AlaskaHunter
Well-known member
One of the reasons I like running advanced hunt tests/field trials is the high level of communication/teamwork.
Plus training all summer long under the midnight sun is so much fun.
Much of success in multiple marking is due to teamwork.
As the leader of the team it is the handler's job to ensure the lab clearly focuses each mark.
You can not talk to your dog in AKC hunt tests and field trials while the marks are thrown.
Communication is done by silently pushing and pulling the retriever's focus to the next mark.
A push left to the second mark, a pull right to the third mark, then a slight pull to the go bird mark.
Also the handler watches the dog, not the marks. If the dog creeps he is denied the marks.
As the handler, I determine which marks the retriever will pick up.
The lab retrieves the long go bird. Then I use a quiet release to get the shortest mark next.
The "easy" release means hunt close and careful.
Next heel on the right side to communicate run to the right outside mark.
Finally a louder send to communicate run through the shorter old fall to the longer mark.
Plus training all summer long under the midnight sun is so much fun.
Much of success in multiple marking is due to teamwork.
You can not talk to your dog in AKC hunt tests and field trials while the marks are thrown.
Communication is done by silently pushing and pulling the retriever's focus to the next mark.
A push left to the second mark, a pull right to the third mark, then a slight pull to the go bird mark.
Also the handler watches the dog, not the marks. If the dog creeps he is denied the marks.
As the handler, I determine which marks the retriever will pick up.
The lab retrieves the long go bird. Then I use a quiet release to get the shortest mark next.
The "easy" release means hunt close and careful.
Next heel on the right side to communicate run to the right outside mark.
Finally a louder send to communicate run through the shorter old fall to the longer mark.