Yesterday I wrote about running wipe-out marks in a narrow field. The set-up looked like this:
When the bumpers are thrown so that they fall in a line, one may tend to wipe-out the other in a dog’s mind. That is exactly what happened for both Storm and Freighter. To run this set-up, the dogs would watch both bumpers fall in the field, Mark #1 then Mark #2. They would retrieve both bumpers and then run the blind. In this post I have lumped Storm and Freighter together to show how they did on each element, but when they are actually running they each run the entire set-up.
Storm and Freighter retrieved the closer bumper (Mark #2) no problem.
However, when they were sent to retrieve the farther mark (Mark #1) they broke down and did not hunt past the area where Mark #2 fell. If I had been out in the field I could have helped them by throwing another bumper. But I wasn’t so hubby handled them back to Mark #1. Both Storm and Freighter had trouble taking these casts. I think the depth of the field was part of the issue. We do not often get to train in big open fields with cover. Usually they are working in parks with cut grass and tree lines. We will definitely be working on their handling in big open fields this summer.
The last element of this set-up was the blind. Both dogs did a bit better taking hubby’s direction (or casts) to this blind.
We got snow overnight! We bought a training membership to a farm which will give us access to open fields and some nice ponds. Our membership starts tomorrow but how soon we can use it will depend on the weather. Based on Storm and Freighter’s performance on this set-up, it won’t be soon enough.
I did take some video and I hope to have that on Thursday.
No matter how much you train, new stuff always pops up. It is what keeps it interesting.
Now let us hope the weather improves and you can start using the fields at the farm. Paws crossed. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly
SNow??? Nice!!! I think we will loose ours soon enough, but we still have plenty here tho
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
You said you were expecting snow!!!
Lots of Woofs from Earl, Ethel and I at Earl’s World!
I heard you all in the midwest got snow. Apparently it’s petering out somewhat as it gets closer to us – we’re only supposed to get a coating or so tonight, but north of us there’s supposed to be up to 4 inches and just in time for Easter! Crazy!
What absolutely fabulous photos!! The dogs look so happy to be working!!
We enjoy watching your pups train! Our snow was nearly all gone, but it looks like we might get some tomorrow.
Storm and Freighter both look like they really enjoy their work!
I think you are right they could definitely use some work on this type of setup. Hopefully the snow doesn’t last very long and you can get started. The weather this year has made all types of training very difficult.
Little more training and practice and you both will be spot on…we know that. If you got snow hope it was not too much and it won’t be around for long so the dogs can enjoy being out an training. Hugs and nose kisses
great photos and training. I love how storm looks like a puppy in the field. Freighters back legs in the last photo says he is ready to take on the easter bunny.
It seems like there’s no end to the challenges that you can throw at them! I’m sure they will get it in time. It’s a bummer that you got snow again, hope it at least doesn’t last long.
Great photos! I have trouble with the back cast, and it seems that once a dog gets a certain distance in their mind, it can be hard for them to get past it.