I arrived late, so I ran Devon quickly before going out to throw for everyone else. Devon got out of the truck and immediately stepped to the line to run a perfect triple. What a great girlie! At the end of the set-up, I decided to run Page on each mark as singles with bumpers. I hadn't planned on running her, again not wanting to continue bad habits. However, since it was a training session I knew I could make her mind and thought it might be a good idea.
Page flew out to the first mark, but had a long hunt for it. I expected it since the other dogs had searched for this mark due to the wind pushing scent over a little hill. However, my friends were quicker than I was to pick up on why her search was so long - Page didn't want any stupid old bumper when she could smell that the other dogs got BIRDS!!
Yep, I ran Page right after we threw real ducks for Archie on those marks! Poor Page. After she finally realized she wasn't going to find any birds out there, she did pick up her bumper. She did a super job retrieving the other marks. We changed the set-up and she again did a fantastic job of precision marking.
Being obedient to come back in heel position instead of returning to the general area she selects does need some work. I'm going to revisit walking fetch for a couple of days and then move back to pile work. Being consistent with pile work and drills this fall should work through her reluctance to play the game my way!
Page is going to be so much fun to run, but she will question me every step of the way! So different from Devon, but she will make me a better trainer!
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