Article Track

12/7/2023 - 4:22 pm

Location: Holly Ridge

Weather: 39 degrees, cloudy, 1-3 mph N winds, 69% humidity

Cover: Grass

Length: about 295 yds

Age: 2 hrs 35 minutes

Video: None

I put in article trail with 12 articles and 2 turns. There was no food on the track. I walked 5 steps past the first turn. Took 5 steps back and made the turn. The second turn was with round bale to my right (elbow touching it).

Saber started by making a circle around me, but once she hooked into the track there was an obviously head snap and nose on the track. It was very good to see after Sunday's snafu.

On the first leg there were articles every 25 yards. She stopped at all of them. Most got picked up or mouthed. I had to tell her down on all of them. I think we are reboot mode. She got fed at every article. I went 15 steps past the round bale that was my focal point. A bird had been murdered (and likely consumed) on it. There was evidence everywhere. Detective Saber was on the case. I let her check it out and it took a minute or two (or 5) but she moved on and got back to work. The turn was 15 steps past the round bale but I walked 20 before backing up 5. It was fun watching her work it out. She followed it twice, like I know you went this way...When she was circling and hit the track, again I got an obvious head snap and off she went. I really wish I had it on video.

Leg two incorporated new articles including a plastic light switch cover and metal square. She stopped at both. Again needed a verbal reminder to down at just about all articles. She did throw the pill bottle in the air but I still made her down.

The second turn was fun. I intentionally went right next to a round bale. She went past the round bale. I followed her behind the bale even though I knew where the track was because I wanted to see what she was going to do. She turned tightly around the hay and hooked right back into the track.

The goal was fun. I think we accomplished that. She got fed at every single article. She loved it. I loved that she loved it. You could see her confidence or enthusiasm (maybe both) growing as she made her way down the track.

MAP