Tues March 10

We trained today at Jack Vollstedt's property, Diann and Dennis Miller, Valerie Martin, Larry and I. We had a total of seven dogs--4 of them ours. Larry and I started the day by doing a memory blind with all the dogs. Then we met the others and set up a land triple with a flyer. For the big dogs we did a retired check-down bird and a longer retired bird. For the Derby dogs, we did a stand up triple--the first for Sprig. Both he and Skatch did well. Larry has not been feeling well, so I took him back to the trailer after that so he could rest. I went back to the others an we set up three water marks--pretty long swims on two of them and a very slight entry on the shortest bird. The long bird in the middle was quite a challenge for the dogs, even when it was not retired. Once they got down in the water, they could no longer see the gunner.
It was good training, but I am sure the dogs are all pretty tired by now.

We have a trial starting on Friday--the last one in this area. It is a small trial so it should be fun. This is Sprig's last Derby and he is not quite ready for Qualifying.

Daily progress

I am just beginning our blog--wanted keep everyone up to date on our daily progress in our training, trailing, etc.....We are now training 4 dogs for field trials, and one that we are training for a gun dog. Our field trial dogs are Chance, Roper, Skatch, and Sprig. We have been here in the desert of southern California since the day before Thanksgiving. Mostly training, but have run 3 trials. We are going to leave 9 days from today to work our way home. Will keep you posted of our progress.