Training Pond
Training Pond

We continue to work on Freighter being steady (or sitting until he is released to retrieve).  Freighter must master this in order to pass the higher level tests.

The first set-up we ran last Sunday was with ducks instead of bumpers.  Ducks bring Freighter’s excitement level way way up.  He was good during that series, so we changed things up.

Next we set-up was a long single that required the dogs to break some heavy cover and retrieve a bumper in the water.  The dogs could not see the bumper hit the water, but they could see the splash.  We put the ducks up because we want to use our training ducks for a while longer and once they get wet, that is kind of the end of the line.

To increase the dogs’ excitement level, hubby got out his gun and some popper loads and fired as I launched the bird.  Firing over brown dawgs makes them super exited so we could work on Freighter and Storm being steady.  Thunder got to run this too, but he is always steady so it was just fun for him.

Freighter Is Interested But Still Nice And Steady But Hubby Is Ready The The Collar Control In Case He Isn't
Freighter Is Interested But Holds His Sit
He Is Flying To The Mark
Freighter Flying To The Mark
Through The Cover
Through The Cover
He Has The Bumper
Freighter Has The Bumper
Climbing Out Of The Pond
Climbing Out Of The Pond
Good Job
Good Job Freighter

We ran this single a second time just to reinforce Freighter’s sit.  We were pleased with Freighter’s work on this set-up.  He kept his fanny planed and broke some heavy cover without trying to avoid it.

Next up Storm.  She always needs a refresher that sit means sit.

She Is Nice And Steady
Storm Is Nice And Steady
Storm Flying To The Bumper
Storm Flying To The Bumper
Through The Cover
Through The Cover
Headed For The Bumper
Headed For The Bumper
Nice Job Storm
Nice Job Storm

Storm did a very nice job on this and kept her fanny firmly planted on the ground both times through and plowed right through the cover.

Next time we run marks and use the gun, hubby will probably sit next to the dog.  Some tests require this and it is even harder for them to sit still so it is good to practice.

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16 thoughts on “Thursday Barks And Bytes–Be Steady And Take Cover

  1. Hi Y’all!

    Oh that looks like so much fun! Wish I was there!

    Y’all come on by,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

  2. For the older dog, it becomes innate. Really, flying are such great photos! Wonder what it feels like for the Chessies, being airborne? Macha’s great joy is to leave the car and literally soar out across the water. Such athletes.

  3. Sounds like they did a great job! Barley has trouble staying in a sit in agility, too. She’s fine at home or in the yard on a long-lead or when we’re taking pictures on a trail, but agility is just way too exciting to remember how to sit for long. It’s something we’re always working on!

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