2/18/26
Stair step track at Tucker Park. Put flags 2 yards ahead of the actual turns. Made final leg longer so that River didn’t have to down in an actual puddle of water.
Unplanned challenge was deer tracks across legs 1&2 so I did add more food drops. Then on the final leg it was mostly walking through a giant puddle so food drop was on any swampy ground.
Goal: I hoped to have her work the turns well and move fairly on the track through the swampy ground and giant puddles.
For me, I hoped to be more responsive to her at the turns so she didn’t get frustrated.
Outcome:
Flag placement seemed to help me not be as anticipatory of the turn. It was better that I actually only knew she was in the area of the turn.
Biggest take away was that I was moving to much and too early after she picked up the food drops mid leg. I could blame it on my left ankle being hurt or sinking in the mud (needed boots & wore the wrong shoes) but I should’ve stood still longer and just let line run.
So turns out my dog did much better than me today! Imagine that…lol
On leg 1&2 River did well getting back to her track and passing over the deer tracks. I expected her to not go directly thru the puddles on the last leg. She stayed on the track line.…hurray!! She looked back at me at the article and I stayed motionless waiting for her response. River downed briefly so I rewarded that. Should I have made her down again?
Next time will be an article track and we will have more outdoor down indication practice.
YouTube link below
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