Keep it Simple When Training for Blind Retrieves

But to get to that level, it’s important to take it one small step at a time, being careful not to throw too much, too fast. For a good portion of the training, the blinds need to be less hidden and placed where he will see them once he gets close.

You want him to learn to trust you. To build this trust, your dog needs to know that when you send him on a blind retrieve, there is actually something out there for him to find and bring back. The two biggest parts of blind work are the dog sticking to the line and him having enough faith in you to actually pursue that line.

Getting him to this level of trust doesn’t happen overnight; you have to take small steps. It is best to set up your blind in the exact same place that you typically throw marks for him to retrieve. He is comfortable in this area, and even though he didn’t see you throw anything, he has lots of faith in you that there is a bumper out there waiting for him.

When getting him to go after a blind retrieve, make sure to use a bumper that he is used to retrieving. You want to make sure it is something he normally carries and isn’t going to question when he finds it. This isn’t the time to break out a new style of bumper!

The blind also needs to be set up fairly close, maybe 10 to 15 yards away. You want to ensure that he makes it all the way to the bumper. If it is placed too far out, he will likely not make it all the way before he gives up and comes back empty-handed.

Another key is setting the bumper in an open, obvious place. It needs to be out of sight from the sendoff spot, but when he gets near it, the bumper needs to almost jump out at him. This helps him find it fast, giving him quick confirmation that he was correct in following your line. Do this exercise over and over. The more reps you do, the stronger his trust in you will grow, and the further out you can increase his range.

On the flip side, if you have the mark hidden in dense cover, either on purpose or just by chance, you run the risk of him not finding it. If he follows the line to the right spot, but has no success while hunting around for it, your training starts to have the opposite effect on him. You begin to teach him that following the line will not result in a retrieve, making him lose faith in you and be hesitant to go out in the future. One occurrence of this will not ruin his training, but too much of it can start to cause problems.

If you happen to put yourself in this position where he cannot find it, there are some ways to minimize its negative impact. When he returns with nothing to give, don’t scold him. Instead, give encouragement while walking him out to the bumper. Kick it a few feet so he sees it, and let him grab it for you, followed by lots of praise. This will help show him that it actually was there, and you weren’t just blowing smoke.

Then take him back to the original spot where you first sent him from for the blind. From there, toss it back out to where the blind was placed and send him after it. This also helps reinforce that the retrieve was out there.

Lastly, set up another blind, but shorter and more obvious; you can use a bright white bumper to stand out even more. You want it easy for him, followed by giving him a load of positive reinforcement for it, working to regain his faith in you. Even if you have to take a step or two towards it to get him going, you need him to make the decision to go. Everything needs to be set up for him to succeed.

When training for new, challenging skills, it is vital that you don’t make it too difficult starting out. For blind retrieves, as well as many other areas of training, setting up easier drills at first helps ensure success. As he gains assurance in himself and trust in you, continue to increase the distance for the blinds. Before you know it, he will be going after them like it’s nothing.

Your dog needs confidence in his abilities and trust in you to succeed. Focusing on these aspects will help build his faith in you and get him closer to being the top-notch hunting partner you desire.