Retriever Training Workshop Master Manual    John Cavanaugh  The Amateur's Perspective   The Amateur's Strengths:  One-on-One rapport with your dog Time to work out problems Your Agenda / Your pace Access to limited-access grounds (parks, etc.)   This symbol and/or use of underlines denotes material new to this edition.    Agenda  Time Area Day 1  8:00 - 8:30  Check-in  8:30 - 9:00    9:00 - 10:00    10:00 - 11:00    11:00 - 12:00    12:00 - 1:00    1:00 - 2:00    2:00 - 2:30    2:30 - 3:00    3:00 - 4:30    4:30 -    Day 2  8:00 - 10:00    10:00 - 11:00    12:00 - 1:00    1:00 - 1:30    1:30 - 3:00    3:00 - 4:00    4:00 - 4:30    4:30 -   Table of Contents INTRODUCTION NATURAL AND TRAINED ABILITIES STYLE! MANNERS / OBEDIENCE PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING TRAINING AND HANDLING APHORISMS / MINDSETS TRAINING SEQUENCES GENERAL PROBLEMS / ISSUES *SLOPPY TRAINERS / HANDLERS PUPPIES LEARNING TO HANDLE (WHISTLE AND CASTING SKILLS / CONTROL) DOUBLE "T" SWIM - BY TRANSITIONS FROM DOUBLE "T" TO COLD BLINDS CHEATING (SINGLES) STEADY MARKING PRINCIPLES MARKING/ GAME FINDING ABILITIES MODEL MARKING SET UP MULTIPLE MARKS HELPER SKILLS v REMEDIAL HANDLING/WHISTLE SITS v CONTROL AT LONG DISTANCE/CASTING ADVANCED MARKING FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFICULT TESTS CLASSIC CONCEPTS / CONFIGURATIONS CORE COMPLEXITIES BIRD PLACEMENT IN TRAINING REPEATING v LONG MARKS v HEAD SWINGING BLIND RETRIEVE PRINCIPLES ADVANCED BLINDS MODEL BLIND SET UP HANDLING STRATEGIES LIFELONG MAINTENANCE / COMMUNICATION DRILLS HUNTING TEST PREPARATION (vs. FIELD TRIALS) JUNIOR TO SENIOR TRANSITION SENIOR TO MASTER TRANSITION TRANSITION TO FIELD TRIALS v ATTITUDE - SOFT DOGS v ATTITUDE – OVERLY EXCITED DOGS FITTING TRAINING INTO AN AMATEUR’S BUSY SCHEDULE * GROUNDS (What you need / How to use) * BIRDS (Use, Storage....) * BIRDS, MISCELLANEOUS TIPS * JUDGING AND SPECTATING (Winning / Qualifying standards) * HUNTING PREPARATION RETRIEVER TRAINING BOOK / sample pages TABLE OF CONTENTS * EVENING TRAINING TIMES (starting at 6:30pm) BALANCE IN TRAINING DESIGNS PRE-TRIAL SET-UP DESIGNS HUNTING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST LOCAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS VIDEOS TRAINING EQUIPMENT BOOKS PERIODICALS / SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS LOCAL RETRIEVER CLUBS  INTRODUCTION Why are we here? We love dogs and working with them Training and Succeeding is rewarding Because we are able (Health, Wealth and Friendly Cooperation)  Why are there dog events? More than the opportunity for immediate satisfaction Enhance the genetic pool with sound competent workers Winning/Passing results should exemplify this We ALL CAN'T succeed all the time We ALL CAN contribute to the protection and advancement of purebred dogs (AKC's purpose)  Why are we training the dogs we have now?  To win/pass with them ALSO - to become better trainers for the dogs in our futures    NATURAL AND TRAINED ABILITIES RETRIEVERS SHOULD BE JUDGED ON THEIR NATURAL AND TRAINED ABILITIES  Natural Abilities are of great importance and include  Memory Intelligence Attention Nose Courage Perseverance Style Trained Abilities include  Steadiness Control Response to direction Delivery  The Ideal Retriever  Marks the fall of a bird; Uses the wind; Follows a strong cripple; and Takes direction from the handler. Retrievers should perform equally well on the land and in the water. A retriever's performance should be a "FINISHED" job and pleasing to the eye.   STYLE! Style is apparent in every movement of a dog and throughout his entire performance, including: Gaiety of manner, approaching the line Alertness on line Eagerness and speed on retrieves Water entry Pick-up of birds Return with birds Style makes for a pleasing performance, evidenced by: Alert and obedient attitude Fast determined departure, both on land and into water Aggressive search for the fall Prompt pick-up Reasonably fast return v Appearance of grace, even under pressure. v Exuding determination and high likelihood of success. v "style is something in the movements of a dog when working, which gives to the onlooker the impression that the dog is determined and likely to succeed in his task."  charles alington, 1929   MANNERS / OBEDIENCE Retrievers should sit quietly on line or in the blind, walk at heel or assume any station designated until sent to retrieve. Control Includes Line Manners Walk tractably "AT HEEL" Assuming and staying in position on line Remaining quietly beside handler after delivery Return promptly when called Also: no creeping, no bird stealing Obedience Heel around bird piles / flyer crates Heel away from obvious line distractions (bird pile, honor dog, etc.) Holding Blind Practice Heel to line and back to blind while other dogs run  Use of lead, simulate trial protocols PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING  Natural skills: Physically fit, running, swimming, hunting.  Expected and Intended Outcomes You must be very confident about what the dog will do You must be prepared to react (plan / tools)  Success Ratio:  70% without help or correction 15% Testing 15% Certainty of correction  Note Keeping  Inventory exposure to /status of fundamental skills Identify emerging problems Keeping balance: success/correction, land/water, marks/blinds, long/short, etc. Planning future training  Attitude / Confidence / Style Defined  Appearance of grace, even under pressure Exuding Determination and high likelihood of success  Your Work Ethic: day after day, weather, planning, etc. Consistent standards: obedience, steadiness, get in water, casting, head swinging, etc.  