fetchindawgs

Ah yes, I know who you mean. Pity she isn't over here to judge a bit through the early part of our season. Have had some problems with D/falls in my time, but these dogs at present seem to know what is required. Actually tried one today at training. W.A. are supposed to be starting our season on April 6th with a N & R trial, but having all sorts of trouble getting someone to commit to being Chief Steward for it. Decision will be made this weekend as to whether we cancel the trial completely, but it might shake up a few people who sit about and expect everyone else to drop everything to work at trials.

How come the small fields in AA ? Is it too hot yet ? Didn't think you were having too hot a time, unlike us. Just reading about your last trial. The d/rise, d/fall, was that judge Jim ? If so, he had that run over here once. Trouble was that sometimes the mark wasn't that easy to see. Still a long way off from our first trials here, and very difficult to get enthused about training with the heat still pressing on. Also, water in dams and rivers is low, so we are having to find alternatives. Roll on winter !!!

The darker goldens are a little harder to find Paulos. I have two very dark goldens, a female and a male, and siblings of both of these dogs are mostly, lovely and dark as well. Our dogs are all working dogs which as you have noticed, are often darker in colour. There are very few litters around from the working lines. My male Golden hasn't been used at stud for 2 years now as show people don't want any working lines in their goldens, it appears, and there are very few field bitches out there. Even with my male having 0:0 hips and 0:0 elbows, clear eyes and heart and a great temperament and conformation, he has not been used by show people at all. If you pm me I can give you a contact who is hoping for a litter in 2 months time and they should be darker puppies. There are 3 male pups just whelped in W.A. last week who should be mid gold in colour, also from working lines.

Have never used placeboards in training Luke. I wonder how many in Australia do ? I used to do walking baseball drill quite a lot, but haven't for a while now. It was good for casting. So many good drills to choose from you really need to pick what suits you, your dogs stage of training, and even how much area you have to use in training. Plenty can be done on a sports oval.

Ah, the joys of having a springer ?! We have one down the road from us and he is a fetching freak; will not stop. Bet you are taking a break during this hot spell in Vic, TSD. We have had the hot weather here, but today is beautiful and in the mid 20's. Took the 3 dogs out for their first real training session at the gully dam this morning. Di and Tick very good, Whiz just good, with her usual testing to see if she can get away with little disobediences. We go through the same thing every year !! 3 months till our first trials so I have plenty of time to get them back into shape.

I would recommend getting rid of the ball completely, and any squeaky play toys that encourage the pup to squeeze with his mouth. Either make yourself a couple of dummies, or buy some if you can source them. Just the 2 inch dummy at this stage. Do not give your pup a bird !!! You would be asking for trouble, and as you say in your post, he would eat one. You can keep up the little bits of obedience, interspersed with some happy retrieves. Remember it must be fun all of the time for your pup, as you want him to rush out to get the dummy, and also be just as eager to return to you with it and give it up to you calmly. As TSD says, introduce your pup to little retrieves in different terrain (as safely as you can). For example, over a small log; into tall grass ; amongst bushes ; into a puddle of water ; then into a pond a few feet and gradually increase the distance into the water. Just as important as having your pup retrieve with enthusiasm, is having him come back to you. There have been some articles written on these training subjects which you could see on Retrievers Australia or even google for it. The main problem I have seen with dogs doing Novice RATG is lack of steadiness for the thrown dummy. It is only at around 50 metres, but young inexperienced dogs often break and this is instant fail. So, later on in the piece you can work on the steadiness and also focusing out in the field to watch for a mark. Don't rush it and be prepared to take steps backward. As your pup progresses you can put some pigeon wings on the dummy to get the pup used to the feel of feathers. Asking him to hold, then give several times should ensure that he understands it is a retrieve article and does not belong to him. Hope this helps in some way.

Congratulations TSD and Em. You have had a great year of growth and learnt a lot I should think. Look forward to seeing that wildchild of yours in All Age next year, or at least hear about how you go. Yes, Rubystar, the Vics start their trials earlier than us (January) and finish later. But, they don't have too many trials mid year. I still think they have the best of everything in regards trials, as Vics can travel to NSW, S.A., ACT and Tassie, all very easily, whereas we have 3 days of driving just to get to the WA/SA border, or fly and boy is that expensive when taking dogs.

Hi TSD, yep I am headed over to you next week. Entered in the State champs and the National. Only bringing one dog this time. Hope to see you and have a chat this time (Always seems to be go go go at trials). Sounds like Em is coming along beautifully, and enjoying the training too.

Hi, been off playing with the dogs so often I haven't been on here. TSD the state champs went off without a hitch. Great weather for trialing over both days. The site is a pretty tough one, both to compete on and for the judge to set runs, plus, the river had come up after plenty of rain and the judge was cautious in putting dogs into the current. After having a very successful season with my dogs, I was let down during these champs. Two Labs out on day one and my last survivor, my Goldy, was out on day two. Personally, I would have liked to swap a couple of runs around and try them again with my dogs. On the whole, good sightings on the marks during the trial. We had plenty of blinds (4 in all), a doublefall, twobird, diversionary birds, a walkup on a triple mark, two marks which were done as a doublerise, and plenty of cover, gullies etc to fool you or the dog and make it a challenge. In all 17 pieces of game to retrieve. Some close lines between marks seemed to be the killer. Only 4 dogs finished, one Victoria and three West Australians. I was a lucky one, not going home emptyhanded after our team won the highest point score. We have only two Novice & Restricted trials left for the season, and one AA trial before the long break. It goes so quickly.

