The brown dawgs were ready to do some water training after running marks in heavy cover. We set up a nice double for Thunder and Storm.
The wind was really blowing so we made the long mark the “Go” mark. We were afraid that if the dogs didn’t head to that mark first, then it would blow off across the pond and make a super long swim. We didn’t need a long swim for this set up because we were working on the dogs staying in the water and not docking on the little strip of land to retrieve this mark.
I hand threw mark #1 to the corner of the pond and used the winger to throw mark #2. Thunder’s mark #2 landed in the spot where we wanted it, but Storm’s must have been caught up in a gust of wind and landed off the far side of the strip of land. This meant that the line Storm would have to take to mark #2 would take her over the strip of land which is not what we wanted. But it was still a good opportunity to see if she would carry the line correctly or whether she would dock early, (which she has been known to do).
Thunder was up first.
Storm was up next.
Freighter ran this as three singles.
We threw mark #1 to challenge Freighter to swim along side of the strip of land rather than getting up on it. Not problem for Freighter. He likes to swim.
He also did fine on the second mark. He had to fight the wind a bit, but her is a strong swimmer.
For Mark #3, I just dropped the bumper at the edge of the water in the corner of the pond. We wanted to see whether he would cheat around the bank to get to it.
We ran all of the dogs on one more water set-up. I will have that one for you on Thursday.
I bet the pups are super hungry after all that training…I’m thinking of how many extra treats I could eat! Looks like hard work but fun!
great job Storm and Freighter! I was thinking the same thing that Emma said!
Funny, I was also thinking about how hungry the dogs must be after all that exercise! It’s no wonder they’re so lean and trim! Great photos.
That’s pretty impressive that they all took the path you wanted them to. Is the path you prefer conveyed to them verbally or with motions/sounds at some point or are they trained to follow the most direct route?
Have to say we are thinking food now too after all the exercise. Nice job guys. Have a terrific Tuesday.
Best wishes Molly
That’s awesome! It seems like this training pass is really paying off for you by providing all different scenarios for them to train with. I can’t wait to hear how they do at their tests. 🙂
Nobody splashes like Thunder!
Wait until tomorrow’s post. 🙂
I just got back from a long hot walk and read this. I feel much cooler now watching Thunder, Storm, and Freighter splashing in the water. 🙂
This is very good work for a hot day! I especially love the big splash picture 🙂
Oh my gosh those front facing water entry photos were the best! I just love water entry photos! Great diagrams, you are so good at that!
Check out the air that Freighter catches! Awesome photo!
I think one of the tougher things to train a retriever to do is turn around and swim back when that close to the bank,
Great water entry shots!