9/3/08

Maia, the 10 year old daughter of my stepson's girlfriend (did you get that??!!) was over for the afternoon and wanted to do something with the dogs.  I asked if she wanted to hide for Juno, and she was very excited.  So, we hid together 2 times - once behind a big bush and once in the kennel office.  To find us there, she had to come into the kennel and then go into the office.  Then I sent Maia off to hide by herself.  Juno was off like a bullet when i sent her!  I ran after and got to the spot where Mai was supposed to be, but neither she nor the dog were there - yikes.  I turned and saw Juno searching the yard and Maia yelled to tell me where she was.  Juno searched and searached.  At one point in time, her nose went up and I knew she had scent, but my novice dog did not know what to do when she smelled a person, but there was no person there.  It was clear that Maia was in a dead zone - her scent must have been going straight up and away to a place that was inaccessible to the dog.  In fact, I sent Juno onto the porch where maia was hiding and she came down with no indication that she had scent.  I sent her up again and she looked at me like I was nuts, but then SAW Maia in the corner and went crazy.

I was so pleased that the little thing would do such a great job of hunting!  I'm getting slight encouraged, that she might like this after all!