Training Tip #42
Reasons to use your hand in sending
From: Training with Mike Lardy Volume I
Part of the steadying process is to get your dog accustomed to being released with your hand held over her head. I generally start using my hand on marks about the time she is quite steady with a taut lead. The hand is used when sending for marks and blinds in various situations. The hand is NOT used to line the dog up- it is merely a cue that says, "That's correct." By using the hand on most sends, you set up an expectation for the dog that she will not be released until after your hand goes down. I try to pause between the time I put my hand down and the time I say her name to release her. Used consistently, this systematic release will encourage steadiness. Later in training, there are situations where the dog can be sent without a hand. However, the hand is always used for the last bird down.