10/10/2024 - Ashland/Holly Ridge

Saber

Location: Ashland

Time In 8:45, Time Run: 8:55, Age 10 minutes

Weather: 49 degrees, 3 mph N wind, 71% humidity

I did a quick track outside of our house in Ashland. Socked feet. It started on our sidewalk. Took a left at the end. Fifty steps to a metal article. Forty steps to a left turn across the road. Food on the side after crossing the road. Left turn and 40 steps to a leather article.

Saber did pretty well. I like the tracking behavior that I see. She was excited to start. She checked straight and right before taking the left turn. She got a little distracted by the monkey grass. Paused at the first article, needed a verbal to down. She continued on. Clear lost of scent indication at the turn. Worked it out but as she was committing to crossing the road a car came and I stopped her. I ended up helping her across the road. She quickly picked the track back up on the other side and finished easily. She seems to do better as she gets into. I think finding an article reinforces what she is suppose to be doing.

My plan is to try to get a second track this evening in Goochland.

Syd

Location: Holly Ridge Farm

Time In 7:40 am, Time Run: 8:20 am, Age 40 minutes

Weather: 49 degrees, 3 mph N wind, 71% humidity

I did not plan on Syd's track being 40 minutes old, but spent too much time talking. He did not seem to mind at all and was quite the little rockstar. There were 4 50 yard legs. The first turn was an open right, followed by a left, followed by a right. There was a food drop about 10-15 after each turn and 35 on leg to after a big patch of prickles. Sock at the end with food.

Syd had a good start. First and second turns were excellent. He had to work a little more on the last turn. Several spots he would veer off the track and quickly right himself. He liked to go around the prickly plants. The big spot of prickles he needed a little encouragement but was very happy to find cheese on the other side. Over all I really like the tracking behavior I see. Today he reminded me a little of Saber, as he was pulling me down the track with a lot of enthusiasm.