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" turning away from an "over" bumper.
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" on the same side that has 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. *
note: The best place 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)
Developing Handling as an Extension of Force-Fetch I (Link)
Developing Handling as an Extension of Force-Fetch II (Link)
