Peanut's First Tracks

I had signed up Fogell, my cattle dog mix that struggles with anxiety, for the tracking class.

Unfortunately, starting with running full throttle into a T-Post the day before first class (he was looking up chasing vultures), we have struggled with bad luck and nerves.  The impact of the crash gashed his muzzle and chipped a tooth.  Not wanting him to associate any pain from crash with new activity, I went to first day training without him.  Actually, glad I did as I got a lot of instruction and insight without worrying about Fogell.

Came home inspired, but Fogell took a few days to even relax to go on his normal farm walks.  I started article games and had some success.  When I tried baby track, he quickly got overwhelmed.  I honestly believe he gets stressed when I am working on new to me things.  As I try to remember all the points and perform them correctly, I must emit some sort of tension that he is sensitive to as this seems to be common denominator for his stress meltdowns.  

In addition to Fogell, I have a 4 year old failed rabbit hunting beagle, Peanut.  Peanut is easy going and totally devoted to food.  I think my best way forward is to learn with her and hopefully then be the handler Fogell needs.  

I have introduced Peanut to article games and recorded her first tracks.  

First Track attempt


Second Track attempt









Comments

  1. JudiNovember 23, 2025 at 6:02 PM

    Look at you two go! First track was quite good. Second one you both looked pretty darn comfortable with this. And her tail!!!! She’s so happy the grass is growing hotdogs!!! seriously, that’s really nice work from both of you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JudiNovember 23, 2025 at 6:03 PM

    OH, and kudos for the watering! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jack's JourneyNovember 24, 2025 at 3:31 PM

    I totally support 'using' Peanut to learn and gain confidence yourself. Hounds are amazing and so resilient. You and Peanut are a great team and your confidence will absolutely transfer to Fogell with time. Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anne (Mila)November 25, 2025 at 5:35 AM

    Looks like you and Peanut are off to a great start! Peanut looks like a happy camper (that tail is too cute!) and y'all have a solid beginning. By making an honest assessment of where things stand with Fogell and your experience show that you'll have on a good "thinking cap" when it comes to planning your tracking practice and likely be setting it up to increase success in learning!

    ReplyDelete

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