This time of year we are into heavy hunt test training, including drill work for Freighter. Drills are not Freighter’s favorite thing but last Saturday he did a drill that was new to him so he did not seem to mind too much. This drill was to work on his handling, more specifically his angle backs.
When dogs first learn handling, they learn the arm signals to direct them straight back and over to the right or left (think of a T shape). As their training progresses, they learn some variations including angle backs so that they are not limited to only moving straight back, straight right or straight left.
For this drill two piles of bumpers were set on the far side of the pond toward the ends. The handler put the dog in a sit on the near side of the pond in between the two piles of bumpers.
The dog sits facing the handler who moves away from the dog to send it.
The handler casts the dog to the pile of their choice using an angle back (either right or left).
This drill also works on getting the dog to go into the water when there is a lot of land between you and the dog. Some dogs might try to run around on the bank. You do not want that. You want the dog to get into the water. This set-up should make it pretty clear to the dog that you are telling it that you want it to get into the water.
Next Freighter has to go to the pile to the left.
You may notice that they were using white bumpers which makes this blind a little more visible. Sometimes when you are teaching a concept you may choose to use visible bumpers. The important thing is for the dog to learn what you want and the retrieve is secondary.
Freighter only ran this set-up once through last Saturday, but it may be a drill we repeat from time to time. Hubby could add difficulty by moving farther back form the dog, moving the dog back from the edge of the pond, or even making the bumpers less visible.
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Bravo Freighter! that was interesting to read… is there a special hand sign or will you call him when he tries to run around the bank? and in case of running around the bank is that a fail in a test or do you have the chance to start again?
Excellent questions.
If he had tried to run around, the handler would have stopped him with a whistle and Freighter knows to turn around, sit and look at his handler for direction. His handler would have given him the cast (arm signal) that he wants him to follow. If he still tried to run around, his handler would have stopped him again and then probably walked up closer to him to recast him. Sometimes cutting the distance helps the dog to understand. His handler could have moved as close as necessary. You could also square off to bank rather than send at a angle. This is an advanced skill so you make it easier then make it harder as training progresses.
This set-up is more difficult than what would be required at most Senior tests and there is a bit more leeway to get the dog into the water. At a Master level test, yes avoiding the water or refusing a few casts would be a fail.
thanks :o) it probably means that Easy never would pass a test when water is included :o) I hope I will get the chance once to see a test of the Weimaraner Club, just as a visitor… our dignity is anyway buried in the ring of the last show :o)
As long as you had fun…lol.
You are lucky training includes water to keep cool. We are done with training until next week as it is simply too hot for tracking and I have a nose work trial on the hottest day of the year on Saturday. It should be interesting. Keep up the good work, Freighter!
Freighter has a hunt test this weekend and it is supposed to be 90. I am not looking forward to it because we will probably have to help out working. Try to stay cool and good luck!
Hmmmm…now I see the problem with our black lab Tennis Ball Obsessed Chelsea – it isn’t her fault at all – she has no proper handler. Uh, oh. Things aren’t looking good for her prowess. 🙂
Hi Y’all!
Oh, that was a great display of how quickly Freighter has advanced. I’m sure you’ll do great on Saturday, Freighter!
Y’all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Hah, as like Freighter, I learnt something new today! 😛 Thank you. Nice work, Freighter!
That is awesome! I have never done this type of training with a dog and I am amazed by what they can learn to do. I love watching them!
Good job, some good work there.
sumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com
Hmm. Your pond and my pond are vastly different. Your dogs wouldn’t like my pond at all. Not even my duck has dared get into the pond yet.
Good job sweet Freighter. Sending you lots of nose kisses to pass around and some hugs for your mom and dad. We miss you all and hope you are having a wonderful summer.
Good job Freighter, it seems like his training is really coming along well. I’m excited to hear how he does when hunting season opens. 🙂
Well done Freighter. We enjoy watching your pups train. I’m sure they would love the river behind my house to train in!
Training in the water must be super fun!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
So impressive Freighter. I can not even imagine getting Kilo to do that. He has trouble with basic obedience and hand or verbal signals. Plus he hates water. Oh well- he is a good cuddle bug and dancer LOL
Great job, Freighter! It is so interesting all the different drills that are done with them. It certainly must keep their minds sharp since they are constantly challenged with something different.
Nice area to train! Boredom can be a real bugaboo…your comment about the retrieve not being the most important part of the training rather the dog’s understanding of where he is to move and when is it! Guess
the real development is the communication built. Get the cool packs out for the weekend, hopefully there will be cloudy skies and a breeze?
way to go freighter, drill work always needs to be done through out the whole training season