12/7/23 Tucker Park, Maidens, VA

S5W40F20 + extra food

Duration straight track of about 250 yds. Ended up being aged only 1/2 hour. Kept surface to only mostly dry short weeds, with some soggy spots. The middle of the track is susceptible to persons with dog crossing on walks or play, so I was generous with food drops, instead of 1 drop, I added another 2 steps later.

I was totally expecting River to be almost directly on the track line for most of the length and she did. At the middle section, she was a bit back and forth, so weaving, did stop once turning in front of me in a baby circle left to right, counterclockwise, but went back for the food drop. She finished up with spine on the track to the article, which did not have food, so she pawed, contemplating it and then downed. For after fun time with ball, I put the ball across the gravel path. She just went right to looking for it. I don't believe the track length was too much of a problem.

I also let the line out to over 20 feet (marked by a knot in my line) for most of the track, and River was ok with that line run. Very happy with her indifference to my being farther back and the nice pace she's still showing on the track. I suppose that she feels me holding the line, therefore she's not concerned.

Not sure if I should put a track across gravel path yet, but thinking she may be ready to start crossing different surface. ??

She already doesn't have much issue with shade vs sunny sections.

Next, start tracks.