12/8/23 Huguenot Park

River- S5W40F20 scuff 5 out of turns; single 90 degree turn track x 4; total of 2 right and 2 left turns; 2 tracks were mostly in shade.

It has seemed that River does left turns more tightly than right, so 2 of each today. And, this was true today. But, she only goes about five feet beyond the turn and stops to check around for the track. Her pace was similar to last class. I'm totally happy with it. She feels more engaged in the track this past month. On the first track leg there was white napkin on the ground, which she verred off toward but at 1-2 feet away as she was crouching a bit, maybe to down indicate, she decided it had nothing to do with her track and abruptly changed direction back to the track.

At the start for T3, River went off to the left of the track path. But, it didn't feel like her usual tracking pull. I stood still and let her have line...10-20ft. She gave up on it, turned and found the track. This was pretty near soccer goal nets, which male dogs mark on walks.

I did let the line run out 20-30 ft on all the tracks, but edged up closer to barely 20 ft on the right turns. She did make sure to get all her food drops but mostly it was an afterthought as she was almost passing them.

It was really a calming zen experience tracking with River. She has a quiet intensity and focus, The fetch ball to follow has really elevated her tracking.

The warm temperatures are helpful. I am not sure how she will do in true cold weather. She shivers easily in the true freezing winter temperatures. I will have to have her start routine modified to putting a fleece on her and then the harness over.

Next, a multi turn T track or work on distractions.