Handling in cover

[Retiredducker]

Have not posted in quite a while but have a need at this point. I have a 2 1/2 yr ylf that is what most would consider a "finished" dog...very steady, great in marking, relentless on game and generally handles well with whistle and voice/hand commands. She is collar conditioned. I do run into snags when attempting to direct on blinds in heavy cover which is probably one of the most difficult situations we encounter as hunters. Once a "landing zone" has been established she has no problem, but I am having some trouble getting her to go deep enough straight away from me in the high cover. In the open when hunting or training she does fine....travels easily straight back 200 yds with no problem. What, if anything, can improve her willingnesss to go "deep" in cover?

Thanks...

Retiredducker

[Evan]

So, if I understand you correctly, your dog is lacking momentum through cover, but not on more open ground? Generally, your dog is running effective blinds, driving lines, handling well in most situations. But when sent into heavier cover on a blind is breaking down at some point; is that right?

Evan

[Retiredducker]

So, if I understand you correctly, your dog is lacking momentum through cover, but not on more open ground? Generally, your dog is running effective blinds, driving lines, handling well in most situations. But when sent into heavier cover on a blind is breaking down at some point; is that right?

Evan

Yes that would be accurate. Ducks had dropped in the area across a small creek which she retrieved just fine....then we sailed one out about fifty yards back in the high cover..( 6') she crossed over and wanted to hunt the same area as previous falls...when whistled she would stop and look at me..and when given the "back" she would only go a short ways and start coursing the area...

[Evan]

That's pretty typical, and very difficult to manage in the marsh. In training there are substantially effective drills and exercises you can do to enhance your dog's momentum through cover and other factors. That's more an off season pursuit, though. The more you hunt a dog with a deficit like this the more deeply those habits will become engrained. Shoot me an email if you like, and I'll give you some ideas for training. rushcreekpress@aol.com

Evan

[Retiredducker]

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