February 2, 2026

Location: Riverview Farm Park

Track Layer: Heather

Article: large wool sock

Food: ham and cheese 

Goal for the day: Blind turn with food spread out a bit more

How did it feel? Overall I felt really good about the training session. 

Racing against the sun - 2 blind turns- 185 yard track- NW wind 7 mph - 32° 

When I train with Heather, I really try to take advantage of having another person available, especially for blind turn training. It’s been so nice to have someone consistent to train with. On this track, my main focus was spreading out the food drop pattern a bit more than usual.

As both Judi and MAM mentioned in my blog feedback, this track was double-laid. Most of last year I double-laid tracks regularly, but once I started seeing improvement this year, I drifted away from doing it as often. This track was a good reminder of why it’s useful. I think when we train here, or at any other very busy park I’ll continue to double-lay, as this location is highly contaminated.

I was hoping the colder weather would mean fewer distractions, but that was definitely not the case. We saw so many dogs, over a dozen. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is good practice, even when it feels a little chaotic.

Food drops were spaced out to about 17 yards instead of 15. I did notice some backtracking for missed food, which continues to be inconsistent for him. Some tracks he’ll blow right past food without caring, and on others he’ll backtrack or stop to sniff until he locates the drop. As mentioned in previous posts, I rotate the type of food often since he hasn’t always been strongly food-motivated.

The first turn was amazing. I was completely second-guessing him because he committed to the turn immediately, and I kept waiting for Heather to yell “STOP!” but he was right. Huge confidence booster for both of us.

The second turn wasn’t quite as clean. He overshot it slightly but worked his way back and found the turn on his own, which I was happy to see.

On the final leg, very close to the ending article, there was a white plastic bag. He became fixated on it. Either thinking it was his article or possibly a lure to chase. It took a bit to get him back into tracking mode. He had some water, and I walked up the track a few steps to help reset him. Once he spotted the sock, he ran for it before Heather even pulled the string. Since it was so close to the plastic bag, I was really happy that he was able to get quick, fun reinforcement once he re-engaged with the track, even if he was a little reluctant at first. 

3 Things that went well:

1. First turn was great!

2. Aside from plastic bag, he was pretty focused.

3. Went for the article (that was not a toy) with enthusiasm. 

3 Things to improve on:

1. His response to missed food remains inconsistent, alternating between blowing past drops and backtracking or sniffing excessively. I am guessing that once food slowly gets farther apart this constant stopping and starting will be less. 

2. Line work is still a major work in progress. I am hopeful once he isn't stopping so often we can tighten this up. 

3. Avoid starting the track in the correct direction.