climbing the steps

 Flint

Training a young dog can be thrilling at times as well as frustrating. If you have one ( or two or...) that shows talent you may be tempted to move forward at a brisk pace. Not spending enough time on the basic foundation that needs to be in place so that when things may not go as planned the dog will be able to listen to you for direction and not fall back on a " bad " habit.
Often the time needed to lay a proper foundation on a dog can be tedious and somewhat boring to both dog and trainer.

 I have been getting on quite well with my two young dogs in training. I think the time off was good for all. We have been working in that back pasture some and am getting good distance on both dogs with consistent reliability on whistles.  We have climbed to the next step, or so it seems.

Rush

Yesterday I took both back into the hay field and was happy with the work they gave me.

Rush is as close to 100 % on whistles and Flint is right behind her. Both are getting better with short flanks too.  At just under 20 months of age I am really happy with how they are training up .

Genetics are always an interest to me. Looking at a pup and seeing what traits they have picked up from their pedigree. Some not always working traits . This picture is of Bracken last year . She is a small dog but LOVES to run around with tree limbs over a small branch if she can manage to drag one out of the woods.

It looks as though Flint has inherited this passion for hauling around large limbs . Much to the glee of his mother, Bracken!

On the equine front, Scottie has won Diamond over with his charming ways.  They are most often seen together one mirroring the other. Pals and partners in crime.

Scottie still loves to show off for her whenever the moment calls for it!