Another Hunt Training Day in Spokane

We made the drive up to Spokane this morning for another Spokane Bird Dog Association training day.  Both Maple and Alder came, but I only worked with Maple. Alder enjoyed a run on the grounds before training started.  He lounged in the van during the training.

Maple was much calmer for this one. (“Oh, I get it now. I have to wait my turn.”)  I learned more than Maple this time.  Paul, one of the SBDA guys working with the less experienced dogs and handlers, showed me how to release the leash at the line and gave pointers on how to send and the procedures to expect at a trial.

Maple, waiting for the bird.

Maple, with her duck

Maple went swimming after we worked on marks and retrieving.  I had not intended to do any water retrieves with her, because it was cold, with snow on the ground and ice at the edges of puddles.  I let her loose with a group of young dogs being encouraged to splash around in shallow water.  Maple saw someone with a bumper and took matters into her own paws.  She swam out and waited until I borrowed a bumper and threw it for her.  I only tossed one bumper for her, but she swam out again, going way out and paddling blissfully around.  I was surprised she wasn’t shivering when I toweled her off at the van, but her undercoat felt mostly dry.  She’s like an orange seal.