Training vs. Testing

Training days put on by local clubs can afford members some of the most valuable hunt test training situations possible if they remember to train and not test. You know exactly what your dog needs work on (Holding blinds, line manners, birds, triples, switching, cheating, etc...). Now it's training day and you've driven an hour thinking of some of the anticipated problems, only to see a rather difficult test (triple or double, and a blind, with a diversion and an honor) already set up. What is the first thing that goes through your mind? Right! Old Duke can do that--so let's do it! Really you should be thinking about how you and Old Duke can improve as a team. Here are a few things you might do:

Do the double or triple as singles. This improves marking and makes it easier to correct cheating. Most handlers cannot do this because it is difficult to get multiples and they want to see if their dog can do the test.
Run a blind first.
Work on line manners.
Have a" no bird".
Work on cheating cover on water.
Work on sitting on the whistle and counting to five before casting. I know at times our dogs have all these problems. So, work on just a few. It can't all be done in a day.

Things to remember:

Work hard. The harder you work the luckier you get.
Don't ask more of your dog than he understands.
Teach-Teach-Teach!
Do Not Compete on Training Day. If you get into a situation you do not understand don't be afraid to ask a knowledgeable club member or a professional for help.

Map	Contributed by Ron Wood
Training Supplies	Dogwood Kennels
Weather	PO Box 346
	Chierno, Tx 75937
A Golden Gets First - Master Hunter Title	936-362-2078
	dwk@lcc.net