Practicing Walkups and Crufts prep work continues.

Tuesday February 14th.
Training on Sunday morning was like a breath of fresh air. The weather was a mild 10 celcius with a light mist and breeze from the South West.
Three of us met up, joined later by Stephen, with the specific intent to work on walk ups . This is in preparation for the Mock trial in Fermanagh on March 3rd.
Sean brought his son John along as thrower and each of us took turns standing in line with him . So we had a two dog line up and two throwers about one hundred yards apart.
Using a combination of pistol fire, dummy launchers and hand throwing the dogs were exposed to a variety of distances and calls. A most interesting observation was how the dynamics of having three dogs working and extra people around changed the behaviour of the dogs. Certainly Bertie was much more keyed up and competitive than when just working alongside his training buddy , Stevie.He worked well though, despite the added distractions. I am pleased that his marking has improved greatly at long distances even if it involves an obstacle , such as a river, he is keeping his line. He has also gained confidence on his blind work. Last year he tended to take a line for a certain distance before curling into the wind but I can push him back now and he will take a line and/or correction of a line as is needed.

It's amazing how a pair of fresh eyes can see things that may have become habit. Behaviours that I , as a handler, have developed and are hindering rather than helping my dog read what I'm asking of him. I asked Sean to be brutally honest on areas I could improve on. He has given me a few pointers to work on in my handling skills.So hopefully they will help Bertie further.
Passes for Crufts arrived in the post this morning. I took Mossy to ringcraft class in Swords last night. I was determined to nail the habit of jumping up to greet the judge!!. Something that's acceptable puppy behaviour but certainly not endearing in a 45kg male Chesapeake. I have been working on it at home over the last few weeks but for one reason or another have not been able to attend class. I was pleasantly surprised last night, however, that he stood like a pro. To make sure it's not a one off I plan to do  ring craft classes two nights next week.Crash course for Crufts!!

Winnie is now just 3 weeks post AI. She certainly looks fuller in the ribcage but I'm hesitant to make a call until week 5.

Copyright Riverrunchesapeakes 2012