16.07.16

morning run:
Alice
Rita
Otto
Rufus
Shirley
Daisy
Twiggy
Tupo
(8)

Maginot line and a little more: ~5k. This was too many dogs to take with Rufus: the energy was too high in the launchpad and we had a rough time getting out. Rufus was too wound up and it took me several tries to get him pointed in the right direction and focused on running. Everyone settled down by the time we got to the shrimpery but it's not fun to leave like that; the harness helps a bit but not with the issues at the gate. He should not go with so many dogs, even if they're all good - he pours his own excitement into the mix and it sloshes over into everyone else. We should probably also go back to using a muzzle when we leave if only because he then focuses on that and it's easier to get him running and having a good time. As bad as the exit was, the rest of the run was nice. Everyone behaved themselves and listened to me in spite of being barked at constantly by strays and the dogs at the HoJo. There was a man clearing brush right on the border of the maginot line and everyone was perfect: not one bark or even a move in his direction, he and I exchanged pleasantries as we went by. Started poorly but ended well.
GRADE: C