I bought myself a Christmas present — a very cool new tracking line.
With no snow on the ground or in the forecast, I am being creative with my training.
21 degrees! BRRRRR
Frost allows what I view as the biggest benefit of snow, which is the track is clearly visible to the handler. It does, however, require that it be — well — frosty.
I bundled up and off we went.
I had to improvise a sort of stand for the start flag since I could not get it in the frozen ground.
When laying a track leg, you want to pick something and walk in a straight line towards it. See the telephone pole? That was my marker. Also, “straight” is more aspirational than actual most of the time 🤷🏼♀️
It was Capella’s turn today.
She has graduated from Intro to Tracking to Tracking 101, which means her food drops are now spaced 5 - 15 feet apart. The food is no longer moving her along the track — rather it is rewarding her as she sniffs her way down the track.
As I have said before, I require her to stay on the track — that is why it is so important at this stage that the track be visible. If she checks out something off the track, I stop and do not let out line. The dog is only reinforced — by forward motion to food drops, including the excellent bonus at the end — when she is on the track.
Cindy will be so proud, I thought to myself today. There was tripe in that bowl 🤢
After the dog is done, she gets to romp.
Cold — but so so fun.
I hope you are having an amazing day (and staying warm!).
