Two Bumper Technique
equipment: two 3" bumpers, place board, pinch collar & 26' Flexi-lead
Teach the left and right backs individually and before doing "overs". Determine
the dominant turn direction and do more back casts for the "weak" side. Work
on the left and right "overs" individually, too. Keep it simple and balanced.
The 1st stage uses the technique of "identifying" the target. "Identifying"
means throwing a bumper to the position or another bumper(s). When the
pup begins to understand each cast thru repetition.......a combination of two
be can be taught....as a "back" with an "over". It is easier for a pup to cast
"back" wheeling away from an "over" placed bumper.
note: This is not a one day drill. Keep each session short. Follow the
standards of quality teaching. Example: Start with what was
taught the lesson before (review). Next, present something new
(introduce & teach). Lastly, do something he is good at (finish on
a positive note).
Eventually, all four casts can be combined. The final expectation is to be
able to have a pup work "three handed casting" in the manner demonstrated
in the photos. A further deepening of casting skills can be done by teaching
a pup to cast "back" wheeling toward the side with an "over" bumper.***
The mechanics of the drill in the photos requires that the retrieved "back"
bumper is always thrown to the back position and the retrieved "over"
bumper is always thrown to the opposite side. ***
Most of all, this is a fun drill taught with a calm, quiet voice. Work slowly
and let the pup think about his responses. Well timed praising is "gold".
This is a priceless time to enhance the teacher/student relationship.
Teamwork is a learned concept. "It's not you and me....it's us."
note: Early on, my pups are conditioned to a "place board". At first the pup
is fed on one. Later, OB has him routinely walking over one, sitting on
one and returning from remote sits off it. In this drill, it isn't very long
before pups learn that's where they are supposed to be. As the drill
progresses, the pup returns with a simple hand motion to the "place
board" where they generally turn around and "square up", especially
since the Flex- lead is right there........tight and ready to "help".
note: The best location to start the drill is with a slight incline in the back.
When a pup turns, the back bumper has excellent visibility.
*** Butch Goodwin (original info source using two bumpers approach)
Developing Handling as an Extension of Force-Fetch I (Link)
Developing Handling as an Extension of Force-Fetch II (Link)
Gunny is the dog in the photos....FF, FTP, CC....prepared
(11 months old)
