Course Details
Course Description
This class is designed for the retriever team that is training for or currently participating in upper level retriever hunt tests (most commonly AKC Senior and Master, HRC Seasoned and Finished). Our goal is to cover popular and effective drills used in retriever training and translate them into a +R system. Additionally, there are new drills specifically developed to address the concerns of the +R Retriever Team.
Each week consists of two new upper level drills – with detailed steps on how to begin teaching the drill, generalize it, and then test whether your dog understands the concept. We will also cover topics including determining the appropriate motivator for your dog, common and complex factors, and attrition as it applies to retriever training.
This level of training is where all of the foundation work comes together, and the dog and handler truly begin to work as a balanced team. Come join us!
Registration
There are no scheduled sessions for this class at this time. We update our schedule frequently, so please
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Registration will begin at 11:00 AM Pacific Time.
Enrollment limits: Gold: 12 students, Silver: 15 students, Bronze: unlimited.
Gold Level includes access to all course materials and the ability to post questions and videos to the course forums. Students will receive instructor feedback on written and video assignments.
Silver Level includes access to all course materials and the ability to participate in the discussion forum. Students may ask GENERAL questions about course materials and may submit two, one-minute videos for instructor feedback. Any questions specific to your dog MUST be accompanied by a video.
Bronze Level includes access to all course materials and the ability to read all questions and answers posted in the class forums. Students will not post questions or submit written or video assignments.
For more details, refund policies, and answers to commonly asked questions see our FAQ page.
Syllabus
Syllabus
Week #1
Drills: Slot Drills, Relationship Drills
Lecture: Teaching vs Drilling vs Testing
Test Analysis
Week #2
Drills: Casting Momentum, Split the Difference Drill
Lecture: Your Focus Needs More Focus
Test Analysis
Week #3
Drills: Picture Attrition Drill, Squaring the Line
Lecture: Food, Bumpers, or Birds… OH MY!
Test Analysis
Week #4
Drills: On The Point – By The Point, Modified T and Double T Drill
Lecture: Attrition Defined
Test Analysis
Week #5
Drills: Suction Lines, In Line Marks and Blinds
Lecture: Factor List
Test Analysis
Week #6
Drills: Build-A-Series, Casting Checkers
Test Analysis
Prerequisites & Supplies
Course Pre-requisites:
Gun Dog Foundations (DS510)
While DS520 (Retriever Training) is not a requirement to take this class, it is HIGHLY reccommended that you are comfortable with the information presented in that class. If you are planning to take Skills and Drills as a Gold Student, a thorough understanding of the concepts laid out in DS520 or the concepts and skills of upper level retriever tests (or both).
Required Equipment:
Construction Flags and/or small Markers
Lining Poles (or equivalent Marker) – white and orange (suggest 5 of each)
Orange Flagging Tape
Remote Launcher(s) OR assistant(s) to throw marks.
Holding Blind (preferably two holding blinds OR a makeshift version of your own DIY)
Access to Bumpers, Dokkens, or Birds
Decoys (recommended)
Students should have access to appropriate upper level retriever grounds at least once per week - other supplemental skills may be able to be completed in yard work or soccor field type settings.
Testimonials
New course for the June 2018 session.