Establish good habits / avoid "bad baggage"  Selfish focus, as appropriate (your time is your time) Birds: Pheasants and Ducks Physical Conditioning: dedicated exercise time, without the mental stress of training House time, hunting, joining-up Goals: Be CLEAR; start with the end in mind, write it down, visualize it........ If correction is needed on any aspect of a set-up, simplify the rest of the set-up. Avoid "piling-on" corrections for disparate faults. 3 peat of the same concept is fundamental to training (vs. testing).     TRAINING AND HANDLING APHORISMS / MINDSETS  Believe what you see and react appropriately Walk in your dogs shoes - be empathetic Am I doing everything I can, right now, to help my dog succeed (or am I concerned with my own vanity)? Don't panic; this may be when your dog needs you the most Start your journey with the end in mind Our dogs will never be any better than we are (our shortcomings hold them back) Train a fast dog slowly and a slow dog fast (you set the tempo) Watch for and respect behavior inflections Education must precede expectation Pressure: Appropriate level to change behavior (not more / not less) Punctuate your commands! Nervous? Abandon your fears, for your dog's sake!   TRAINING SEQUENCES  Time of year: Water, Wind, Cover, Temperature, Next Event Date Repetition of Concept Singles Multiples Retired / Complexity Singles (again) Success / Attitude (Daily Schedule) Keeping Pictures Clear and Pure Avoid Conflicts among marking concepts / but strive for overall balance Blinds: isolate the component(s) of complexity and run multiple blinds on one component theme at a time Pre / Post Event: Avoid obvious situational contrasts Singles for concentration / x - head swinging Reverse back - sliding Trial / Training Contrast Recognition (identifiable by dog) Expected / Intended Outcomes and Success Ratios Specific Trial Location Planning Cover / Terrain Type of Water Birds Size of Event GENERAL PROBLEMS / ISSUES Introducing New Material When to move on Blocked? - Go around? Escape Behavior Bolting, Shutdown, Cop-out Handler Focus / Be Bold! Highness: Trial vs. Training Behavior Noisy Moving on in difficulty (Hunt Test / Field Trial)  Your Attitude Preparing Your Dog Helping vs. Handle vs. Call back vs. Hunt it out Repeating? Attitude / Confidence / Style Handling Strategies, Trial vs. Training   *SLOPPY TRAINERS / HANDLERS  White jacket not buttoned up No white jacket Hands in pockets (use your hands to communicate) Whistle dangling in dog's face (keep it in your mouth) Transmitter / Stick in pocket, not ready Staggered stance (not square) Babble at dog vs. crisp punctuated commands Plan / tools not set / communicated to helpers GOOD HANDLING JACKETS Reach to and stay at the wrist Very white / Flat white (not shinny) Stay trim to body / arms, not harboring shadows Don't become transparent when wet Don't Hang in dog's face   PUPPIES Long Line (rope) useful on return (to control) Food Training  Obstacle training - recalls with rope, then food trust Starting doubles (idea of going again) with hand thrown marks Walking Marks: Let them watch gunner move  Attention/ concentration (no struggle, watch fall to ground) Awareness that next one is in a new place White chairs in foreground Retrieving toys (vs. bumpers / birds) Multiple guns / helper calls immediate attention to next throw Hand thrown concepts in yard  Secondary selection Wipe-outs Hip-pockets, etc.  * "Show and Tell"  Using an older dog to demonstrate first (obstacles, water entry, etc.)   LEARNING TO HANDLE  (WHISTLE AND CASTING SKILLS / CONTROL)  Handling is a remote communication system Obvious use: Blind Retrieves Also, to re-connect with line and area of fall on marks Fundamentals: Line / Go / Stop / Cast / Return Teach Fundamentals independently; assemble them on the Double T Prerequisites: obedience, force fetch, collar conditioning Go / Line: Force fetch extensions: Pyramid, ladder, walking fetch, fetch / no fetch, directional fetch, stick remote pressure, collar fetch, and force to pile Remote Stop (overlay whistle): Obedience with collar reinforcement, steady drills in yard, remote sits on recall with rope, sits on route to mark with rope, sit to pile with rope and collar Remote Casting / Three Hand Piles with Rope: left and right backs, return (overlay whistle) and casting drills. Hand throw 2 marks, send, stop, cast to other. Mini-T: assemble go, stop, casting and return (less than 50 yards, more rope than "e" collar) Emerging from the yard/basics Go to Double-T or Swim-by (depends on weather)   DOUBLE "T"   Double "T" Layout Discuss objectives Confront classic faults (i.e. bugging, no-go, popping, hunty attitude, flaring, slow sits)     Non-Conventional: - two center lines - tree as target -don't stop and then cast where dog was going -reverse order and run sideways   Teach one center line (progressively move back) Teach other center line and alternate (Lining and Force) Teach long overs (Remote Casting) Send, whistle stop and cast to long overs Put in short overs, without teaching piles (dog learns to generalize a behavior) Run by's (bumper in mouth) on return. Casting around without popping (discipline casting) Reinforce "back", sit, here when sloppy / distracted Emerging from Double "T" Go to Swim-by (weather permitting) Go to Transitions to Cold Blinds   SWIM - BY  Ideal and compromise (cove, with anchored bumpers) water designs  Objectives  Apply collar reinforcement to "go", "stop", "cast" and "here" in water Acclimate to sit/ tread water Initiate get-in / stay-in water behavior Build a skill for life long water discipline reminders  Steps (with rope on)  Teach, then collar reinforce to pile across water Teach sit / water tread with rope: progressively longer waits (bumper