When transitioning from controlled blinds to cold blinds at what point in controlled blinds do you know it is time for cold blinds? What indicators do you look for that you have built the level of confidence to move on to cold blinds?
I think is a good indication that your dog is ready and even a higher percentage is better. Very responsive dog to your whistle and your casts. Skip the white buckets! JMO
Controlled blind is baseball, Single T, Double T. All casting training leading up to cold blinds. In our training group we use the terminology controlled blind when visuals are used (white 5 gallon buckets) to help the dog gain confidence.
So in essence, "controlled blinds" as you reference them, are pre-identified and/or visibly marked destinations, correct? Like Howard, I don't use markers for my piles, but that's a side issue.
When to change? There is a reason why this period is called 'Transition'. If your dog is solid on FTP, and is going, fetching, and recalling reliably during PBs it's time to transition to simple cold blinds. I doing with BB Blinds, but that's another story. Is your dog moving with you from PB to PB, and performing all basic functions? If so, it's time.
Here is an example of what we call a controlled blind. Notice the visuals being used in the double T work. These are taken away after confidence is built.
Hey that's Mike Heard, TV Weather Man from Bozeman area. I've run against Mike for many years; does he call that drill "controlled blind" or is that just a term your training group came up with?
Just to keep communication clear, that's just a T drill, not a blind. All it shares with a pattern blind is being built on a pre-identified destination. But it's a basic handling drill. Pattern blinds are just routes with no other drill features, unless you decide to use your pattern for diversion mark training later on. Real blinds are an unknown destination; a different proposition. Sounds like you need to hang in there on your PBs for another 3-5 days.
I know some will put the bumpers piled on each other as for a quick visual for the dog to spot when doing PB. I have just started this. First started with the buckets and I have to say it helped my dog. I know most do not do this but I did right or wrong. Won't be the first bad decision I have made along the way but with the help of good people here I am getting there. Thank you all for the great responses.
Hmm If I'm reading right, T to double-T to FTP etc. It seems your not ready for cold blinds (as in those without any marker) yet, Looks like you need to take your blind work out of the controlled T-field and start pattern & permanent blinds first, or proceed to water forcing (aka Water T), then add in Pattern, permanents, channels etc.
There is an excellant thread that discusses the difference between Lardy and Farmer approach to transitioning to cold blinds. I will look and see if I can find it.
There is an excellant thread that discusses the difference between Lardy and Farmer approach to transitioning to cold blinds. I will look and see if I can find it.
Buckets are gone. As per Gun_Dog2002 I am close but not ready. This step to cold blinds is one step I do not want to screw up. Paul how much do you charge per hour.
If done properly, a cold blind in a simple short exercise, that will get the dog to the blind in a very confident manner....That is the goal. Praise at this point is so important. Gain their trust.
Yep. If you have adequate experience and savvy you can skip pattern blinds altogether without any ill effects. For newer trainers, and for some of us gray-hairs, PBs continue to serve us well. I don't spend long on them, but the time spent is valuable. Whoever you are, you need to know when their usefulness succumbs the law of diminishing returns.
I find doing blind drills a natural progression after the dog can line the three pattern blinds I use. That is why I like the PB field.
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