First day out of the new training season

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02-03-2018, 11:46 PM
TuMicks

First day out of the new training season

Well... actually, it was the second day. Thursday the group got together and did a big blind spread. I thought that went pretty well, but the pro got us all together afterwards and said... "This year we have no puppies. Everyone is running a 'big dog'. We're going to keep our standards high!" (I'm thinking Ruh-roh.)

Today was her first time with marks since the big debacle of last year. We'd been working hard on obedience, obedience, obedience... and then more obedience. Apart from some lining and handling drills, that's been it. I believe I have her convinced that if she wants something, it has to come from me. And the MORE she wants it, the MORE she has to wait for me to permit it.

This was the acid test. The group set up a dicey triple, but since it was our first day out, I took them as singles. Whoa BABY! Was she ever jacked. I mean you could see the adrenaline surging through her body, she was totally quivery. Squeaking up a storm. Here's why I think the obedience has paid off: 1) She was heeling with her shoulder right against my leg when we walked off to air. 2) Had to be "corrected" once in the walk from the truck to the holding blind. By corrected, I mean I had to stop and she corrected herself. 3) She stayed on a good down-stay in the HB. 4)Walked to the line right beside me. 5) Lined up perfectly with my toes. 6) Stayed with her front feet firmly planted until sent. No front-ending at all. 7) The minute the birds are down, she stoped squeaking, waited quietly to be sent.

Her blinds today were great. The first one was under the arc of bird #1. The second in-between birds #2 and #3. Very prompt whistle-sits. No auto-casts. Carried her line really well.

HOWEVER, the pro said that Rocket Dog's butt was 6 inches off the ground before I sent her. (I didn't realize it since I was looking down on her.) She had put herself into a launch position, ready for take-off. In addition, her honor sucked. I wanted to do it without the e-collar, but it was clear, that wasn't a realistic expectation for today.

I think we still have MUCH work to do. But we're ready to try for our SH. (I doubt there are many dogs that are better marking dogs than she is. A Senior double shouldn't be an issue. And her handling is fine. The problem has been her line behavior.) I need three more passes. I will probably sign up for the event in Overton, NV (South of Vegas) in late February.

Oh well... nothing ventured, nothing gained!
02-04-2018, 07:27 AM
smartrock

Ruh-roh sounds about right! Clearly Rocket Dog was ready to get started again. Glad to see you back here.
02-04-2018, 08:27 AM
IRISHWISTLER

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuMicks

Well... actually, it was the second day. Thursday the group got together and did a big blind spread. I thought that went pretty well, but the pro got us all together afterwards and said... "This year we have no puppies. Everyone is running a 'big dog'. We're going to keep our standards high!" (I'm thinking Ruh-roh.)

Today was her first time with marks since the big debacle of last year. We'd been working hard on obedience, obedience, obedience... and then more obedience. Apart from some lining and handling drills, that's been it. I believe I have her convinced that if she wants something, it has to come from me. And the MORE she wants it, the MORE she has to wait for me to permit it.

This was the acid test. The group set up a dicey triple, but since it was our first day out, I took them as singles. Whoa BABY! Was she ever jacked. I mean you could see the adrenaline surging through her body, she was totally quivery. Squeaking up a storm. Here's why I think the obedience has paid off: 1) She was heeling with her shoulder right against my leg when we walked off to air. 2) Had to be "corrected" once in the walk from the truck to the holding blind. By corrected, I mean I had to stop and she corrected herself. 3) She stayed on a good down-stay in the HB. 4)Walked to the line right beside me. 5) Lined up perfectly with my toes. 6) Stayed with her front feet firmly planted until sent. No front-ending at all. 7) The minute the birds are down, she stoped squeaking, waited quietly to be sent.

Her blinds today were great. The first one was under the arc of bird #1. The second in-between birds #2 and #3. Very prompt whistle-sits. No auto-casts. Carried her line really well.

HOWEVER, the pro said that Rocket Dog's butt was 6 inches off the ground before I sent her. (I didn't realize it since I was looking down on her.) She had put herself into a launch position, ready for take-off. In addition, her honor sucked. I wanted to do it without the e-collar, but it was clear, that wasn't a realistic expectation for today.

I think we still have MUCH work to do. But we're ready to try for our SH. (I doubt there are many dogs that are better marking dogs than she is. A Senior double shouldn't be an issue. And her handling is fine. The problem has been her line behavior.) I need three more passes. I will probably sign up for the event in Overton, NV (South of Vegas) in late February.

Oh well... nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Aye Lass,
Sounds like ye have made some major gains with RD in terms o' steadying at the line / line manners. Ye surely realize it mainly comes down to OB and patience training (holding RD consistently to the highest standards ye expect and desire will serve ye both well in that objective). Grand work by TEAM ROCKET DOG and I fully expect ye will achieve ye goal of a SH Title this season. Lots o' heeling work, steadying, patience (via random delay), and also make certain to do a good deal o' drills on walk ups and diversion birds on both land and water. It sounds like marking and blinds are quite solid so it's mainly fine tuning on steadiness and line manners that need the most work.

I'm in ye corner Mate and cheering ye on for success. Now go get 'em.

Slainte',
THE DOG WHISTLER 🍀🇮🇪