2022.6 June "Out and About"

So Mookie is learning so much so fast!!  What a guy!  I'm going to have one post for each month instead of the weekly ones and will add to it throughout the month. 

Weekly on Tuesday we visit DUCKS and do some HERDING, weather permitting...  of course rain wouldn't bother ducks but this handler involved doesn't see it necessary to train in the rain at this time!.  Mookie isn't crazy about wet drops falling from the sky but does fine if I play with him.  Just to potty...  not so much.  Doesn't see a reason to get wet..  We're working on that!  Click here for ongoing herding photos.

  • First June herding session he was MUCH more focused and could have cared less about the sheep poop and wool.  The ducks were where the excitement was.  
  • Second herding session - I noted that sheep were grazing in the duck herding pen and you know, what goes in must come out.  Mookie couldn't get enough of the sheep poop so the ducks got a break today!!  I think we'll put herding on hold for a few weeks! He really is still a baby!  
  • Follow up..  2 weeks of brutal heat on Tuesdays so no more herding this month. 


Each Wednesday and Thursday we go to Winnegamie Dog Club because I help out at rally classes..  We show up early and open up, checking out all the rooms as we go.  Sometimes we do platform or disk exercises and those activities are giving his a solid basis for RALLY and OBEDIENCE. In addition to doing the following exercises at home we work on them at the club:
  • Position changes (sit//lie down/on your feet)
  • Up-up on a platform and if platform is long enough then backing up.
  • Recalls and restrained recalls
  • Circles and spins and fancy fun stuff
  • Toy play with tugs and balls and bags
Week #2 was amazing!  I forgot his crate so I set up his raised cot next to Jake and surrounded it with a wire pen!  He stayed on the cot, did not annoy Jake, didn't bark at the 8-10 dogs working in front of him and actually took a nap in between sessions that he worked!! OMG!  I was prepared to leave if he was obnoxious. 

After forgetting the crate and having it work out so well, I never went back.  From then on he was on a cot with either a wire pen or tethered (if I was always nearby). Progress all month!  


RAIN - he hated it!  Until he didn't.  I would have to carry him our because he put on the brakes.  He was here for 3 weeks before it rained and he wasn't going to have any of it.  Then I decided to pick him up, take him out under an umbrella and play with him with his favorite stuff in the pouring rain.  It worked!  Later that day at a park he happily explored the area in the rain!


And WATER and his pool....  OMG ...  it must be evil!  Get my feet wet..  don't think so. 

We started SCENT WORK and he is good on birch, anise, clove, and cypress (tins and boxes) in my garage and basement training area.  We expanded our training to other places a bit and work on exterior searches at parks and the outside of the dog club!  I'd say we average 5 of 7 days each week of training.. 

    

TRACKING is coming along...  of course he is better at home in a quiet area than where ducks, birds and other dogs are a distraction but he powers through...  I mean what is not to like about eating food from the ground!  We have stuck to grass so far and do about 6 feet.  


What a great month!  He is a SUPER fun dog!!  Always ready to do whatever adventure is next!