1.4 Natural Field | Today we were Tracking

Date: Aug 4, 2024
Track Layer: Lorie
Location: Nauwigewauk – Next to the Ball Field
Weather: Overcast/Muggy
Wind: No wind.
Track Lengths: 20 yds., 40 yds. and 80 yds.
Today, I switched back to the 20-foot line, as I’m supposed to follow 10 feet behind the dog according to the schedule. I found it much easier to manage, which I believe is due to Rumor learning to follow the track in a forward motion, so we weren’t getting all tangled up. My line handling was better too. I’m now comfortable holding the leash in my left hand just in front of my belly, using my right hand to hold some of the extra slack.
I laid each of the tracks, 1.4.1 through 1.4.3, waited for them to age, and then took Rumor on the tracks. She was incredibly motivated today and did a fantastic job staying on the track. The difference between today and our first field session was noticeable. I do wonder if it was because she was in longer grass and was simply following the path? It will be interesting to see how she does in the next session on a commercial field without as obvious a path.
Rumor has quickly learned that flagpoles mean treats. I can feel her speed up to each of the flagpoles on the longer tracks. However, as we will vary the reward schedule, this should not be a problem.
I’m still fumbling a bit with the Dogtracks app. It’s mostly due to having so many things in my hands and trying to remember what I’m doing. I used it to lay the track, which was fantastic. It was so much easier, as the app tells me my current distance from the article, and I can focus on treat and pole placement. Today, I also tried running the track with the app. This was okay, but I need to ensure I have a quick way to put the phone away and that I remember to stop the track when I’m finished. I’m sure this will come with practice.
Evaluation: In summary, today truly felt like we were tracking. Rumor sniffed enthusiastically at the beginning of the track and then kept her nose down for the majority of the time, staying focused and motivated. This was a big improvement from our first field session, and it felt pretty good!
Below is a video from 1.4.2.