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.

update: The e-collar tone "process" has been scrapped and "release" at the line has been changed to using two-way radios. There was a steep learning curve. "The voice" at the line is a "stranger".   In addition, my two-way radios let out a loud beep when the talk button is released. To avoid this from distracting the dog, the "stop talking" button must be held down until the dog is well away from the line. In addition, rechargeable lithium batteries were required to not loose power as fast in colder weather. All too often setup issues occurred because of radio problems. Diligence in maintaining battery reliability has been a pain in the "donkey".
  
                                                              "remote radio line"
    

                                                                  second phase

Right after swim-by, the next step is to do channel and parallel swims. Each reinforce the new standard for more water (or stay in the water). At first, the parallel/channel swims are nothing more than an extension of swim-by. Since each pup is familiar with getting in and out of the water at the over pile position in swim-by, the corner is used for the first, simple decheating introduction.

During this time frame non-cheating water marks are the norm. In addition, each pup has been gradually and extensively introduced to place boards. They learn to cast to them (or the line) and run remote marks off them (land and water).

Their very first real "down the shore" set of singles is done remotely on the Stoughton FT grounds (southwest pond).
               
                       note: This photo was taken May 26, 2005 and Kooly was "pup of the day" 
                                                            (left click on thumbnail)
                                                                 
                                                              "1st down the shore"
                                                                       (singles)     

Singles are thrown from the shore and the pup is remotely released from the line. The first single is not terribly cheaty, but in most cases the pup needs to be cast to stay on line. With the trainer/handler is in the bird boy position, it becomes a very simple exercise to cast back (more water) and over (on line). This approach is clear to a pup because that's exactly how he was kept in the water on swim-by during the initial walk overs. The mark is returned to hand in the field and the pup is cast back to the line. Generally, the return to the line is not an issue. A visible target plus the well established routine
of returning to the line keeps their focus.

There are two 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 pup has just recently learned the more water expectation (swim-by, parallel swims and corner decheating).

The handler (in the field) can effectively counter shoreline suction by using back (more water). Through repetition on the more difficult second and third down the shore singles, four pups over the years got the picture very quickly. This was indicated by how they actually did better on each successive mark even though the angles/distance became more difficult.

If the trainer were at the line and wanted an over (because the dog wanted to beach), what difference is there in the message if the handler is in the field and gives a back? In either situation, the message is the same......more water. When teaching from the stand alone position, the message is more personal.

Distance impacts control and responsiveness. Less distance (in the field) provides a handler with more influence over the pup's decision making process. Physically blocking and asking for a back is much more effective than asking for an over from afar. The handler in the field can easily move closer to the water and make two casts (back and then over). At this stage in the dog's skill level, the lessons are congruent with swim-by's message.....more water.

When a trainer/handler moves to the line, this earlier, remote line presentation provides for a seamless transition.

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. To avoid this, very wide, short marks establish the proper expectation {don't look back at the gunner). There are some that give a visual arm cast to send or release the dog. I don't do this because I believe it promotes looking back. 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. 
 
      note: There will be an essay about what enhances marking skills in terms of "the look back".

To return to the topic....distance 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) were a great enhancement to training.  Each new pup reaps the benefits. |

                                 (left click on thumbnails & use "Full Screen" in "Tools" for best viewing)