This may be fun. . .and other cautious discoveries by Fogell



I spent the last week and a half trying to break down the individual pieces of a baby track and build fun/acceptance into a new routine.

I will admit I was blindsided by Fogell's meltdowns when I first attempted small tracks on the farm.

Then, I realized for an anxiety dog- I made many small changes to his normal farm life 
  1. Although he wears a leash and harness to Rally and Agility classes, I never put them on at home
  2. I never walk close directly behind him.  
  3. I have only offered him water in a crate or in the house never on a leash walking about (and the water bottle makes some weird sounds for a noise sensitive dog).
Add in. . .he always seems to get nervous when I am learning and trying to remember all the steps I need to take (this happened in the beginning of Rally too). . . and Boom. . . we have an absolutely overwhelmed Fogell.  There is no food high value enough when we get to this stage.  

After a week and a half of playing different games to address the items above, I decided to try all the pieces together today.   I am really pleased how this went (food placed in every footstep)




Comments

  1. JudiNovember 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM

    Kelley, that was excellent! You were perfect—for any dog—and he was so engrossed in finding food that he forgot to be afraid. My first tracking dog had been neglected and was afraid of her own shadow, and while i can’t promise this will be your journey, tracking gave her incredible self confidence.
    You two did an excellent job! Try 2 tracks next time, with the second one 1.5 times the length of the first one!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jack's JourneyNovember 26, 2025 at 3:43 PM

    Team Fogell did a great job. A+ to you for breaking the parts out, understanding his challenges but knowing he can overcome. Fingers crossed that he loves this sport! It looks promising!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anne (Mila)November 28, 2025 at 1:17 PM

    Agree with Judi & Mary Ann - that was great! Breaking down the pieces clearly helped him. He didn't look overwhelmed and he looked like he gained add'l confidence as he continued. Love that he downed nicely when prompted and took interest in the offered water - nice beginning!

    ReplyDelete
  4. JenNovember 28, 2025 at 8:47 PM

    This is so great - Fogell is lucky to have you as such a thoughtful partner and I love how you broke down the components to build towards the success you have in this video! Looking forward to class tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LeighNovember 30, 2025 at 5:22 AM

    Excellent work, Kelly! You are right about the anxiety stage. . .when it gets so high he will NOT eat, your training halts. You've got him eating and tracking! Nice job!

    ReplyDelete

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