Retrieving problem

[Huntingonthebrain]

Ok, so other than some handling stuff, I am feeling like my dog is starting to figure this stuff. I am currently working on getting him to watch me and adjust his position according to what I am telling to him to do. The big hurdle I think has finally arrived. Last night he pointed a bird from about 10 yards away. I walked in flushed and shot it (it was not completely dead- did not hit it clean) and Mac still held point. I told him "go get it" and he went like a shot to find. Here is the problem. He sniffed it and picked it up once then dropped and went on hunting. How do I fix this????? I guess I am not really super frustrated yet. I knew it was only a matter of time till I would run into some hurdle. I could use some guidance on helpling the dog with this one though. Thanks everyone. Man it has been a long time since I posted. Too busy training I guess. Any help would be much appreciated

[franklauzon]

I would suggest getting a retriever, and getting away from them silly dogs...

I have seen articles relating to force fetch to pointing dogs, so I assume some people do use FF.... Might be something to consider.

[Huntingonthebrain]

I love my pointer.. no getting a retriever. I will look into the force fetching. I have been told by some that the first year I should stay away from the force fetch and let the dog get through the first year first.

[AD18]

Not a pointer person either, but sounds like force fetch to me too. As well a obedience session to come when called instead of going off hunting. General rule with retrievers FF can be done once the adult teeth are in, about 6 mnths old. Good luck.

[Sportdog]

As a pointer person we always force break our dogs. Its the only way you can garantee a retrieve every time. I've had labs before as well and I have always Force broke them. It also lets the dog knows who is in control of the situation.

[Eric B]

I helped my friend OB his dog as well as FF. It was a German short hair. Wicked dog for grouse!

[Huntingonthebrain]

As a pointer person we always force break our dogs. Its the only way you can garantee a retrieve every time. I've had labs before as well and I have always Force broke them. It also lets the dog knows who is in control of the situation.

Ed, you suggested to me that I should do this, but you suggested that I wait till after his first season. So for this fall, I should just take him out hunting and see what occurs and the begin to FF train him later???

[AD18]

Sorry for jumping in but that sounds like a train wreck to me. If you hunt him, have success, he spits the birds, and takes off hunting the pattern will be engrained even further and that much harder to fix/teach. You may loose a live bird too. I'd start FF asap, especially the "hold", before hunting him. Dependant how quickly he learns could be 3-4 weeks for FF.

[nimkii]

The latest issue of Gun Dog Magazine has articles on force fetch, the how's and the why's are covered. Covers pointers, retrievers and spaniels. I only refer to this as a read as to the why's, as for you FF'ing your dog, there is lots of material out there.

I am using Evan Graham's smartworks for reference as well as DVD's. Lardy is also an excellent resource to tap for information. There is also a link on this site for Force Fetch info.

[Huntingonthebrain]

Sewed a chukar wing to one of my remington dummies and threw it for the dog to retrieve in the house. He did so on the first time after smelling it for a little bit. He actually retrieved it by the wing and not the dummy. I was pretty happy with this. SO I think my retrieving issue will be just a matter of time before it is resolved with this little solution

[Butch]

I agree. FF is the way to go. It took my GSP 3 weeks of daily training. Started on the table with diffrent textured dummies then onto the cable run with dead birds and a starter pistol. We then shot pigeons over her. She didnt like the birds that were wounded but the instructer kept at it. She got it once and finally understands what is required. Good luck.

[Huntingonthebrain]

It seems as though the retrieving problem might be solving itself. Today I shot a bird (yes I know... amazing that I hit it) and Mac actually after a little coaxing and throwing of that dead bird picked it up and carried it about 25 yards. Not towards me...towards the car.... oh well. Its a step in the right direction...sort of. I will just keep at it

[Jixer]

I have two ideas for you. One, the rope idea that was suggested, pulling the dog in slowly. (Assuming that he is reluctant to give up the bird, he will bring it with him). The other would be working him with another dog. The competitive factor can cause a dog to do things.
Don't worry about him too much. A season of hunting is going to do him wonders.:clap2:

[Huntingonthebrain]

Of this I have no doubt at all


A season of hunting is going to do him wonders.:clap2: