Reply To: Lois & Speed (DRTDT)

[Alana McGee]

[b]Assignment[/b]: new location.
[b]Location[/b]: museum
[b]Hides[/b]: 4 hides. All in grass.
[b]Run Order[/b]: Speed 1st.
[b]Conditions[/b]: mid 60s, dry and sunny. Light breeze
[b]Aging[/b]: 15 minutes

We went to a new place. I selected the area because there’s a drainage the helps establish boundaries. It expands into an area with trees that I think we can use as we advance.

I primed Speed and he found 1 hide quickly and goes to check out the culvert under the road. Video picks up after the 1st hide reward sequence.

Thanks to Kristin was making note of the little whistle that I did with Monza! I used it with Speed today.

He was a little slower but not significantly. I encourage him or whistled to get him to stay in the area. I’m thinking the ol’ 80/20 rule. Exploring is okay, but if it feels like it’s more than 20% of the time then we raised criteria too quickly. This rule would be AFTER he’s settled into the area. I will give him time to check the general area before cueing. I would apply the 80/20 rule after work commences.

What are your thoughts about putting out more hides in a new area (say 5-6) so the chance of running into one increases? These weren’t spaced out too far – all were in view of camera. But it seems like if I put out a couple more, RoR would be higher and reduce chance for exploring.

There were some pine cones in the area so I stuffed 5-6 in my bag and after we’re “All Done!”, we played a Silvia Trkman game of catch with pine cones. I’ll have to bring 3-4 tennis balls next time. We then wrestled a little as we went back to the car. Speed was pleased with himself as was I!

Also we’re priming on the new pecan truffles at home. We played a game with boxes last night. It’s going well. I’m so impressed with how fast they’re picking up the new truffle scent.

Thanks Alana and Kristin!!