in hand, throw left/right > cast, then recall to opposite end of channel) Establish piles as targets at ends of channel Teach / coax initially to stay in channel; walking with cast, rope to regain attention Meet at end/ pile, take bumper, sit on shore, throw toward other end of channel, coax to cast in/over.... Progress to casting over with bumper in mouth Once dog has basic idea to go to pile across, sit/tread, cast (including bumper in mouth): apply nick for failure to maintain cast (i.e. dog looks at you for info after the cast: say "over" -nick- "over") Keep arm down, extend arm only when the dog "pops" (looks back to you)  Future - uses  Adjust water attitude when sloppy Correct return line Fight heavy cross-wind Out to sea and "dog-leg" blinds  On return re-entries, stop and over cast out to sea (simulates cast off point, etc. )  Emerging from Swim by  Go to cheating singles (you are now able to handle into and while in the water)    TRANSITIONS FROM DOUBLE "T" TO COLD BLINDS Dog knows the rudiments of Go / Stop / Cast / Return with collar reinforcements. In "Transitions" we take these skills to new physical locations and add distractions, to generalize the behaviors. Still a lot of "show and tell". Pattern Blinds:  Three 100-200 yard lines to recognizable yet new destinations. Start close, show pile, move back. Pattern Blind with Diversions: New location / single pile Identify the pile from line Run / Handle to pile Add Bird Boy to side, run to pile Throw / Pick up mark, run to pile Throw mark, leave it, run to pile, pick up mark. Take the above Pattern Blind Drills to 3-5 new locations, until smooth. Generalized behavior emerges. Go to early cold blinds   CHEATING (SINGLES)  Puppies: Recalls over obstacles (with rope): logs, boats, etc Shift line to angle jumps  Highly important to be a competent swimmer first (boat marks) Pre-force/Manual Teaching (with rope)  Need high retrieve drive to rebound from "no-here", when cheating Sensitivity to high success ratio Example: 3 correct, move back - fail? Move up for success again  White bumpers thrown progressively down channel  Handler moves line back  Failure - "NO - HERE" Simply / move-up / re-throw to re-establish successful contrast (shows comparison)  Cheating Singles, rarely as memory bird  Complexity:  Re-entry Angle entry Angle exit  Repeating: Yes, if line correction was effective on first try  Post swim-by dogs  Recall vs. Handle - want to expose to both. Applying handling skills with clear visual objective, as well as not condone poor initial lines (How to best reconnect with intended destination?) General rule on Recall vs. Handle  Recall for poor initial line Handle for line deterioration (fading to shore)  Emerging from Cheating Singles Go to channel blinds (show and tell first)    STEADY Steady: Means NO movement Establish good marking habits Don't let young dogs / pups break for birds before the bird settles on the ground / water. (start with very short distances, so they will go) Don't let them struggle wildly while birds are thrown Do whatever you need to do to calmly restrain them until bird settles If they break or struggle, Re-throw until they focus Handler thrown diversions done with handler stepping out front to control Age to insist on formal steadiness: depends on dog’s attitude Poor Steadiness usually results from: Sloppy standards Thinking they'll get every bird seen thrown Steadiness Tools: Line-mat, defines where to sit / stay Slip cord, until formally steady Stick or E Collar, which ever makes your dog less "jumpy" Steadiness Drills Start in yard with remote sits, while you walk around / randomly tossing bumpers (no retrieving) Practice mechanics of putting hand in, calling numbers before sending to a single white bumper Attention drills Multiple dogs on line honor many short exciting marks, until well behaved Honor other dog before (cold honor) and after your turn  Remote sits, while other dogs do complete marking set ups Steadiness Corrections "Sit" - nick - "sit" or "sit" - stick - "sit" (not "here": as the infraction was the motion, your correction should reinforce "sit")  After controlled break/steadiness: "Sit", then handler steps up (big corrections if more improvement) After controlled break / creep / head swing, almost always re-throw until your standard is satisfied  Fundamental: No bird unless no movement (restraint, not just correction) Degrees of difficulty to work into steadiness drills Gun shots / bird calls Other dog jealousy (Honoring) Short marks Splash in water Flyers Walk-ups   MARKING PRINCIPLES Accurate marking is of primary importance! A retriever should recognize the depth of the "area of the fall", stay in it, then quickly and systematically "hunt it out" Don't expect a dog to mark what the dog did not see. Focus vs. struggle / head swing Attention Drills Any Doubt? - Re-Throw!! Run to bird (vs. Gun) Targets (base of tree, rocks, mounds, etc.) Slots (rows of trees, etc.) Moving guns while dog runs to bird "Y" drill (angle back vs. flat throws) Long winger throws Throws arching over visible features  Marks that require gun dependence (shorter birds, hip pockets, etc.) Cues and gun help Independence Ability to re-claim line vs. "go straight" Allowing hunts, sometimes behind the gun Water momentum vs. technical lines Birds in water, with a splash, or way out Long, square entries / Re-entries  Retired Guns Intro: singles, "go bird" use umbrella or camo net Hunt Area: tighten / staying in / perseverance Dirt clod drill Allow dogs to hunt (intervene only for safety, switching, going to old fall, totally lost)  Help only to return to fall area, encourage to resume area hunt No E-collar in/around the fall area, must be a