Daisy’s Plan – 21 months old (updated 7/8/07)
      
          strengths:                                                                      

        1. high drive
        2. loves to train
        3. excellent nose
        4. can run big marks with cover – 400 yards
        5. fast
        6. very responsive to whistles
        7. wants to please
        8. excellent focus (most of the time)
        9. excellent stamina
      10. no quit
      11. very good at handling
      12. excellent marker
      13. great attitude
      14. very "birdy", will go through a brick wall after one
      15. very forgiving after corrections, doesn’t sulk
      16. tough, handles indirect pressure well
      17. well into advanced transition
      18. strong in big water 
      19. many flyers at "Euro" shoots - did well at these
      20. was almost perfect in the "hide" during four field goose hunts
             note: quiet, patient and retrieved four geese (with 2 cripples) 
      21. steady for doubles and honoring
      22. upland hunting is spectacular with dynamic, stylish, long points
      23. surprisingly good lining talent considering #22
 
          weaknesses:   (3/19/07)

        1. multiple marks – not done enough of
        2. memory – not sure, seems OK (see #1 – needs increased concentration)
        3. honesty – decheated and understands, but not enough info
        4. OB – knows rules, still a little wild, with collar on very good
            off leash & no collar can be “not good” – like in mischievous
        5. mouths/rolls birds when excited (getting better)        

           weaknesses:      (update  7/8/07)

        1. looking back to the gunner on marks is the big problem 
        2. multiple marks – doubles now are fine, starting on triples
        3. memory – getting better with increased focus and better concentration
        4. honesty – this is a strong point now
        5. OB – knows rules, not nearly as wild, more focused on what to do, off collar still
            needs improvement (consistency is helping & avoiding the opportunities to misbehave)
        6. bird/mouth issues have decrease considerably                           

                                 analysis: control & experience remain the focus

                        Balance Focus –  continue work very slowly and quietly
                                          OB remains at 24/7 
                                          group training at least twice a week
                                          train twice a day = vary blinds and marks plus drills
                                          use birds often in retriever training (pheasants & ducks)
                                          need to do more flyers
                                          much more work around the holding blind & distractions near the
                                                 line with "in your face" excitement, honoring

                          solutions: concentrate on the red items in "Attitude: Overly Excited Dogs"
                                            no more remote line marks, lots of hidden gunners, Choas Drill,
                                                   longer throws, more ducks
                                            use collar & stick for corrections )vary)
                                            zero tolerance & meaningful corrections
                                            continue supervised “loose” time in the house
                                            more honoring
                                            use Flexi-lead when airing (never loose) 
                                            continuer work on multiples
                                            plan marking exercises for maximum effect
                                                   learn concepts in themes
                                                   be systematic on factors
                                                   increase distances gradually (keep track)
                                            design set-ups for training areas 
                                                   Stoughton & Gallaghers field trial grounds, Hook Lake,
                                                   BT’s hay field, Rockton Road, Square Pond & Macktown DTA's,
                                                   Brian's, Bong Recreational Area, SteveG's place, Eagle DTA.
                                                   Cherry Valley DTA, Rockton River Complex, Roscoe River Park,
                                                   Swim-by Pond, Hill at Ledgewood School

              Useful Training Advice:

                            The "Five" Priorities:                      

                                                     Responsiveness
                                                     Retrieving
                                                     Love of Birds
                                                     Mental Focus
                                                     Control

               "These will remain your priorities throughout training. They should be displayed
               somewhere you can always see them and be reminded. When you are trying to
               establish your training schedule, your 'timeline', these criteria will be what you use
               to push ahead, to slow things down, or to stay where you are for a little longer."

                                                                                                 by  Julie Knutson
 

                             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, chewy 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
                                                                                                      by John Cavanaugh