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It is important to continue moving forward in your
training on a broad front. This means that "yard work" and
"drills" are balanced with field work on land and water so
that the dog is learning all of these skills in an orderly
manner. (for an explanation of field terms you should read
the books recommended in the resources
page)
- Double-T Handling drill that teaches concepts
of taking direction from handler at distance
- Swim-by Water handling drill that teaches
handling in water at distance.
- Pattern blinds Teaches dog to go in a straight
line in the direction he is sent for long distances
- Cheating water marks to learn to not run the
bank. I introduce this in basics with most dogs as
Poodles have a GREAT tendency to bank run. This is
introduced using the standard "retrieve over a high jump"
obedience methods then move to a small log, then a pile
of brush then a small body of water, such as a wading
pool, then a small pond and finally to the regular
training ponds. I incorporate the word "no" when the dog
first goes around the jump or obstacle, move up and show
him what I want and tell him that he is "good". Gradually
progressing in this manner a dog can be taught to NOT
bank run even if he doesn't understand handling skills or
e-collar commands.
- Cheating land marks. Same concept as cheating
water marks. Because of the lack of terrain courage in
many Poodles I teach this as part of the basics even
before they learn handling skills. A dog can be taught to
"go straight" using verbal cues, whistle stops, and
moving up towards the dog to "help" the dog understand
the concept of going away in a straight line. (Diane
Bauman, Janice DeMello and Jeannie Denard have perfected
this using standard obedience techniques with their
obedience dogs) If the dog has high prey drive it
certainly helps to overcome a lack of terrain
courage.
- Doubles on land
- Doubles on water
- Steady at line. This is taught from the
beginning of training in obedience.
- Casting drills on water and land
- Diversion shots and diversion birds
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