
On a run like this, we have a lot of things to watch. I usually check their gaits, how they match up, at what speed they go from a trot to a lope (each dog), if they keep their heads down, ears back (listening), who takes the command first, correctly, etc. Ysterday we eased from 8mph, to 9mph, to 10 mph and then to 11 and 12 mph. The moisture kept the dust down well.
When we return we record the miles and the observations, making it a bit easier to setup teams as we go through the year. In this photo, the real veteran is Lillen... black dog in swing (behind the black leader, Ruthie). We are just starting up so they are working hard, but Lillen is relaxed, yet alert. (Herman and Quattro in wheel, Medio with Lillen, swing, and Buffy, Ruthie, lead).
For instance, yesterday Liller and Matilda were running with well matched lopes at 11mph, an efficient gait. The wheel dogs seem to be tiring faster than usual and I'll be checking the bungees and the length of hookup to see if I can make it a bit easier for them.
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