Learning, but slowly

Learning slowly: I'm talking about myself here.  My newly evolving personal mantra is to make sure that Larsen is 100% successful on every contact with a bird, no matter how contrived the exercise has to be.

Here is Springerdude (a/k/a Tim B.) making that point (bolding is mine):

In reference to Josh's comment about bringing dog back and then sending for the retrieve after a break, I guess the process works by teaching the dog that you will send for the retrieve and that it is OK to wait for the command.

I like the suggestion to only set the dog up to be successful.  If you think or know that a problem could occur with particular situation, then don't do the drill in that manner.  

What I have learned in the last two years is to keep things easy and fun with lots of repetition doing things the right way.  Make it easy for the dog to react the correct way.  If the dog does not react the way you would like, then make the drill easier.    Lots of repetitions doesn't mean "many times each day".  It means a few times many days.

Most of my training is in Urban America.  Bumpers mostly, dead birds some, clip wings minimal, flyer's sporatically.   With the right dog, this has worked.   I had one dog that it didn't work with. 

Some comments of my own:

• Let Larsen know that he will get the bird.  Be fair.  If he sits, he gets the bird.  Don't walk up and pat his head or call him to you.  That's more advanced work.  Right now, hup = bird.
• Be successful.  Larsen loves showing off.  He wants to do the right thing.  If he does, he gets the reward.  There is no sense in setting him up with 50:50 chance of getting it right.  Get it right every time and them move to a new challenge.
• Practice doesn't make perfect: Perfect practice makes perfect.  Lots of repetition doing things the right way.  Make it easy for the dog to react the correct way.  If he doesn't react the correct way, make it easier.