by Robert Tawton » Sat 31 Jan 2004 9:23 pm
Hi Julie,
The requirements of a Double Rise Retrieve represents a very real situation that often occurs in the field of duck hunting. There is a clear need for a dog to understand the concept of, "on command", returning to an area from which it has previously retrieved game and to hunt this area for further item/s of game, which the dog has not had the opportunity to observe their fall. Mulitple birds falling into heavy reeds, a second bird being shot while the dog is returning with the first bird, multiple shooters operating with one dog are typical scenarios.
Teaching the dog to understand the concept should not be too difficult, provided one is consistent in the use of the appropriate command, such as, "same again", "other one" etc. The dog also needs to be familiar with pile work and the "seek", "find it", and/or "hunt'em up" command. Retrieving a pair of slippers in the hallway of your house is not a bad starting point! Retrieving 10 to 15 dummies from a pile is the next step in the progression. Sending dogs on the specialized "other one" command rather than "back" limits the potential for confusion. When the need to handle arises use literal hand signals and repeat the "other one" command (rather than resorting to the typical "over" and "back" commands) is, in my view, helpful in furthering the dog's understanding of the concept. Testing the dog's understanding of the "Double Rise" (and several other concepts) is also not too difficult. Set up a pair of throwers in a "v" formation such that one dummy (bird if you prefer) falls at a distance of about 60m and the other at a distance of about 100m and with a 30 degree angle of separation. As the dog's understanding grows the angle between the two marks can be reduced. Now do each mark as a single for the purpose of establishing that the dog knows exactly where the marks fall. Repeat the set as a "Double Mark" retrieve i.e. throw the long mark, then the short mark - pick up the short mark then the long mark as a memory mark. Repeat the Double Mark setup in all its various combinations short/long/reverse order pick up etc. At this point the dog's and your confidence should be growing as the dog becomes comfortable with the concept of "getting this one and not that one".
Now do a "Double Rise" off the short mark. Repeat by doing a "Double Rise" using the long mark. The final step is to have the dog retrieve three items of game viz, a "Double Rise" off the short mark and a memory bird off the long mark; a "Double Rise" off the long mark and a memory bird off the short mark; a "Double Rise" off the long mark and a "Two Bird" off the short mark and finally a "Double Rise" off the long mark and a "Double Fall" off the short mark. When a dog can complete this drill without mistakes you can truly say it understands the "Double Rise" concept and returning to old falls should not be a problem!
Furthermore, before we collectively start thinking about limiting the repertoire of retrieves in a Restricted Stake it should be remembered that the winner of a Restricted is entitled to compete in a State and/or National Championship. This prerequisite was introduced in order to maintain "the standard" and to introduce some control over the number of entries in these premier events. At the 1999 Retrieveing Trial Review WA proposed that the entry requirements for State and National Championships should be increased to include a "Place" in an All Age Stake. This proposal did not recieved the support of the meeting, nor did the alternative proposal put forward by the ACTCA viz, the prerequisite should be increased to include that the dog is no longer eligible to compete in a Restricted Stake. Your suggestion that Double Rise retrieves should be excluded from Restricted Stakes would in effect represent a lowering of the current standard and surely this is not what you had in mind!!
Kindest regards, RWT