relaxed environment   MARKING/ GAME FINDING ABILITIES Experience / Success Goal in mind / discipline to maintain the idea Use of eyes, orientation skill Use of nose, hunting skill Clear destination: visibility (bird / gun), attention, steady, quiet (otherwise re-throw) Emphasis: attention: (no noise, re-throws, until quiet) Clean of other influences (factors) Balance of experiences Progression on marks: Stand-up/out Singles (visible gunner) Stand-up/out Multiples Retired singles (don’t send until thrower is concealed) Retired multiples Add factors: wind, cover, terrain, fatigue, water, diversions, distances (long / short / mid –distance) Selection issues Recovery Skills Re-orientation after hunt Re-claiming line after negotiating obstacles / factor Gun dependence / orientation Go at bird confidence (long throws away from gun) Line hold / re-claim Depth perception Retired guns are the "purest" marks: line and depth   MODEL MARKING SET UP Awareness of wind and all other factors / hazards (weather radio/compass) Trial vs. training season One-two weeks before event, keep in balance (long vs. short, etc.) Normal training should accentuate concepts until solid (perhaps out of balance) Expected / Intended outcomes Plan, tools available and communicated to helpers (radio, extra bird, etc.) Discuss options on how to run a set up (i.e. single / multiple / pickup order, etc.) Your agenda - head swinging, line manners, multiple mechanics, specific concept? Side to watch / send from options Variety: Attention drill Retired guns, teaching (umbrella techniques, holding blinds, natural hiding) Short diversions - anti-head swinging (delay, bulldog, deny, wipe-out) Friendly orders, or driving past Long single first, promotes long bird watching Walk ups Singles: confidence, anti head swinging Walk aways/"organized confusion" Help / Correction Options Behind Gun?   MULTIPLE MARKS Anticipation / habit of going again and again, established at an early age Mechanics of Multiples (practice for handler and dog) Setting - up, watching, move from bird to bird, Return / Delivery, Lining-up, Footwork, Hands, Voice, Bird Handling (you and the dog)  Importance of square stance Easing Into Multiples: Bird in mouth, diversions off line. Momentum multiples vs. technical / stressful setups Just Go Get 3 or 4 birds vs. Key Concept Doubles vs. Line Critical Singles Early Teaching of Multiple Marks Pre-requisites Steady enough to focus on marks (slip cord) Reasonable return / delivery You must have control over situation Request help as needed Physical barriers (fence / tree) to prevent switch / return to old fall Use Factors (wind, terrain) to help lead dog to memory bird Short wide spread set ups    HELPER SKILLS  Communication Radios Hand Signals (stand, throw, motion, Hey-Hey, retire, etc.) Always acknowledge instructions / plan as understood before dog runs  Help Dog Connect / Reconnect with destination: Is dog looking? / attention drill / when to move / stand with dog at line. Uses of the umbrella / camo net on retired guns Reading dog's intent in route Watch eyes / momentum (read, report, react) In front of gun? Getting in water? Looking for short bird vs lead out? Release from hunt to switch/ locale orientation while out of sight/ dirt-clod / stay-in-area drills  Avoid eye contact with pups (look at bird, look away to avoid cheat on return) Intervention by helper (agree with handler in advance) Re-attract to hunt area Bird in air, then holler / shoot Body influences, arm motion, face bird, leaning, etc Blow whistle - safety /hearing / out of control  Keep sun on white shirt, max visibility Encouraging hunt, "Good dog" …  Learning to shoot flyers Start with dead birds and shot gun (simulates flyer, too)  Preparedness Hazard Alert Check Handler Visibility Extra Birds – ready to throw Whistle Gun Umbrella / camo net  High visibility bumper/white tape streamers  Equipment List: Radio  Birds Umbrella Pistol Pack (pistol, blanks, ear protection, bird call, whistle, marking tape, etc.) Chair White Shirt REMEDIAL HANDLING/WHISTLE SITS Sharpen the skill in yard first Do they understand Whistle means sit, Quickly? Teach with rope, then overlay E collar Recalls / sit (rope around remote post) Sit in route to thrown bumpers Sit in route to pile Remote sit drills Stop to Pile drills: line type and over type Obedience: lead + collar, then overlay E collar Run with dog + snap sit Bird-boy blinds, discuss Don’t permit auto-casting Escape type collar correction "Cemetery" blinds: opportunities to blow lots of whistles Split-back pile (lining or remote casting) Sloppy sits that develop after solid basics Don’t compromise standards!   CONTROL AT LONG DISTANCE/CASTING   Walk behind blinds Long – distance wagon wheel casting Remote – handler / whistle blower Use of swim / run-by at distance Stop and cast over/in’s on return Emergency (against factors) blinds Handle "all over the field" procedure (time-out from disobedience) No auto-casting Remote Cast blinds Immediate whistle info for cast refusal Walking base-ball Use "Here" after/in place of toot-toot on attrition/recalls Overlay toot-toot with nick, then "Here" Allow dog to get deep of blind, practice recall whistle Direction changes: "dog – leg" blinds Split back pile drill (As lining or remote casting)    ADVANCED MARKING  Retired Guns The Difficulties are: Depth Perception Attraction / Repulsion of Diversions Cheating Elements on Retired Guns Almost Never as memory birds As singles: Good Drill work  Doing the Impossible Test (at the trial): If conventional rules aren't working, Try an alternative  Occasionally try odd pick-up orders (primary selection, short bird last, etc.) Water Marks: Resist Temptations to always