During these months of work, marking is kept straight forward. That is to say, non-cheating marks are
the norm. In addition, each pup is gradually and extensively introduced to place boards (from a young age). They learn to cast to them and run remote marks from them. They are very at ease on them.

2010 update: In the past, my dogs have been released from the line remotely by using their name. This year all the dogs will be taught something new. The release will be from the "tone" given off from my Tritronics Pro-100 e-collar. This was an idea learned from a "solo" training thread on the RTF. Thanks, Julie H.  This will eliminate two issues 1) no more shouting their names and/or 2) having them look back at me for the release.

second phase:

Their first real "down the shore" set of singles is done remotely. * I throw the singles from the shore and remotely release the pup from the line. The first single is not terribly "cheaty", but in most cases the pup needs to be cast to stay on line. Since the trainer is in the "bird boy" position, it becomes a very simple exercise to cast the pup "back" into the water (more water) and "over" to the mark (on line). This approach is fresh with the pup because that's exactly how he was "kept in the water" on swim-by.

There are two important facts to keep in mind 1) handling to correct a line is an acceptable practice (not to the mark, but to the line of a mark) and 2) the dog has just recently learned the "more water" choice. I If the handler were at the line, the sequence would require "overs" (for more water) and "backs" (on the line) presenting a new and possibly confusing picture. By giving him "backs" from the shore, it is completely consistent with what was learned in swim-by while effectively countering shoreline suction (by "saying more water").  Through repetition on the more difficult second and third  "down the shore" singles, a pup generally "gets the picture" quickly. This is indicated by how most pups actually do better on each new mark even though the angles are more difficult.

Here are two questions to consider. If you were at the line and wanted an over (because the dog wants to beach), what difference is there in the "message" if the handler is in the field and gives a "back"?  In other words, the message is the same......"more water". Not only that, but the dog has just recently finished swim-by. If (in swim-by) he attempted to come to you (beach and not go "over"), how did you get him to take "more water". And the answer was first a "back" and then another "over". Where's the line?

The simplicity of this technique depends on understanding of how distance impacts control and responsiveness.  Less distance gives the "handler/bird boy" more influence over the pup's decision making process. Teaching is the focus. To repeat, since the concepts learned in swim-by are maintained, this new lesson is quickly grasped because familiar, consistent cues are used. When the trainer eventually moves to the line, the remote line presentation to the "down the shore" concept is more likely to "click" because the process is more seamless.  

To continue, in the  "solo" down the shore  photo. the first time I set this up the dog naturally tried to "cheat". I moved closer to the water (remember distance and control are directly related) and made two casts "back" and "over". At this stage in the dog's skill level this was seamless with swim-by. It's exactly the same. It should be noted, that if the handler were at the line the correct casts would be "over" and "back" which are the opposite of what the dog learned in swim-by. Therefore, "from the line" is less seamless (in this timeframe).

I like the word seamless in training. The idea of letting the dog see the correct line in terms that he understands makes it easier to see the "same picture" when transitioned to "down the shores" from the line.

Now the last question is...would this technique of handling from the gunner's station be appropriate later on? My thinking is "overs" and "backs" from the dog's point of view are nothing more than casts. Therefore, a dog use to working with directions from the handler (no matter where he is at) will understand.

The only other issue one might need to come to grips with is concern about too much focus on the gunner. A well trained dog in balance will know where the trainer is. Therefore, doing only stand alones with a young dog could be a problem. Of course, the really young dog is not going to be handled. Yet, isn't the young dog expected to be helped by the gunner (on occasion)?

Therefore, I don't find that teaching needs to have a singular focus of only being possible from the line.

This is a familiar parallel. Three handed casting is a much easier skill to teach when the pup and handler are "up close and personal".  Most pups become quite comfortable with "help" from a skilled gunner. They often can "make or break" the effectiveness of marking drills. Later when cold blinds enter the picture and distance is stretched, a handler will "hot foot it" after a pup so as to have less distance between them for the next cast. Better control and greater responsiveness makes for more effective teaching. Using the "distance factor" and consistent  cues provides a training advantage when teaching a new concept like "down the shore". 

On a side note, over a period of several years, the acquisition of "technical waters" (by permission or membership) are a great enhancement to training.  Each new pup reaps the benefits. |

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