I don't think there's necessarily any one right answer to this, but I typically only bring Cato platforms out for training time. That way they stay "special" to the dog, and they understand it's time to learn/work when the Cato comes out.
Great video introducing the idea of waiting for a retrieve. Do you think there is any negative in that Max was not actually sitting when you sent him for the retrieve? You told him sit and by the time you sent him he was almost standing. Or do you ignore that for now because he's learning a different task and you'll clean up the "sit" later once he's farther along. Looking forward to seeing more from you!
Good observation and thoughts…right or wrong, that’s exactly what I’m thinking. At this point his brain is processing a million things, and I really don’t think he’s thinking about where his butt is. As he gets more relaxed with this process, I’ll dial it in more and require a cleaner “sit”.
For some dogs early on, the extra height helps isolate them a bit more. Once he’s more comfortable getting on them, I’ll destack them and start moving him between boards.
Good stuff. That brain shift where they start to understand that “I don’t want you to do/offer more, I want you to do less” is a big one. Thanks for doing this series, hope to see more soon!
Well, this made me want to buy another Cato Board so I can do this. 😁 You forgot to mention how this would help with Obedience Directed Jumping or Directed Retrieve! Great video!
Late to the party, but we have used the Cato board forever. The recent addition of the Cato plank with tilt stand has been a game changer. Fronts and finishes are more precise, plus my dog knows we are about to have fun when I set it up. Thanks, Cato Boards!
Do you ever get the ball yourself while he is on place just to show him he might not get to retrieve every time? In case he's hunting with another dog?
Nope, if the dog does the job, it gets the retrieve. Every single time. I don’t want him thinking he is competing with me. Later on he’ll have to share with other dogs, but that’s different than me stealing his retrieve.
You don't - that's why I'm so careful to keep them keen to retrieve early on. If they have low retrieve drive, you have to find a way to make them excited about retrieving (think fewer retrieves and an exciting object), and then come back to this process later on.
Hi Mandy! Sara recommends encouraging them to go back and pick it up, and you might try doing this drill without food if it's too distracting for them. If your dog isn't inclined to retrieve at all, that's a whole other issue though and might be best addressed in a 1v1 session.
This was amazing and worked perfectly with my Boykin. Would love to see the progression for steadiness with birds. I've figured out pieces by watching all your old videos on your personal page but seeing Grizz through the whole process would be awesome.
Hi Zach, glad it worked for you! (And not surprised...it's never failed me!) Griz has already gone through the process with birds, so unfortunately I don't have any video of that.
Is there any change you'll make larger boards, for large dogs? I purchased some cheap foam mats of identical size to see how the size works for my dogs, and while they're fine for a sit, and they CAN stand on it when they try hard, platforms that fit their size so they can stand relaxed would def. be much more comfortable for them
I like the Cato board a lot! Do you make bigger sizes for bigger dogs? I have some things I use as place boards for my dogs, and they are same size as the Cato board, 40 cm X 60 cm (16" X 24") ... and I find they're OK for the dogs to sit or stay on, but it is difficult for them to lay down on them, as their front legs hang out over the edge. My dogs are large but not very large, they weigh around 33 - 38 kgs each
Good question. This will be something that I show in more detail in a future video. But for starters, think small and then work your way up. I need the dog to be first very steady next to me. Then comfortable sitting at a distance. Then it needs to be able to sit to the whistle when sent on a retrieve, but at a very short distance, a long ways away from the dummy. Eventually it leads to what you see here with Cato, but this if after the dog understands the sit whistle means nothing else happens until they sit.
Well done! I don’t use a draw whistle when hunting only the turn whistle. If pulling out, the turn returns the dog then I cast. However, I can see how the draw you do is convenient because of how you work the place boards. Thanks !
Great stuff ! I was drawn here because of your interview on the hunting dog podcast. I’ve only used place boards as a place to park a dog. Thanks for opening my eyes to their potential.