setting-up technical lines Need a regular dose of successful (go - get - um) water marks   FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFICULT TESTS  Cycle through these Each Season / Each Year Short (retired) guns / "secondary selection" issues Long (retired) guns Long Swims / Stay in Across points and Re-entries (including scented areas on blinds) "Poison" Birds Long Blinds / Control  Demanding Water Entries    CLASSIC CONCEPTS / CONFIGURATIONS (READ JIM SPENCER'S BOOK "RETRIEVER TRAINING TESTS") Hip Pocket Behind Chair Converging In-Lines Over and Under Momma – Poppa  Indent   CORE COMPLEXITIES As your dog masters the fundamental tests, begin adding these complexities to the set-ups: Distance (Drive / Fatigue and Depth Perception) Diversions, tight or remote "Tightness" (or lack of): Lines and Falls Sloping Terrain Cross-Wind Rough Cover / Long Birds (tough going / drag back scent) Shorter Cover / Check Down Birds (easy to over run on "fast" surface) Retired Guns (Depth Perception) Live Bird Attraction   BIRD PLACEMENT IN TRAINING GENERAL Water: Consider: In the Water, with a splash, or Well up and out Hard to get to, Easy to find Easy to get to, Hard to find Avoid conflicting messages from bird to bird Momentum: Long / Square water entries: Friendly water work MARKS  Retired guns: Avoid cheating memory birds situations (without the gun exposed, you can't clearly read dog's intent to cheat vs. having mis-marked line to bird) River Marks with weighted bumpers (simulates cross-wind)  BLINDS  Avoid tapering away shoreline as destination (always results in giving in to shore) Know exact location; avoid "HUNT IT UP" ending Leave room deep of blind, allow dog to get deep, to practice come-in whistles   REPEATING Natural behavior for a dog = back-trailing, scent orientation (it's hard for people to appreciate this - we have poor noses) A lot of field testing is based on tight, but distinct, line recognition that is sight oriented. Much of our training requires that sight orientation skills over-ride scenting instincts. Repeating lines to the same destination reinforces the "wrong" navigation skills. Better to repeat the concept (not the spot) under "cold" scenting circumstances. Yet, in a measure much less frequent than people seem to think, repeating the same retrieve may be beneficial.  Don't repeat marks unless: Clear potential for visual orientation (correct line / destination choice is easily distinguished) On initial (failed) attempt, there was successful intervention and re-orientation was achieved (clean handle, for example)    LONG MARKS Success ratio / Expected and Intended outcomes Distance as the only factor Singles Flyers Easy to find Un-retired first Physical Features (down hill vs. up hill) Attention to Hot/Cold Temperatures Visibility / Background / Bird (Streamer tape) In-route throws Helper ready and reading dog’s momentum Boat Marks, non-cheaty Short cover first Help vs. Handle, discuss More advanced High cover / Terrain Old / drag-back scent Retired Guns Foreground diversions Multiple Marks  v 3peat marking drills   HEAD SWINGING  Singles off multiple gun stations First and last set up of day Day before trial All (shorter) guns standing, don’t always tell gunners you are going to do singles  Long single first  When doing tough multiples Accentuate importance to watch birds to the ground Double shots (at arc)/ bird calls / Hey-Hey Stick / Correct and Re-throw for headswing, noise, creeping Try uncovering next gun only when his turn to throw If blatant headswing, drop back to singles Set ups for correction False flyer stations Shoot, count to 3, then throw Insist on fundamentals Don’t honor others multiples Cover up long guns if not throwing them first Don’t allow swing until you move Careful attention to your footwork and other cues Precision marking drills "Y" drill Through tree lines Cheating singles Long throws away from gun Wingers/dummy launcher/Flyers Walk away singles   BLIND RETRIEVE PRINCIPLES Retrievers should respond quickly and eagerly to whistles and directions, meaning: Take the original line given Continue on that line Stop when commanded Take a new direction as given Continue on that line until bird is found Blind retrieves should take advantage of natural distractions such as: Islands Points of land Sand bars Ditches Hedges Bushes Adjacent heavy cover Rolling terrain EARLY BLINDS  Don't fiddle about precise lines - "kick-em -off" Walk behind dog, as he runs, keeping the dog near to you. When you blow sit whistle, he will find you close by (like the distance from you when learning basics)  Rope is a good idea Multiple planted blinds with emergency options Mix side sends and remote casts Chairs, trees in foreground to distinguish lines Natural targets, like on Double T (trees, etc.) Avoid strong factors (Wind, Terrain, Cover)  Avoid tight lines and cheating obstacles 3peat to teach themes and concepts  WATER  Channels - Long axis of swim- by pond is a good place to start Floating, anchored bumpers in swimming water Cheating singles type pictures, but less cheaty. Lining Skills, Progression  Visible bumper/pile Known marker (trees, rocks, etc.) Choice of markers Relativity to markers (i.e. line between, chairs, tree, etc.) General acceptance of wherever you point/line them they will go!!!!   