Tracking and more

Last weekend Debbie came up to visit and brought her elkhound Beka along.  We took Beka and Kia to a tracking seminar.  It was very interesting and a lot of fun.  We both feel now as though we have enough knowledge to get started.  Our goal will be to try to get tracking titles on our dogs.  The dogs really enjoy tracking, they get to be the boss! 

On Sunday morning we laid a few short practice tracks and the dogs did well in spite of the dry, windy conditions.  I can't imagine worse scent conditions weather-wise than what we have had lately.  We have not had any rain in quite some time and the snow of course is long, long gone and all it's moisture too.  And windy!  My goodness the high winds we've had.  Fire danger is extremely high, I hope we get some rain soon.  It's actually dusty walking in the woods.  Which makes me wonder how dogs can sniff, sniff, sniff and not have to blow their noses once in awhile!

Kia continues with agility practice.  We did go to another trial which I did not write about earlier because I was disappointed that we ran 4 runs and never qualified.  I thought we were doing so much better than that.  But sometimes in the ring everything just falls apart, I know that my nerves are a huge factor in this.  Kia senses when I am nervous or upset and it affects her ability to concentrate.  She worries about me, isn't that nice?  I think it is because it shows we are pals but I wish, as her leader, I could be less worrisome to her.

Tukka is on curtailed activity because she is in season...for the last time!  Yay!  She is going to show at nationals and then she will retire until she is a veteran.  Hopefully late in July she will have her spay surgery and we can get back to working on rally and obedience.  For now, we just take nice long, on-lead walks to keep her in condition.

On Sunday, Tuuva came to visit.  She's a cute 5 month old elkie pup.  I had so much fun working with her to learn some new things.  She catches on quickly and is really willing to participate.  Made me realize how ready I am for another pup.  I absolutely LOVE watching them grow physically and most of all mentally.  I love the training and bonding with a youngster.  They payoff really comes when they hit maturity and you have the most wonderful, cooperative, loving dog.  We can see that with our girls now and I'm anxious to get started with a pup.  We'll just have to wait and see when we might be able to get one.