We continue to work with Freighter on single marks in plenty of cover. This past Saturday we trained at a local park where there was not much cover. We stretched out the distance and worked on having him run in a straight line to the marks. It was also a good way for him to blow off some steam. He did a very nice job with those marks on a flat cut field.
Sunday we went out to the farm where we have a training membership. Plenty of cover there. In fact some of the cover was over my knee. We did a couple of different set-ups. This was the second set-up that Freighter ran. It was back-to-back single marks.
We threw the first mark at the edge of the pond in some cover. It required Freighter to enter the pond, swim to the other side, exit the pond and find the bumper. Anytime you add in factors between the dog and the mark, it can make it more difficult for the dog to find the mark. We figured if Freighter did well on the first mark, then we would try something a little more difficult. He had no trouble with mark #1, so it was time to challenge him.
The second mark we threw up on a hill in heavy (over my knee) cover. There was a stiff wind blowing right to left looking at my diagram. This time Freighter would have to swim the pond, go past the area where he had just picked up a mark, and get up on the hill to hunt the bumper. These kinds of marks have been a challenge for Thunder in the past, so we were anxious to see how Freighter would handle it.
Some photos:
So far we have seen a good training attitude from Freighter. We will continue to try to challenge him with singles for a bit and then hopefully move to doubles.
Thursday I will share how Thunder and Storm did on this set up.
Related articles
- Working In Cover (2browndawgs.com)
Wowzers he did great. What a splash and submersion.
Blessings,
Goose
Nice work, Freighter!
Wow, that’s impressive Freighter! Amazing how focused they can stay. Love the photo of Freighter entering the pond. Gorgeous
The exercises are interesting but mom and I really love the photos, especially the water ones!
Looking like our place, lots of cover now. Great pictures and I am glad he has a great attitude and doing very well.
I’m suitable impressed with Freighter’s expertise. I’ve had Labs for years, but have never done any retriever training with them. It’s really cool to see their skill and capabilities. I would be inspired to give it a try, but neither of our dogs, Jack or Maggie even fetch a ball and they are both 9 years old, not sure its time to try and start. Look forward to seeing Thunder & Storm.
Clever boy!!!
We are so impressed. He is really doing very well. We too really like the water pix too. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly
Nice work Freighter! Hope you guys are keeping cool today!
YAY FREIGHTER! He looks like he is in “doggy bliss!” He just loves it!
He really enjoys this kind of training, you can tell by the photos. Great job Freighter!!
How are the ticks out there? Do you guys often find them on yourselves?
Oh good dog! What a great job!
Wow, I missed a few weeks and it seems Freighter has turned into a real pro! Great seeing you again. 🙂
Rooo Frieghter you are like a real doggie detective, sniffing out those bumpers like a pro! PAwsome photos too. *waggy tail*
Great that you are having such success with the singles! I’m sure it’s great for Freighter’s confidence as well.
Great job, Freighter! 🙂
Freighter is turning into a real pro! Good work, buddy 🙂
Love the pond splash. Not great for Olympic diving, but beautiful for retriever training. 🙂
Nice to hear he’s really enjoying his training. 🙂 Great pics too!
That’s a huge effort – well done Freighter!
Fantastic job Freighter keep up the good work:-)
I love your posts like this. You make the exercise so clear and your photos are always outstanding. Wish we had some free time to do some retriever training with our Lab, Rudy. I think he would love it.
Good job Freighter 🙂