Singles Vs Multiples

As mentioned in the previous post Andy Attar of Autumn Run Retrievers provided an explanation of why he felt some marks were more affective in training performed as a single vs putting the mark into a multiple marking situation. Many trainers share this philosophy however there is more than one way to skin a cat.  Andy's thoughts were that the handler involvement in a attempt to line a dog up for the memory mark in a multiple helped facilitate memory and takes some of the decision making responsibilities from the dog because of the ques being provided and a definite location in where the dog needs to travel to get to the bird in order to complete the mark with success.  Hence a more black & white picture in the dogs mind.  Another key factor to the ease of performing a memory mark as apposed to a well placed single is the dogs frame of mind and energy level after picking up the go bird.  Andy described that the dog maybe a bit tired and more willing to go where they are pointed thus bearing down on the memory mark and giving more effort to get to that bird.   He believes that sometimes the dogs are less likely to bear down and give more effort because of the minute handler involvement required in running a single and the responsibility being solely placed on the dog as he lets his guard down and discipline lax. Also because of the excitement level and minimal handler involvement on a single the opportunity for the handler to play on the factors of the test and the factors of mark is simply not presented. For example the ability for the handler to "No" the dog off an area or previous mark, and or false lining a dog in an attempt to play on the factor of the wind.  In layman's terms on a memory mark the handler is influential on queuing the dog where to go in order to get to the bird, on a single mark one is pointing the dog toward the field and saying there is your gun, watch the bird, now figure out how to pick up your mark.  So don't take a single mark for granted, all marks can benefit your training when put in areas the dogs instinctualy do not want to travel. This is the definition of good bird placement.  A good trainer will utilize all of these factors and continually keep the dogs mind stimulated and attitudes balanced.  Thank you Andy and all who have contributed to this blog!