Summer #7
Wanted to continue to have a positive return to tracking after having 2 months off. Otis always enjoyed retrieving articles and the “article track” so I planned an article track with one turn for the big field at Panorama. After the first 2 articles I finally (!) realized/remembered I could/should be coming back up the line every time he stopped to eat a food drop or retrieve an article. Thought he did an amazing job staying attention-wise on track and retrieving his articles. The practice opportunities for footwork were great for me. Waited at the tall weed turn until he made his commitment. Beautiful weather, he enjoyed his “work” and found MY FATHER’s WALLET! Trusted him and I knew he could/would.
https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTjvFCnocaR
https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTjvFGnoczi
https://go.screenpal.com/watch/cTjvFHnoczF


Excellent focus, both of you. Much improved 'stand still, play the line'. Thank you for watering him. Keep that up. I think his turn was better because you stood still and he builds confidence without your moving.
ReplyDeleteTwo items: do not approach the flag straight on to your track. Come in at an angle. And next article track should be straight line, no turn. But you could cross the drive or a dirt path - just augment the crossing either with scuffs, baby steps, scent pad, food, etc.
I agree with MAM. And Emaline, TDX chooses us….not sure this is going to make sense…but we take the dog on a training journey to learn an infinite number of new skills. We (the dog and the human) revel in figuring out how to both train (human) and perform (dog) the new skills. IF, as the journey progresses, the two of you find you are “there”, then you start thinking, “oh, maybe we will go for a TDX.” So start with the joy of teaching, and maintaining your partner’s joy in learning, in solving problems….and see where that takes you.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I have a blog post to put up, cuz all of you who are thinking TDX are in need of this!