Monday, January 19, 2009

Land Blinds, Pick-up Drills

Oaks Area 2

CONDITIONS: Subfreezing temps, a thin cover of snow, wind calm, overcast skies.

SERIES A. Triple land blind (both dogs)

Each dog ran three blinds of 70-140-210 yards. All blinds were unmarked ducks.

SERIES B. Pick-up speed drills (both dogs)

Using a "pile" of ducks — that is, ducks placed near one another but not touching — I sent each dog in turn to the pile. If the dog instantly picked up the duck and returned, I cheered and sometimes gave the dog a bite of string cheese after delivery. If the dog dawdled or shopped, I called "no, stop" and ran to the dog, used a hand target to lead the dog away from the birds, brought the dog back to the SL at heel, and sent the dog again.

We ran this drill at varying distances, 15-25-35-50 yards. Laddie's pick-ups are generally fast anyway, so this was primarily practice dealing with these particular ducks, which he was apparently having some discomfort carrying. Lumi's pick-ups improve with practice, then gradually slow down over a period of weeks when we don't work on the skill. Both dogs made good progress.

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