Week One
Indy
At three years old, his owner has worked hard on his training, but Indy's off-lead walking and steadiness during retrieves still need work.
Starting the Training with Indy
It is actually day two with Indy, but it took him a day and a night just to settle down.
Starting with the Heel work
Everything starts here with the lead walking. A few days of this work depend on the weather. After that, I will move him on.
Social Drive
This is what I am looking for from Indy: engagement and that social drive. After just a few hours, he is starting to get it.
Day Two
Continuing the Lead walking and Longline today
I had a much better night with Indy, and we are moving forward again today.
Introducing some Longline and the follow me exercise
Starting with the longline work is essential for getting Indy to truly follow. Although he's familiar with the concept, using the longline ensures he understands the need to focus and respond.
Day Three
Indy’s potential hinges on his ability to master patience. It's not just a virtue; it's a strategy. On the Working field patience will give him the edge. It allows for thoughtful decision-making and calm retrieves.
Day Four
Setting him up to Win
Training your dog is about setting them up for success. When you know that in a certain situation they simply can't succeed but still allow it to happen, it's unfair to both them and you.
Starting some Basic Retrieves
Starting from scratch makes sure Indy doesn't miss any fundamental steps and can eventually retrieve with confidence and ease.
Week Two
Abington Park
Took Indy to Abington Park to work on his prey drive. He did well considering his level of excitement.
Off Lead with Indy
We were really rocking today with Indy's off-lead training and retrieving. It just clicked. Although I had a few distractions, they were nothing that couldn't be quickly redirected.
Why I am withdrawing the Rewards
While Indy's progress is good, it's becoming clear that the rewards might be muddling his retrieve work. The challenge lies in the reward dynamics: running out and scenting have their own intrinsic rewards, but bringing the item back relies solely on external incentives (what I reward him). This imbalance could be undermining his full retrieval skills. Finding a way to make the return itself rewarding might help in balancing this equation and reinforcing his effectively.
Starting some Core Exercises
There are certain core exercises that I practise once I see the dogs are ready, one of which is left, right, and back.
Sit, Wait & Mark
Another core exercise I practise is sit, wait, and mark it. It helps build a foundation of patience.
Heel & Engagement
Today, Indy faced a real test. The moment I introduced Drake to the situation, Indy's excitement skyrocketed. He immediately lost focus and disengaged from me. It was a clear shift in behaviour that highlighted the challenges of managing his enthusiasm when new elements are involved.
The Infamous Stop Whistle
Training a high-drive gundog to stop on the whistle tests both patience and skill. Consistent practice ingrains the response. It is important to stay calm, as tension can confuse the dog. Gradually introduce distractions and reinforce the command with verbal cues if needed.
Week Three
Continuing the Stop Whistle
When it comes to teaching the stop whistle, there are many ways to do it. This is just one way.
Great Retrieves
I have to trust Indy to go out and retrieve. These couple of heavy cover retrieves are a great test for him. His willingness to stay engaged is really starting to build.
Temptation
Yes, I might be tempting fate by putting Indy in these situations, but that’s training. I have to tempt him to run and then redirect it if he does. That’s the only way he will learn.
The Air & Go
Exclusively sold throughout the UK by Sporting Saint.
The Air & Go is a fast self-filling, good-quality Air Launcher, with no bang sound. Introducing Indy to it today certainly from a distance got his attention.
Steady Retrieves
Training Indy hasn't been easy. I see some nice steadiness in him and moments of greatness. However, I also notice that uncompliant side of him still.
Week Four
Building Indy back up
Taking a short break has worked wonders for Indy and me. Today's training was spot on. Indy seemed more focused and responsive.
Playing to Indy's Strengths
Although I am a big believer in working on a dog’s weaknesses, you also have to play to their strengths.
Multiple Retrieves
So far Indy has only done two retrieves in a row. Although we have been doing upwards of twenty to 30 per session each time its been a restart once the two have been retrieved.
A Hard Blind
Now that we have Indy back on track I just wanted to give him a real challenge to see what he can do....
Indy has gone Home
So today was my last day with Indy, he has gone home to start a new era in his life but will be keeping in touch with his owner and make sure he stays on track...
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