Force Fetching Articles

[Drew Good]

Hey Gang,

While I am no expert on Force Fetching it is by far one of the most common questions that pop up when it comes to training your dog. I have decided to post a collection of articles that will help you with force fetching your dog/pup.

This thread is not to be used as discussion at all but I am going to keep it open as if someone finds a good article and they want to post it they can. If you have a question feel free to ask in the forums.

Drew

http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/force/force1.html (http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/force/force1.html)

http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/force/force2.html (http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/force/force2.html)

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/hunting/columns/story?columnist=lynn_brian&page=sd_col_Lynn_Potter_force_fetch (http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/hunting/columns/story?columnist=lynn_brian&page=sd_col_Lynn_Potter_force_fetch)

http://www.spanieljournal.com/8pkadlec.html (http://www.spanieljournal.com/8pkadlec.html)

[ducksoup]

I'd also add articles on "Trained Retrieve" by Jim and Phyllis Dobbs -- check out Dobbs Training Center on web and then go to library.

[Huntmaster]

Dobbs, does have some very good training methods, and best of all its free. my wife printed out the whole set of Retriever training. there are a few here that say he is old school (bassball Set up) But still very good training techniques, like Ducksoup mentioned about force fetching.

Here is the link, look under retrievers, http://www.dobbsdogs.com/library/index.html

[franklauzon]

I wouldn't say he's old school, and I've read his entire program. I do believe there are much more efficient methods now, and that his methods simply lack refinement... A lot more pressure that the other programs... Kinda like the old Tri Tronics book. More burns than Nicks... now it's more Nicks than Burns... I did use his method to help the dog whistle sit since she hadn't done that till she was a year and a half.

It sure beats slingshots and marbles, that is old school.

[Huntmaster]

Just referring to a post I did about training platforms, where I was told Dobbs was out dated and I should look into other trainers with newer methods.

http://www.canadianhuntingdogs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=520

Frank, about 25 years ago I went to some libraries in Niagara Falls NY, I got every book they had on Retriever training. I was shocked to read several of these trainers talk about using a bb gun and sling shots to train their dogs along with other unorthodox methods. Your right" that was old school and I'm glad its out! And Im glad guys like you make it clear to new dog owners that its wrong! :spoton:

[franklauzon]

Actually, there is a chart in one of those books that tell you what size shot/distance combinations to use with a 12 guage to make corrections...

I've only been at this retriever training game for 1.5 years, and I've devoted a pile of time to training myself more than my dog. I bought this dog to learn the process, and I have... Next dog will be done much quicker, and with a lot less frustration. I've read everything I could, bought stupid amounts of videos, and found some mentors... When I first started I had no friggin clue so EricB guided me in the OB and we started working with the dogs... Later I got hooked up with a FTer, who has had very successful goldens, and has been nice enough to help me along.

I've learned more from him that you could ever imagine... Having a mentor is invaluable in the game,and I commend anyone who is successful using books and videos... I know I wouldn't have been.

[Huntmaster]

Frank, well said, I know just some help from Kevins group has been more valuable then any book also. I will always remember what you have said here, and hope to get the help you have! Thanks for the great advice! :clap2:

[Misty Marsh]

This is the best $65.00 that you coould ever spend when thinking of force fetching your own dog:first: http://stores.mistymarsh.com/Detail.bok?no=72 . It is easy to follow from start to finish, covers the potiential pitfalls, and is right there on the TV, not on vaque text that can somethimes be interprated in a different manner than it should.

[captainjack]

Frank, I have been training retrievers for awhile and have had the pleasure of training with some of the top amateurs and pros in Canada and US and I would like to comment on your statement that "Next dog will be done much quicker".

I find the opposite to be true each new pup that I get, I go slower with it. I used to think that basics could be done in 1 month, I now take at least 6 months. I plan to keep a pup from my next breeding and my plan is to go even slower.

One thing to remember - there is no set timelines in progressing your pup and it should be determined by the progress your pup is making while maintaining a positive attitude.

[franklauzon]

Absolutely you're correct that some things should be done more thoroughly than others, but what I'm refferring to is my procrastination, and lack of experience when progressing to the next "step" in the program... Next pup will be done with less "mistakes" may have been better wording...

[captainjack]

Thanks Frank for the rewording. Hopefully we all make less mistakes because the dog is the one that suffers from every mistake we make. I can speak from experience as I have made more mistakes than my fair share.
A good rule to follow is not correcting on the first mistake and try to figure out why the dog made the mistake.