Working doubles this evening . . .

I tried this about three weeks ago and I just couldn't get her to focus on which bird to pick up, not run between, switch birds or just be confused. Gave it some time, worked on longer single marks and bumpers falling where she couldn't see them. She has been doing well on those so I decided to revisit double marks. Today she did well. Started off short, fifteen or twenty feet, and worked out to about fifty feet. Had a couple of corrections and call offs at first but she quickly got the jist of it and did well.

Nice! Glad she's getting the hang of it.

It would be nice to get some more retriever discussion on THF Gun Dog section. Hope to be posting lots of updates and photos once I get going with my new pup.

It sure feels good when the young dogs start getting the new concepts. Have fun, and enjoy the process.

Jay

It sounds like you are not creating enough separation for a young dog just being introduced to doubles. At this stage they should be at a minimum 90 degrees of separation and 180 would be even better. If possible use a physical barrier to prevent the switching and confusion such as trees or hay bales. All of the mechanics should be in place and the dog preferably handling before getting any tighter. Multiple retrieves if not introduced properly can create a ton of issues so beware.

Good luck.

Thanx. I was working them about 120 degrees out. Enough spread that I could easily heel her left or right and direct her line of sight to the mark. Previously I wasn't able to get her to hold or call off once sent so I knew it was too early. I need to get her a little more solid with the whistle before I take it too deep. But part of what I'm working for is her memory of the marks. Here in the next few weeks she will be working with an experienced dog and is she misses one he can handle it for us. I won't put too much pressure on her at this point. Still want it to be fun. Just fun with purpose and structure.

Ok great. If separation is not the issue there are a few things that you can try. Multiples are all about memory and mechanics. Use bird in mouth marks to give your pup the expectation of coming back and delivering and lining up for another mark. School your double as singles by throwing the first mark and when pup comes back lining up and making them watch the second mark thrown with the bird in their mouth. Practice taking delivery and then sending for mark two with cues such as "find your mark". This will start changing the dogs mindset about their job being done as soon as they deliver. Put it together as a double as the dog shows focus and automatic memory of the memory bird being out there. Be sure to be consistent in your cues and don't send the dog too quickly. They will tell you when they are ready to be sent. Also be careful not to throw too many hand thrown marks from the line or the dog will start to look at you instead of focusing out on the falls.

Good tip. I will use that. A friend and I team train at times but most of the time it is just me. That's not as good and I know it. I also get my SIL to throw for me at the lake on job sites so that helps as well.