Training intensifying

We have entered the most intense phase of training. We are starting to do our yard work. We took the following dogs out and all are adjusting well to the new twist in training:

They are Jackson, Tucker, Kiwi, Lucy, Dot, Tech, Buster, Trevor, Max, and Sallie.

Our first day was yesterday and other than a few little glitches that we were able to work through all are progressing well. Last night we once again, got quite a bit of rain, just when we were thinking that it would be easier to road and train with the ground drying up. Mother Nature decided we needed another 3/4" of rain last night. All the dogs came through the intense thunderstorms and wind with no problems. None of the dogs are showing any signs of seperation anxiety and and I am not sure we can say the same thing about some of the owners.

It is too early to tell who is taking to the training best but I am pleased with the progress of all the dogs. I was a bit concerned about Kiwi and Trevor as both of these dogs seem to have the least attention span. I am pleased with Lucy she is doing very well, leave it to the irish to set the example. The roading set - Tech, Sallie, Cullen and Jackson once again did well today, however, they were more tenative in the mud and water than they had been the time before.

I took a tour of the area around the farm and I am happy to report with more of the hay being cut and bailed we are seeing more birds around the area. I was especially glad to see that once again we have a home covey of huns in the back pasture amongst the trees - they have been spotted by both Daniel and I.

We have great bunch of young pups too - Doc is a firecracker, and Jakey is the most handsome male puppy I have seen. These dogs are both well bred and it really shows. We have been working all the pups on check cords on pigeons and they are pointing well. Soon, we will be releasing liberated chukar and bobwhites to work them on. Hailey is also starting to show some attention to what she is doing - she got off the check cord and was gone down the treeline in short order we saddled up and ran her down with our horses. Returning her in a roading harness - pulling well against the resistance of Cody.

The young pups from Knikki and Mali's litter are sorting themselves out and 2 or 3 of them appear to be something special. Mac and Mandy litter - Chester is leading all the young pups in enthusiasm and ability. We are starting to see some encouraging things from Thor also. Loki, Stubby, Dolly and Tymora are so nice and uniform in ability it is almost scary, this is turning up to be a repeat performance of the previous litter of: Knikki, Diva, and Rhemy

So, far we are making progress in spite of the wet weather.

Keith - Posting from Under the Rusty Windmill