The first set of water marks in a national is an animal all to itself. In pre-national training the week prior you have been emphasizing discipline around the water. By discipline, I mean most retrieves in a weekend field trial require a dog to have a greater commitment to stay in the water.
In contrast, the first set of water marks in a national must be relatively short in time which requires short swims. These marks tend to be very skinny and tight to the shore.
This test like many of its kind, being too concerned can backfire. A balanced and a relaxed state of mind is the key. This test has taken a turn for the worse. The dogs are having a lot of trouble on both memory birds. Many dogs are nervous about going in tight to the flyer on the middle bird. When they set up a hunt behind the gun they get deep and many don’t recover. The left can be missed on the waterside if they are being too careful. Both birds are complicated when the dogs mind is conflicted. Balance is the key here.
And after this test, I know I am thinking “now we have got to get our dogs ready to do a waterblind.” This may require a change in attitude.