10/31/23 field near Cabelas, Short Pump, VA

Short dry grass, weeds; 50F, cloudy

S5W20F10

Challenge arose on her track. While she did pretrack potty, a dog and owner walked somewhat along her final leg. I had flags out so I could tell.

She still downs for start article and seems to head out with more excitement...although it's still pretty laid back. This is in comparison to her off leash frenzy searches of quadrants with tail swinging widely for items. I am puzzled why her demeanor is so different.

First was open left turn, she went out passed it but her head came up and then headed right, so I stood and she was stopped by end of line (10-12 ft) . This time I backed up as she came back toward me like she was going to go behind me. This movement kept her in front and she went left and finally turned her body with nose down on the track. Next 90 degree left turn, she did the same thing and i backed up but she still circled around behind me. I was happy that she moved a little faster than her usual pace. That circle got her around to the turn. Right turn was nice, no extra coursing. Doing the straightaways, she just is chill, nonchalant. Not frantic, so it's easier for me to not miss her body language. I don't see the intense drive that some dogs in class show.

On the last leg, she went off to the side a few feet in 2 areas, but returned closer to the track. One time, her food drop helped out. On the track as a whole, she sometimes picked up the food. Perhaps I will change the WF pattern slightly.