ADVANCED BLINDS Effective Casting (Trial vs. Training) Anticipation / Planned approaches to and exits from Hazards Maintain standards in training (literal casts) Maintain survival at the trial (momentum casts) and if the first cast didn't work get more suggestive / emphatic (but keep your cool)  Rarely run a single complex water blind in training (too pass / fail, non-instructive) Components / Tune-Up (Series) Approach Cold Drills, Ending in Successful Understanding Examples for drills: Entries Re-Entries Cast into Water Stay-Ins Up & Outs Poison Birds Chair Drills Past / Over / Off Points Obstacles Complexity of Blinds Diversions, poison birds Tight Lines/ Multiples Blinds Factors: Wind, Terrain, Cover, Distance, etc. Water entries  Typical Problems on Blinds Lack of solid basics Control at Distance Hunty Attitude Bugging   MODEL BLIND SET UP Awareness of wind and all other factors / hazards (weather radio/compass) Expected / Intended outcomes Strategies / Remedies Planned Come to Line Line - up: side to send from, Push / Pull, use of Hands / Feet Importance of square stance  Initial Line Plan Approach to/exit from Hazards Handle Away from Hazards and Into Visibility Awareness of side dog turns to on whistle, relative to hazards Momentum Preservation Allow to fight factors, even if off line. Re-orientation cast should be easy "Reading the Momentum Gauge": Whistles and Corrections and Attrition run it down Don't let young dogs get into "Deep Holes": down wind, down hill, along shoreline Prevent trouble: Quick intervention, don't hope for dog to discover his error and re-gain his line  End Hazards Come-in Whistle, Downwind Drift tendency   Attitude: blinds are mostly trained behavior and can suffer from inappropriately high corrections ratio. Caution! Attitude: Components of blinds, Tune - up approach, Non- conflicting, Successful outcomes Solve acute problems (tune-up approach) before attempting more advanced skills: (popping, whistle stops, etc. must be ironed-out first.)   HANDLING STRATEGIES GENERAL Consider Where You Don't Want The Dog to Go How Can You Influence to Go Where You Want: Side of Send, Lining, Voice, Order of Pick-up What Have Other Dogs Done? Should You Expect a Different Result? Consider Alternative Tactics!!!! Wind Awareness: Influence on Line; Scent Cones Awareness of all factors / hazards Awareness of dog / handler visibility  Plan Side to Watch / Send from on Each Bird Plan Side of line mat to send from on Each Bird; Paths? Paths from prior dog work?  Arrive in time to watch test dog and to view line conditions shortly before you run Never give up! Earn every bird, every call back and every ribbon! Don't be cynical. Concentrate on how to do the test, not on what's "wrong" with it!   BLINDS Position Dog for next Likely Cast Handle Into Visibility and away from trouble Handle Away from Adjacent Hazards Consider Dog's Turning Tendency on Sit Whistle Handler Standing in Sunlight (facing to keep shadows off arm signals) Approach the Line on a Path Suggesting the Initial Line to the blind If Your First Cast Isn't Working, Stop!!! Slow Down!!! Try an Alternative Communicate With: Voice and Whistle Modulation and Casting Tempo Handle Right to the Bird; Stay Focused at End Come-in Whistle; Tendency to Fade Down-wind.   MARKS Approach the Line on a path for the dog to View Key Bird Watch Dog's Head as Marks Are Thrown You Only Need to Watch the Fall of the Flyer Shadow Awareness When You Signal  Preparatory and sending voice: drive vs. relax? LIFELONG MAINTENANCE / COMMUNICATION DRILLS Wagon Wheel Lining (with Guide Stick and Pull Tab) Slots / Row of Trees Occasional Long Retrieve, for drive attitude Push - Pull Drill, Follow Inside Leg Heeling Drills Control Leg nearest dog, "here" forward and "heel" backward Handler Move/ Dog Called into Position, 360 heeling 1/3/5 Step heeling, figure 8, etc.  Water Drills Line-In Cast-In Stay-In Point Drill Straight-in recalls Tune-Up Drills (built on a theme: entry, cross points, etc.) Marking Drills Attention Dirt Clod Moving Guns (walking guns and organized confusion) Slot to Bird "Y" drill (flat vs. angle back throws) Casting Drills Walking Baseball (casting off diversions) Wagon Wheel: straight back becomes "no-hands" Split back pile, for direction change reminder  "Chinese" Set-ups Marks (simple) combined with blinds, run in "CRAZY" orders  Steadiness: walk around, tempting bumper throws while on remote sit    HUNTING TEST PREPARATION (vs. FIELD TRIALS)  Handler Must Carry Shotgun and May Point at Birds Walk-Ups and marks thrown spontaneously (no showing of guns to dogs) Remote Sends (Marks & Blinds) / handler in blind, dog outside Remote Honor Hidden Throwers Short / Tight Marks Winger Throws, Long and across hazards Steadiness! Bird-Calls / Shots at Line and behind line In Route / Return Diversions (Bull-Dog) Send from Boat Hunting Attire/ Handlers and Helpers (comply with Rule but remember dog must see you) Sit (vs. stand) next to dog Decoy spreads: water and land Diversion gunner (mid-field) shoots at distant thrown bird  Unusual throws In toward line Short and long throws off same side on same gun (train on Y drill) Simultaneously thrown marks Overhead/from behind the line  Defensive Handling Strategy Avoid double handles Avoid big hunts/careful about switches (tight areas)  Unusual birds: Chuckars, pigeons, etc   JUNIOR TO SENIOR TRANSITION Steady (should have been steady before attempting Junior, despite allowance for restraint, can’t use lead coming to, at, or leaving line) Package of skills Calm in blind Heel to line No creeping No bird stealing Walk-up marks Honoring Solid delivery to hand Multiple marks (Land and Water) Basic Blinds (Land and Water)    SENIOR TO MASTER TRANSITION  Extra Steady / Honoring Marking More marking series (3 series and extra birds) Triples / Quads Delayed marks Diversions marks / shots Marks and blinds integrated Blinds Diversions Poison Birds (with mark retrieved later) Scent Tough Standards (Remember this is a foundation for the genetic pool)  TRANSITION TO FIELD TRIALS The purpose of a retriever field trial is to determine the