It is usually held at Brookleigh, and I would imagine that is still the go even with only Nov & Rest being run. I will check with Catherine.

Ah yes TSD, didn't anyone tell you that when you start your blind work and putting more control on your dog, that it is usually a given that the marking ability drops off. I have had it with all my dogs, and as you say it is creating a balance between how often you do both concepts. As the trialer at Easter said to you, go home and just do lots of single marks. This is something to remember the whole life of trialing Em. I do it with my AA dogs. To Rubyroo, that must be so frustrating for you, but I assure you there are many people who have been through the same scenario with their dog. As you suspect, it has to come back to training, and building the fetch, hold, give sequence. TSD has given you some good tasks to follow, so give that a go. All dogs are different and you may have to alter something to suit your dog, but you know him better than anyone. Personally, I start from puppyhood with the fetch, and huge praise and lots of fun on the return. No pressure to deliver. It just has to be as much fun getting the item as bringing it back is. Later on, if there is a problem (and I have had them), I will do a stationary fetch, hold and give with the dog right in front of me. I can go into more detail when I have more time...............off training now....

I can see where RS is going about the length of training, and number of concepts, TSD. You describe a total of 12 pickups for Em, and even though you said it is over a whole day, that is far more than you would get in a trial, and for me, certainly far more than I would ever do with any of my dogs, but, having at least three dogs with me at each training session, plus my training partner's dogs, there just isn't the time to put on that number of retrieves. I have no doubt that my dogs would be keen enough to do as many retrieves as I ask as they all have tremendous drive, but usually our absolute limit is around 6 retrieves in a session, dependant on the weather conditions. RS, it doesn't matter if you only do one retrieve, or concept. Work on Ruby doing it well, and finish. Be careful not to overdo the doublerise practise though, as this can be detrimental to your double mark work. Also, break up the actual work with heaps of fun throws of either a dummy or a toy, to keep her fresh and raring to go.

Makes you feel sort of tingly doesn't it ? Now you know how some of us who have been around for awhile feel sometimes. I'm sure some people think that it takes only a couple of days to teach the concepts to our gundogs, and not the hours, weeks, months, years, that actually go into it, but still I know what you mean RS. After a really hot summer, and no training for months, my training partner/s and I got our butts into gear and actually did some regular sessions. Still difficult to get motivated, but we began achieving some results (bad and good), from our dogs. With the first All Age trials this weekend, I am hoping it has been enough, and that my three put in a good solid performance. Fingers xx. Not much water around again, and cover is even less so. Ho hum.

Sounds like this may have been a bit much for her TSD. Always remember (and this isn't just for you but for all of us), that you are training, and you can simplify, walk in to help your dog making the distance between you and her/him, shorter, or abandon completely if it doesn't work. You are making very good progress with her though, and if you look back to a year ago you will agree with that. It is great that she has so much enthusiasm, but I know from experience that this can be regretted sometimes. But, I'd rather have enthusiasm than the other way, wouldn't you ? I am planning on coming to Vic for the Nationals in September, so hope that we are able to meet up again, and this time, I can see the legendary "EM".

I hear that Livertreats has turned "RED" and is having a go at the retrieving training sessions with this much smaller dog. She will have a very jealous Rebel at home me thinks. Good to hear you are having a go with both the girls RS. Nothing like getting out there amongst a lot of dogs to see what the reaction is. In respect to where Millie went for the mark, a dog will always try and take the fastest route to the game (every time). Lots and lots of training and being consistent is the only way to convince them that the straight route is best, regardless of what looks like an easy pickup to them. Have that problem with Whiz sometimes and it is very frustrating. Hey TSD have you entered Em in the Easter trials ? And if so, are you doing restricted as well as Novice ? Sounds like she might be up for it.

Gorgeous photos of the "EM", and it sounds like you had a great time at the training day. Victoria always seems to get a great response from new handlers to the training days put on, which hopefully progresses to more people in the sport. W.A. has some training days for beginners too, beginning this weekend (Sunday 10th) in the Guildford area,and then again on the 17th and 24th. Cost is $15 per dog for the 3 Sundays, and registration is at 8 am. Anyone interested in attending with their gundog should contact the Retrieving Club of W.A. for the venue. Same format as Victoria just had with experienced handlers there to give advice and instruction.

