Madison earned her tracking certification last Tuesday! It was quite a day, and it was not a pretty site, but she did it! We went to the Washington County Fairgrounds for our tests, the same place Bailie was certified in 2015.
I went along for my own certification test, but I wasn’t in the mood. It was cold, pouring rain, and there were huge gusty winds. Mom took me to my track where I made it maybe fifty yards before refusing to track any more. I got certified last year, but never got a chance to take the test, so I had to re certify. After my poor performance and definite lack of enthusiasm, Mom says I’m officially done with tracking. Yay!!!
For Madison, tracking in these conditions was brand new and Mom didn’t have a lot of hope as the water, and wind really change how the scent travels. Madison had a great start on her track. Mom followed along with no clue where they were headed. She didn’t even realized they had made some turns! A directionally challenged person, for sure! On what would be the last turn, Madison had trouble picking up the track. She spent a couple minutes, which is a long time, going back and forth, left and right searching with her little hound nose. My mom thought about giving up a few times, but since the judge didn’t blow her whistle, she kept waiting patiently. Finally Madison decided on a direction and took off with Mom in tow. Sure enough, deep in the grass way down the field, was the leather glove! Madison passed!
Mom has entered Bailie and Madison in tests next month, we are just hoping they get a spot. Bailie has a title, so she never has to certify again. Madison loves to ride in the car and is always in the back seat. Mom snapped this photo of her on the way home from the certification. The look of seriousness Madison has is so funny. She always rides like this unless she is napping. We were all happy to be back home to get warm and dry off. Mom says she was soaked through to her skin, but it was worth it.
Madison that’s the look of a winner, you sit in the car like a queen :O) I wish you all the luck of the world next month and I hope the weather is much better and you will show da world how fabulous your noses are :O)
We don’t really want to track in a storm again, but if Madison gets a spot and it is storming, they will track in it.
Congratulations on your certification. You are a special dog.
Thank you. She works hard at her activities.
WOW! Congrats pretty Madison, you sure came through in the end!
She worked hard and it paid off.
That’s fabulous that Madison got her certs! Way to go, and way to go Mom for having the patience to wait it out.
Is that young for a dog to get certified? (Just curious.)
And yay for you Emma, does that mean you never have to track again?
6 months is the youngest you can certify and test in tracking. Younger dogs have a harder time concentrating which makes it more difficult. We will see if she gets a test spot how she does. I don’t have to track anymore. I never liked it much, and Mom is tired of my poor tracking attitude. I’m happy to never do it again.
Madison certainly looks proud of herself…and she should! Way to go little Madison. Emma, you certainly made your feelings about tracking well known. XOXO, Sparkle
Yah, way to go Madison
We are real proud of the little one!
Congratulations, Madison! We are super duper proud of you! ♥
Thank you. She is an impressive little one!
WAHOO! Congrats Madison!!!
She is still celebrating I think.
Way to go Madison, and congrats on the “retirement” Emma. 😉 Your mom is going to have to build an addition to house all of the awards and certificates you girls have racked up!
I think we are going to have a big year for titles…at least so far it is looking good.
Way to go, Madison! Apparently she’s obeying a pretty strong urge.
And congratulations on your retirement, Emma. I bet you don’t mind a bit blogging about your sisters getting all wet and muddy tracking in the rain.
Tracking has never been my love, so I am happy to leave it to the wild ones.
Yay for Madison! She really is an overachiever for her age.That is the joy of having younger siblings, Emma. They can do some of the things you don’t want to, and your Mom can still be happy!
Yeah, Madison will have to do lots of stuff, and I am happy to put my paws up at home and not participate.
Congratulations!!! Good job Madison. I’m glad you won’t have to track anymore, Emma.
It is not a sport for a lady like me.
Well done Madison!!!!!!
Thank you.
3 bum swings! 3 more!
Wooftastic job Madison!
Q & I admire your tenacity.
Emma we admire your ability to stay true to yourself & not worry about what others think.
Nose nudges,
CEO Olivia
I definitely never worry about what others think. I do what I want and that is it.
So proud of you!
Congratulations. That’s quite an achievement.
She’s a pretty amazing little one!
Madison! You’re turning into a super star!!!!!
She is definitely doing well right now!
Way to go Madison, good luck to you two on your upcoming tests
We find out in a few days if we got spots or not.
paws crossed
Madison, you are one terrific puppy!!!! Congrats
She has out done all our expectations so far. Such a good worker she is.
Canine kudos to adorable and clever Madison!
Right now, she is a rock star! We hope it keeps going for a long time!
Madison that is very impressive for such a young pup! Congratulations and it sounds like Emma is getting more stubborn in her old age. Love Dolly
Madison took that puppy Einstein class she passed way too seriously. She feels like she needs to excel at everything she does…an over achiever type! Me, I’m kind of the grumpy old sister around here. I prefer to be left alone or alone with Mom and leave the other two nuts to do their own things.
WOW congratsss to you Madison- the little yet strong girl 🙂 You must be very proud.
She is a little machine!
Good job Madison in tough conditions.