Day 55 – Hunt Training Weekend
We had our first field training with Tink and April this weekend. The PVGRC hosted a field seminar run by Pat Nolan of the Ponderosa Kennels. As expected, Tink did most of the work and April got most of the attention. Tink and I got some handling lessons from Pat. I mainly learned all the things I was doing wrong in handling and how to properly motivate Tink to execute my commands to a blind mark. We both have a way to go before we’re ready for the senior hunter test.
April, however, was the darling of the seminar. At seven weeks old, she showed off her natural instincts by multiple retrieves of a dummy from about 6-8 feet. We must has done about 15 throws each day at various times. She would run out, usually picking up the cord end bumper and bring it back to me for a food treat. Occasionally, she would pick up the dummy end for the return. Folks were amazed on how excited she was to get the dummy and bring it back to me. There were only a few times when she was distracted by another objected or person and forgot her goal. April spent most of the weekend in a kennel next to Tink with no problem.
This week we are going to Dr. Stang to correct a small puppy hernia caused by her over anxious mother. It appears that Tink nibbled and/or roughly handled the umbilical stub during the first week and caused a small hernia to develop. Dr. Stang will probably stitch it closed to take care of it. April now weighs 14.25 lbs (6.5 kg). She easily keeps up with Tink in the yard. She constantly runs after her mom, nipping at her legs or coat. Tink’s been very patient and even has a nose scar from one encounter. Aprils has learned to climb steps up and down. She is also pushing the X-pen around quite easliy and will be ready for crate training soon.
…P