As we approach evening with only a few more dogs left to run before the test is due to close, it appears that the factors in this very challenging test have been pretty consistent throughout the day in their effect on dog work -- even as lighting, wind, drag back and other conditions that often cause work to vary have changed throughout the day. 65 dogs have run, and so far we have recorded 11 handles, 1 double handle, 10 pick-ups and one break.
The long retired bird has given most of the trouble, due to the multiplicity of factors making this bird such a challenge. Besides distance and the need to figure out winding pieces of water, not all of which can be seen from the line, dogs need to carry an angle past previous falls and disregard a tempting hay bale many yards short of the fall that breaks dogs' momentum ("Oh, could this be where the bird might be?"). A small piece of the curving pond just before the fall area acts as a psychological barrier and can cause a premature hunt. The cover makes handling a challenge if a handle should be needed.
