Handling on long distance blind, part two.

Part two: Handling my 3 year old, Foxred Labrador "Casey" in training on a long distanace blind retrieve. This is a a three step exercise that I like to use for the more advanced dogs when training memory of marks and semi-blinds also.

Beginning is in "Handling on long distance blind, part one". Sorry about the windy weather.

Note during the last retrieve: I am not happy about the way he is taking my handsignal and I use my "unhappy voice" for a few seconds to let him know that and get his attention. His response is quick as he makes new contact and tail wagging, eager to get further instructions and work with me. Rewarded when he stops, takes signal and then finds the dummy.

To give you an idea of what we are doing: I am handling my dog on whistle and handsignals only to get him to run straight to a specific spot and once there, start to search for the hidden dummy. The dog has to trust me and obey my commands as he does not know at all where the dummy is, this is called a "blind" retrieve. The faster he finds the dummy the better of course, as this is retriever specific training.

A retriever is bred for hunting purposes and is a specialist in finding game such as birds or rabbits that has been shot out in the field. Today we are using dummies instead of game and there are plenty of different trials and competition types for the enthusiasts who wants to train and run their dogs in the way retrievers are meant to.

Contact your local Retriever Club to find out more if you are interested.

Casey has been trained to elite standards according to my philosophy: Using long term goals and baby-steps, a lot of focus on good communication and using positive reinforcement methods. His trust in me and joy for working and learning new things is rock-solid! My sweet little pride ´n joy he is...

So, if I were to give you all a message it would be: Dogtraining = FUN :-D for both trainer AND dog. To find that your dog has got a 100% trust in you is the greatest of feelings! So loosen up a bit...

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• retriever
• training
• dummy
• labrador
• field
• trial
• foxred
• dogtraining
• handling
• stolthetens