Hey Guys

[Chris Anders]

Hey guys, I finally got around to registering here. I've been SWAMPED! Anyhow, if anyone has any questions on training a pup or any other dog issue post up and I'll try my best to help where I can. I've been training for right at 13 years, 7 professionally. I train for hunting dogs hunt tests as well as field trials. Thanks for creating this place Shane!

[Shane]

Welcome to the fold enjoy and be Blessed!

I have a Dog question I have a Lab pntr cross and she retrieves great in the back yard and decent at the pond .
At the pond I have used a dummy launcher.
I have force fetched her with a dummy and some with a dead bird . When we get out in the field and I shoot a bird and I try to send her she runs up to the shore looks and runs up and down the shore. She also when we are in the fields hunting will run up to a bird smell it and come back or if it is alive she will hold it down bite it and let it go even when she has been taught hold. Then I force fetched her on a dead bird for a week and she seem to get it retrieved a bird here and there but retrieved it consistently in the back yard, but is not hard charging into the water to retrieve and some time dose not go .. but retrieves good at the pond
I am in need of help?

[Chris Anders]

Sorry for the delay Shane!

I would say that the issue you\'re seeing stems from incomplete Force Fetching. I would finish force fetching with birds on the table and then on the ground. Are you using an E-Collar? When she no goes or fails to retrieve, what exactly do you do to try to get her to fetch?

[Shane]

How long do you force fetch train?
If she is picking up or grabbing the bird when force fetching then what do I do next to finish force fetching?
I am not using an e-collar have not been able to afford one..
When she fails to retrieve it is ducks in water and fields.

[Chris Anders]

typically it takes right at a month. I\'m assuming that you\'re using an ear pinch? Have you force fetched on both the table and ground? When she refuses the retrieve how are you correcting her for refusing to fetch? Give me a call I can get you a Sportdog collar really cheap.

[Shane]

I have just force fetched her on the ground with a dummy first hand to mouth then to the ground .
I would be interested in that collar my e-mail is callersforchrist@yahoo.com send me the details cost ect..
Thanks so much for you help on here for dog questions it is awesome!

[craig]

Chris
I have a big yellow,98.7lbs and I can count every rib,he is not fat.The reason I tell you his size,is because I have been told larger dogs take longer to mature.He is steady,he handles,he marks,all these things he does very well in trainning,when it comes to hunting all this goes out the window,it seems he wants to do things his way.Is this because of his size.help
craig

[Chris Anders]

Craig,
I\'ve never believed that saying  about the big dogs. I think it\'s kind of like the saying that yellow and chocolate dogs aren\'t as good of hunters as blacks.

Do you train and hunt with an ecollar? What do you do to correct this behavior in the field? Alot of times dogs that can maintain composure during training will try to test the boundaries in a hunting situation simply because it\'s more exciting than most training scenarios. What I\'d recommend is to start training like you\'re hunting. For instance, camo up, use duck calls and a live shotgun. Have a helper that\'s hidden thrown a duck, you shoot in a VERY SAFE direction, then send your dog as you would in a hunt. I would also recommend using an e-collar as it gives you an added dimension of control of the dog. If you\'re interested, I can point you in the right direction and explain the proper method of collar conditioning.

Sorry for the delayed response guys, I\'ve been extremely busy.

[craig]

Chris
thank you for your reply,Yes I do use an e-collar,maybe not enough.This dog was trained by a pro,I think he would do fine in hunt tests.Without being too explict,he is always aroused when we are hunting,in cold water,it dosen\'t matter,I was wondering if that makes it hard for him to consentrate.
I have really high expectations from this dog,and he isn\'t meeting them.If I were to grade him for the season,maybe avarage
craig