January 18th - Tracking Class

We had Tracking Class at Cool Water with MaryAnn. This was our first time at class in awhile since we were not able to make the December training. It was very helpful and we now have a lot of things to work on. 

Takeaways from the feedback we got:

I am not laying the tracks in the most effect way. My steps are too wide (I was trying to reach the 1 yard mark with 1 stride to help with counting) I also am stopping too much while making the food drops. This could be causing the odor to pool oddly. Finwë is not as food motivated as we would like. Also more work with articles is needed. We are still hoping from him to pounce and pickup the article. Going to try a few other items to get him excited about the "game". On a positive note his first turn was successful! 

Goals for this week:

1. Figure out normal stride length. Document 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 yards

2. Start adding a 30 yard marker flag.

3. Start adding in a left open angled turn to some of our tracks.

4. On tracks I am going to try adding a dog toy as the ending article. Maybe even try a animal pelt

5. Going to try the drag bag option

6. Trying some different food options as well