|
|
Fast
recalls |
The question:
How do you get fast returns (recalls)?
See Puppy training for more detailed information.
We emphasize fast, fast recalls in our training. We do more recalls (dog is held at the box, and returns to the handler) than complete runs or box work since we discovered that a fast recall really helps a dog with a swimmer's turn. (Our handlers hate it because they have to run so much in practice.)
We also use a dead ball pickup drill - the ball is placed on the ground in front of the box - it is placed on the side that helps the turn rather than directly in the centre. This drill also helps the dog get their back feet up for a push off the box.
Drills (initially start with the ball on the ground and gradually move it up the box)
- approach the box at an angle (released between the box and jump #4) and then have them go down the lane (no jumps in place)
- same as above except add a jump (#4)
- same as above and gradually add more jumps
- approach the box at an angle (released between the box and jump #4) and then have them go over the four jumps.
- use a human pylon - a person stands sideways near the box - facing the direction the dog is coming from. After the dog has passed the human pylon the person moves forward to give the dog room for a tight turn. The dog is recalled over no hurdles, over one hurdle, over two hurdles etc.
Dead Ball Pickup
For the last couple of years we have been teaching the box using the dead-ball pickup routine. This assumes that the dog is ball-crazy and has a good recall.
Initially we place the tennis ball on the floor against the pedal in the centre. Someone stands behind the box in the box-loader position and we do many repetitions. We start the dog out a few feet from the box and gradually increase the away distance. Like a regular recall, the handler runs away from the box and provides plenty of encouragement when the dog returns with a ball in their mouth. The handler must not look back.
Once we determine the direction of the dog's turn, we gradually move the
ball over to that side (we stop when the ball is about 8 inches from the side
of the box (location of the outside holes in our 3-hole box).
We then gradually move the ball up the box. And finally we place the ball in
the hole but we don't trigger the hammer. After many, many repetitions we
finally properly load the ball and set the spring tension on our box so that it
throws the ball 8". We then gradually increase the distance of the throw.