10/11/23

Field near BonSecours urgent care& Cabelas, Henrico, VA

68F, very light breeze in direction of the 1st leg, dry short clover grass mix

S5 W20 F10 on 90 degree left, right and right turn track

At end article, I put a throw toy inside to try to get her to be more animated on her tracks. I jumped up for joy before giving food and did some energetic tosses after she downed to indicate. Since I am doing one track per session, I don't have to worry about her being obsessed with the ball or toss toy. But, back to the start flag.

Regret that I didn't video this track as mid way, I realized that I am not sure what to work on next. River downed and looked at me at the start. Still puzzled as she did not down at class. She went calmly and slowly but directly to the first turn, a left. Possibly, that left is her strength. Then, on straightaways, she continued on the track, and for food drops she's having to turn back around for some, instead of picking them up going forward. For the next turns, both right, she did pick up her head and check left or go straight before turning to the right and putting head down and leaning a little more with her shoulders to get back on the track. The second right turn had hardly any coursing to the left, mostly forward motion through the turn point. When she finds the article, she downs. I'm so happy that this is automatic.

Looking for more excitement from River as she starts her next track with the addition of the throw toy/ball at the end as part of the reward.

Again, not exactly sure of plan for next run, other than increasing the food walk pattern.