Kwick Angle Back Drill

handler moves to right twice

(left click on icons for larger photos}

"change of pace"

"additional"
lining
identification
(distance)

    "line the piles"
   two marks
   (identified piles)
4 "front sit" casts

Kwick "Angle Back" Casting

"mid-range"
6 casts

"long-range"
6 casts

2nd day (no identification)
"equal angle backs"

(left click on icons for larger photos)

handler moves to left twice

The focus is on "teaching" the look and feel of two different angle backs with very specific "reps" (the rationale is to enhance literal casting). In theory the dog learns how to take different "pivots" (brain muscle/eye coordination). Begin the drill up close...then increase distance. Once the straight-on set-up is completed, the handler moves to the right & the left side presentations. The two piles remain in the same spot. A dog gradually becomes conditioned (mentally and physically) to differentiate incremental changes in arm position while casting.
              note: When running a cold blind the reward of taking a cast is more subtle. There is no
                        whistle to stop. In this drill, the reward is automatic. Pivots to the pile are
                        immediately enhanced. The physical and mental aspects of a cast focus on two
                        related actions - arm position and required pivot. This is not only a drill for the dog.
                        The handler must move correctly (right or left) and focus on precise arm motion
                        and positions. The dog is much more likely to consistently experience the mental
                        and physical aspect of the correct cast because the drill's requirements are simple.
                        There are just two targets (piles) which are far apart from each other. This
                         eliminates any distracting influences.
              note: A parallel to the muscle/brain memory imprints discussed above is how a
                      basketball player learns how approach the rim from different directions by
                        practicing and ingraining the correct speed, motion and touch required for
                        maximum performance. This only happens with many "correct reps".
                    In the "heat of the moment", imprints become automatic (like a reflex).

'

Kwick "Pivot" Drill (seven "line" variation
(simple variation) day one "first day" description

Mar 28, 2013 (Rockton DTA) - Gunny & Daisy...setup new casting drill - Kwick "Pivot" Drill (casting variations) with the first "go" a variation of Cassity's Renegade drill.
note: This page is a reconstruction of the March 2013 KwickLabs journal entry.

"close-range"
6 casts

Mar 29 mid-morning & 38°F headed for middle 50's. Trained at Rockton Road DTA and ran a continuation of the new Kwick "Pivot" casting drill (see yesterday) with Daisy & Gunny