Practice Session, 11.14.2025

Quinn and I practiced two short tracks today: 20 steps with a food drop every step, LOTS of scuffing along. I also followed Mary Ann’s directions from class to create a scent pad at the beginning of the track. I am hoping this helped Quinn understand what he needed to do.

I am planning two “off site” practice sessions on Sunday and Monday, so today we just practiced getting all the pieces (track setting, line handling, down at the article, offering water, capturing video…) to work a little more smoothly so we can be efficient on our upcoming adventures! 

Confidence and clarity are the biggest things that help Quinn in our other sports, so I wanted to make sure I cleaned up the things I started learning in class (not moving my feet unless he is actually tracking, maintaining contact on the leash, staying quiet and patient while he works, offering water, etc.)  

I was pretty excited about our second attempt because he was already starting to ‘down’ without cueing when he got near the glove. That’s a completely new skill for him (and not like anything we’ve done before) so… good job, Quinn! 

 

Weather/Conditions:

• Temperature: 49° F
• Wind: NNW 1 MPH
• Humidity: 62%
• Overall: Mostly sunny with some clouds and light wind 

 

 

 

Track 1: Laid 9:49 AM, Run 10:01 AM

 Three good things:

1. Quinn was calm and businesslike at the start flag.
2. He remained fairly focused throughout.
3. He was methodical and followed the track (nose down and working!)  

Three things to improve:

1. Line handling/supporting him as he works.
2. Meaningful reward at end of track (I tend to say "good job" and move on and I'm not sure that's enough reinforcement for him at this stage.)
3. "Auto down" at article could be more prompt. 

Goal for next track: Repeat the good things and smooth out the awkward things; make his job clear and rewarding.

 

Track 2:Laid 9:55 AM, Run 10:07 AM

Three good things:

1. Quinn was keen but manageable at the start flag. (He is realizing this is FUN but staying organized.)
2. He focused and settled in to work despite noise/wind/environmental distractions. 
3. His down at the article was more prompt, with less cueing.

 

Three things to improve:

1. Maintaining contact on the line as he works. 
2. Keeping feet still unless he's REALLY tracking.
3. Make sure he knows he did great! 

Goal for next track: Slightly increase length of track (we'll be at a new location so probably not a huge increase) and making sure to praise, offer water, etc at article to reinforce.  

(I have also uploaded a scan of the actual form but wasn't sure how legible so I retyped it above!)