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Training Begins... (all photos are courtesy of Phil and Jane Fortner)
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05/17/09 - Hope is being introduced to the chain gang which teaches the dog to give to the
lead and they also get to observe the other dogs working.
Hope is learning the "whoa" command and it not allowed to step off the whoa board.
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These are photos of HOPE on the "chain gang"
and learning to "Whoa" on the whoa board.
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05/24/09 - I am introducing HOPE to the "Hold" command using my gloved hand inserted into
her mouth. This is the beginning of the trained retrieve.
I collar conditioned HOPE today using the Dogtra 1200 NCP. I have developed a
technique in which I use the vibrating pager for reinforcement of the learned
command instead of low level stimulation. This method causes absolutely no
discomfort to the dog. HOPE showed an understanding of the situation and was
able to turn off "vibration" by obeying the command.
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These photos show HOPE learning the
"hold" command.
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05/31/09 - We have now moved off the table with the trained retrieve. HOPE is learning to
hold the object while on the ground. This is a difficult transition for some
dogs.
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HOPE during a trained retrieve drill.
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06/04/09 - Phil is reinforcing the whoa command both on the bench and in the field on live birds.
HOPE is cooling off in the lake after a morning's workout in the bird field. It's been really hot lately, so we make sure the dogs stay cool and take frequent swims to cool off
I work the dogs no longer than 10 to 15 minutes before letting them cool off in the lake and putting them back in the shade on the chain gang.
Training is progressing on schedule.
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Phil reinforces the whoa command.
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06/12/09 - Hope is enjoying a ride in the golf cart on her way to the Chain Gang. I have
introduced her to the gun by allowing her to chase a clipped-wing quail as I
fire the blank pistol. She showed no negative reaction to the sound.
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HOPE gets a ride on the golf cart down to the chain gang.
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06/21/09 - We are teaching HOPE to hold point using the Whoa Board and a caged pigeon.
I am also introducing HOPE to a water retrieve using a pinecone as the floating object. The pinecone also helps keep the dog soft mouthed.
Temps have been very high the past week....mid to upper 90's with high humidity....fans are running 24 hours per day at the kennel and the dogs are in the pond a lot. Field work is done early in the am….generally beginning about 6:00am and try to
finish by 9:00 am.
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HOPE staying staunch on point while staring down a caged pigeon. HOPE learns to retrieve a pinecone from the water.
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06/24/09 - Hope
is very birdy and has a lot of natural pointing instinct and is well on her way
to becoming a good retriever. Her tail set is about 10:00… I am not styling her
up when we take the pictures…..but I do stroke her tail up at other times. She
is going to make a nice hunting dog!!
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HOPE displays a very stylish point.
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06/28/09 - Backing Dog Drill: We are reinforcing HOPE's natural instincts to honor another dog's point. This is done using the automated Backing Dog.
After Hope backs the "dog", a pigeon will be launched. This allows the dog to associate the "pointing dog" with birds. I
am also working on staunchness and getting in front of the dog to flush.
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HOPE on a backing dog drill. She honors the other dog's point!
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07/04/09 - Happy 4th of July!
HOPE is working on perfecting the "Hold" command using a paint roller, decorated with a little Holiday flair.
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HOPE perfects the "hold" command using a paint roller.
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07/19/09 - We continue to work on staunchness on point...hunting for dead birds and
retrieving to hand.
I think you will be pleased with your dog's progress!
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HOPE working on her drills.
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07/29/09 - Hope is waiting to be released on command. This is a reinforcement of the Whoa
training. HOPE knows she cannot come out to play until she obeys the whoa command.
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Phil reinforces HOPE's woah training at every opporunity.
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08/15/09 - Picked up HOPE at Pea Ridge Llewellin Kennels.
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