relative merits of retrievers in the field. Can you accept a low success rate???? Brutal "call backs", only one winner Do you feel you could benefit from Watching more accomplished Dog and Handler Teams? Test Distinctions? Distance Concepts, Exaggerated Straight Lines and No Cheating Derby: Pin-Point Marking; Much more than natural abilities Qualifying: Difficulty varies by trial, the very good dogs don't stay there long Amateur: Pro-Trained Dogs and some poor handlers Open: A Bare-Fisted Game: Sharp Dogs, Sharp Handling ATTITUDE - SOFT DOGS Health? Success Ratio Friendly Orders Flyers Training Schedule Sensitivity Hot/Cold Temperatures Start/End Easy/Marks/Singles Don’t overdo it / train the dog, not for your gratification Don’t nag Don’t condone escape behavior – lagging, bugging, dog/handler eye contact deadlocks, "bail-out" lines Set up / corrections focused on single concepts Avoid "catch 22" corrections Building Hunting Skills: Allowing to hunt Seeding / scenting area / easy to find Hunt-it-up practice (land and water) Shooting preserve hunting, planted birds with high success rate Balance: land vs. water, marks vs blinds, etc. Reading and reacting to dog’s attitude   ATTITUDE – OVERLY EXCITED DOGS  Obedience (on a weekly basis) Before trial / before last series Public places High Standards but: Time correction for maximum impression Group Training Don’t run as test dog, where you can't correct! Visit other stakes (air, heel on lead, back in kennel) Dry Runs to Holding Blinds while other dogs work Remote Sits / watching Treats in holding blind (soft, chewey type) Use lead / holding blind in training Slow down Don’t chatter / single word commands Don’t nag, Correct! Note Opposition Nature/Reflex Throw a few marks before trial / between series High and consistent standards No more than 2 consecutive trials / tests Being a soldier from truck to line    FITTING TRAINING INTO AN AMATEUR’S BUSY SCHEDULE Marks AM face west PM face east Blinds: North / South lines (need forward / backward visibility) April & October: blinds, singles and drills (limited time) Drills under flood lights: Schools Shopping centers Traffic islands in parking lots = land tune-up drills Paid Help vs. training partners  Planning: Schedule What to work on When to do it Equipment Communication with helpers/partners Obedience: Always time for a 15 minute session Attend formal classes during winter to stay sharp   * GROUNDS (What you need / How to use) List the grounds / water you need based upon fundamental skills and local event ground characteristics. Inventory what you have, matching the characteristics to what you need. Identify what you are missing and go find it. Memorize N/S/E/W, to predict sun and wind conditions before you arrive on the grounds. Plan where you need to be training according to learning phase and event schedule. Finding water Topographic maps Dairy Farms   * BIRDS (Use, Storage....) Don't let bird use become a contrast of training vs. trials Bird familiarization: Hold / delivery Recognize shapes (in the air / on water) Drag-back trails Appealing distractions Birds are the rewards / incentives that maintain attitude and bridge tough learning gaps. Bird storage needs Freezer Drying Rack / Drying Box (away from files)  Wisk broom, remove fly eggs Fan to dry Feed sacks (fly proof, but not air tight) Flyer Box Bird Pen? Cooler and Ice With bumpers at water grate   * BIRDS, MISCELLANEOUS TIPS Where to get them (Live and dead) Ask at / after trial / hunt test Tower shoots Game farms (yellow pages) Bring bird crate / bags with you Birds can be used in many sessions by Drying wet birds before freezing Thawing birds the night before training Drying and re-freezing Mixing fresh flyers with old / wet birds will quickly ruin the fresh birds Separate by the "eye test" Freeze / store birds in bird bags in a quantity to supply a single gun station at typical training session (perhaps 6 / bag)… Thaw / carry only what you need Use both Peasants and Ducks all year, but don't mix scents at the same station. Don't get pheasants wet. Learn to throw / shoot flyer by practicing with dead bird and aiming popper gun…. Good flyer simulation, too. Rotate responsibility among training partners for getting flyers each week. Discretion about public view / talk and humane handling are paramount! * JUDGING AND SPECTATING (Winning / Qualifying standards) To orient your journey, become familiar with the destination: Observe All Age / Master level work at events Attend a national (field trial, hunt test, breed specialty) Observe professional training, including skills you're about to work on (double T, swim-by, etc.) Apprentice judging assignments Distinguish between testing setups (where outcomes are less than certain and varied) and training set-ups (where outcomes should be deliberately predictable) * HUNTING PREPARATION Upland Dog bell on walks Bull dog sits / master sit to flush Hunt-em-up drills Water Fowl Remote stationing / steady perch Long sits / down, remote Big decoy spreads (push through) Camo vest acclimation Lie down / cover - up with tarp / blanket Bird Calls, up close Shots overhead Game bird familiarity Keep a few "usual" birds in freezer, show and tell before hunting Grouse Woodcock Dove Teal, etc.   