Picking the Perfect Path: Primary, Secondary, and Ideal Selection in Retriever Training
Hello, retriever enthusiasts! Welcome back to the Flying High Retrievers blog, where we share insights to enhance your dog's performance in the field or at trials. If you followed our discussion yesterday on major distance differences and how they connect to the scent variations we explored the day before, you are well positioned to build on those concepts. Recall how pairing long marks with shorter retired ones helps prevent overruns? Today, we advance that idea by examining primary, secondary, and ideal selection. These are essential strategies for guiding your dog through multiple marks effectively. Consider them as tools for orchestrating retrieves where your retriever consistently chooses the optimal sequence. Let us explore them in detail.
First, primary selection. This approach represents a foundational method in training, originally developed by the renowned Rex Carr. The core principle involves redirecting your dog's natural inclination to pursue the most recent bird thrown, known as the go-bird, and instead directing them to retrieve another mark first, typically the shortest or oldest one. The purpose is to foster strong control and improve performance on challenging short birds. Envision a scenario where your dog is eager for the latest fall, but you guide them to the nearer mark using cues. Rex Carr intended this to strengthen the handler-dog partnership and minimize errors. However, it is worth noting that even Rex Carr later moved away from it, as it often proved difficult for dogs and handlers to execute consistently. Not all teams adapt well to it, and excessive emphasis can lead to unnecessary tension. Nevertheless, it serves as a valuable starting point if your dog requires additional structure.
Next, secondary selection, which extends the principles of primary selection. Once your dog retrieves the initial bird, often the go-bird, you direct them to the subsequent logical choice, such as the shortest remaining mark. This maintains flow and refines the dog's ability to adhere to your intended order rather than improvising. During the 1970s and 1980s, this technique was favored for elevating short-bird retrieval rates, though professional data indicated success rates of around 40 percent at best. This fell short for high-level competitions like Nationals. The benefit lies in providing organization to multiple-mark scenarios, such as a triple with diverse distances. Retrieve the prominent one first, then prioritize the short retired mark second to prevent switching. Be cautious, however, as applying too much pressure through corrections can undermine your dog's marking assurance.
Now, for the preferred method: ideal selection. This contemporary refinement, championed by experts like Dave Rorem, who trained under Rex Carr, and his co-trainer Ty Rorem, departs from strict sequencing. Dave and Ty Rorem covered this extensively in their recent Elite Retriever's Seminar, and we were there to learn first hand! Rather than enforcing a fixed order, ideal selection allows you to retrieve any bird at any point, frequently reserving the short or most demanding one for last. It emphasizes balanced imprinting, ensuring all marks are equally memorable without compulsion. This promotes harmony, enabling your dog to reason independently while responding to your guidance. Linking back to our prior topics on scent and distance, a short retired pheasant hen with its understated aroma can become a deliberate search at the conclusion, integrated with distance cues for informed decisions. Professionals endorse it for superior outcomes without conflict, elevating competent markers to exceptional ones. We have incorporated this into our training and observed substantial advancements in precise, assured retrieves.
Hands-On Tips to Get Started
Prepared to implement these strategies? Select an open field and arrange a drill that complements our distance principles.
Primary Play: For foundational practice, set up a triple: a long mallard drake at 300 yards for its prominent scent, a medium at 200 yards, and a short retired pheasant hen at 125 yards. As the final bird falls, use "Easy" to redirect to the short one first. Maintain a positive tone, avoiding intense pressure.
Secondary Switch-Up: Allow retrieval of the go-bird, then direct to the short mark second with a gentle "Easy (pause) easy (pause) Fido." Reduce intensity to encourage composure.
Ideal Freedom: Use the same configuration but retrieve the go-bird first, the long mark second, and the short last. Avoid electronic collars or raised voices; allow memory to develop organically. Practice until your dog naturally acknowledges the short mark.
The essential element is consistency and encouragement. These techniques adapt to your dog's disposition; Labs may progress swiftly with ideal selection, while Goldens might benefit from a more gradual introduction. Incorporate scent variations for authentic preparation.
Dodging the Drama: Why This Matters
Disorganized multiple retrieves can disrupt a hunt or jeopardize a callback or ribbon in trials. Mastering selection transforms potential overruns into seamless achievements. If your dog switches marks, remain composed and refine cues in the following attempt. We have applied this method in our training group and witnessed significant enhancements, based on genuine progress.
Final Fetch
Exploring primary, secondary, and ideal selection equips your retriever with a framework for marking excellence. Begin modestly, integrate scents and distances, and observe the transformation. Your companion will excel in tests with confidence.
Questions or experiences to share? Leave a comment below or message us on Instagram @FlyingHighRetrievers. Training thrives through collaboration!
Get Ready to Soar,
The Flying High Retrievers Team
