Moment of
Truth
A moment of truth may be defined as a critical or decisive time on which
much depends; a crucial moment. A
moment of truth (MOT) in tracking with my dog, Magnum is basically the
same. AKC defines it as a turn
that should be plotted with 30 yards into the turn on non-vegetated surface
followed by an additional 30 yards after the turn before another change in
surface.
What it really means is that it is an extremely difficult turn and
demonstrates your dog’s ability to track on a non-vegetated surface. But, let’s face it; every turn in
tracking is a MOT. Your dog either
figures out the direction to go or you are no longer on the track.
Yesterday late afternoon I tracked with Magnum on a 3 hour old track
laid at John Bryan State Park. The
track started in the grass, had a turn that transitioned to a parking lot, and
then had a turn on the asphalt.
The turn on the asphalt was a MOT.
Magnum, for the first time ever, needed no assistance from me. He got to the turn, stopped several
feet after, and explored all directions.
He then took off in the correct direction.
Wow – was I excited.
Magnum, as I have shared in the past, is an incredible tracker in that
he is hard working, doesn’t give up, and is always enthusiastic. He really gets it and understands his
job.
When I say it was the first time I hadn’t assisted him, I don’t mean
that I usually lead him. I
don’t. But I know where the turn
occurs and I don’t let him go in the wrong direction. I always let him explore and check out bits of trash all
over, but I don’t follow him in an incorrect direction. I wait until he is going in the correct
direction and then follow him.
This particular turn was like his turns in the grass, very decisive and
he pulled strongly. We are one
week away from our variable surface test (VST) and I am getting anxious. I have thought about pulling him
because I am uncertain if we are ready (we does include me). Yesterday gave me tremendous hope. And, isn’t life and joy about
hope. More to come later!
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