Training Conversation, part 2
1. Drafting
2. Ryder's Alley Trencherfed Society (R.A.T.S.)
Team Poakley (photos by Kalley Van Arsdale)
New NBDD Oakley!!! Second leg for Peyton!
Team #6
First Basenji with a Novice Brace Draft Dog!
"Break a Leg", by Richard Reynolds
Ryder's Alley Trencherfed Society (R.A.T.S.)
Photo of Catcher by Johnny Milano
"Break a leg" might be good advice for actors, but it might have unintended results in working terriers.
Many years ago we were hunting rats along a promenade constructed some 30 to 40 feet above New York Harbor. It was mid winter and the temperature was well below freezing. Most rats escaped by jumping off the promenade and making a swim for it. A state official out with us that night asked whether or not any dogs ever went over the edge after the rats. "No," sez I, "They have more sense than that." This was followed by the sound of a small splash followed by a larger one. That intrepid Border Terrier swam better than 462 yards through freezing, turbulent water and after a brief warm up was back hunting.
For years it has been our custom to warn newcomers to the hunt that rats, when pursued by the dogs, can run up your pant leg (and God only knows the havoc they could wreak when they reach the top.) Like many other problems in life, this one is solved by duct tape. I've taped ankles on authors, news reporters, scientists and TV stars. Last week while I was kneeling down taping away, a TV celebrity asked me whether or not this had actually happened. I had to admit (on national TV) that it hadn't, but that it was a real possibility and we had had some close calls. "Break a leg."
Later that night we stumbled into a rat tsunami with hoards of fleeing rats and ten active terriers. One rat did the deed and sought refuge in the pant leg of a cameraman. I must admit that the young man seemed to have lost his focus (pun intended) and screamed long and loud. The rat was shaken free from his pants to the delight of a Feist who was trying to figure out how to pursue it. Once again legend becomes reality. If I find another way to wish you well, I hope you'll understand.