augment the start to help him FOCUS on the start. this is all very picky of me but i want him to be in work mode when he gets to that flag. he could not care less about the start in track 1. i think you are hooking to the harness too far from the start flag. go back and look at the start of track 1. slow down. help him on your next two tracks by hooking to the harness closer to the flag, then tossing a yummy on top of the article. just remind him that this is where the fun begins.
    so glad you have the ability to video. this will improve your handling!

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