Recently, there was a television "presentation" dealing with how Stephan Curry has elevated his skill levels. Amazing probably falls short of describing what was presented and the process is fundamentally sound. In addition, the value of using unique, precise repetitions struck a familiar, harmonious chord. However, the importance of perfect practice is not new.
The recent relationship development in sports involving "Analytics" suggests the potential for applications in skill enhancement when training retrievers. There is a technique for improvement called "Skill Gap Analytics". As that relates to training retrievers (and trainers) the specific phrasing may be described somewhat by the following.
Initially, a skill gap analysis would involve listing and defining the present experience, skills and performance levels followed by comparing/contrasting those with the desired levels. Comparing means how are they similar as opposed to contrasting which deals with how they are different.
The degree of difficulty increases significantly when the process of collecting data to define the Skill Gap Analytics potential includes two "gaps" - trainer and retriever.
After identifying (collecting data), a teaching trainer should develop a flexible plan to
reduce identified "gaps". An approach based on establishing realistic priorities is paramount.
When issues seem overwhelming "brainstorming" and the concept of "there is no rush" make it much easier. It takes as long as it takes.
There is generally only one rule for brainstorming. No "idea" is wrong which means it is OK to be "way out in left field" because in the end you will recognize what is out there
and "avoid going there". A strong mentor is often necessary to channel perspectives. Perspective is everything.
Here is a list (examples).
PART I
dogs thrive on correct repetitions with sequential structure
well established skills are not unlike an automatic reflex
automatic responses require many correct repetitions (practice)
the definition of many is elusive and often woefully inadequate
re-enforcement is a useful tool that comes in many forms
Part II
making a mistake requires doing that skill ten times correctly to get back to even
instincts can be cool (not always)
rewards can be powerful motivators (use wisely)
catalysts and inhibitors will impact the rate of a reaction (identify both)
awareness is not a given skill....work at being proactive (define how)
progress is often not easy......one step at a time is the beginning and
honest, precise "measuring" is necessary - keep a journal
Part III
Training should be fun, exciting and rewarding
Part IV
it takes two to communicate - trust is a two-way street
being seamless requires constant planning
learning is a great deal more effective when "doing"......correctly
Plan Ahead!
balance is an ongoing process
Pounce is following Bill Hillmann's retriever training program.
The “Balanced Retriever” Training Program by Bill Hillmann
Teach and Practice……a positive way to total Success
"Balance in a retriever consists of five factors - retrieving, "birdiness",
focus, control and responsiveness." Julie Knutson (pro trainer & author)
The Five Factors are ideal for an initial "skill gap" analysis.
Pounce and KwickLabs' 2nd Skills Gap Analyses
Pounce’s present experience and needs, in terms of skills and performance levels
performance level - AKC Senior & HRC Seasoned Titles - ready to run HRC Finished
retrieving strong instincts - driven to retrieve; willingly presents whatever
is retrieved, very fast and is a pin point marker, cheating still an issue
"birdiness" superb nose, birds are high on her list, driven and willing
focus intense focus always…….at the line issues
memory excellent, distance is never an issue
control drive at the line needs re-focusing, on blinds she is a complete
player, sits on every whistle and waits for the cast, no refusals,
takes great initial lines, carries them fast and always turns the right
way when sat…very good in the holding blind....issues - going to the
line and walk-ups...improving out in the field - extremely good
KwickLabs' present experience and needs (in terms of skills and performance levels)
knows what the issues are and is more focused
The overall approach to the issues was begun late last summer. It was a "two
pronged" approach based on one premise....."Train Like You Play". First was
to "play" differently. We changed the testing "platform" to HRC because
the relationship between a dog and trainer at the line is more intimate. HRC
testing protocol promotes and supports responsiveness (personal opinion
with some dogs). Secondly, Pounce is no longer wearing an e-collar (when
training). She will always have one on when hunting or if there is any question
about safety. There is no collar "issue" other than maintaining the "train like
you play" expectation. She's a very intelligent dog. There are other ways to
"correct" a responsive, team player that involve developing engagement as a
regular conditioned response. A "What's next? retriever is engaged.
To put this in the proper perspective, my next pup will come home in about
two-three weeks and she will be wearing an e-collar........regularly.
Balance Is the Key for Success
"Balance in a retriever consists of five factors - retrieving, "birdiness",
focus, control and responsiveness." Julie Knutson (pro trainer & author)
Initially, a skill gap analysis would involve listing and defining the present experience in terms of skills and performance levels followed by comparing and contrasting those with the desired levels. Comparing means how are they similar as opposed to contrasting which deals with how they are different.
The degree of difficulty increases significantly when the process of collecting data to define the Skill Gap Analytics potential includes two "gaps" - trainer and retriever.
Pounce and KwickLabs' 1st Skills Gap Analyses
Pounce’s present experience and needs, in terms of skills and performance levels
performance level - AKC Senior Title - late next spring ready to run HRC Finished Tests
retrieving strong instincts - driven to retrieve; willingly presents whatever
is retrieved; small, but very, very fast and is a pin point marker, her
penchant to cheat water is decreasing
"birdiness" superb nose, birds are high on her list, driven, willing to “give up”
and present at the line (best I have ever had)
focus intense focus always…….at times not on the right things at the line
memory excellent, distance is never an issue
control drive at the line can go over the top, on blinds she is a complete
player, sits on every whistle and waits for the cast, no refusals,
takes great initial lines, carries them fast and always turns the right
way when sat…very good in the holding blind....issues - going to the
line and walk-ups
responsiveness out in the field - extremely good/focused, at the line – improving
KwickLabs' present experience and needs (in terms of skills and performance levels)
training – 1) been at it for over twenty years, 2) trained all five retrievers to AKC Senior titles (no washes), 3) know what I am doing, but get nervous at the line (not “In the saddle” nearly often enough), 4) hunted waterfowl and upland (a lot), 5) 78 years old.
The issues have been identified. The solutions are more in sight. Pounce simply
needs to become more engaged and that is on me.
Update: late January '18...one year ago..after viewing Hillmann's most recent DVD release "The Game", the connection between the five factors was greatly enhanced. For many years, the process of developing consistent, predictable/reliable control, focus and responsiveness remained elusive. After three years of "working" Hillmann's program, his approach has been gradually understood and it is working quite well with Pounce.
A great mentor has made a huge difference. A few days ago, the most recent video from Hillmann was released - "The Game". The "stars" of the production are my mentor, Jim Wegner and his "pack" of Goldens. I should mention that the last scene in the video is absolutely spectacular! With this new visual insight, a better perception of how "The Game" is used to maintain balance and provide instant feedback for the next step(s) in training. The bonus? It is fun!
Thinking Outside the Box
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1/13/19
review #4