Freighter is running hunt tests this summer as he works toward his Master Hunter title. The title is the goal, but tests are also a good way to check if the dog has any holes in its training and what areas need improvement. Walk ups are an area that we know Freighter needs improvement. In fact, Freighter went out in his first hunt test this season because he blew the walk up.
Time To Train Walk Ups
For a walk up, the dog walks at heel next to his handler to the starting line where a duck is thrown in a surprise situation. When the bird is thrown, the handler gives the dog a command to stop. The dog must stop and wait next to his handler until he is released to retrieve.
Usually the dog must wait and watch while multiple birds are thrown. The dog will need to remember and retrieve each bird. It can be very difficult for an excited dog to wait to retrieve so walk ups test the dog’s steadiness.
Freighter has had trouble waiting, so walk ups are something we spend time training frequently.
The training is paying off because Freighter did a very nice job on the walk up at his test a couple of weeks ago. He stopped and sat when his the bird was thrown and his handler said “sit”. However, training is ongoing so we will be training walk ups frequently just to keep it fresh in Freighter’s mind.
Do you have something that you train frequently?
“Training is ongoing” – yes so true! I had forgotten that and gotten lazy with Rita. We’ve been working on a few things again recently – “wait” is one of them!
Freighter you are a champ!!!! we work constantly on a simple walk at heel… it lasts 2 days and then Mark turns into a humanoide kite again… sigh…
Yesterday at training we realized we needed to revisit channel blinds.
We don’t train a lot anymore, but our training is always ongoing as well. Lots of leave its and mostly sits. Of course, they most refer to Delilah. 🙂
Hi Y’all!
My Human still spends 5 to 10 mins each time we go out for a walk practicing something, even if it’s only sit stay. “Leave it” is probably the command she makes me practice most. My Human Papa will toss me a treat so sometimes I’m to quick if something drops on the floor. Not a good thing, especially if it’s something hot.
Y’all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Good job, Freighter! It certainly seems like walk ups could be especially challenging for a dog who is very excited about what he’s doing. I think of our beagle Cricket who is so excited when you get her ball out, her brain shuts off completely. LOL