9/1/25
- Maureen Woolley, Duck & River
- Sep 6
- 1 min read
Robious Athletic fields
Still hot upper 70’s
Just walk on track; 3 turns, articles at start, 3rd leg and end. Food reward at articles. Increasing length by adding in a leg.
Challenges: unplanned couple with dog that crossed first leg, tossed ball for their dog who played with it along the leg, left the ball, so owner walked across the track. Just a huge distraction challenge. River did have to check it all out and I was about to quit when she seemed to get focus. On the second leg she struggled as we got closer to the turn and it only took her turning back to me 3 times before I remembered that I should back up. Only took a couple of steps and she was back on the track. She actually seems to like having an article in the track. And she responded to the find more with going right back to her track.
Messy first leg and I’m not sure if I helped her enough near the turn. Maybe should have backed up there too. Backing up definitely helped her on second leg.
Actually hoping for cooler temperatures.
Link to YouTube video below, remember to zoom in
Maureen, this looked good. You did a nice job taking a step or two forward to help her through the contaminated area. And the turns were lovely! It fine to let her work the turn first, and if she doesn’t find it, then back up when she comes towards you—but only back up 3-5 steps.
Maureen, I think she is doing well. Yes, backing up as she comes around or toward is smart. You could offer water to help her. Turn 2 and 3 were great. Remember your rotation of turns (legs no longer than 50), articles (article track design on blog), age, length, starts (4 one turn tracks if you can find space) keep your focus on one of these as you plan your tracks the night before.