[FieldLab]

My blm has developed a poping issue on longer marks 120-200 I dont usually run marks this far but I want to strech him out a bit esp since akc raised there marks to 150 for master anyway what is the best way to correct for this, Today I recalled him and shortened the distance until he found the mark, didnt want go handle him, cover was pretty thick but not crazy thanks in advance for any replies

 

[bamajeff]

I've had success having the bird boy make noise and/or throw another bird as soon as they start breaking down. Try not to let him completely pop. I wouldn't make it a regular thing. If you're having to help him on marks regularly, the marks are too tough and you need to simplify.

 

[John Kelder]

didn't know the pope ran retrievers regards.....

 

[Chris Atkinson]

My blm has developed a poping issue on longer marks 120-200 I dont usually run marks this far but I want to strech him out a bit esp since akc raised there marks to 150 for master anyway what is the best way to correct for this, Today I recalled him and shortened the distance until he found the mark, didnt want go handle him, cover was pretty thick but not crazy thanks in advance for any replies

I'd think that you may want to discontinue the recalling him. That may be contributing to the popping.

Chris

 

[Misty Marsh]

Gradually stretch the distance, have helpers/2nd launchers set up to throw another bumper/bird and get the confidence established. I'd agree that recalling is enabling the popping and lack of responsibility for completing the mark.

 

[Tobias]

What are you throwing for your marks?

 

[John Robinson]

I'd think that you may want to discontinue the recalling him. That may be contributing to the popping.

Chris

Chris is absolutely right. By doing that you reinforce the pop. I would read this pop as a lack of confidence as the dog finds itself further from home than its used to. By stopping and recalling the dog will learn to expect to be stopped and recall at a certain point then start anticipating the recall so he or she pops to get help. A popping issue is almost always man made and if not nipped in the bud and and handled correctly, very hard to fix.

With a young dog I would run long singles, have the gunner watch the dog carefully with another bird in hand to throw at the first sign of the dog breaking down enroute. It takes a gunner with a little dog savvy to read the dog and time the throw correctly.

 

[dorkweed]

Chris is absolutely right. By doing that you reinforce the pop. I would read this pop as a lack of confidence as the dog finds itself further from home than its used to. By stopping and recalling the dog will learn to expect to be stopped and recall at a certain point then start anticipating the recall so he or she pops to get help. A popping issue is almost always man made and if not nipped in the bud and and handled correctly, very hard to fix.

With a young dog I would run long singles, have the gunner watch the dog carefully with another bird in hand to throw at the first sign of the dog breaking down enroute. It takes a gunner with a little dog savvy to read the dog and time the throw correctly.

This!!!!!^^^^^

Good "bird boy"/ thrower is golden here!!

 

[FieldLab]

I am using real birds

 

[captainjack]

Using birds is important, as is using a bird boy that can help dog if needed. In fact I wouldn't run a long mark with this dog unless I did have a bird boy to help. And never say never, but never let s dog that has popped come back without the bird and certainly don't call them in.

One question-
Where is the dog popping? i.e. Somewhere in route, or in the area of the fall? In the area of fall is tricky.

Two recommendations.
When you are building a new marking concept...
Be sure to mix in marking tests that you know the dog can do without intervention. If every, or even a significant percentage of tests you do results in handling, the dog may start to expect it and pop. The percentage will vary between dogs.

If you have forced in back during basics (ftp), and the dog is breaking down short, a back+nick may be in order. This, should not be done in the area of the fall. Gunner help, or just reading the dog and giving a verbal back before the dog pops - don't blow the whistle, just give a BACK!

If the dog is making the area of the fall and just not persisting in the hunt, a drill like the dirt clod drill or similar may be in order.

 

[ErinsEdge]

If the dog is making the area of the fall and just not persisting in the hunt, a drill like the dirt clod drill or similar may be in order.

I agree. If its the bird boy drill do it for a couple of weeks slightly increasing the distance each day once he does it well.

 

[Dan Wegner]

I've heard of "popping" on marks, and even "pooping" on marks, but "poping" is a whole new ballgame! The old RTF crew would've had pages of comments and smart-ass suggestions for this strange new behavior, but the new kinder, gentler, politically correct, be the peanut RTF just ain't the same. Hope you get that Pope thang figured out.

 

[John Kelder]

I've heard of "popping" on marks, and even "pooping" on marks, but "poping" is a whole new ballgame! The old RTF crew would've had pages of comments and smart-ass suggestions for this strange new behavior, but the new kinder, gentler, politically correct, be the peanut RTF just ain't the same. Hope you get that Pope thang figured out.

did my best ..

 

[Purpledawg]

Change your mindset from "correcting" to teaching. A pop is man made issue. Lots of great advice on how to teach marking confidence here. Relaxing the dogs mind to run with confidence instead of worry is the ticket. For every pop you need 10 x of no pop to erase the anxiety.

Drop the recall it builds confusion too. Its a correction, You want to create confidence. Simplify

Lanse Brown showed me how to help Wilma, by using destination training Start close and move back. Use large white bumpers in clear low cover, build what you want to have.

 

[FieldLab]

I don't get why people on here get off on misspelling or bad typing Both of which I suffer from especially using a Iphone to post my threads, but thats cool, there is so much to learn and so many people on here that have helped me take my first dog to the master level in Akc that it's worth it anyway I will work on my grammar "ha ha" and as far as my pup he starts to pop on marks at 120-200 yrd range in cover, maybe because I have only run marks between 60-80 yrds prior and yes he was forced on back and ftp, I didn't think about going back to a short field with white bumpers makes sence thanks !!

 

[John Robinson]

I don't get why people on here get off on misspelling or bad typing Both of which I suffer from especially using a Iphone to post my threads, but thats cool, there is so much to learn and so many people on here that have helped me take my first dog to the master level in Akc that it's worth it anyway I will work on my grammar "ha ha" and as far as my pup he starts to pop on marks at 120-200 yrd range in cover, maybe because I have only run marks between 60-80 yrds prior and yes he was forced on back and ftp, I didn't think about going back to a short field with white bumpers makes sence thanks !!

I knew what you meant. Really bad spelling and grammer bug me a bit, but we all make mistakes so no point in rubbing it in. I took your post as heartfelt seeking advice, so I answered accordingly. I like to have fun too, but not at the expense of somebody sincerely looking for help.