casting off question

shollis · Post by **shollis** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:53 am

OK, been reading Delmar's book and I have a question. I *think* I get it, but I want to make sure.

When you are in the field with the 20' long check cord, you cast the dog off with whatever words you choose to mean "All right". It's what to do when the dog gets to the end of the cord that has me confused. In some ways I read this almost like heel training with a long leash. You change directions to force the dog to pay attention to you.

Is the goal a dog that will tack back and forth into the wind across the field smoothly without stopping unless he hits a scent? OR do you bring the dog to a stop before changing directions?

Thanks for any clarification.

snips · Post by **snips** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 6:48 am

You are just teaching pup to stay to the front when you change directions. No stopping.

gonehuntin' · Post by **gonehuntin'** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 4:13 pm

Also notice how on the direction change Delmar flips the lead to always get the dog to turn away from you, and never in to you.