Practice Session, 11.22.2025

 We were back at the SniffSpot this weekend so I wanted to fit some more practice into our week. Quinn was very willing to participate! We just did one track this visit. 

Since our last two tracks went smoothly, I went ahead and added 5 steps, and also took slightly more normal length steps (versus the very tiny shuffle steps we started with!) Still dropping a single piece of hot dog at every step. 

I had Quinn off leash with just his collar on for the first part of our visit, before I laid the track. I was excited that HE was excited when his tracking harness came out of my bag. I think he's getting the idea of this new game!  

The footing (dirt path --> somewhat grassy trail) posed no problem for him. I thought he was very focused and methodical overall. In fact I was so impressed that I was still admiring him at the article and was later to get going with the treats than I meant to be. I'll try not to get distracted by my amazing dog next time!

Weather/Conditions:
  • Temperature: 53° F
  • Wind: N 3 MPH
  • Humidity: 94% 
  • Overall: Cloudy, cool, damp. Not actually raining by the time I laid the track though.

Track 1: Laid 2:42 PM, Run 2:49 PM 

 

Three things Quinn did well:

  1. Quinn stayed focused and got to work - enthusiastic but sensible and workmanlike. 
  2. He started to down at the article with no cue (just forgot he has back legs too; we'll keep working on it!) 
  3. He seems to be getting into the swing of things - harness on, do work, lay down at the article, drink water when offered. Really pleased with his progress since class! 

Three things to improve:

  1. I want to be ready with the treats more promptly. I got distracted by admiring my dog!
  2. Fitting in more practice both on track and games (can you lay down, oops I dropped it) when we can't get out to track.
  3. Mostly looking forward to seeing what comes next and learning more so I can learn what else we need to be working on. 

 Goal for next track: Just keep increasing length + whatever we learn in class on Tuesday! 


 




Comments

  1. JudiNovember 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM

    WOW! May we use your videos to show exactly what it looks like when done correctly? So, perfect to add 5 steps. In fact, what I like is repeat tracks 2 & 3 from the previous session, and add something (?5, 10?) to the last track. And I really can’t believe I’m saying this, but please let 6” of line out, so he’s just a smidge further ahead of you.

    I’ll say it again….the best tracking dog I have EVER seen was an Airedale.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quinn & MelissaNovember 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM

      Thanks, Judi! We generally like to be attached at the hip but I think we can manage 6" more leash on our next attempts! :-)

      That is so nice to hear! We usually get, "you want to do WHAT with an Airedale?" followed by a list of reasons why they don't like terriers. As it happens, our puppy's breeder (Connor, not Quinn) just shared that one of her dogs earned their TD this fall. So maybe there is hope for us, too!

      (If there is any use in sharing our videos with our fellow students - as an example or perhaps a cautionary tale - please feel free!) Thanks again!

      Delete

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