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The
Swim-by is a fundamental step in the Basics portion of the
program currently used by many successful retriever trainers
across the continent. It gets its name from the skill
developed by the dog at the end of the lessons: swimming by
the handler on command. The Swim-by generally follows the
teaching of the Double-T on land. That step prepares the dog
for several of the skills that the dog will develop in the
water. The Swim-by is an important pre-cursor to teaching your
dog about water channels and water cheating singles. Novices,
seeing the Swim-by for the first time often question the
process of Swim-by and why it is necessary. Experienced
trainers have learned that the Swim-by produces a dog with a
readiness to stay in the water and a dog with important skills
that make teaching advanced water work much easier.
Purpose
of the Swim-by
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It
teaches handling skills in the water – view it as a
single-T in water.
-
The
process reinforces getting into the water since it exposes
the dog to pressure (e-collar) to get in the water and to
drive back while in the water.
-
It
teaches the dog to stop in the water, turn around and look
for directions. It develops the skill of treading in
water.
-
It
teaches skills of staying in the water, casting into the
water and being comfortable while swimming in the water
near the shore (without getting out early).
-
It
teaches the skills that are used to handle the dog into
the water both on the way to the retrieve and just as
importantly on the return from the retrieve.
The
Pond Requirements
The
correct size and shape of the pond is very important to teach
the Swim-by effectively and efficiently. It is worth seeking
the ideal pond. The ideal pond is rectangular and about 10-15
yards wide and 30-40 yards long (Fig. 1). It should be free of
obstructions. It should have a clean shoreline of low cover
and you should be able to walk around the edges. Avoid shallow
edges.
A
passable substitute is to use one end of a channel (perhaps a
bay on a lake) that has the other required features (Fig. 2).
This shape will require some special techniques to complete
the Swim-by.
continued>
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