Searching For Bumpers In The Brush
Last weekend we got out with Freighter to give him some much needed exercise and training. We were training on a ball field because firearm deer season was open and we did not want to venture to the field that we normally use in the forest. The ball field is cut grass, but the area around the edge is wild so I threw bumpers in the brush.
We were throwing triple marks for Freighter. A mark is when the dog watches as you throw a bumper out in the field. We were throwing three bumpers at a time for Freighter spread out in the field. The dog watches all three and then retrieves them one at a time. The first one is usually easy, but the other two require the dog to remember where they fell and that can be difficult. When you throw them in brush rather than on cut grass, that also adds difficulty.
Freighter was a bit rusty at first. He has not really done anything since August except a little fetch play. No marks at a distance and no multiple marks.
We expected him to be out of practice so we just moved all around the edge of the field so he would have a bunch of different views.
On one side of the field there was a small ridge so I threw the bumper down there.
This bumper was part of a set of multiple marks that we threw for Freighter and he was right on track with this retrieve.
Freighter is still a bit rusty, but with practice it will come back to him.
Bumpers in the brush was a good way to slide back into training.
I’m so glad that you all are well enough to get out and do some training! I know it makes ALL of you happy, and it probably makes Freighter a wee bit easier to live with!
It was nice to be out, although hubby started physical rehab this week which is tiring him out. I expect that will improve in a couple of weeks. Freighter was such a good pup through this whole thing. In many ways he was the best of the three. 🙂
Interesting. I wonder what helps them find them, the smell or the sight?
Well they are supposed to use their sight, but they cannot always see it on the ground, so then they use their noses. Also, don’t forget they they are also lined up so if they hold the line they are given they should run into it, but sometimes they are pulled off the line.
I sometimes find if I take a break in Luke’s training – tricks or whatever – it doesn’t take long for him to get right back into the swing of it and remember where he left off. I’m sure it must be the same with Freighter and the rest of your gang! I’m glad you’ve been able to get out there some.
I think we will know when we add some more complex things back into his training.
Oh I bet he was in heaven getting out and retrieving again. I feel horrible the weather has been so nice and we could be training and getting ahead of schedule but nooo no training but we are hunting.
Pawfect action shots. Looks like Freighter had a blast 🙂
xoxo,
Matt & Matilda