Training question

[Cut Em]

I have a 6 month old Black Lab. I've been training her myself and am satisfied thus far (mostly fetch, sit, stay, and not breaking until i release her). I went duck hunting with her this weekend and the results aren't what i expected. I shot a duck and she just stayed on her marked spot... no big deal, this is her first time out i cant expect too much. After i retrieve the bird i let her sniff at it. After a while i try to have her fetch it. So i throw the bird, release her, she swims up to it and turns around and comes back without it?  Not the result i was hoping for. Granted this is the first REAL bird I've had her on but to not retrieve it was the last thing i expected. So my question is: Now what? I'm stuck at this point this is the first dog I've ever trained. Any help is greatly appreciated thank you.

[walt]

I am no expert but here is what has worked for me and my dog.  Last year was her first year out and I put 5 roosters down in front of her and she wouldn't retrieve.  She would run out, sniff and come back.  This summer I tied a couple of wings to her retrieving dummy and worked with her on locating it as well as retrieving.  We went out yesterday for the first time this year and found a bird, I knocked it down and she went straight to it and brought it back without hesitating.  She still hasn't quite put it all together yet but we are close.  Hopefully we can get on lots birds this year.  Repetition is the key.  I have heard that you should train 10-30 minutes every day starting at 8 weeks.  We were more like 4 days a week with a month or two off in the spring but she is turning out fine.

[walt]

It was a hatchery brat from a release site and she didn't flush it but she was all over the retrieve.

[Cut Em]

Thanks Walt. The 5 pheasants you put in front of your pup... were they dead or alive? Either way that's EXACTLY what my put did. It was really disheartening.

I keep hearing that i should try live birds. Does anyone have a heads up on where to find some in the Olympia area? Thanks again.

[TEX-X]

IMO the pups is still very young.  you are doing awesome by getting her exposed to birds... but she is young.  I would look into force fetch training her 3 or 4 months down the road.  It's the dogs first season...let her have fun

As far as finding birds.... all the places i found to purchase where in eastern WA....what kind of birds are you looking for?  I went through B&D gamefarms...they are in AZ i think...i had 20 quail shipped to me at 2.00 a head.  all were alive and in great shape.  they have a website.  might be something to look into

[Cut Em]

Tex - That all I needed to hear. You made my day. I  needed some reinforcement in my thoughts. Thanks for the heads up on birds too.

[TEX-X]

no problem buddy

[walt]

All the birds were shot in front of her.  She flushed 3, we flushed 2.  Fortunately all were dead when they hit the ground.  She saw 3 of them fall and ran right to them but didn't want to pick them up.  The other 2 I led her to and again she didn't want to pick them up.  I didn't force the issue at all, we just worked more on retrieving in the off season.  As TEX-X said we just had fun.  It is awesome watching her begin to put it together.  I'm sure I will see the light come on some time this season.  Good luck.

[gasman]

Send a PM to either Olddog or Birdguy, they both raise and sell bird. I have bought birds from both of them, as a mater of fact, i need t get ahold of themfor more, it's time to put the pups n some live birds.

If you can get sme live birds and let the birds run around the yard with the dog in tow, she will get it. That what i did, and it worked out pretyy good. now my pups lve live birds and i have t train them to fetch dead ones.

if you have some deads ducks left over, use them. Throw them for the pup and have them retreive them for you. A dead bird is not as exciting as a live one but they do love them all.

[Cut Em]

Thanks everyone! I'll have to keep you posted on her progression. Thanks again

CUT EM!

[go4itlab]

I am going to agree, sounds like your pup is doing fine. Even better is the pup did not break(unless you ordered it to). Keep it light and fun!!!!! I have had some friends that freak out and get way to hard on the pup,(you can tighten the screws up on them as they mature), I think it breaks the characters a bit. Your job is to bring out the natural instincts of these great dogs. I make it out to be the greatest thing in the world when training and hunting with my puppies and the end results are I have three labs thats are strung out on bird hunting :drool:and all have such great character! Keep posting love to hear how your pup will progress thru the year

[Cut Em]

It appears that i'm a big worry wart!!! Went and shot a teal after work, cut off the wings and taped it to a teal (dummy) that we work with alot.

She fetched it no problem. After a few minutes with the dummy on dry land i started throwing it in the water! Again fetched it no problem. So i'm already satisfied. So i push the envelope and throw the teal i killed on dry land. She retrieves it without hesitation. Needless to say i'm ESTATIC So i throw it in the water as well and retrieves it. Then i decide i'm really going to push my luck. I tell her to sit i throw the dummy in the water about 15yds in, then i throw the dead duck 15yds in and 15 yds apart from the dummy. (I've never tried a double retrieve EVER, on dry land or in the water)

You can see where i'm going with this. She retrieved them both. Brought the first one to me. I told her to sit, pointed to the 2nd bird the told her to "fetch it up" and she did I did it one more time with the same results and then called it a day. Just want to say thanks for everyones input. I'll post updates of training and hunting throughout the season. Here is a pic of Abigail (Abby)

[walt]

Heck yeah, nice work and good looking dog.  Good luck this season.

[gasman]

 

Way to go............

[Buschingc]

NICE... Im glad that you decided to post your concerns on here... I told you there was nothing to worry about... Your dog is looking beautiful and I cant wait to hunt under both our dogs.. From here on out, WE are no longer swimming after our  My  ducks.. 

[Birdguy]

Cut Em work and praise is all most dogs need. Ducks can be a bit of a challenge for a dog to retrieve the first few times. I have been told that most dogs do not like the oil on the ducks feathers. They get over it quickly with a little work but that first time or two if not controlled properly can yield the results you mentioned. Sounds and looks, like you are on the right track now  . If you need birds let me know I have a few more then my pup needs (mostly quail and pheasant). Keep up the good work and have a great season.