Red Shed Racing

Flawless - Hardly a word I have ever been able to use to describe a fall training day - Until today!

It was a misty rain soaked run.   I was setting out to do a route we had never done before and wanted the very best leader for the maiden voyage.  Once the scent is on the route teams to follow can learn faster it seems.  So Secrets Fabulous was my choice.  I picked her partner Jumar who doesn't doesn't lead that often.  Just a two dog team - easy to control on the cart and also the dogs have to work at it a bit more getting better conditioning. At the hookup Secrets was as calm as I have ever seen her.  She and Jumar lined out and waited till they heard the clink of the quick release - then they were off like a shot. 

As we approached our main intersection with caution the dogs slowed and took a tight gee turn as directed.  We flew down the road without a sound except paws and panting.  Then when it came time to direct the two toward a new turn that leaves the road and proceeds to an almost hidden trail in the trees.  I positioned the cart to the right side and said "Gee-Trail"  The pair took a quick look to the right and up the embankment they surged like they had done it a thousand times.   We swirled through the campground by the lake and and made our way back to where we had come out through the trees.  As I gave the "Haw"  directive Jumar perked up and swung Secrets left without hesitation. Jumar was showing really good Gee Haw potential in swing last year - but here we had it - He is becoming A Gee Haw LEADER!!!

On our way back down the familiar road toward home a car approached from behind.  I had always taught the team to stop at every passing car.  And before I made my move to stop  Secrets positioned herself to stop and wait untill the car passed.  Some might see that as a failure because I hadn't given the command yet - but in my book - Success!!  I want my dogs to stay away from moving cars!!!

As always during fall training there are loose dogs and driveways which seem to pose numerous distraction possibilities.  We passed our first loose dog without a hitch.  Jumar didn't try to pull Secrets into any driveways!!  On our last stretch in while passing the lake I looked out and saw two swans swimming near the bank.

When we got back home I did a little dance with Jumar and congratulated him on the very best run of his career!  And of course I showered Secrets with hugs and kisses and thanked her for the perfect run.

Next Up CatchMe and Indigo.  I had yet to run our new little Ingido but I was told she is an easy dog to hook up.  First I put Catchme on the tug and then brought Indigo to join him.  She politely gave him a kiss and said lets do this -  Off we went! 

They ran and ran their hearts out and passed the neighbor's dog then the cow moose and her babe.  They were both all business up there.  They took my commands and followed the new route without a hitch.  Indigo clearly wanted to go faster than CatchMe is capable of running but kept a positive attitude and tried to encourage him onward.

After it was all said and done they got a wealth of praise back at home!!!!  

I am not naive - this kind of day is rare in my life.  Our motely crew of dogs are very diverse and have many individul needs that make having a clean run challenging.  But two in one day!!! Horray!!!!