07/17/2024
Sometimes a dog’s drive needs somewhere to go. Maybe they have a hard mouth on birds or yap while they’re hunting. Maybe they reach a little too far on their quartering and flush birds out of range. Reading where that energy wants to go can help you manage it. For example, Franny gets so excited to hunt, she barks when I cast her off. This is less than ideal in a field trial setting. I’ve learned if I don’t look at her, almost pretend she’s not there, and cast her off with the most subtle body language possible, she doesn’t bark.
Pictured is Franny at cast off. I’m looking into the distance and putting my arm out just enough to let her know which direction I’d like her to go.
Figuring out how a dog ticks and troubleshooting how to work with their individuality is why I love this job. Train the dog in front of you.
Photo by Ian Forrester
