Tracking for Both

I met Lilliana, Jorge, and Juan, (Pat snuck in later) for Sunday tracking. Keeper did better than usual, I had to strongly apply the brakes, as she still tries to zoom down the track and get to the jackpot at the end, but she at least got more than the last two times.

Sinn tried hard considering he had two variables changed in one session...In the future I think I will only change one thing at a time. I increased the distance between incentives, from every other step to every third step. Also, I stopped using the puppy track method and adopted the shuffle step:) Both were suggestions from Dennis in the last tracking session, which I forgot to blog about.

Thursday: Protection Day

Keeper did great her first time out with Kit in a few weeks! Although, the second time we had to exit the field for an impromptu bathroom break. Then, upon entering the field again, Kit cracked the whip and that really put Keeper off for the majority of her time. Luckily she bounced back and went for the puppy sleeve again.

I had suspected before this she was nervous about loud noises, so this is a definite conformation. Now I will work on desensitizing her to them.

Random Tracking Practice

I missed the Wednesday morning practice (damn working folk and their punctuality) so Keeper and I did our own practice at the local park. Sinn is still layed up with allergies. Keeper did exceedingly well, if anything too fast down the track, missing most of the treats. The grass was very short and the ground hard packed, I do not think I will use this park again for practice.

To her credit, she kept her nose directly on the track the whole time. The track was about 30-35 feet.

Improving My Habits

Ok, I have been very bad since returning from vacation regarding obedience practice. So this week I have been making it a point to just do a few minutes of obedience with each dog in random places in my neighborhood daily. First day we were all rusty, but I think it is coming back now.

Tracking at Robbins Lodge was not stellar as they have been. Poor Sinn with his itchy allergies actually flopped in the high grass mid track and started rolling around! Though I couldn't help snickering, it is not a habit I want him picking up. Benadryl has been administered, so hopefully this weekend he will be up to scratch. Keeper, due to the fact initially I was backed off her a bit, needed redirection from me. So Denis directed me to stay close to her side until she makes more of a connection.