Video below is from 12/23. 63 degrees. 

Objectives for the track: increase duration of focus, practice turns, deal with distraction

Nim stayed in the game, made the four turns with ease (almost seemed accidental), and refocused after distractions.

Things we can improve: Article indication, speed and precision of track laying.

As is my custom, I tethered Nim near the start of the track, then laid the track.  I don't think I'll do that again in a park.  The track was 350 yrds long, and Nim was out of my sight for much of the track laying.  I was very anxious about some kind person thinking he was abandoned.  It's cool enough for me to leave him in the car.  Safer that way.  

Comments

  1. Jack's JourneyDecember 27, 2025 at 4:46 PM

    100% agree do not leave him tethered out of sight.
    I think he is getting the idea and his turns are improving. Your question about getting back to where you know he was last tracking - yes, I agree it is good to back up to that known point, the sooner the better. I personally would not let him rerun it. Maybe Judi has a better reference for that. I will ask her about that.
    Mary Ann

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  2. JudiDecember 28, 2025 at 6:23 AM

    Wow! He’s into it! Curious, what was your scuff walk pattern? I think we did S5W10F5 in you least class? Or was it W5F3? Regardless, 2 things: when he’s motoring along, let a foot of line out—but step right up close again when he casts off (limit his search area).
    He’s come so far, especially in recovering from distractions—I really like it.

    I don’t like letting g him go back on collar and pick up treats/ choose to track. I wish I had a solid reason for that opinion, I don’t. I guess I just feel we spend so much effort into establishing structure for ‘now you’re tracking’ that I’m hesitant to possibly muddy the picture. While I’m a huge ‘choice’ trainer, choice requires clarity—this set up = reinforcement available, and only this set up (in these conditions). Letting him choose without the structure or clarity feels like it could go south.

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