Water Mark issues

[Eric B]

I need a way to improve my dogs marking in water. If the line is on the bank he marks ok, but as soon as I increase the distance of the line from the bank he has trouble marking. I think it may be because he does not take a straight line in he messes himself up. When he gets to the shore he looks around to find the best entry and then looses focus on where he is going. On land he goes straight and does fine. Any suggestions

[Tim]

Sounds like you need to simplify the mark, I would suggest using very visible marks with the dog on the shore, keeping them short to allow the dog to have success and build confidence, then back up, but be sure the dog can see the mark on the water. Once the dog has confidence then stretch out the mark, but don't make the dog too tired, fatigue won't help it learn.
Make sure the dog knows when it has done well, alot of praise, happy bumper...,
Regards,
Tim

[3 black dogs]

Tim is partialy right but it sounds more like your dog needs the swim by and to be decheated. he is showing avoidance of entering the water for the mark and thus causing confusion and loosing concentration of where the mark actually fell. is your dog young and what level of trainig are you at?.

Chris
B-Line Retrievers

[franklauzon]

I agree full heartedly with Chris...

Eric, once you do swim-by it'll clean a lot up...

Cole (Erics dog) is 18 months or so, and done Mini-T

[Eric B]

Chris,

My dog is 15 months. I am almost completed the 3 handed casting and should be starting T work next Friday if all goes well.

[Tim]

Eric,
Chris is 100 % correct, I made the assumption that the water drills were done,
:emmbarassed:
Regards
Tim