Earthdog 2011!!!

I took Winston to an Earthdog training session today. Mark and I have debated whether Winston would go into the tunnel to get the rat. Last year Winston was still a puppy and not that interested in rat and vermin chasing. However, after Winston's great hunting season with Mark, I was convinced that Winston would want to get the rat.


Since Mark is still covered up with tax returns I had to go alone to the training so I am the camera man and the handler so the pics are not that great and I was not able to get too many pics.

Most of the video is just Winston but there is a great clip of our dear friend Norma's Border Terrier, Jilly, in the tunnel.


Winston proved that he can indeed get into the tunnel (above ground) and make the turn. Winston had trouble negotiating the left hand turn that was originally set up but he seemed to be able to complete the right hand turn with more ease when he entered the tunnel backward! So, we tried Winston with the right hand turn. Winston entered the tunnel and knew he wanted the rat! It took him a few moments to figure out how he was going to make the turn in that dark, small space but he did it!! TWICE!!!

Maybe next time I can get some more footage and maybe Winston will have more confidence and can try the left hand turn! Enjoy!

Special thanks to Norma, Rebecca and Jane for making the training possible and inviting us!