Much of the training we do is straightforward, meaning what the dog is asked to do is obvious to the dog. However, sometimes we change it up and ask the dog to do something that is not as obvious.
This was the case at last weekend’s training when the trainer set-up an advanced training scenario that switched things up for the dog. Many times a dog lined up for marks (bumpers thrown in the field) will expect to retrieve them. Or they may be set-up and expect to run a blind (the bumper is not thrown, but placed in the field and the dog relies on its handler to use arm signals to direct it to the bumper). However, sometimes we like to change it up. OK we trick the dogs. We let them think they are doing one thing and then require them to do another.
Why do we train this way? Why not just let the dog do what the dog wants? Because we are working on control. A person with a well trained dog should be able to call the dog off something the dog wants to do and have the dog do something the owner wants the dog to do. For example, you are out hunting with your buddy and two birds fall. One is in a spot where it would be unsafe for the dog to go to make the retrieve. The hunter must be able to turn the dog away from that bird to retrieve the other one or forget both birds.
In addition to the real life practical reasons to be able to control your dog while hunting, it is a must for tests. The handler who is be able to control his dog is more likely to be successful.
This was the training set-up.
Freighter lined up like he was going to watch bumpers being thrown, however he only heard a shot. Hubby then had to turn Freighter to retrieve a blind from a pile of bumpers off to the left. This part was tough for Freighter because he was waiting for a bumper to fall. Shot means bumper, right? Not always.
Once Freighter picked up the blind, he then lined up again to watch the bumpers being thrown. He picked up the closer (2nd bumper thrown) first.
Freighter was again turned away from the other bumper in the field to run the 2nd blind. He had a tough time lining for this one too. He was distracted by the bumper in the field and the 1st blind. The second blind required him to go between the two. He was sent but recalled because he took a bad line. Some people want their dog to do everything perfect at training, but training is for the dog to learn so sometimes to further their learning you need to stop and do something over. Freighter was relined and the second time he carried a better line to the second blind.
Once the second blind was finished, the dog was then sent to retrieve the farther bumper (1st bumper thrown). This delay in retrieving that bumper tested the dog’s memory. Freighter could use work on this so we will work some of this type of memory work into his training.
All in all this was an excellent training set-up for Freighter. I think he learned a bit and it revealed things we need to work with him on.
Is your training always straightforward or do you switch it up?
Really interesting. You talked about the handler having control over a dog’s action in this kind of switch-up. Do you find that building trust between the dog and handler is important? Or do you feel this is solely about training?
I’m always curious about the intersection between learning and relationships.
Trust is huge. Blind work is a lot about trust. There are times the dog must disregard its instinct and trust that its handler will get it to the bird. When a dog is learning blinds, it can be very slow and require a lot of patience while you are building trust. Now recall is a little trust, but mostly obedience in my opinion. At least that is how we approach it. Recall is not negotiable.
Like Pamela, it occurred to me that trust might be a big factor too, so I’m glad you had answered that. There must be a great bond between a dog and his handler as well.
We are always switching it up as one never knows what scenarios will crop up in a trial. Last night we worked on dangling elevated hides. That was tough, but we worked through it. Switching it up keeps training more interesting too.
That sure sound challenging! Our training is constantly changing because there is so much to practice.
My training is very simple, because I don’t have loads of experience. But I do try and change it up here and there. Right now, I’m training our dogs not to race towards the trail when they see a cyclist. I’m training them to come to me.
Sometimes, I allow them to run towards the trail and I call them back – this is nerve racking, but I think it’s important, because I need to trust that even though they WANT to herd those cyclist, they want to listen to me more.
It’s hard, but fun. I’m having a lot of fun. Your blog is helping. Even though we do different things, with each post I read about training, I get small ideas that let me know that I’m on the right path. Thank you.
You are very welcome. Thanks for the kind words. It sounds like you are on the right track with your training. It is always good to proof it from time to time even if it is nerve racking.
Freighter will learn to adjust to the demands of the moment. Anticipating something new!
I am sure he will and I think he is still a bit rust from the winter lay off.
It has to get a little warmer for rescue training. Now that I am slowly starting to understand, the line, blind , gunshot retrieve, and honor. I can see it takes a tremendous amount of time and practice. I really think the tests would best interesting to try, I know the dogs like their work.
Hi Y’all!
My Human is always doin’ crazy stuff, like hidin’ a toy or bumper in a tree. Sometimes she throws a bumper and lets me watch, other times it’s a game of of hide and seek…the bumpers are hidin’ ahead of time and I’m sent to locate them. Other times she lets me see her toss or hide toys or bumpers, but then we go for a walk for first and on the way back she’ll ask me to bring her the toy or bumper by name…if I bring the correct item back, I get a treat. If she asks for a ball and I bring a bumper…no treat.
Y’all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
What a great training exercise!
I try to shake things up, but I don’t always. I really just need to remember to keep working with them, as I have a tendency to think they ‘know’ something and forget to reinforce it. 🙂
Practice makes perfect! I like to switch it up because I want neither the pups nor myself to get bored with what we do.