Use this space to discuss training issues -- brag about successes, lament setbacks or bounce a question off the group.

I'll go first:

Eddie did well at his first state fair demo -- nosework last Sunday. I realized even before the show started that it was going to be a tougher venue than I'd anticipated: Immediately before our show, the herding dogs were chasing sheep over the same area.

Eddie had never seen sheep before in his life, and he's real curious about wildlife. Topping it off, the sheep were relieving themselves, and he loves to explore with his nose.

Seeing that, I decided my normal Yummy Chummies treats might not be good enough to hold his focus. Fortunately, the state fair is not lacking for alternative treats. I went to the closest hot dog stand and purchased a raw hotdog. Problem mostly solved.

He did bog down one time and lingered longer than he usually does when searching for the nosework odor. I normally don't encourage him to move on in nosework, but this time I did. I tugged a little at his leash and gave him his seek command again. It worked.

But enough about my publicity hounds. What's up with your crew?