We got out to do some training with a friend this past Saturday. It was a sunny and hot summer day with temperatures predicted to be in the high 80’s. Because it was going to be such a warm day, we decided to just do one set up so we could finish up before it got too hot.
Our training field had some groups of trees in it. We call these groups of trees “islands” when they are in the muddle of a field. We wanted to use one of the islands in our set-up because they have always caused our dogs problems. Whenever we get a chance to train somewhere that has a feature which can cause our dogs issues, we like to try to incorporate it.
We set up what we thought was a fairly straight forward triple with an under the arc blind. Thunder just ran the triple. Freighter ran a double with a blind, (and because he ran a double his blind was not under the arc of the mark). Storm and our pal’s dog ran the triple with the blind.
The marks were thrown 1-2-3. The dogs needed to pick them up in reverse order 3-2-1 and then run the blind, (which I planted after they picked up the marks). Freighter just ran Mark 1 and 2 and the blind. We used bumpers for the marks and frozen birds for the blinds.
Either our set-up was much harder than it looked, or our dogs are really out of practice, because they all had trouble with this set-up. They had particular trouble with Mark #2. I don’t know if it was the island messing them up, or they didn’t see the mark very well, but all three of ours had to be handled to that mark and our pal’s dog had trouble with it too.
We can really see where our dogs’ proficiency is slipping because we do not have access to a training ground where we can run longer multiple marks like we did last summer. Also, Freighter has been on lay-off for the last month or so due to his nail injury. Thankfully at least that finally seems better.
I managed to get some pictures. I bought a polarized filter for my camera lens because I was tired of all the glare I was getting in my training pictures. No matter how I set my camera, I got glare in the bright sun. Since I cannot pick my position when we are training, I figured I would try a polarized filter because it is supposed to cut down on glare. I am still getting used to which settings I need to adjust on my camera, but so far I really like it.
Thanks so much to our pal for training with us. We hope to get together again to run more of these kinds of marks because our dogs need them. 🙂
Seems it was a perfect idea to buy a polarized filter. Think I will do that too. So much pictures we took at the beach look like ghost-photos… and Easy’s dad refused to drive back to take new photos :o( It’s great to watch this beautiful dogs “at work ” :o)
At least with nose work training spots are pretty easy to find, but when Bailie starts tracking the end of the summer, Mom will have to find spots to train and it won’t be so easy. Too bad you don’t have your good spot anymore, sure hope you find a new place.
The pictures are great! Great color and great action shots. Ok I’m a meanie gambler ripped his toe nail off is back toe last Wednesday I made him run loaded him up on pain killers and had him run the test this weekend.
The pictures are great, Linda! Looks like the polarized filter was an excellent investment. Bet the pix will rival any of those taken by a professional photog once you get the settings figured out! And, it looks to me like all 3 of the Brown Dawgs did very well considering the lack of training opportunities.
I love the photo filter – the photos look great. Love seeing the photos from your training sessions too – your dogs are so strong and fit.
Hurray for Thunder and his “I brake for dummies!” Shows his powerful structure. Pups swimming this a.m. and then inside, too hot and humid!
For either man or beast.
I hope you guys get your training ground back soon!
These are some great pictures! Especially the action shots- not that the pug has much action going on but when he does, looks like we always end up with blurs.
Great pictures! Love the polarized filter. I love reading your training stories because I have zero knowledge in this training area. Always fun to learn!
The polarizing filter seemed to do well. Those photos are great! I’ve missed being away and am glad to come back to find you’re still having great fun. :0)
Looks like the filter works well, those pictures are great! The dogs look wonderful and appeared to have enjoyed the training time. Hugs and nose kisses
What good (and beautiful) dogs!!
-Ruby
The Brown Dawgs look eager in running, for a hot day!!!
Lots of Woofs from Earl and I at Earl’s World!
Keep up the good work! Glad his nail is getting better… those things always looked so ouchy =X
You always get such great pictures. It sucks that you lost your training facility from last year, where does everyone else train?
Glad to hear Freighter’s nail is feeling better!!
Glad Freighter’s nail is getting better!! Must be boring having to take a back seat 😛
The pictures look great, good idea to get that filter. Hopefully you will be able get more practice and the dogs will do better with that challenge next time….it did sound like a difficult one!
Nice pictures. One thing I’ve noticed with our guys is that if they have trouble with a training session, they come back better in the next one. I think that most of the training actually occurs between training sessions rather than during them.