FEATURED ARTICLE II

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Training in Increments

by Joe R. Lock, President, Suncoast Retriever/Bird Dog Assn.

When training a bird dog for a particular task, or any dog for any task for that matter, the trainer should first set a long term goal. For example, if the trainer wants a finished retriever that will do multiple long distance retrieves, then he ( or she ) does not start a four month old dog on doubles before he has mastered singles. That's only common sense, and it is an extreme example. However, all trainers should know the small step increments that lead to the ultimate goal of having a finished
dog.

It is of primary importance in the training of any retriever that the dog be whistle trained. The goal is to make the dog sit to a whistle at any distance, maybe 50 yards or more. The trainer must first train the dog to sit to a whistle at heal. The dog should already sit to the "sit" command. When walking on a leash at heal, the dog may also automatically sit whenever the handler stops, if he has been trained to do so. This is all good, and now it's time to add a new element. Immediately after the sit command, blow one loud quick whistle blast. Repeat this exercise for several minutes a day, everyday, for about seven days. Then eliminate the sit command altogether and just blow the whistle, and the dog should sit. Reinforce this training for another seven days before going on to the next increment.

Your goal is now to have your retriever sitting at a distance on one whistle blast. The retriever should be facing you in anticipation of a retrieve, whether it is a blind retrieve, single, double, or triple retrieve. To do this, first sit your dog and walk away. If he does not sit immediately, take him back to the original place and sit him again with the whistle blast only. It is important that you do not use the verbal sit command at this point; use only the whistle, and walk away again. If he does not remain at sit, then once again, take him back to the original place and sit him with one whistle blast. Continue doing this until he remains at sit as you walk away. You can gradually increase the distance of your walk before stopping.

You are now ready for the next increment. With the dog at sit, walk about 30 feet away from him, and call him to you. When he is about half way, blow the sit whistle. If he does not sit at the whistle
(and he probably won't), take him back to the spot where you blew the sit whistle, and make him sit to the whistle command. Repeat this step until he sits to the whistle, when he is several feet from you. Gradually increase the distance. Now, when your upland hunting retriever is working in the field, test out the sit whistle every now and then. When he is some distance from you quartering and looking
for birds, hit the sit whistle, and he should sit.

By adding this next increment, you will give the dog a reason to sit on the whistle command. As he sits on the whistle (and most dogs will naturally turn and face you as they sit) throw a bumper. The dog should be steady from past retriever training and should not break. If he does break, don't worry about it now. We will work on that later. He should sit and mark the bumper. After it falls, throw your arm toward it and yell the dog's name. He should retrieve the bumper.

By using these small increments of training, you should have a retriever that will sit at virtually any distance on one whistle blast. This skill is invaluable in directing a retriever to a blind retrieve, and it gives you one more aspect of control.

Make sure you always praise your dog for his successes, and don't get discouraged when he fails. Constant repetition is the key, and small incremental training steps add up to the whole finished retriever. Later, we will add more whistle commands and will introduce hand signals.

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May's Theme of the Month
is
"The Patriotic Dog"

We have chosen "The Patriotic Dog" theme to honor our Military Forces past, present & future, in celebration of Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day. We would like you to submit pictures of your dogs with any type of patriotic theme. We will accept pictures of all breeds, shapes, sizes and colors.

Congratulations.....

The winner of April's Theme of the Month, "The Sporting Dog" is Brenda Magnon with a picture of her dog Lucky, performing Agility. Below is the picture submitted. We would like to thank everyone for submitting pictures for the "Snapshot of the Month" & keep them coming!!

Note: All pictures submitted become property of Continental Kennel Club and
may be used at our discretion

BREED OF THE MONTH
The Dutch Shepherd

Shorthaired Dutch Shepherd*	Longhaired Dutch Shepherd*	Roughhaired Dutch Shepherd*

Country: Netherlands
Weight: 66 pounds
Height: 23-25 inches
Coat: Short and dense (Shorthaired variety), Medium long, wiry (Roughhaired variety), Long, straight, flat and harsh; short on face and leg fronts (Longhaired variety).
Color: Various shades of brindle, including gray, yellow, silver, red or gold brindles; blue; color tends to lighten with age.
Other names: Langhaar Hollandse Herdershond (Longhaired variety), Ruwhaar Hollandse Herdershond (Roughhaired variety), Korthaar Hollandse Herdershond (Shorthaired variety).
Group: Herding

This months breed in the spotlight is the Dutch Shepherd. Truly a breed worthy of the title, the Dutch Shepherds intelligence is surpassed only by their drive to work. There are three varieties of the breed, the longhaired, the shorthaired, and the rough haired. They have been known in their present form since the early 1700's, but it is likely that the breed itself could be traced back to the 1500's. They were first developed for sheep-herding and flock-guarding. The dogs demonstrated superb herding abilities and were once wide spread. Unfortunately, through the course of time the need for herding dissipated, flocks dwindled and along with it did the need for the breed.

Even today the inborn herding drive is still very acute in Dutch Shepherds. They are able to prove their flexibility and intelligence once again by taking on the task and qualifications once popularized by their German and Belgian cousins. The breed is now widely sought after for its ability to perform trials such as; schutzhund, obedience, tracking and article search, search and rescue, guard work, narcotics detection, companionship, field trials and not to mention a number of other specialized task. These dogs perform any task set before them with energy, eagerness, and a certain level of pride.

The Dutch Shepherds trainability, adaptability, intelligence and fortitude make the breed one of the most competent of all shepherd dog breeds. This of course means that they do not fit into just any family as a companion dog. From birth, the Dutch Shepherd pup has an indefatigable curiosity, and it is even then that they are constantly looking to their owners to provide challenges, new experiences, and active training. This dog possesses an extremely keen and cunning intelligence, and in many situations they have been known to teach their handlers something new. Without proper training and socialization, the adult can become somewhat possessive and territorial. Being a working breed and quite truthfully classified as a workaholic, naturally wanting to herd and defend, he is happiest in an environment where their is adequate exercise, a territory to protect, and plenty of chores to keep his mind and body stimulated.

**For more information on Dutch Shepherds CKC recommends you contact Rinus Van Der Weilen, at the Dutch Police Dog Source by email dpsk9dog@worldonline.nl or by phone in The Netherlands at (011) (311) 1164-3342. Or you can contact Mark Harrell at 1-877-252-3647.

     Photo Credits:
     Shorthaired - Credited to Mark Harrell

     Longhaired & Roughhaired - Credited to Walkowicz, Cris & Bonnie Wilcox, D.V.M.
     "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World." Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Pulbications, Inc 1995.

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