Congrats on your step forward, keep the retrieves easy and fun for your dog, end on a possitive note.
Toss me in with the "not impressed with the trial groups", get your dog to work the way you want it too, and enjoy.
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Congrats on your step forward, keep the retrieves easy and fun for your dog, end on a possitive note.
Toss me in with the "not impressed with the trial groups", get your dog to work the way you want it too, and enjoy.
Not impressed with this comment.Quote:
Originally Posted by thunderbelly
This is not to say that I disagree with the nature of the comment but there are many 'field trial' groups and divisions within ,that to lay a disparaging comment in general is a gross over generalization to say the least. If you are unhappy with retriever field trial groups, pointing dog trials, flushing stakes, foxhound trials, the beaglers etc then speak to the issue and be specific.
I had to leave the comment incomplete, I feel saying more would derail the thread. I just wanted the original poster to know they are not alone in their sentiment. If someone's dog makes them smile while hunting, that is a good day.
Don't forget that there are many types in this world,and some tend to become "elitist " as soon as they join an organization no matter what it is and look down upon others that do not belong.Quote:
Originally Posted by krakadawn
We have all run into these types , doesn't matter where you go, they are there and unfortunately this puts others off from joining organizations of any type.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Muzner
Being new to the retrieving world, I have come across that as well but for every time I came across an attitude like that, I ran across ten people who genuinely wanted to help me because I am new to the sport and training a working companion (Jaycee, Burlygirl, Kraka, 3blackdogs, Peter Wyckoff (RIP), Ray Bester and a whole lots more). However, I don't run alot of field trials, I mainly spend time with hunt tests and WC's. My dog isn't going to be a grand master hunter, I am fine with that because I don't need a grand master hunter. I hunt on the weekends and if I bag a few ducks, I am happy camper so a highly accomplished dog is wasted on a guy like me.Quote:
Originally Posted by thunderbelly
Having a young family, I train as much as I can. I can't train everyday like some and consequently, Hank isn't as far along as other people who have a more regimented training schedule for their four legged hunting buddies and we have stumbled on some stuff which a quicker paced schedule may not have stumbled on. So I know where you guys are coming from. However, I think you shouldn't paint everyone in the retriever world with the same brush.
Dyth
"Pretty sure he knows what he needs to do now. It seems it was the frozen duck that was the issue."
Funny you say that. Both my pointers and now my lab pup had issues with frozen birds. The moment the bird was thawed out, they seems to snap out of it and pick up the birds with ease.
Not uncommon. Most people wouldn't enjoy holding an ice cube in their teeth. Freezing is just for preserving not for training. Always thaw your birds before working.Quote:
Originally Posted by bushcannon
I agree with YD every dog is different and if you pay attention they will tell you what they need. Years ago I had a very high strung and keen male springer. He was fierce in his determination to go out and find a shot bird but pretty casual about how (sometimes if) he brought it back. I did a version of force fetch with him recommended for upland dogs. As I recall I used a three part article that was in Gundog Magazine back then. The improvement in him was incredible and not just in his retrieving. I think the discipline of going through the FF routine made him realize for the first time I really was the boss and all aspects of his obedience and performance improved. I had similar but less spectacular results with a male Labrador a few years later. However, I did not do it with my current Lab or Working Cocker as they never indicated to me they needed it, and I am quite satisfied with their retrieving. I am currently training a 5 month old Chessie which is going very well. We are not at the FF stage yet but I will let him tell me if he needs it when the time is right. If he does I will do so without hesitation. It is not a lot of fun for either trainer or dog but it does work and it is reassuring to know that it is there as a cure for a lot of common problems if they arise.Quote:
Originally Posted by yellow dog
Everything I have said here applies to hunting/working dogs only. If you are interested in tests/trials, and there is no reason not to be if you enjoy them, follow the advice of the trainers who participate in them. They know how to succeed in that world.
Excellent post singlemalt !
Good post Singlemalt. What I like is that you were able correct a phase of behaviour of your dog which you did not wish to accept or allow to continue. As I have mentioned previously, FF is about setting the stage for other levels of training which will come. In your case you clearly set the tone of your expectations....well done!
My FT dogs are all FF'd but I'd have done that even if their life was destined to be my hunting companion. I do that as I understand where FF fits into the scheme of learning/teaching stages for them. By the way , all my dogs get regular hunting opportunities.
For interest, you may wish to check Bill Hillman's u-tube video on how he has started FF at an earlier age with almost no pressure with his pups. He has much completed prior to the normal benchmark times. The 'teething' is not an issue with his approach.
FF is certainly not a magical approach to make your dog a better retriever. It certainly cleans up things like dropping before delivery, mouthing birds/bumpers, less hard mouthing and in general makes them a better citizen in the hide. Dogs who return briskly and make clean deliveries are better prepared to be sent again for a subsequent retrieve....hunting or trialing, doesn't matter. The last thing you want to be doing is trying to get clean delivery when other birds require retrieving. Time tends to erode memory for dog and man.
Good luck with the Peake. I know their learning curve can be different but once 'in', usually well retained.