doc first water retrieve trimmed

During the course of the summer, we had run various retrieving drills, but dogs are place aware. We had done our water work in nearby ponds, but not in a stream like we were hunting, and Doc had to re-learn retrieving and casting.
He was afraid to step off the ice, so I waded into the water for him to follow. When it was apparent that he wasn’t understanding my casting, I tossed sticks towards the ducks.
It’s a lengthy video but illustrates the kind of patience one needs to have with dogs. From this first retrieve in December 2013, Doc went on to become a fine retriever and relentless in his duck search.