RS You will find that many of the current trialers have gone through a biting episode with one or more of their dogs sometime during their time doing trials. I had problems with Swaggy for a little while, after he got to AA. It didn't happen all the time and most times it was just a hole in the bird, but it was worrying to me that it was happening and I had to figure out why. Basicly, it was stress. He got worried and sometimes this transferred to a bitten bird. I pulled him out of trials for quite a long time to try and overcome the problem. He hadn't marked any birds during Novice or Restricted, so possibly my body language, and, the extra control in AA, had triggered this response from him. I did a lot of frozen bird work (as you are doing), day after day. He had to hold that icy bird for up to 30 minutes and was not allowed to let it go until I asked him to. I also made sure, when I did enter him back in trials, that I dropped my shoulders, didn't look him in the eye as he returned, and was totally at ease with him. It all worked in the end and we had years of trialing and unmarked game until his retirement from competition. Personally, if I was you, I wouldn't worry about losing the points on the heelup, (at this stage). As you say, you would like to finish Novice and maybe have a go at restricted with Ruby, and higher aims can wait until your next dog. Sometimes you have to forfeit points just to keep everything running smoothly. Later on, use your frozen birds for your drills, so that Ruby gets to think they are not something special. Hope to see you at some of the trials this season !!

Everything is starting to click for both of us so it's a really exciting time. Plus it helps that our weather has been very mild and thus the dogs are jumping out of their respective skins! Unlike the stinking hot days you poor sandgropers have been copping Thanks BlackJaq! It's a nice way to keep a training diary - I've tried other types but I enjoy the interactive nature of DOL. Em is the type of dog who has 2 speeds - asleep or RUN - so training is the best way to keep her occupied. Poor Mr TSD will have his hands full. Again You certainly are keen TSD. Good to see. After a very full 2012 season of trialing, I gave my kids a couple of months off to recuperate. It was for me too ! Weather conditions have really impacted on my desire to start training again, with very hot days meaning the air conditioner on, and dogs and me spending the day inside. But, at long last there have been some breaks in the heat cycle and a training day out with my training buddies & dogs, happened last week, and, a couple of cool mornings this week has meant some drillwork was accomplished on two occasions. Really happy with the dogs performance so far, so the break has done them the world of good. Even the "idiot", has shown some spunk in his retrieves; (maybe he will do AA after all this season ??!!) Ah, but really, Unfortunately I suffer from too many dogs, not enough money to enter them all in trials, and a shorter patience fuse with naughty golden retriever boys. Anyone want to take him on ?

Yes TSD, Saturday particularly, was the most dreadful day for retrieving. I think every inch of me was damp, my hands were so cold, my lips almost frozen I couldn't keep the whistle in my mouth and it actually blew out of my lips a couple of times when I blew. Couldn't feel it at all. The poor dogs were so miserable sitting in that cold and wet for so many hours and even with their coats on they soon became saturated and uncomfortable for them. My husband came up to me during the second run and asked how I was and I said to him I could gladly just pack up the dogs and go back to the van, I was so over it. Sunday was a bit better, but not by much.

Hi there TSD. It was nice to meet you while in Victoria. Sorry we didn't get to chat though, I was too busy trying to keep dry and warm ! Cute pup, but what a terror. Misteri, good on you for doing your reading and research before you get your puppy. Read as much as you can, talk to as many different trainers as possible, ask questions and note down the answers so you can refer to them later. You will forget a lot that is told. Go to training days and as many trials as you can. I know that the ACT doesn't have many trials, and have a very small bank of trialers, but if you can do a weekend down to Victoria for one of their trials you could watch, learn and question all at the same time. Try also to have a buddy that has trained a dog in retrieving, preferably to a higher level, and when you begin training with your pup go out with your buddy on a regular basis. The books you will read should give you info on starting your 8 week old pup with basics. Good luck.

Well it seems to be all go with my crew, with another title two weeks ago. RRD for the young lad. He will be out of the picture for quite a while now as he gets more training for AA. S.A. trip went well with a 3rd on the first day and a 4th on the second day. Getting ready to go to Qld with two dogs for their state Ch. Just hoping the flu stays away from me !! Where are you off to TSD ? Is that 2 months away from Em as well ?

You said that Ruby had an ear infection. This could contribute to her clamping down on the bird RS. Pain of any type can affect certain dogs and it can transfer to how they carry the bird. But, as you say, keep up the frozen bird practise and even take one with you to a trial and have her hold gently before you go on. And, the way you were keeping it nice and light and encouraging after she picked up would probably be a good thing to keep for awhile, just so she doesn't get stressed. Re Whiz, had another E.S. trialer visiting W.A. ask me when I was going to breed from her again and was sorry to have to tell him she was speyed. She has some daughters and sons out there though, and, Diamond is a 1/2 brother.

Just got on here.......boy are you guys impatient !! :) Thanks RS, and hope to see you and Ruby back soon at Novice stakes. Yes I had a great weekend with the kids. A 2nd place in restricted with "the idiot", ah but I do love him. Then in All Age, a 1st place and RT Ch title for my little black girl, 3rd place for my boy and 4th place for my Golden. Really, really happy with them all; just hope they are not peaking too early with the Nationals here in a couple of months.

Can't hold it in any longer.....I have a little brag. My boy got his Retrieving Trial Champion title last weekend. So pleased with him, as we have only trialed together for 2 months. Now, just have to title the other two dogs !

Hey Ptolomy, I had my two girls done at Applecross in February, around $260 each from memory. I know it wasn't too expensive. That was with breeders discount. Both girls were mid 20 kg