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Thread: More progress

  1. #1
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    More progress

    Brooks and I attended a training day sponsored by the First State Retriever Club at one of their members property on the lower Eastern Shore. One of the issues I've had with Brooks is his excitement level and associated distracted behaviors when we are doing field work. There were 8 people and 9 dogs there for training, Brooks was the only Labrador, there was one Golden, and the rest were Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. They set up three land marks and 2 blinds inside the marks, as there were 2 Master dogs, the rest of the dogs were all Junior level, and would not be doing blinds.

    I've been working with Brooks on "HOLD" and "FETCH" with dead pheasant we brought back from our visit and training with IRISHWHISTLER. It's been a struggle, but I've keep at it.

    Brooks did 4 land marks between 80 and 100 yards, into cover that was 6-12 inches deep. He was the 7th dog to run, so there was a lot of scent from the dead ducks that the other's had been retrieving. I was using Dokkens for Brooks. He did a good job with marking, but dropped the first two before coming to heel. I told him to "fetch" and "hold", which he did and came to heel. I took the Dokkens and immediately had him "Hold" them again. The last two marks he did need a bit of help from the guns to find the marks, but once he did he was straight back and held them until at heel position, and gave them to me when instructed.

    We broke for lunch, the land owners cooked burgers and hot dogs for us, which were quite tasty. I asked the ladt running the show if I could take Brooks out and work him with the dead ducks. He fought me a bit when I was trying to have him "Hold" the duck, but he would take it and hold it, but I could tell he wasn't happy. After the 3rd or 4th hold, I teased him with the bird, and he was very interested. I tossed the bird maybe 10-15 feet and Brooks chased it. Initially he sniffed it, and pushed it with his nose. I waited for a few seconds, and told him to "fetch". He promptly picked up the bird and brought it to hand. I repeated this 5 or 6 more times, each time he picked up the bird and brought in back, going to heel position and holding it until I asked for it.

    I considered today a complete success. While we still have a lot of work to do, we've made a lot of progress since we made our trip to train with IRISHWHISTLER last month. We've worked very hard on his suggestions, and it's clearly paid off! I can't tell you how much I appreciate his help with Brook's training. He gave us a clear plan, and it's truly paid off.

    It would be nice if I had some pics to post, but my dumb a$$ forget to grab the camera when we headed out this morning.

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  3. #2
    Senior Dog TuMicks's Avatar
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    Wow... that sounds like an incredible day. What an opportunity. Just wait and see... I'll bet Brooks becomes a feather fanatic.

    I know you're in CBR country, but they are rare out here. There's one guy I know. He completed a Master National with his before he retired it, and he's started another. Their temperament is just not as sweet as a labs.

    Many years ago a friend told me that the Lab will win the Field Trial, but the Chessie will win the fight afterwards.

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    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Sounds like a very good day, progress being made. Plus a day with Brooks, what could be better. Well, maybe if you remembered the camera, LOL.
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  7. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by TuMicks View Post
    Wow... that sounds like an incredible day. What an opportunity. Just wait and see... I'll bet Brooks becomes a feather fanatic.

    I know you're in CBR country, but they are rare out here. There's one guy I know. He completed a Master National with his before he retired it, and he's started another. Their temperament is just not as sweet as a labs.

    Many years ago a friend told me that the Lab will win the Field Trial, but the Chessie will win the fight afterwards.
    My only direct experience with a Chessie was when I was a kind. One of my uncles had one, and that dog scared the crap out of me. He'd growl and snarl at us kids, but he was sweet as pie with my uncle. I think Chessie's are basically one person dogs.

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  9. #5
    Senior Dog IRISHWISTLER's Avatar
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    Aye Barry,
    Glad to see TEAM BROOKS making progress, I knew ye would if ye stuck with the program / suggestions. Now that ye have hooked up with First State Retriever Club ye should have some competent mentoring ongoing closer to home. We would be glad to have ye back again for some continuing training.

    Cheers,
    THE DOG WHISTLER
    TEAM TRAD PRO STAFF
    DUBLIN DUCK DYNASTY

    Joanie Madden, Mary Bergin, Adrea Coor, and Nuala Kennedy, each an Irish whistle goddess in her own right.

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  11. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by IRISHWISTLER View Post
    Aye Barry,
    Glad to see TEAM BROOKS making progress, I knew ye would if ye stuck with the program / suggestions. Now that ye have hooked up with First State Retriever Club ye should have some competent mentoring ongoing closer to home. We would be glad to have ye back again for some continuing training.

    Cheers,
    THE DOG WHISTLER
    As soon as I get things squared away with my foot surgery, and possible back surgery, we'll plan something!

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  13. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by barry581 View Post
    As soon as I get things squared away with my foot surgery, and possible back surgery, we'll plan something!
    Dang Barry,
    Now yer sounding as bad as me! I am glad my planters facietis (whatever) seems to be getting better but my back... well.. we'll see. It sucks getting old but it really sucks when you do stuff to yourself in your younger years that you pay for later!
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  15. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by windycanyon View Post
    Dang Barry,
    Now yer sounding as bad as me! I am glad my planters facietis (whatever) seems to be getting better but my back... well.. we'll see. It sucks getting old but it really sucks when you do stuff to yourself in your younger years that you pay for later!
    For me, it hurts no matter what I do, so I just push through it as best as I can. But yes, in general, getting old is not for sissies.

 



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