Although Blast got his Tracking Dog Title in September (16 months) I wasn't really happy with how "we've" been tracking for some time. I've allowed him to do a lot of "free tracking" on our property, and he's been amazing at this, however, his "style" has suffered. For my interests, which is CKC tracking, I want the nose down and good indications, less speed. Of course, each dog has 'his own style' as well, but still being young and keen, I knew I could "shape" him without taking away his enthusiasm and motivation.
I decided to go from the TD into Urban Tracking and save the TDX for later. I did some urban with him last year, and he worked really nicely on some hard surfaces, and very short, contaminated (by people and vehicles) grass. I am insisting on a down at the article, and as he already has an excellent and fast 'down', this is not difficult.
Gone is working at any length over 12 feet right now. I am staying very close to him, usually under 6' and watching every little movement. I will not allow him to wander off the track for any reason, by giving him too much line. The communication through the line this way, is much clearer, I think. Of course, he is rewarded with lots of praise, and treats, from my hand, when he indicates articles. At the end of the tracks, which are also shorter in length for now, we tug and toss the last article.
He almost immediately "changed his style" which I am really happy with. The nose stays down, and he is really pulling along and sticking to the track with more determination.
He works his veg and non-veg surfaces almost identical, which I am really pleased with. I just hope autumn lasts for a long time now.......
My favorite time of year, and it comes and goes so quickly. The leaf change here is already past peak, with many trees already half bare....so sad. This week is beautiful, cold mornings, usually frost, but the days are sunny and warm. Do not want winter yet! Have waaaaay too much tracking to do, and walks in the forest. Picture above is in the forest behind our house.
This was last week, around our house. The maple trees have sparkled and are now partly bare.
Behind the house was beautiful this past week. The virginia creeper vine on the fence is now bare. We have flocks and flocks of little migrating birds filling up their bellies before moving away. And many hawks as well. This morning we heard a few owls while it was still dark.
Out behind the house this week, the forest floor is now carpeted with leaves. It's so pretty to walk out there, crunching as you go. Yes, that's Blast, as usual, in motion....
Coming back from town yesterday, I stopped to take a few pics. overlooking the most southeastern corner of Lake Nosbonsing. The northern section is spectacular right now with colour, but can't be seen from this view. There's a happy boater out there, it must be heaven out there on the lake.
