I have been reading a number of training books and posts, and it seems that many people try not to 'over'train their dogs. Sort of in that "10 minute retriever" idea. But what then do you do for exercise? My pup (8 mos) needs at least two hours of strait exercise a day whether it is walking, running, or swimming. Since I live on an Island, the easiest way for me to deal with him is to throw bumpers into the surf for an hour.Yet some posters were warning against doing too many retrieves in a session. For those of you that are 'professional' trainers, how do you accomplish this? I can't imagine getting through to my dog unless he's been run for a good bit before any sort of short form of training.

What is a dog's day like when it is kenneled at a trainers? Just curious.

If you ever want to play any of the retriever games, then you should be very wary of using bumpers as an exercise tool. That is because your Ches will view the bumper as a toy, and unless you enforce retrieve "rules" (steadiness, delivery to hand, heel-and-sit) with every throw, you will be detraining him.

Won't your dog just run or swim on his own initiative? If not, you can use a tennis ball or something to promote swimming. Save the bumpers for training only, and you will come out ahead.

Lisa

Bumpers - Oops, I was mis-leading. We toss old boat bumpers (Dock bumpers or old bouys) Sure he runs around on his own, but he prefers to stick with our older dog and really needs to be run a bit more than Rudder (12) does or else he begins to get rowdy at 9 at night. We also use a 2x4 and old tennis balls or anything that will fly. He always brings whatever back to hand, turns around and is ready to go. (Steady...not)

I am still confused about what a trainer might do. If trainers are only going through fetching drills for a short period of time, then switch to another dog, then when do the dogs get run around time? Or how is this accomplished? Also, if there is concern with over doing it and possibly souring a dog to fetching (preforming) how do you know that a dog has had enough and that you aren't overdoing it? I usually get bored or tired long before my pup does.

Anne,
I'm not a Pro but I do train almost daily and I can tell you with the right diet and appropriate session length/drills/distance a dawg can stay very conditioned. But back to your original question rather than "dealing with him" through an hour of repeated retrieves into the surf why not channel that desire into the session? Perhaps progressively "steadying" him and requiring to wait until sent? Control is every thing wether it be in Field/Test/Hunt or just having an enjoyable companion. Are you using a particular method or program to train him? If not you might consider minimizing his "fun bumper" activity and focus on putting all that desire into learning that he works for YOU and under control. Sorry if I misinterpreted your question the "net" definitely has its limits
Good Training,
Dave B.

"To a Chesapeake retrieving is life the rest is just details!"

quote:

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Originally posted by Anne:


I am still confused about what a trainer might do. If trainers are only going through fetching drills for a short period of time, then switch to another dog, then when do the dogs get run around time? Or how is this accomplished? Also, if there is concern with over doing it and possibly souring a dog to fetching (preforming) how do you know that a dog has had enough and that you aren't overdoing it? I usually get bored or tired long before my pup does.

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Anne,

At my trainer's things are pretty well organized. The dogs get fed, and then are let out in groups of compatibles to "air"(I.E. males w/males). Airing is free time that the dog can attend to it's elimination business and generally goof off.

The rest of the morning will be yard work. (Obedience, force-fetch, collar-conditioning, three-handed casting, force to pile, etc.etc.) Each dog is rotated through. They might get a little free time or a happy bumper inbetween or after yard work to help ease any tension. After that they are put back in their runs.

Usually around Noon we will move out to the field for field work. (Marks and Blinds). Here again there is a routine. For Marks the dog gets off the truck and is aired, then brought back under control and walked to the line where the set up will be run. After the set up is run, collars are removed and the dog is placed on a tie out stake with water while the next dog is aired and ran. (This helps the dog realize not every bird or shot means he gets to play.) I have seen dogs that have been in training for a while just get let loose. All of a sudden there are 5-6 dogs just milling around watching another dog run marks!

It might be a marking set up then a blind. Only the dogs that are capable of running blinds run blinds, so that usually goes faster. Dogs are generally put back on the truck after running. After everything is done the dogs are usually aired in groups again. They will run around and swim until all of them have had a chance to eliminate.

That is kind of a day in the life of a training dog.

This has been pretty long. Just let me say this, if you REALLY want to know what it is all about there is no substitute for a training group. Maybe there is someone in Maine that needs you to throw some birds for them?

P.S. It wouldn't hurt to read and view everything you can. My personal favorites are Jackie Mertens "Sound Beginnings", and the entire Mike Lardy Total Retriever video set. If I had to get just one, "Total Retriever Training" would be it. If you are an ACC member, you can rent it from our library for a heckuva lot cheaper than you can buy it.

[This message was edited by Paul Brown on May 14, 2002 at 11:19 PM.]

Thanks, that is what I was wondering. How it all worked with a trainer. I had this idea that the dogs were in a run, and then brought out to train, and then back to the run. Given the energy of an 8 month old dog, I couldn't imagine how it could work well. I have a better understanding now.

Anne

I have a four month old chessie and it takes both my wife and I to give him enough exercise to mellow him out. She takes him for a 45 minute walk in the morning and I take him for a 45 minute walk in the evening..if he misses his walk he gets real ornery.

You're on the right TRACK. . .TRACK

Group walk/runs out in wide-open spaces are great for dogs of all ages(especially runs for working dogs!)

Youngsters can learn alot from watching/mimicking the more experienced dogs run(HUNT!). Everyone gets plenty of exercise (in an hour of so) and sleeps soundly!

It's always fun to "RUN WITH THE PACK AND HOWL AT THE MOON! ! !"(besides the "Mitchell pups"-Caitey and Conor-have a blast!)

Having FUN. . .isn't that what peake-ownership is ALL ABOUT! ! !

Sincerely

Bruce