Because this is a new training area for us, i went armed with yummy rewards for work well done and i had made up my mind to lower the criteria for success. Eepie and i are proofing her exercises now - and the lesson i want her to learn each time we work in a different location is "it is rewarding and fun to work in this new place".
So on top of the obedience exercises we have trained, i am now training Eepie for a happy response and flexibility when she's asked to work in an unfamiliar environment.
Turned out I didn't need to lower my expectations too much tonight - she worked very nicely on a "christmas tree" heeling pattern with all positions, all speeds, all turns and some beautiful figure eights.
We did a couple of easy recalls and then it was Harpo's turn.
Harpo is recovering from major surgery so i'm not expecting to be able to trial him this year - its such a shame because his work has never been better - he heels like a demon, retrieves with a sparkle and does his scent discrimination exercise at warp speed.........