RETRIEVER TRAINING BOOK / sample pages  TABLE OF CONTENTS  Events and Personal Schedule (weekend map) Equipment Needs Equipment Inventory / values Trial Grounds Detail Training Grounds Detail / Owner Contacts Bird Boy Contacts Bird Sources Helper set-up / Clean-up checklist State dog / training / hunting laws Licenses / Permits (dogs, rabies, hunting, training areas) Dog Details: Pedigree, photos, negatives (reprints in case dog is lost) Registration info: Entry forms / post cards, etc. Pre-trial, training, travel checklists Veterinarian Contacts, Hospital Emergency Location / Contact   Training Notes Strengths / weak areas (based on annual re-cap, etc.) Maintenance work / drills Balance Success / Correction Ratio Future Training Plans   Rule Books Membership Lists Trial Premiums, up-coming events   Various Checklists Pre-Trial Set-up Designs Balance in Training Designs Fundamentally Difficult Tests Classic Concepts / Configurations Core Complexities Hunt Test Preparations Hunting Preparations Hunting Equipment   RETRIEVER TRAINING BOOK / sample pages (cont…) * EVENING TRAINING TIMES (starting at 6:30pm)  Month Hours of Training Time  Sunset (Philadelphia, PA)  Comments  April  1 hour  7:35 Trial season Build-up water skills Balance concepts  May  1 hour 40 minutes  8:10 Trial season    June  2 hours  8:30 Trial season    July  2 hours  8:30 Concept Emphasis  August 1 hour 30 minutes 8:00 Concept Emphasis September 40 minutes 7:10 Trial season Maintain water skills Balance concepts October 0 6:20 Trial season   Realistic Budget of time # Of set-ups Land vs. water Marks vs. blinds Critical maintenance items Travel time Flyers / bird inventory Water maintenance w/o light (Shorelines, up and outs, (re)-entries, cross-wind) Long bird maintenance w/o light Clock changes first Sunday in April and last Sunday in October    RETRIEVER TRAINING BOOK / sample pages (cont…)  BALANCE IN TRAINING DESIGNS Water Out to sea vs. shoreline Stay in vs. up and outs and long entries Fun vs. Technical General Long vs. check down (super long and very short) Tight vs. wide open Singles vs. multiple Run / Swim at bird vs. Gun Dependence Blinds vs. Marks Success Ratios RETRIEVER TRAINING BOOK / sample pages (cont…)  PRE-TRIAL SET-UP DESIGNS  Singles with multiple guns out Designs that are clear No out of control or multi-correction / infraction outcomes Polemic balance, i.e. short and long Mix up concepts vs. repetition Use of flyer that enhances concentration Long single (past shorter guns B then do short bird B flyer suction beyond) Look past and drive by short false flyer Match cover, terrain to anticipated trial settings Include blinds, but outside of concept marks Long, cross-winds / terrain Simple poison bird, for control Attention to basic obedience and line manners Use lead to and in holding blind Pheasants? Extra care about potential injury Feet Falling down (rough terrain) Eyes (high tough cover) Over-exertion Avoid resentment reactions Nagging line-up - bugging Cold water Back-burn-back (promote over-runs) Thorny cover Large Trial? Shorter / Switching type land marks Walk-ups Technical entry water blind Tight poison birds   * RETRIEVER TRAINING BOOK / sample pages (cont…) HUNTING EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST Shell Bag Shells / shell box, gun kit Licenses /stamps Gloves > Shooting Regulations Compass Gun Sling Dog Towels Food / water Dishes E-Collar (Charged) Crate Pad ID Collar Dog Snacks Field water bottle Guns / Cases Thermos Rain gear Hats Whistles Camera / Film Boot Dryers Boots!!! Walking and in boat Snacks T.P. Dry socks / shoes Flash Light Ducks Calls Face Net Neoprene Glovers Waders / hanger Dog wet suit Upland Dog Bell ID Collar Cooler / Ice SEE TRAVEL CHECK LIST BOOK ON TAPE!!! Legal shooting times Wind / weather radio (forecast) First Aid Kit   LOCAL PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS   Ed Forry Rick Milheim Pat Nolan J.J. Sweezey and Kay Sweezey 302-378-1002 610-442-5005 301-824-2402 410-778-2220  VIDEOS   Mike Lardy Total Retriever Training Total Retriever Marking Collar Conditioning Jim Kappes, Bruce Curtis, and Wayne Curtis Try contacting Jacque Anderson Rex Carr and Dave Rorem Jackie Mertens Sound Beginnings / Retriever Puppies     800-848-5963   763-498-7562 800-848-5963   800-848-5963 TRAINING EQUIPMENT Dogs A Field Dobbs Training Center Lion Country Supply 800-863-3647 888-326-5527 800-662-5202    BOOKS   Walters, D.L and Ann Training Retrievers to Handle Interstate Book Manufactures, Olathe, KS Dobbs, Jim and Phillis Retriever Training Tri- Tronics, Inc. Tucson, AZ Spencer, James Retriever Training Tests Arco Publishing, New York, NY Gwaltney, Dr. Jack Training and Campaigning Retrievers (new edition in 1999) Hillmann, William Training Retrievers for Field Trails (new edition 1998) Loveland, Cherylon and Rutherford, Clarice Retriever Puppy Training Alpine Publications Quinn, Thomas The Working Retrievers EP Dutton, New York, NY (new edition in 1998) Alington, Charles / Susan Scales Field Trials and Judging Swan Hill Press Shrewsbury England (original 1929, new edition 2000) 800-447-7367 888-326-5527 800-777-7257 804-973-2620 850-893-5746 (Jeff Talley) 800-777-7257 800-207-0799 airlifebooks.com This manual may be printed from www.weebegoldens.com   PERIODICALS / SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS The Retriever Journal Retriever (Field Trial) News Retrievers OnLine Magazine Working Retrievers Central North American Hunting Retriever Association NAHRA News Hunting Retriever Magazine (United Kennel Club / H.R.C) Gun Dog Magazine AKC Afield Magazine 800-447-7367 414-481-2760 705-793-3556 http://www.working-retrievers.com 540-286-0625 616-343-9020 800-767-4868 919-233-9767 LOCAL RETRIEVER CLUBS   Keystone Retriever Club (Hunt Tests Central PA) Rick Wise Swamp Dog Club (Field Trials, Hunt Test) Eastern, PA Fran Gough Waterland Retriever Club (Hunt Tests Eastern PA) Ann Hunter Del Bay Retriever Club (Field Trials, Hunt Tests) DE/MD Lyn Yelton Westchester Retriever Club (Field Trials, Hunt Tests, Training Sessions) New York Dennis McConnell 717-252-2386 610-377-7530 215-646-3263 410-885-2671 845-987-7937